US08497394B2
The invention relates to a method for producing and using a solid sodium diformate having a high formic acid content, to the use thereof in animal foods in the form of an acidifier, preservatives, ensilage auxiliary agents, fertilizers, and a growth and productivity-stimulating agent and the inventive animal food additives containing sodium diformate.
US08497382B2
A compound represented by the formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are each a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and the like, R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and the like, R4 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and the like, m is an integer of 0 to 3, X is a bond, an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, Y is a carbonyl group, a hydroxymethylene group and the like, and Z is a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heteroaryl group and the like, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has a superior PPARα agonist action and a lipid-lowering action, and is useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic drug for hyperlipidemia and the like.
US08497380B2
The present invention relates to a compound according to formula: (1); wherein X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 independently of each other represent —CH— or N; or X3, X4 and X5 independently of each other represent —CH— or N, and X1 and X2 independently of each other represent C and form part of an additional 6-membered aromatic ring; R1 represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or alkylcarbonyl, all of which are optionally substituted; R2 and R3 independently represent hydrogen, —CH2, —C(O)NR—R′, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, alkylaryl, alkylalkoxycarbonyl, aikylcarbonyloxy, or alkoxyalkyl, all of which are optionally substituted; R11 represents hydrogen, halogen, cyano, amino, alkoxy or alkylamino, X1-X5 represent —CH— or N, including N-oxides, enantiomers and diastereomers; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, or solvates thereof. The invention relates further to methods of treating dermal disease.
US08497379B2
The present invention is directed to a method for the preparation of 2,2,2-trifluoro-n-(4-fluoro-3-pyridin-4-yl-benzyl)-acetamide hydrochloride of the formula: and reaction intermediates used in the method.
US08497378B2
The present invention relates to the field of synthesizing anti-infective compounds. More particularly, the invention relates to synthesizing a family of quinolone compounds useful as anti-infective agents. The invention includes a process for preparing a quinolone compound wherein less than about 0.40% of dimeric impurity of the quinolone is produced.
US08497377B2
The invention relates to an improved process for preparing pradofloxacin, in which the substituent in the 7 position is introduced by nucleophilic substitution in an N-methylpyrrolidone-ethanol solvent mixture.
US08497372B2
Quinazoline derivatives of the following formula: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, X, and Z are defined herein. It also discloses a method of treating an angiogenesis-related disorder with one of these compounds.
US08497360B2
The present invention relates generally to labeled and unlabled cleavable terminating groups and methods for DNA sequencing and other types of DNA analysis. More particularly, the invention relates in part to nucleotides and nucleosides with chemically cleavable, photocleavable, enzymatically cleavable, or non-photocleavable groups and methods for their use in DNA sequencing and its application in biomedical research.
US08497357B2
A heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) is provided having a hydrolytically degradable linkage, a first terminus comprising an acrylate group, and a second terminus comprising a target such as a protein or pharmaceutical agent or a reactive moiety capable of coupling to a target. Hydrogels can be prepared. The hydrogels can be used as a carrier for a protein or a pharmaceutical agent that can be readily released in a controlled fashion.
US08497351B2
A novel gene (designated 162P1E6) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 162P1E6 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 162P1E6 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 162P1E6 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 162P1E6 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08497339B2
The present invention relates to a process for the continuous preparation of mixtures containing organosilicon compound (A) and solid (B) and optionally further components in a mixing unit comprising at least one rotating mixing shaft, wherein at least one mixing shaft makes an angle of inclination with the horizontal of more than 10 degrees and the inlet opening for the solid (B) is arranged higher than the outlet opening.
US08497337B2
A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein at least one aliphatic aldehyde or reaction product thereof with an aliphatic alcohol, an aliphatic amine, ammonia, a hypophosphite or a phosphite is added.
US08497332B2
The present invention provides: resins which can be used for various applications such as radical curable resin compositions, colorant-dispersed compositions, and photosensitive resin compositions; resin compositions; and means for producing the resins. Specifically, the present invention provides an α-allyloxymethylacrylic copolymer having in its main chain a structural unit represented by formula (1): wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C30 organic group.
US08497330B2
Methods for gas phase olefin polymerization are provided. The method can include combining a spray dried catalyst system with a diluent to produce a catalyst slurry. The catalyst system can include a metallocene compound. Ethylene, a continuity additive, and the catalyst slurry can be introduced to a gas phase fluidized bed reactor. The reactor can be operated at conditions sufficient to produce a polyethylene. The spray dried catalyst system can have a catalyst productivity of at least 12,000 grams polyethylene per gram of the catalyst system.
US08497329B2
The invention generally provides for methods for controlling polymer properties. In particular, invention provides for methods for controlling the comonomer composition distribution of polyolefins such as ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers by altering at least one or more of the following parameters: the molar ratio of hydrogen to ethylene, the molar ratio of comonomer to ethylene, the partial pressure of ethylene, and the reactor temperature without substantially changing the density and/or the melt index of the copolymer.
US08497317B2
A method of producing a polyurethane resin-bonded pigment aqueous dispersion includes causing (I) a pigment having a surface acidic group to come in contact with (II) a basic compound having two or more amino groups selected from a primary amino group and a secondary amino group in its molecule in an aqueous medium so that the pigment has an unreacted surface amino group, and causing the pigment to come in contact and react with (III) a polyurethane resin having an isocyanate end group. A polyurethane resin-bonded pigment aqueous dispersion produced by the method exhibits excellent image density, dispersibility, and storage stability.
US08497310B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing normally gaseous, normally liquid and optionally normally solid hydrocarbons during a production cycle (i.e. between regenerations or between start-up with freshly loaded catalyst and the first regeneration) by catalytic conversion of synthesis gas in a multiple reactor arrangement comprising at least two parallel operating reactors containing a catalyst capable of converting synthesis gas to hydrocarbons, and each reactor having a different relative reaction rate, wherein synthesis gas is distributed to each reactor at a feed rate proportional to the relative reaction rate in the respective reactor. It further relates to a reactor arrangement suitable for operating the process according to the invention for producing normally gaseous, normally liquid and optionally normally solid hydrocarbons during a production cycle by catalytic conversion of synthesis gas comprising at least two parallel operating reactors, each containing a catalyst, wherein the reactors are connected to a common header for the distribution of synthesis gas to the reactors, and wherein the common header comprises a distribution means for selectively controlling the amount of synthesis gas fed to each reactor.
US08497300B2
The invention relates to the use of an arsenic compound for the preparation of a medicament that is used to treat autoimmune diseases.
US08497298B2
The present invention is a method for the glucose related disorders and lipid related disorders comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of one or more novel benzo-fused heterocycle sulfamide derivatives of formula (I) or formula (II) as herein defined. The present invention is further directed to methods of treatment comprising co-therapy with an anti-diabetic agent, and anti-lipid agent and/or an anti-obesity agent.
US08497294B2
The invention provides a composition comprising (S)2-amino-1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-1-[4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-phenyl]-ethanol, wherein the composition is either substantially free of (R)2-amino-1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-1-[4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-phenyl]-ethanol or the composition contains a mixture of the (S) and (R) enantiomers in which the (S) enantiomer predominates. Also provided are processes for the preparation of the (S)2-amino-1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-1-[4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-phenyl]-ethanol, novel process intermediates and methods for making the novel process intermediates.
US08497293B2
The present invention relates to novel imidazoline derivatives and their use as insecticidal, acaricidal, molluscicidal and nematocidal agents. The invention also extends to insecticidal, acaricidal, molluscicidal and nematicidal compositions comprising such imidazoline derivatives, and to methods of using such derivatives and/or compositions to combat and control insect, acarine, mollusc and nematode pests. A compound of formula (I): and the salts and N-oxides thereof.
US08497292B2
Provided are methods and compositions for inhibiting eukaryotic translation initiation factor. Such methods and compositions may be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies, such as gene therapies, for inhibiting cell proliferation and/or treating cancer.
US08497281B2
The present invention relates to compounds defined by formula I wherein the variables R1, R2, R3, R4, and m are defined as in claim 1, possessing valuable pharmacological activity. Particularly, the compounds are inhibitors of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) 1 and thus are suitable for treatment and prevention of diseases which can be influenced by inhibition of this enzyme, such as metabolic diseases, in particular diabetes type 2, obesity, and dyslipidemia.
US08497279B2
Compounds I and II as well as salts and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are useful for treating diseases and/or disorders of the skin, such as cutaneous lupus, for example acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, or discoid lupus erythematosus. In certain embodiments, the compounds are provided in topical compositions.
US08497277B2
Disclosed herein are compounds that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions.
US08497274B2
Provided is a fused heterocycle derivative showing a strong Raf inhibitory activity.A compound represented by the formula wherein each symbol is as defined in the present specification, or a salt thereof.
US08497270B2
Compound having formula (I), wherein —W is NH—, —N(CH3)— or piperazine, —X is a bond, —C(═O)— or S(═O)2—, —Y is C3-7alkylene, and —Z is NH—C(═O)— or —O—, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their pharmaceutical formulations and use as HIV inhibitors.
US08497264B2
The present invention comprises a new class of compounds useful for the modulation of Beta-secretase enzyme activity and for the treatment of Beta-secretase mediated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related conditions. In one embodiment, the compounds have a general Formula I wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, R2, R7, X, Y and Z of Formula I are defined herein. The invention also includes use of these compounds in pharmaceutical compositions for treatment, prophylactic or therapeutic, of disorders and conditions related to the activity of beta-secretase protein. Such disorders include, for example, Alzheimer's Disease, cognitive deficits, cognitive impairment, schizophrenia and other central nervous system conditions related to and/or caused by the formation and/or deposition of plaque on the brain. The invention also comprises further embodiments of Formula I, intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of Formula I.
US08497263B2
The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, Z1, Z2, Ra, Rb, q, A and n are as defined in the description, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The compound is useful as P2X3 and/or P2X2/3 receptor antagonist.
US08497262B2
The invention provides a novel chemical series of formula I, as well as methods of use thereof for binding to the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor and negatively modulating the α5 subtype of GABAA, and use of the compound of formula I for the treatment of GABAA receptor associated disorders. The general structure of formula I is shown below: The invention further provides a method of modulation of one or more GABAA subtypes in an animal comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a compound of formula (I).
US08497249B1
CAY-1 is a fungicidal saponin from the cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) fruit. The saponins 1081 and 919, closely elute with, and are close structural relatives of, CAY-1. Saponin 1081 is poorly antifungal while 919 has no antifungal properties. Nongerminated and germinating conidia of Aspergilus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, and F. verticilioides were tested against pure CAY-1 and CAY-1:1081:919 at ratios of 8:1:1, 6:2:2 and 4:3:3 and efficacy was determined after various incubation times. Pure CAY-1 and all saponin mixtures were significantly (p<0.001) lethal to the germinating conidia of A. flavus, A. niger, and F. solani. All saponin mixtures were equal or superior to pure CAY-1 in antifungal properties. Mixtures of the naturally occurring inactive or poorly fungicidal saponins with reduced levels of CAY-1 display superior fungicidal properties when compared to pure CAY-1 at the same dose levels.
US08497247B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, by administering to a subject a CTLA4 molecule that block endogenous B7 molecules from binding their ligands.
US08497246B2
The invention provides methods for treating or diagnosing CNS disorders by systemic administration of therapeutic or diagnostic protein compositions that are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, in some embodiments in both directions, while allowing their activity once across the barrier to remain substantially intact. The agents are transported across the blood-brain barrier via one or more endogenous receptor-mediated transport systems. Also provided are methods for manufacturing the compositions used in the methods described herein.
US08497234B2
A solid textile care composition having a water-soluble carrier, a water-soluble polymer, a textile care compound and a perfume. A solid textile care composition in which the water-soluble carrier is present in particulate form and has an envelope composed of the water-soluble polymer, the textile care compound and the perfume. Also textile care washing or cleaning compositions comprising the textile care composition.
US08497228B2
The present invention relates to novel active substance combinations which contain firstly at least one known compound of the formula (I) in which R1 and A have the meanings given in the description, and secondly at least one further known active substance from the class of the phthalic diamides, and which are highly suitable for controlling animal pests such as insects and undesired acarids.
US08497226B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a water absorbent having excellent gel properties and showing excellent properties when used in a water-absorbing material of a sanitary/hygienic material such as paper diaper. Moreover, another object of the present invention is to provide a water absorbent which is safe and excellent in liquid permeability, and in which an amount of liquid permeability improver for improving the liquid permeability is reduced. The water absorbent is made from a water-absorbing resin prepared by a specific polymerization method and having a high degree of cross-linking, a high liquid holding property and a high gel strength (its swelling pressure of gel layer of is 35 kdyne/cm2 or more). This water absorbent is further processed to have a particular particle size distribution (95 wt % or more of its particles are less than 850ƒÊm but not less than 106ƒÊm, and logarithmic standard deviation (ƒĐƒÄ) is in a range of 0.25 to 0.45) and then surface cross-linked. After that, a liquid permeability improver is added therein.
US08497220B2
The glass substrate for a solar cell of the present invention is characterized by having a glass composition including, in terms of mass %, 50 to 80% of SiO2, 5 to 20% of Al2O3, 0 to 20% of B2O3, 0 to 20% of MgO, 0 to 20% of CaO, 0 to 20% of SrO, 0 to 20% of BaO, 0.001 to 2% of SnO2, 0 to 1% of As2O3, having a mass ratio SnO2/(Fe2O3+SnO2) of 0.9 or more, and having a difference between transmittances at a wavelength of 400 nm before and after irradiation with ultraviolet ray of 2% or less.
US08497215B2
The present invention relates to a method for the wet-chemical edge deletion of solar cells. An etching paste is applied to the edge of a solar cell substrate surface and after the reaction is complete, the paste residue is removed. Optionally, the substrate surface is cleaned and dried. The etching paste comprises 85% H3PO4, NH4HF2 and 65% HNO3 in a ratio in the range from 7:1:1.5 to 10:1:3.5, based on the weight.
US08497212B2
Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to modern sophisticated semiconductor devices and methods for forming the same, wherein a multilayer metal fill may be used to fill narrow openings formed in an interlayer dielectric layer. One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming an opening in a dielectric material layer of a semiconductor device formed above a semiconductor substrate, the opening having sidewalls and a bottom surface. The method also includes forming a first layer of first fill material above the semiconductor device by forming the first layer inside the opening and at least above the sidewalls and the bottom surface of the opening. Furthermore, the method includes performing a first angled etching process to at least partially remove the first layer of first fill material from above the semiconductor device by at least partially removing a first portion of the first layer proximate an inlet of the opening without removing a second portion of the first layer proximate the bottom of said opening, and forming a second layer of second fill material above the semiconductor device by forming the second layer inside the opening and above the first layer.
US08497211B2
A method of depositing a phosphosilicate glass (PSG) film on a substrate disposed in a substrate processing chamber includes depositing a first portion of the PSG film over the substrate using a high-density plasma process. Thereafter, a portion of the first portion of the PSG film may be etched back. The etch back process may include flowing a halogen precursor to the substrate processing chamber, forming a high-density plasma from the halogen precursor, and terminating flowing the halogen precursor after the etch back. The method also includes flowing a halogen scavenger to the substrate processing chamber to react with residual halogen in the substrate processing chamber, and exposing the first portion of the PSG film to a phosphorus-containing gas to provide a substantially uniform phosphorus concentration throughout the first portion of the PSG film.
US08497207B2
A semiconductor device in which an increase of contact resistance Rc between a metal contact and a plug due to misalignment between the metal contact and the plug can be reduced and the difficulty of a Cu filling process during the process of forming the plug may be reduced. The semiconductor device includes a substrate including an active area and a device isolation layer; a metal contact that is formed on the substrate and is electrically connected to the active area; a landing pad formed on the metal contact by electroless plating; and a plug that is formed on the landing pad and is electrically connected to the metal contact via the landing pad.
US08497206B2
A method of processing copper backside metal layer for semiconductor chips is disclosed. The backside of a semiconductor wafer, with electronic devices already fabricated on the front side, is first coated with a thin metal seed layer by either electroless plating or sputtering. Then, the copper backside metal layer is coated on the metal seed layer. The metal seed layer not only increases the adhesion between the front side metal layer and the copper backside metal layer through backside via holes, but also prevents metal peeling from semiconductor's substrate after subsequent fabrication processes, which is helpful for increasing the reliability of device performances. Suitable materials for the metal seed layer includes Pd, Au, Ni, Ag, Co, Cr, Pt, or their alloys, such as NiP, NiB, AuSn, Pt—Rh and the likes. The use of Pd as seed layer is particularly useful for the copper backside metal layer, because the Pd layer also acts as a diffusion barrier to prevent Cu atoms entering the semiconductor wafer.
US08497193B2
A method and apparatus for oxidizing materials used in semiconductor integrated circuits, for example, for oxidizing silicon to form a dielectric gate. An ozonator is capable of producing a stream of least 70% ozone. The ozone passes into an RTP chamber through a water-cooled injector projecting into the chamber. Other gases such as hydrogen to increase oxidation rate, diluent gas such as nitrogen or O2, enter the chamber through another inlet. The chamber is maintained at a low pressure below 20 Torr and the substrate is advantageously maintained at a temperature less than 800° C. Alternatively, the oxidation may be performed in an LPCVD chamber including a pedestal heater and a showerhead gas injector in opposition to the pedestal.
US08497192B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes conveying a first substrate provided with an opposing surface having insulator regions and a semiconductor region exposed between the insulator regions and a second substrate provided with an insulator surface exposed toward the opposing surface of the first substrate, into a process chamber in a state that the second substrate is arranged in to face the opposing surface of the first substrate, and selectively forming a silicon-containing film with a flat surface at least on the semiconductor region of the opposing surface of the first substrate by heating an inside of the process chamber and supplying at least a silicon-containing gas and a chlorine-containing gas into the process chamber.
US08497190B2
A process for treating a semiconductor-on-insulator structure that has, in succession, a support substrate, a layer of an oxide or oxynitride of a semiconductor material, and a thin semiconductor layer of the semiconductor material. The process includes providing, on the surface of the thin layer, a mask defining exposed regions of the thin layer; providing a layer of nitride or oxynitride of the semiconductor material on the exposed regions of the thin layer; and applying a heat treatment causing at least some of the oxygen in the oxide or oxynitride layer to diffuse through the exposed regions. The nitride or oxynitride layer is provided at a thickness sufficient to provide a ratio of the rate of oxygen diffusion though the exposed regions to that through the regions covered with the mask that is greater than 2.
US08497188B2
When a thermal expansion coefficient of a handle substrate is higher than that of a donor substrate, delamination is provided without causing a crack in the substrates. A method for producing a bonded wafer, with at least the steps of: implanting ions into a donor substrate (3) from a surface thereof to form an ion-implanted interface (5); bonding a handle substrate (7) with a thermal expansion coefficient higher than that of the donor substrate (3) onto the ion-implanted surface of the donor substrate to provide bonded substrates, subjecting the bonded substrates to a heat treatment to provide an assembly (1), and delaminating the donor substrate (3) of the assembly (1) at the ion-implanted interface wherein the assembly (1) has been cooled to a temperature not greater than room temperature by a cooling apparatus (20), so that a donor film is transferred onto the handle substrate (7).
US08497176B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having first and second areas; an STI isolation region being made of an isolation trench formed in the semiconductor substrate and an insulating film burying the isolation trench and defining a plurality of active regions in the first and second areas; a first structure formed on an area from the active region in the first area to a nearby STI isolation region and having a first height; and a second structure formed on an area from the active region in the second area to a nearby STI isolation region and having a second height, wherein the surface of the said STI isolation region in the first area is lower than the surface of said STI isolation region in the second area.
US08497174B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device including a vertical channel transistor. The method may include: forming a plurality of first device isolation layers in a substrate as a pattern of lines having a first depth from an upper surface of a substrate, to define a plurality of active regions, forming a plurality of trenches having a second depth smaller than the first depth, etching portions of the substrate that are under some of the plurality of trenches that are selected at a predetermined interval, to form a plurality of device isolation trenches having a third depth that is greater than the second depth, forming second device isolation layers that include an insulating material, in lower portions of the plurality of device isolation trenches, and forming buried bit lines in lower portions of the plurality of trenches and the plurality of device isolation trenches.
US08497172B2
A mask-defined read-only memory array is formed on a substrate, and includes a first ROM bit and a second ROM bit of opposite polarities. The first ROM bit has a first MOS transistor and a first block layer formed over a first region of the substrate. A second source/drain region of the first MOS transistor and a first diffusion region are formed in a first region of the substrate on opposite sides of the first block layer. The second ROM bit includes a second MOS transistor.
US08497170B2
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes: forming a first active region and a second active region in a semiconductor substrate; forming a first gate insulating film on the first active region and a second gate insulating film thinner than the first gate insulating film on the second active region by using material containing silicon oxide; forming first and second gate electrodes on the first and second gate insulating films respectively; forming an insulating film on the semiconductor substrate, and anisotropically etching the insulating film to leave first side wall insulating films on side walls of the first and second gate electrodes; removing the first side wall insulating film on the first gate electrode; and after removing the first side wall insulating film on the first gate electrode, thermally treating in an oxidizing atmosphere the semiconductor substrate to form a second side wall insulating film on the first gate electrode.
US08497164B2
A semiconductor die package. The semiconductor die package includes a premolded clip structure assembly having a clip structure, a semiconductor die attached to the clip structure, and a first molding material covering at least a portion of the clip structure and the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die package also includes a leadframe structure having a die attach pad, where the leadframe structure is attached to premolded clip structure assembly.
US08497161B2
A method is disclosed to divide a wafer into chips. In the method, a substrate is provided. The substrate is made of an isolating material. An epitaxial laminate is provided on the substrate. At least one slit is made through the epitaxial laminate completely to form at least two chips connected to each other by the substrate only so that each of the chips includes a portion of the substrate and a portion of the epitaxial laminate. Positive and negative electrodes are formed in each of the chips. An upper protective film is provided to cover an upper side of each of the chips except the electrodes. A peripheral protective film is provided into the slit to cover the periphery of the portion of the epitaxial laminate of each of the chips. Finally, the chips are separated from each other.
US08497159B2
A method of manufacturing a leadless integrated circuit (IC) package comprising an IC chip mounted on a metal leadframe and a plurality of electrical contacts electrically coupled to the IC chip. The IC chip, the electrical contacts, and a portion of the metal leadframe are covered with an encapsulation compound, with portions of the electrical contacts exposed on a bottom surface of the encapsulation compound. The electrical contacts of the IC package having metal traces connecting bonding areas on a top surface thereof and contact areas on a bottom surface thereof, wherein at least some of the bonding areas are laterally disposed from the contact areas connected thereto.
US08497156B2
A semiconductor device includes a wiring board, a semiconductor element mounted on the wiring board, a sealing resin configured to cover the semiconductor element, a ground electrode having an end connected to a wiring layer of the wiring board and an exposing part exposed at a surface of the sealing resin, and a shielding member configured to cover the sealing resin and be connected to the ground electrode.
US08497152B2
A deposition method and a system are provided to deposit a CdS buffer layer on a surface of a solar cell absorber layer of a flexible workpiece from a process solution including all chemical components of the CdS buffer layer material. CdS is deposited from the deposition solution while the flexible workpiece is elastically shaped by a series of shaping rollers to retain the process solution on the solar cell absorber layer and while the flexible workpiece is heated by contacting to a heated liquid that the shaping rollers are fully or partially immersed. The flexible workpiece is elastically shaped by pulling a back surface of the flexible workpiece into surface cavity of the shaping rollers using magnetic force.
US08497151B2
A method to improve CdTe-based photovoltaic device efficiency is disclosed. The CdTe-based photovoltaic device can include oxygen or silicon in semiconductor layers.
US08497148B2
The present invention provides a MEMS structure comprising confined sacrificial oxide layer and a bonded Si layer. Polysilicon stack is used to fill aligned oxide openings and MEMS vias on the sacrificial layer and the bonded Si layer respectively. To increase the design flexibility, some conductive polysilicon layer can be further deployed underneath the bonded Si layer to form the functional sensing electrodes or wiring interconnects. The MEMS structure can be further bonded to a metallic layer on top of the Si layer and the polysilicon stack.
US08497138B2
In one aspect the present invention provides a method for selecting a cell or cell colony which produces a polypeptide of interest, comprising a) providing a medium comprising cells and a detection agent, wherein the detection agent is associated with a detectable signal and the detection agent is capable of binding to the polypeptide of interest; b) providing a solid phase having a capture agent disposed thereon, wherein the capture agent is capable of binding to the polypeptide of interest; c) contacting the medium with the solid phase; d) detecting the signal associated with the detection agent; and e) selecting a cell or cell colony associated with the signal, wherein presence of the signal is indicative of a cell or cell colony which produces the polypeptide of interest.
US08497135B2
Oral, topical and injectable contraceptives, which are based on sperm protein 22 kDa (SP22) polypeptides and antibodies and infertility diagnostics and kits are provided.
US08497131B2
Surface Enhanced Spectroscopy-Active Composite Nanoparticles (SACN) comprising: core/shell nanoparticles comprising nanoparticle cores covered with shells, wherein the cores and the shells may comprise the same or different materials; at least one Raman-active reporter molecule associated with said core/shell nanoparticle; and an SiO2 encapsulant which encapsulates the core/shell nanoparticle and the at least one Raman-active reporter molecule, are described.
US08497130B2
The present invention provides a chemiresistor-based sensor for measuring the presence or amount of analyte in an electrolyte solution; said chemiresistor comprising (i) a chemiresistor film wherein the impedance of said nanoparticle film changes in the presence of an analyte; and (ii) two electrically conducting electrodes in electrical contact with said nanoparticle film; wherein said electrically conducting electrodes are adapted to be connected to a device for measuring the impedance of said chemiresistor film under a voltage signal and wherein the impedance of the double layer capacitor formed by the two electrically conducting electrodes in the presence of the electrolyte solution, is larger than the impedance of the chemiresistor film either before or after exposure of the chemiresistor film to the analyte. A method of using said chemiresistor-based sensor to measure the presence or amount of analyte is also provided. Further provided is a method of determining the partition coefficient of an analyte using said chemiresistor-based sensor.
US08497125B2
The invention relates to the isolation and propagation of pluripotent cells isolated from the mammalian late epiblast layer, termed Epiblast Stem Cells (EpiSCs). These cells are useful in a range of applications, including the generation of transgenic animal species.
US08497123B2
The invention relates to the identification of sterol glucoside toxins, and provides methods for detecting and detoxifying the compounds, as well as therapeutic methods for treating subjects exposed to such toxins. In alternative embodiments, the toxins may for example include beta-sitostrol-beta-D-glucoside (5-cholesten-24b-ethyl-3b-ol-D-glucoside) or cholesterol glucoside (5-cholesten-3b-ol-3b-D-glucoside).
US08497118B2
The present invention relates to chimeric transmembrane immunoreceptors, named “zetakines,” comprised of an extracellular domain comprising a soluble receptor ligand linked to a support region capable of tethering the extracellular domain to a cell surface, a transmembrane region and an intracellular signalling domain. Zetakines, when expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes, direct T cell activity to those specific cells expressing a receptor for which the soluble receptor ligand is specific. Zetakine chimeric immunoreceptors represent a novel extension of antibody-based immunoreceptors for redirecting the antigen specificity of T cells, with application to treatment of a variety of cancers, particularly via the autocrin/paracrine cytokine systems utilized by human maligancy. In a preferred embodiment is a glioma-specific immunoreceptor comprising the extracellular targetting domain of the IL-13Rα2-specific IL-13 mutant IL-13(E13Y) linked to the Fc region of IgG, the transmembrane domain of human CD4, and the human CD3 zeta chain.
US08497106B2
A method of immobilising a biological molecule on a substrate comprises: (i) covalently attaching a substantially three-dimensional polysilane polymer to a substrate; and (ii) attaching a biological molecule onto and/or within the polymer. The method may additionally comprise the steps of coating the substrate (or the chemically protective layer) with a layer of radiation sensitive material, exposing the substrate to a source of radiation, and incubating the substrate in the presence of a first species of biological molecule.
US08497104B2
An organic acid is produced by allowing a bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, which has an ability to produce an organic acid and has been modified so that the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity is enhanced, and the glucose phosphotransferase activity is decreased, which is selected from Escherichia, Enterobacter, Pantoea, Erwinia, Klebsiella and Raoultella bacteria, or a product obtained by processing the bacterium, to act on an organic raw material in a reaction mixture containing carbonate ions, bicarbonate ions, or carbon dioxide gas to produce the organic acid.
US08497100B2
Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.
US08497090B2
The present invention relates to fungal strains capable of producing insecticide and a process for production of insecticide. It also relates to a method of cultivation of fungal strains and a fermentation medium for culturing the fungal strains.
US08497088B2
The present invention describes a process for the synthesis of a semi-synthetic β-lactam compound from a nucleus and a side chain selected from the group consisting of D-phenylglycine and D-dihydro-phenylglycine in the form of a side chain ester and an enzyme catalyzing the coupling of the side chain ester to the nucleus characterized in that the side chain ester is not isolated as a solid intermediate.
US08497079B2
Methods are described for measuring the amount of glucagon in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying glucagon in a sample.
US08497077B2
Methods for identifying individuals who are not yet diabetic (pre-diabetic), but who are at significant risk of developing diabetes, such as type 2 diabetes, are disclosed herein. Methods are also provided for the identification of diabetic subjects. Also disclosed are methods for identifying individuals with diabetic complications. The methods include the identification of an overall glycosylation profile of proteins in a biological fluid, such as saliva, urine, or serum. In some examples, the methods include determining the amount of one or more protein in a biological fluid or determining the glycosylation pattern of one or more proteins in a biological fluid.
US08497072B2
The subject invention relates to monoclonal antibodies (e.g., 8F5 and 8C5) that may be used, for example, in the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or other neurodegenerative disorders.
US08497068B2
A method for detecting hybridization between a probe polynucleotide and a target polynucleotide on a microarray is presented. The method may be used to determine the accuracy of hybridization and possible causes of inaccuracy, such as insufficient washing or deterioration of the microarray.
US08497063B2
A sex selected equine embryo production system for the production of sex selected equine embryos and offspring by fertilization of oocytes with sex selected sperm by intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
US08497061B2
A method for replicating production of a 3D parallax barrier is capable of transfer-printing a 3D parallax barrier pattern on a planar transparent substrate mainly with a glass photo mask having the 3D parallax barrier pattern through processes of photo resistor coating, exposure, and development by using a photolithography technology, thereby achieving the purpose of replicating production.
US08497046B2
An anode (11a) and a cathode (11b) are provided on either side of an electrolyte membrane (11). A first separator (2) is disposed so as to face the anode (11a), and a second separator (3) is disposed so as to face the cathode (11b). A first sealing member (12) is disposed between the electrolyte membrane (11) and the first separator (2), and a second sealing member (13) is disposed between the electrolyte membrane (11) and the second separator (3). The cross-sectional shape or rubber hardness of the sealing members (12, 13) is varied according to a deformation amount generated in the electrolyte membrane (11) by a sealing reactive force. More specifically, in a site where the deformation amount of the electrolyte membrane (11) is large, either the contact area between the sealing member (12) and the electrolyte membrane (11) is increased, or the rubber hardness of the sealing member (12) is reduced. In so doing, deformation of the electrolyte membrane (11) caused by the sealing reactive force is suppressed, and the sealing performance of a fuel cell (10) is improved.
US08497029B2
Ceramic materials with relatively high resistance to wetting by various liquids, such as water, are presented, along with articles made with these materials. The oxide materials described herein as a class typically contain one or more of ytterbia (Yb2O3) and europia (Eu2O3). The oxides may further contain other additives, such as oxides of gadolinium (Gd), samarium (Sm), dysprosium (Dy), or terbium (Tb). In certain embodiments the oxide, in addition to the ytterbia and/or europia, further comprises lanthanum (La), praseodymium (Pr), or neodymium (Nd).
US08497024B2
Organopolysilmethylene-siloxane of the formula (1): wherein each R1 is, independently of one another, an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms other than an alkenyl group, an alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, and a halogen atom; each R2 is, independently of one another, an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms other than an alkenyl group, an alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, a halogen atom, and (R1)3SiCH2—, wherein each R3 is, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; k is an integer of 1 to 100; and n is an integer of 1 to 1000; said organopolysilmethylene-siloxane having, in a molecule, at least two out of alkoxy groups, hydroxy groups, and halogen atoms bonded to one or more silicon atoms.
US08497009B2
A honeycomb structure 10 of the present invention is provided with porous partition walls 12 made of a ceramic material containing cordierite as a main crystal phase and separating and forming a plurality of cells 14 functioning as fluid passages. The partition walls 12 contain sodium at 0.08 to 0.15 mass % in terms of sodium oxide. A honeycomb structure having a large average pore size can be provided.
US08497008B2
Process for producing a laminate being built of at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes, the polymeric tapes having a tensile strength of at least 200 MPa, said process comprises the steps of forming a first monolayer of polymeric tapes by pre-tensioning the polymeric tapes and subsequently positioning the polymeric tapes under tension in a unidirectional, parallel manner, forming at least a second monolayer over the first monolayer in the same manner the first monolayer is formed, thereby stacking the at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes in such a way that the direction of the polymeric tapes is the same in every monolayer and that the polymeric tapes of each monolayer are offset to the tapes of the adjoining monolayer above or below that monolayer consolidating the thus stacked monolayers of polymeric tapes to obtain a laminate.
US08497007B2
A protective sheathing apparatus comprising an elongated flexible member, first fastening elements, second fastening elements, an attachment section, and one or more third fastening elements is provided. The first fastening elements and the second fastening elements are affixed in proximity to a first lengthwise edge and a second lengthwise edge of the elongated flexible member respectively. The affixed second fastening elements detachably engage with the affixed first fastening elements for defining a generally cylindrical lengthwise channel within the elongated flexible member for accommodating one or more longitudinal objects. The attachment section is attached to and extends outwardly from a first widthwise edge and/or a second widthwise edge of the elongated flexible member for enabling detachable engagement with another protective sheathing apparatus. The third fastening elements are affixed on an exterior surface of the elongated flexible member for enabling detachable attachment of the protective sheathing apparatus to a support surface.
US08497006B2
Provided is a glass roll utilizing a flanged roll core, and reliably inhibiting a glass film from breaking from an end portion in a width direction thereof as an origin of breakage. A glass roll (1) is formed by winding a glass film (4) and a cushion sheet (5), under a state of being superposed, around a roll core (3) including a flange (2) at each end portion thereof, in which an end portion in a width direction of the glass film (4) is separated from the flange (2) on each side in the width direction of the glass film (4), and the cushion sheet (5) is extended beyond the end portion in the width direction of the glass film (4) to the flange (2) side, to thereby form an extension portion (5a).
US08497004B2
A sterilized article comprising a sterilized or hydrogen peroxide vapor-sterilized polymer composition, the polymer composition comprising a polyetherimide, wherein after exposure to 100 cycles of the hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide vapor and hydrogen peroxide plasma for 30 minutes at 20 to 55° C., the color of the polymer composition of the article exhibits a color shift of delta E of 10 units or less relative to the color of the polymer composition color before the first hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization cycle, wherein delta E is measured in accordance with ASTM D2244.
US08496999B2
Area selective atomic layer deposition is provided by a method including the following steps. First, a substrate is provided. Second, a tip of a scanning probe microscope (SPM) is disposed in proximity to the surface of the substrate. An electrical potential is then established between the tip and the surface that cause one or more localized electrical effects in proximity to the tip. Deposition reactants for atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided, and deposition occurs in a pattern defined by the localized electrical effects because of locally enhanced ALD reaction rates.
US08496994B2
The invention relates to a method for providing fragrance to a substrate, comprising the steps of: a) treating the substrate with a fragrance-containing composition; and b) treating the substrate with a fixative compound or mixture of fixative compounds selected from the group consisting of: a fructan; a starch hydrolysate having a dextrose equivalent ranging from 1 to 50; a hydrophobically modified fructan; and a hydrophobically modified starch hydrolysate, whereby step b) may be executed prior to, simultaneously with, and/or subsequent to the execution of step a). The invention further relates to fragrance-containing compositions and substrates.
US08496989B2
Process comprising the steps of: (i) providing an elongated porous web, said elongated porous web comprising two outermost surfaces; (ii) transporting said elongated porous web downwards between two impregnating heads comprising two slots each with substantially vertical upper and lower slot faces substantially parallel to said elongated porous web providing simultaneously to both surfaces of said elongated porous web metered substantially identical quantities of a dope, comprising at least one membrane polymer and at least one solvent therefor; (iii) thereby impregnating said elongated porous web completely with said dope and providing substantially equally thick dope layers on each surface of said outermost surfaces of said elongated porous web with a thickness independent of the gap between one of said lower slot faces and the surface of said elongated porous web nearest thereto; (iv) subjecting said dope associated with said elongated porous web immediately after dope-impregnation to symmetric phase inversion with at least one non-solvent thereby forming a membrane; and (v) removing residues of said at least one solvent for said at least one membrane polymer from said membrane thereby producing an ion-permeable web-reinforced separator, wherein said dope is shear-thinning, and the separator obtainable therewith.
US08496982B2
The present invention concerns a stable calcium composition, a process for its preparation and its use for enriching food and beverages. The calcium composition comprises a calcium source, a citrate and a metal source selected from alkali and/or alkaline source.
US08496974B2
In a method for preparing a composition including a compound mixture and a carrier agent, the compound mixture is obtained by pulverizing the wood material and/or by extracting the wood material so that the compound mixture contains at least two different compounds, selected from a first specified group, at least one compound selected from a second specified group, the compound mixture is mixed with the carrier agent, the amount of the compound mixture is kept in a range of 0.1-5 wt % from the total weight of the composition, providing that the range is also such that the total cytotoxicity of compound mixture dissolved in ethanol, measured for a HaCat cell culture after 24 h incubation period, is lower than the cytotoxicity of 0.02-0.1 wt % butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) dissolved in ethanol for a HaCat cell culture after 24 h incubation period.
US08496966B2
A quickly dissolving carrier granule made up of wood fibers, mineral filler, and starch-based or dextrin-based adhesive binder. The wood fibers in these granules are preferably wood fibers ranging from about 10 microns to about 2 mm in length. Typically, at least about 35 weight- % of the fibers are retained on a 50-Mesh U.S. Sieve Series screen. The wood fibers in this invention are derived from sources that are substantially free of resins such as urea-formaldehyde resin and of diphenylmethane diisocyanate resin. Typical binders are soluble dextrin binders or a viscous corn starch, wheat starch, rice starch, tapioca starch, potato starch, or sago starch binders. The granules have a Resistance to Attrition of at least 90%. Also disclosed is a method of making such granules. The disclosure also describes carrier granule compositions which are made up of from 10 to 90 weight- % of carrier granules wherein the binder is a dextrin binder and from 90 to 10 weight- % of carrier granules wherein the binder is a food-based or industrial-based native starch.
US08496965B2
An orally adminsterable pharmaceutical pellet formulation for the treatment of the intestinal tract is disclosed, which comprises a core and an enteric coating, the core including, as a pharmaceutical active compound, aminosalicylic acid or a pharmaceutically tolerable salt or a derivative thereof.
US08496963B2
Oral formulations of G-2MePE including microemulsions, coarse emulsions, liquid crystals, tablets and encapsulated forms of G-2MePE have improved bioavailability than conventional aqueous formulations. In particular, microparticles, nanoparticles and microemulsions can exhibit great neuroprotective effects after oral administration. In a microemulsion formulation, G-2MePE can nearly completely inhibit cerebral infarction in an animal model of stroke even after the stroke had been initiated. Thus, improved oral formulations can be desirably used to treat a variety of neurodegenerative conditions with improved convenience and improved efficacy.
US08496957B2
Disclosed herein are methods for the treatment of otic diseases or conditions with intratympanic compositions and formulations of multiparticulate auris sensory cell modulating agent administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disease or condition, through direct application of these compositions and formulations onto or via perfusion into the targeted auris structure(s).
US08496956B2
Implantable nerve regeneration conduits and methods of making the same are disclosed. The implantable nerve regeneration conduits mainly comprise a biodegradable polymer and a metal. Moreover, the conduits may also comprise one or more nerve regeneration enhancing elements, which comprise bioactive molecules or cells. The inner surface of the conduits may be micropatterned photolithographic processes to form microgrooves for facilitating cell alignment.
US08496955B2
A bone graft composition includes beta-tricalcium phosphate and calcium sulphate and slowly soluble sources of calcium ions and hydroxyl ions.
US08496953B2
The present invention is directed to immobilized biologically active entities that retain significant biological activity following sterilization of the immobilized biologically active entities.
US08496943B2
The present invention is related to materials and methods for forming polymeric delivery vehicles that reduces risk of oxidative degradation of a carried drug and the resulting compositions.
US08496935B2
The invention provides immunosuppressive polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides. Compositions and methods for utilizing such polypeptides and nucleic acids are also provided.
US08496934B2
The disclosure provides novel molecules related to growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), in particular mouse and humanized antibodies, and antibody fragments, including those that inhibit GDF-8 activity and signaling in vitro and/or in vivo. The disclosure also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, ameliorating, preventing, prognosing, or monitoring degenerative orders of muscle, bone, and insulin metabolism, etc., in particular amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition, the disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of such disorders by using the antibodies, polypeptides, polynucleotides, and vectors of the invention.
US08496931B2
The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that specifically bind to SDF-1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding SDF-1 antibodies, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the SDF-1 antibodies are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the SDF-1 antibodies are also provided. Methods for detecting SDF-1, as well as methods for treating various B cell malignancies, including breast cancer, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and autoimmune disorders are disclosed.
US08496928B2
Methods for inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and/or to improving cardiac function and inhibiting inflammation-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells by delivering BRCA1 are provided. Such methods are useful in treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
US08496925B2
Compositions and methods useful for reducing or eliminating the presence of pathogens in meat or meat products are disclosed. Administration of one or more lactic acid producing microorganisms to a live animal, to a carcass, to meat, to meat products, or in animal feed results in significant reductions in the amount of pathogens potentially harmful to humans when ingested. Synergistic effects can be achieved with the administration of multiple strains of microorganisms.
US08496923B2
An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes feeding animals with probiotic microbes encapsulated in a mixture of xanthan gum and chitosan, or in gelatin, specifically Pediococcus acidilactici and Saccharomyces boulardii. Such encapsulation protects the viability of the probiotic microbes against unfavorable temperatures. An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes methods of using viable probiotics in therapy of birds and mammals infected with infectious diseases. Probiotics acted as adjuvants in stimulating antibody reaction and stimulated a cellular immunity response. In particular, probiotics were shown to reduce the number of viable oocytes from fecal samples, stimulate antibody production, and stimulate of proliferation of splenocytes in chickens infected with Eimeria. In addition, probiotics were shown to relieve symptoms of parvovirus infection in dogs.
US08496922B2
An industrial strain of a unicellular green algae Parachlorella nurekis 1904 KIEG deposited in the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), Scottish Marine Institute, Dunbeg, OBAN, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, UK, CCAP No. 259/1. A method for eradication of at least one of cyanobacteria, bacteria and fungi comprises treating the at least one of cyanobacteria, bacteria and fungi with an industrial strain of the unicellular green algae Parachlorella nurekis 1904 KIEG deposited in the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), Scottish Marine Institute, Dunbeg, OBAN, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, UK, CCAP No. 259/1.
US08496917B2
Skin conditioning compositions comprising a C4 to C30 monoalkyl-, dialkyl, monoalkanoyl- or dialkanoyl-substituted isohexide are found to exhibit a marked effect on skin hydration and barrier function homeostasis thereby improving skin appearances.
US08496912B2
The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use involving click chemistry reactions for in vivo or in vitro formation of therapeutic and/or diagnostic complexes. Preferably, the diagnostic complex is of use for 18F imaging, while the therapeutic complex is of use for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs or toxins. More preferably, a chelating moiety or targetable construct may be conjugated to a targeting molecule, such as an antibody or antibody fragment, using a click chemistry reaction involving cyclooctyne, nitrone or azide reactive moieties. In most preferred embodiments, the click chemistry reaction occurs in vivo. In vivo click chemistry is not limited to 18F labeling but can be used for delivering a variety of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents.
US08496910B2
The invention relates to a method for improving stability of radiopharmaceutical precursors, and in particular non radiolabelled nucleoside derivatives which are used as precursors for production of radiolabelled nucleoside derivatives for use in in vivo imaging procedures such as positron emission tomography (PET). The invention further includes formulations of radiopharmaceutical precursors, and cassettes for automated synthesis apparatus comprising the same.
US08496901B2
A preparation method for a water-insoluble crystal form ammonium polyphosphate includes conveying crystal H-type phosphorus pentoxide and diammonium phosphate at a molar ratio of 1:1-1.5 into a malaxator with twin screws, and injecting ammonia gas for 3-40 minutes into the malaxator at 20-25 m3/h while preheating the material at a temperature between 100° C. and 300° C. Therafter one injects ammonia gas again at 8-15 m3/h for 4-8 hours. The resulting material is transferred to another sealed container and stirred while coupling agent is added. Stirring continues until the material drops below 60° C., the material then being transferred into organic solvent for washing for 30-50 minutes. Thereafter the material is first filter pressed, then subjected to low temperature drying, and then sieved to obtain the final product.
US08496899B2
An exhaust gas purifying catalyst 1 has a catalyst substrate 3 and catalyst coating layers 5, 7 that are formed on the catalyst substrate 3 and contain (a) Rh, (b) Pt, (c) an alkali metal or alkaline earth element, and (d) an inorganic oxide. The catalyst coating layers 5, 7 has a layered structure including an inside layer 5 where the component (a) is substantially locally existing, and an outside layer 7 where the component (b) is substantially locally existing. The inside layer 5 also contains a zirconia oxide.
US08496894B2
The present disclosure is directed to the use of elemental or speciated iodine and bromine to control total mercury emissions.
US08496890B2
In a pretreatment apparatus for transferring and mixing a specimen liquid and a reagent in a reagent reservoir, comprising containers for holding the specimen liquid and the reagent, flow paths connecting the containers in series, and a dialysis flow path including a dialysis membrane facing to the flow path, the mixing is brought about by transferring the liquid from the containers to the flow paths and a return by stoppage of transferring the liquid, and subsequently the liquid is made flow into the dialysis flow path.
US08496889B2
A microfluidic device for separating emulsion solution into separate particles by passing the emulsion solution through a passive filter. The separated particles can then be sorted into separate chambers through active filtering.
US08496882B2
Catalyst feed systems and processes utilizing such systems are described herein. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for improving the flowability of catalyst in a catalyst feed system, including providing a catalyst feed vessel with at least one heat exchange system for maintaining the catalyst system temperature below a critical flow temperature. Also disclosed is a catalyst feed system for the polymerization of olefins including a catalyst feed vessel; and a heat exchange system for maintaining a temperature of a catalyst within the catalyst feed vessel. Additionally disclosed is a process for polymerization of olefins including maintaining a supported catalyst in a catalyst feed vessel below a critical flow temperature of the catalyst; feeding the catalyst to a polymerization reactor; and contacting the catalyst with an olefin to form a polyolefin.
US08496881B2
A chemical delivery system includes: a chemical storage device configured for emitting a volatilized chemical therefrom; a heating element which provides an exothermic chemical reaction; an at least substantially rigid housing element containing the heating element; a tray including a well, the well having an absence of a through-hole and defining a space which is slightly larger than the chemical storage device, the tray being attached to the housing element, the chemical storage device being mounted to the well, the heating element being in thermal communication with the chemical storage device via the well; a retainer attached to the well and including at least one hole configured for passing therethrough the volatilized chemical to an ambient environment, the retainer being configured for retaining the chemical storage device in the space; and a removable covering directly attached to the tray and covering the retainer and the well to thereby hermetically seal the chemical storage device within the space.
US08496880B2
A test strip construction includes a test strip having a testing region bearing a chromogenic reagent to detect the presence of a substance in a fluid test sample. A supporting member is attached to one end of the test strip in a manner such that the testing region is remote form the attachment point and is free from any contact with supporting member. When dipped into the test sample the test strip can flutter away from the supporting member to allow for full contact between that the testing region and the test sample. When removed from the test sample the supporting member provides a consistent background for observation of color changes of the reagent.
US08496878B2
An immunodiagnostic test card includes a flat planar member and at least one dilution chamber that is supported by the flat planar member. The at least one dilution chamber can be disposed adjacent chambers used for testing a patient sample that are provided on the immunodiagnostic test card or can be provided separately.
US08496877B2
An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is compact, mounting great number of reagents, having high processing ability. Reagent disks are arranged at inside and outside of a reaction disk. A reagent probe can inject a reagent into the position which is common position of both reagent disks. One of plural reagent probes approaches to one of reagent disks at one cycle. Plural reagent probes alternatively approach to the reagent disk. Therefore, the first reagents and the second reagents can be placed on both reagent disks. The mounting number of reagents can be increased without enlarging an analyzer. The cycle time can be shortened to make an automatic analyzer to have high processing ability.
US08496876B2
The invention relates to a carrier tape which carries a plurality of consumable elements for a system for determining an analyte concentration of a human or animal bodily fluid and is folded into a stack. According to the invention, the consumable elements are disposed on the carrier tape in groups, wherein the distance between adjacent groups in the longitudinal direction of the carrier tape is greater than that between adjacent consumable elements within a group.
US08496863B2
In a method for producing a replication master (10) having a surface with low roughness, comprising the steps of forming said master (10) such as to have a desired external surface shape corresponding to a counterform of a surface of an object (18, 20) to be produced by replication and treating said external surface of said master (10) to obtain a predetermined surface roughness value, it is proposed that said method furthermore comprises the step of coating at least a part of said master (10) with a soluble smoothening layer (16). The invention further relates to a replication master (10) for producing a smooth object (18, 20) having a low surface roughness, wherein at least a part of said master (10) is coated with a soluble smoothening layer (16).
US08496860B2
Systems and cold rotational molding methods are provided for making hollow, foam-backed polymeric molded articles. The molded articles can be manikins or manikin parts, or other articles, such as frames (e.g. for mirrors and pictures), urns, fixtures, furniture, display props, and garden furniture, made of a thermosetting elastomeric material. The articles are more structurally rigid than previous molded articles utilizing the same amount of polymer material, lighter in weight than previous molded articles having the same structural rigidity, and more resistant to deformation under temperatures up to 180 to 185° F. The process of making a molded manikin part, from the first injection of polymer into the mold until demolding of the finished part, can be completed in as short a time as 18 minutes without the necessity for cradling of the demolded part, even when the part requires one or more flat surfaces.
US08496855B2
A cathode active material including a spinel lithium manganese composite oxide represented by Formula 1 below, a cathode including the cathode active material, and a lithium battery including the cathode: LixMn2-y-zNiyMzO4-nXn
US08496851B2
The scintillation materials may exist in single crystalline, polycrystalline or ceramic form. Preferably, the scintillation materials are in single crystalline form. According to the present invention all cation-forming elements are present in the scintillation material in an amount, which is higher than stoichiometric (hyper- or over-stoichiometric) with respect to the anion-forming elements.
US08496847B2
A method and chemical composition are provided which permit operation of evaporative cooling towers at increased cycles of concentration without formation of calcium scale. The method can include first determining the calcium hardness and total alkalinity of the makeup water, calculating the operating cycles of concentration using a formula developed for the specified chemical composition, then dosing the treated water to maintain a constant level of the chemical composition. The method permits scale-free operation of evaporative cooling towers at a minimum of two (2) cycles of concentration over existing technology.
US08496845B2
The present invention provides a refrigerant composition that is nonflammable, and ensures low LCCP and less burden on the environment. More specifically, the present invention relates a refrigerant composition containing difluoromethane (HFC32), pentafluoroethane (HFC125), and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO1234yf), the ratio of HFC32/HFC125/HFO1234yf being in a range surrounded by points (0/21/79 mass %), (16.6/25.3/58.1 mass %), and (0/28.4/71.6 mass %) in a ternary diagram of a refrigerant composition containing HFC32, HFC125, and HFO1234yf, and the composition essentially containing HFC32.
US08496842B2
A planar integrated MEMS device has a piezoelectric element on a dielectric isolation layer over a flexible element attached to a proof mass. The piezoelectric element contains a ferroelectric element with a perovskite structure formed over an isolation dielectric. At least two electrodes are formed on the ferroelectric element. An upper hydrogen barrier is formed over the piezoelectric element. Front side singulation trenches are formed at a periphery of the MEMS device extending into the semiconductor substrate. A DRIE process removes material from the bottom side of the substrate to form the flexible element, removes material from the substrate under the front side singulation trenches, and forms the proof mass from substrate material. The piezoelectric element overlaps the flexible element.
US08496841B2
Disclosed are a nano patterning method for fabricating a surface plasmon color filter having a transmissive pattern which selectively transmits light of specific wavelengths, and methods for fabricating a surface plasmon color filter and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device using the same. Used are a stamp which provides a partial electrification region, and a template, thiol-terminated nanospheres which can be self-assembled, thereby fabricating nano holes having a two-dimensional period and arranged in a hexagonal lattice. This may be applied onto a large area of a substrate, and may implement simplified processes and reduced fabrication costs.
US08496837B2
A process for affecting reductive conversion reactions in a reactor using the palladized bacterial cellulose immobilized on a support for reductive conversion reactions in a reactor.
US08496830B2
A process of producing ultrapure water includes passing a water stream through a plurality of treatment stages in which inorganic and organic species which are present in the water are separated from the water stream; and adding an aqueous hypobromite solution to the water stream in at least one of the stages.
US08496824B2
A method and a device for supply of a dialyser in a dialysis unit with dialysis fluid is disclosed. At least one dialysis fluid concentrate is mixed with water to produce the dialysis fluid. The dialysis fluid concentrate is prepared in a reservoir unit in a given amount. A control and arithmetic unit calculates the dialysis fluid rate (Qd) such that, after a given treatment time (TB) has passed, a given residual amount of dialysis fluid concentrate or no residual amount remains in the reservoir unit. It is preferable to empty the reservoir unit by the end of treatment.
US08496802B2
Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
US08496789B2
An electrochemical processor may include a head having a rotor configured to hold a workpiece, with the head moveable to position the rotor in a vessel. Inner and outer anodes are in inner and outer anolyte chambers within the vessel. An upper cup in the vessel, has a curved upper surface and inner and outer catholyte chambers. A current thief is located adjacent to the curved upper surface. Annular slots in the curved upper curved surface connect into passageways, such as tubes, leading into the outer catholyte chamber. Membranes may separate the inner and outer anolyte chambers from the inner and outer catholyte chambers, respectively.
US08496787B2
A method and apparatus for eliminating brine effluent from desalination plants by distillation, is disclosed. To eliminate the brine the salt is converted into a solid and all of the water in the brine is converted to distilled water. The key to achieving this is reducing or eliminating the scale formation in the heating chamber. In one embodiment the process can be used to reduce or eliminate scale formation in a vapor compression sea water desalinization system and there-by use this system to produce drinking water. This process requires no chemical additives but relies entirely upon separation of the process of vaporization of the fluid involved, from the process of heating of the fluid. In one embodiment of this apparatus sea water can be desalinated and the resulting products can be dry salt and pure water leaving no brine return to the ocean. This embodiment also can be used to desalinate concentrated brine from any available source and make a profit on the salt sales, as the salt sells for more than it costs to produce the water and salt separation.
US08496786B2
An apparatus designed to completely vaporize an intake of heavy hydrocarbon feedstock is described. The apparatus, a so-called heavy feed mixer, is comprised of pipes being disposed coaxially about a common longitudinal axis. The inner tubular section delivers a two-phase liquid-vapor mixture of hydrocarbon feedstock and dilution steam to the apparatus. The converging/diverging tubular section has a unique structure which converges to a throat section and then diverges to an outlet section. The converging section directs a uniform shroud of superheated steam onto the hydrocarbon stream delivered by the inner tubular section. Impingement of the superheated steam with the intake stream initiates mixing and further vaporization within the throat section. The mixture traverses the converging/diverging tubular section and passes into the outlet section where vaporization is complete. The completely vaporized stream is directed out of the apparatus for further processing downstream.
US08496782B2
Provided is a method for preparing cellulose ether which is transparent as dissolved in water and has low water-insoluble content. More specifically, provided are a method for preparing alkali cellulose comprising a contact step of bringing a pulp sheet having a pore volume of 1.0 ml/g or greater, or chips into which the pulp sheet has been converted, into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution to obtain an alkali cellulose reaction mixture, and a drain step of draining the alkali cellulose reaction mixture; and a method for preparing water-soluble cellulose ether comprising a step of reacting the alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent.
US08496764B2
A system and a method of processing an F-temper aluminum alloy. An F-temper aluminum alloy blank may be heated and positioned in the die set such that the blank does not touch the die set. The blank may be formed into a part and quenched when the die set is closed.
US08496753B2
The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with an ALD reactor comprising a reaction chamber, the arrangement comprising fittings for feeding a reaction gas to the reaction chamber and for suctioning the reaction gas back, and fittings for feeding a barrier gas. The fittings for feeding and suctioning back the reaction gas and for feeding the barrier gas comprise a middle element having multiple parallel channels which extend through the element, and a first and a second flow-reversing element arranged at ends of the middle element into which the channels open, the flow-reversing elements being arranged to combine the channels in the middle element so as to provide an interchannel flow.
US08496752B2
During a CZ or similar process, a silica crucible is held in a graphite or similar susceptor while being heated to above between about 1580 and 1620 degrees C. Vents or grooves formed in at least one of the outer surface of the crucible and the inner surface of the susceptor permit gasses to vent upwardly and out from between the crucible and susceptor. This permits gas evolved from the crucible as a result of the heat to be vented rather than expanding between the crucible and susceptor thereby deforming the crucible.
US08496749B2
The present invention relates to bitumen additive mixtures, their use and application for the fabrication of asphalt mixtures used in pavement and waterproofing, and more specifically for construction, repair and maintenance of sidewalks, roads, highways, parking lots or airport runaways and service roads and any other rolling surfaces.
US08496745B2
An ink having: a first coloring material; a second coloring material; and a third coloring material, wherein the first coloring material is a compound represented by the following general formula (BkI-1), the second coloring material is a compound different from the first coloring material and is represented by the following general formula (BkII-1) or (BkII-2), and the third coloring material is a compound represented by the following general formula (Y-1).
US08496739B2
A filter apparatus comprising an organic antioxidant. The filter apparatus may be use, for example, in the removal of a toxic metal from a fluid stream.
US08496736B2
The present invention relates to a hydrogen supply device which supplies hydrogen by selectively permitting permeation of hydrogen contained in a hydrogen containing gas (G1). This device includes: a first metal layer (2) which dissociates hydrogen molecules into hydrogen ions by a catalytic reaction and has hydrogen permeability; a second metal layer (3) which creates hydrogen molecules by bonding hydrogen ions to each other using electrons and has hydrogen permeability; a hydrogen permeation layer (1) which is interposed between the first metal layer (2) and the second metal layer (3) and permits permeation of the hydrogen ions from the first metal layer (2) to the second metal layer (3) by the application of a voltage; and a voltage application (7) for applying the voltage to the hydrogen permeation layer (1) by setting the first metal layer (2) as an anode and setting the second metal layer (3) as a cathode. According to this device, even when the concentration of hydrogen is low, it is possible to dissociate hydrogen from a hydrogen containing gas, and to suppress noise during the operation of the device.
US08496735B2
Apparatus and methods for reducing or eliminating undesirable air-borne substances, such as odors, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, are provided. A filter containing nanocrystalline metal oxide or metal hydroxide particles may be installed within an air handling apparatus such as an existing HVAC unit located within a building, and particularly within a home, or a portable air processor or purifier. The air handling apparatus comprises a blower which pulls air containing various undesirable substances from within the enclosed environment and directs it through a filtering device containing the nanocrystalline particles. The undesirable substances are sorbed by the nanocrystalline particles thereby creating a deodorized stream of air that may then be directed back into various portions of the enclosed environment or vented to the atmosphere.
US08496727B2
A steel production method in the steel and iron industry involves dividing a vertically falling solid slag stream which flows from a steelmaking furnace into individual streams, forcedly cooling the individual streams, dividing the individual streams into parts by cutting across the movement thereof, forcedly cooling the parts and transferring them to a belt conveyor on which the separate parts are forcedly cooled and transported away from the vessel. A shaped conveyor belt, on which the slag parts are crushed by means of a cylindrical roll, is used for additional crushing.
US08496724B2
A plugged honeycomb structure including particulate matter (PM) trapping layers disposed on the surfaces of the partition walls extending up to inflow side end faces of the plugging portions that plug outflow cells so that adjacent PM-trapping layers with the partition walls and the plugging portion therebetween are disposed so as to continue on the inflow side end faces of the plugging portions. The PM-trapping layers are extended up to the inflow side end faces of the plugging portions to form protruding portions having a protrusion height corresponding with 0.1 to 2 times the length of a side of the outflow cells from the inflow side end faces of the plugging portions toward the outside of the cell extension direction.
US08496716B2
Polyisobutenylphenol-containing Mannich adducts are prepared by a) alkylation of a phenol with highly reactive polyisobutene at below about 50° C. in the presence of an alkylation catalyst; b) reaction of the reaction product from a) with formaldehyde, an oligomer or a polymer of formaldehyde and at least one amine which has at least one secondary amino function and no primary amino function, or c) reaction of the reaction product from a) with at least one adduct of at least one amine which has at least one secondary or primary amino function and formaldehyde, an oligomer of formaldehyde, a polymer of formaldehyde or a formaldehyde equivalent, and are used as detergent additives in fuel and lubricant compositions, and additive concentrates, fuel compositions and lubricant compositions contain these Mannich adducts.
US08496715B2
A connector for fluidly connecting the sealed interior of an artificial limb socket with a pressure source when the connector is mounted to the socket at a hole and an artificial limb including same. The connector includes a flexible elongated tubular section having a lumen, a flange coupled to one end of the elongated tubular section, the flange having a seal surface for sealingly abutting one of the socket wall surfaces around the hole, and a tubular portion adjacent to the flange and extending the lumen from the seal surface of the flange. Tubular portion has at least one section oversized relative to hole which provides a reasonable air-tight seal between the at least one section and an inner surface of the hole or the other of said socket wall surfaces around the hole and distant from the flange, when the tubular portion is received within the hole.
US08496712B2
An ankle implant for use in ankle arthroplasty in total ankle replacement is provided. The implant includes an upper prosthesis anchored to the tibia and a lower prosthesis anchored to the talus. The lower prosthesis is operable associated with the upper prosthesis. The implant also includes a stem which is rigidly removably connected to the second member. The stem includes a portion for attachment to the calcaneous. The stem is be adapted to be in a first position in the calcaneous when the stem is in a first relative position with respect to the lower prosthesis, and to provide for a second position in the calcaneous when the stem is in a second relative position with respect to the lower prosthesis.
US08496706B2
The present invention is an expandable and adjustable bone cage designed to be used in conjunction with a pedicle screw or plating fusion system. The expandable and adjustable bone cage provides structure for the placement of bone graft material between two adjacent vertebral bodies in order to stabilize or fuse the spine in a predetermined position. The expandable and adjustable bone cage is contoured for easy insertion between vertebral bodies and may be expanded after insertion to maintain, establish or increase lordosis, as well as help secure the bone cage.
US08496702B2
A tissue expansion device implanted in a non-activated state over a region of desired tissue growth. Once implanted and positioned the device is activated creating a supporting structure that creates a convex shaped dome over the underlying tissue. The convex shaped dome formed by the tissue expansion device places a tensile stress against the underlying tissue that promotes tissue growth. Alone or with the introduction of tissue enhancing agents and/or adipose tissue, new tissue within the convex shaped void grows until a balance is achieved eliminating the induced stress. Periodically the tissue expansion devices is again activated and enlarged creating an even larger void. Again, the newly enlarged void places additional tensile stress on the underlying tissue thus repeating the cycle of new tissue growth. Once the desired amount of tissue growth has been achieved the device is deactivated and removed.
US08496700B2
A device for replacement of a bioprosthetic valve having an annulus (104) and one or more leaflets (105), the device having an outer housing (106) and an inner shaft (108) with a distal end (110). The outer housing (106) is slideable relative to the inner shaft (108) such that a portion of the inner shaft (108) may be revealed. A cap (112) is associated with the distal end (110) of the inner shaft (108), the cap (112) movable between a first position adjacent the inner shaft (108) and a second position displaced from the inner shaft (108). The cap (112) is adapted to trap a skirted valve frame (102) between said cap (112) and the inner shaft (108) when in the first position. The skirted valve frame (102) may be released by the cap (112) upon sliding of the outer housing (106) relative to the inner shaft (108) to reveal the inner shaft (108) and upon movement of the cap (112) to the second position. Also disclosed are associated methods.
US08496699B2
An intravascular stent especially suited for implanting in curved arterial portions. The stent retains longitudinal flexibility after expansion. The stent is formed of intertwined meander patterns forming triangular cells. The triangular cells are adapted to provide radial support, and also to provide longitudinal flexibility after expansion. The triangular cells provide increased coverage of a vessel wall. The stent can have different portions adapted to optimize radial support or to optimize longitudinal flexibility. Loops in the stent are disposed and adapted to cooperate so that after expansion of said stent within a curved lumen, the stent is curved and cells on the outside of the curve open in length, but narrow in width whereas cells on the inside of the curve shorten in length but thicken in width to maintain a density of stent element area which much more constant than otherwise between the inside and the outside of the curve. As a result, when the stent is coated with a medicine the more constant density of stent elements results in an even dose being applied to the inside wall of the lumen, avoiding the possibility that a toxic dose be supplied at one area while a less than effective dose is applied to another area.
US08496697B2
A stent-graft including an inner stent having a wall structure including juxtaposed strut-patterns with interconnected struts and connectors connecting the strut-patterns is described. The wall structure of the inner stent has a predetermined length. An outer stent is coaxially arranged around the inner stent and has a wall structure including juxtaposed strut-patterns with interconnected struts and connectors connecting the strut-patterns. The wall structure of the outer stent has a predetermined length and a flexible stretchable material layer arranged between the inner stent and the outer stent. The wall structure of the inner stent has a design differing from the design of the wall structure of the outer stent and the length of the inner stent is equal to the length of the outer stent.
US08496694B2
A buttress pin for fixing an implant to a bone, comprises a head at a proximal end, the head comprising a rounded outer profile and including first threading and a shaft extending distally from the head, the shaft including second threading extending over at least a portion of a length thereof, a position of a proximal end of the second threading along the shaft being spaced from a distal end of the first threading by a distance equal to a distance between a proximal end of a hole in an implant to be anchored to a bone via the buttress pin and a surface of the bone when the implant is in a target position on the bone.
US08496691B2
Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.
US08496685B2
A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.
US08496684B2
A method for approximating tissue within a body including the step of providing a device having a handle, at least one actuator, an elongated hollow housing having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom, a first and second cartridge. Each the cartridge contains at least one fastener having at least two anchors connected together by a non-resilient flexible suture which does not resist deformation under compressible loads. The first cartridge being releasably connected to the distal end of hollow housing. The method also includes the step of inserting the first cartridge into a body and deploying each anchor into tissue in a spaced apart position. The method also involves moving the anchors adjacent one another by moving the suture in a proximal direction, and removing the first cartridge from the body and from the housing. The method then involves placing the second cartridge onto the housing thereby replacing the first cartridge with the second cartridge.
US08496676B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for closing incisions within biological tissue. In one embodiment, a device and method are provided for suturing biological tissue, such as, for example, an organ or blood vessel. The suturing apparatus is particularly well suited for suturing an incision made in an artery, such as the femoral artery, following a catheterization procedure. The device eliminates the need to apply pressure to a patient's thigh for an extended period of time, and eliminates many of the complications and costs associated with the creation of a thrombus patch. In addition, the device comprises an improved handle portion which enables the physician to quickly and easily apply suture. The handle portion is very reliable and easy to manipulate. The suturing may be used in combination with existing catheter sheath introducers.
US08496669B2
An ultrasound catheter has an elongate flexible catheter body having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, and an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter body. The ultrasound transmission member has a proximal end that is coupled to a separate ultrasound generating device, and a distal tip that is attached to the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member and which is located at the distal end of the catheter body. The ultrasound transmission member is directly attached to the catheter body and/or to a guidewire tube either directly or via an attachment device. The catheter has an additional radiopaque marker positioned on the distal end the catheter.
US08496667B2
A segmented intervertebral body fusion support includes a plurality of segments, the segments including an initial segment, a final segment and at least one intermediate segment. The intermediate segment has a generally trapezoidal configuration and the initial and final segments include tapered side walls providing triangular gaps between adjacent segments. A draw wire is fixed to the first segment and passes through the remaining segments. By pulling the draw wire relative to the segments, the segments are drawn together in a generally arcuate configuration. The draw wire includes an enlargement that passes through the final segment and engages a plurality of fingers on the final segment, which prevents the draw wire from retracting, maintaining the arcuate configuration. The segmented device can be inserted through a laparoscopic device into the intervertebral space and can be subsequently drawn into the arcuate configuration to establish the desired intervertebral spacing.
US08496664B2
A method for guiding a bone removal device to form an implantation space in the human spine and, if desired, for inserting a spinal implant having at least in part non-arcuate upper and lower portions into the implantation space is disclosed. The method includes the act of positioning a guard into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies. The guard has a body and a disc space penetrating extension for insertion at least in part into the disc space and for bearing against the adjacent vertebral bodies. A first portion and a second portion of the guard are rotatable articulatable relative to one another. The method further includes the acts of rotatably articulating the guard to move the body from an open position to a closed position and move the extension from an insertion position to a deployed position. In doing so, the adjacent vertebral bodies are moved apart, and an implantation space is formed through the guard.
US08496660B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for forming an arcuate channel in one or more segments of a bone, bony structure or adjacent vertebrae of a spine. The apparatus includes, inter alia, a base member which is positioned proximate to the surgical site, a support arm extending proximally from the base member, an arcuate guide member and a drill assembly. The arcuate guide member is slidably mounted to the support arm. The drill assembly is operatively coupled to the support arm and includes a drill bit attached to the distal end of a flexible drive cable. The flexible drive cable extends axially along the support arm and is axially and rotationally movable with respect thereto. The drill bit is operatively coupled to an end of the arcuate guide member such that when the drill assembly is moved distally, the arcuate guide member slides with respect to the support arm and forces the drill bit to traverse an arcuate path.
US08496654B2
An apparatus for cosmetic RF skin treatment where the RF energy supply is isolated from the patient treated, such that in course of treatment no undesired current flows through the subject body.
US08496645B2
Drainage catheters for use in a variety of medical procedures are presented herein. The drainage catheter features an improved tension member locking mechanism. In use, once the drainage catheter is placed as desired, a second connector piece is rotated relative to a first connector piece to wind the tension member around a spooling region and pull the distal end of the catheter tube into a locked configuration. Once the tension member is tensioned, the first and second connector pieces are pulled into a locking engagement thereby securing the catheter tube in the locked configuration.
US08496643B2
A cap assembly is disclosed for use with a lock solution delivery device. The cap assembly includes a housing defining a receptacle and having an inlet end and an outlet end. A plunger is movable axially within the receptacle from a retracted position to an advanced position and is rotatably supported within the receptacle from a first position to a second position. The plunger includes an axial extension configured to non-rotatably engage a syringe connected to the inlet end of the housing. The plunger is positioned to move from the first position to the second position in response to rotatable detachment of a syringe from the inlet end of the housing.
US08496640B2
Disclosed herein are fasteners for disposable absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles that include the fasteners. The disclosed fasteners generally are free of release tape and adhesives requiring those tapes. At the same time, the disclosed fasteners can be maintained in a closed position prior to the fastener's (and the disposable absorbent article's) use and during the process by which the article is manufactured. While maintainable in this closed position, the fastener may be easily opened by the consumer such that the fastener can be then used for its intended purpose, such as, for example to form a side closure on a diaper around the waist and legs of an infant.
US08496633B2
A surgical access device is provided having a cannula and obturator. The cannula has a housing and tube section with an anchor located about the tube section. The obturator has a mechanism to deploy the anchor and adjust the cannula length. The anchor is moveable between a deployed and undeployed state where the undeployed state facilitates insertion and removal of the access device and the deployed state assists in fixation of the cannula in an anatomic structure. Anchor deployment is independent of cannula length adjustment.
US08496632B2
A surgical access device is provided having a cannula and obturator. The cannula has a housing and tube section with an anchor located about the tube section. The obturator has a mechanism to deploy the anchor and adjust the cannula length. The anchor is moveable between a deployed and undeployed state where the undeployed state facilitates insertion and removal of the access device and the deployed state assists in fixation of the cannula in an anatomic structure. Anchor deployment is independent of cannula length adjustment.
US08496625B2
A bandage can be used to secure a needle to an access site so as to prevent unintended movement or withdrawal of the needle from the access site during administration of a treatment to a patient. After treatment, the needle can be removed by manipulating a portion of the bandage. Another portion of the bandage can be maintained in position over the access site during needle removal and can be used to promote clotting of the site after needle removal. The bandage may include a clotting agent, a hemostasis pad, and/or a clot-promoting structure. Additionally or alternatively, finger pressure can be applied to the access site through the bandage. For example, the bandage may include a viewing window without any adhesive to allow visual monitoring of the access site during treatment. Finger pressure may be applied to the viewing window and thereby to the access site during and after needle removal to encourage hemostasis.
US08496610B2
A device for administering a fluid includes a sterilization cassette having a shell, a fluid chamber, and an ultraviolet light transmitting window. An input tube directs fluid into the chamber. An ultraviolet light source is positioned to direct ultraviolet light through the window into the fluid chamber at an intensity sufficient to kill or render non-reproducible at least one species of a microorganism in the fluid while the fluid is in the chamber. An outlet tube receives fluid from the cassette and directs the fluid to a destination. The fluid is substantially uniformly exposed to the light while in the chamber. The cassette and light source are contained in a housing that prevents ultraviolet light from escaping the housing.
US08496608B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for treating wounds in patients who lack the innate ability to regulate glucose (e.g., diabetic patients). In one aspect of the invention, a method includes positioning an internal bypass device within the duodenum to inhibit contact between chyme passing therethrough and an internal wall of the duodenum and maintaining the internal bypass device within the duodenum for a sufficient period of time to decrease insulin resistance and reduce a blood glucose level in the patient. The internal bypass device increases peripheral blood flow and elevates an immune system response to accelerate healing of the wound.
US08496600B2
A non-reusable device for collecting bodily fluids such as vascular blood from a patient, the device being configured for example to receive a blood collection tube and having a retractable needle attached to a rearwardly biased needle holder that is constrained prior to needle retraction by a rotatably mounted lug ring and that is released during retraction by depressing a trigger pivotably connected to the body of the device to rotate the lug ring, whereby the needle holder is driven into a retraction cavity disposed inside the trigger and the front tip of the needle is retained inside the body of the device.
US08496598B2
The apparatus (2) for early diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, of the type comprising: receiving means which define a receiving zone (8) for receiving a patient's finger, means for measuring the cutaneous sensibility of a finger (10) disposed in said receiving means, comprising a device for determining a sensation threshold of the finger pulp and a device for measuring the innervation density of the finger pulp, each device comprising protruding portions (22) adapted to be brought into contact with the finger (10), is characterized in that the protruding portions (22) of the device for measuring the innervation density are identical with those of the device for determining the sensation threshold.
US08496596B2
Systems, devices and methods provide for acquiring respiration information. A respiration information device includes timer circuitry to time a plurality of shorter time apertures and a plurality of longer time apertures. A respiration sensor, which may be implemented as a transthoracic impedance sensor, is configured to generate a signal indicative of patient respiration. For each aperture of the plurality of shorter time apertures and for each aperture of the plurality of longer time apertures, an estimated characteristic of the respiration is determined. Respiration metrics are developed using one or both of the estimated respiration characteristics of the shorter time apertures and the estimated respiration characteristics of the longer time apertures.
US08496592B2
Disclosed are medical probe devices and methods for use guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The probe devices include a clamp that can secure a probe at a targeted location. The devices can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide to a percutaneous target. Disclosed clamps can be utilized on probe devices incorporating an ultrasound transducer. In addition, the devices can include a sterilizable shield including a sterile probe guide for use in procedures requiring a sterile field. The sterilizable shield can be a single-use shield that can prevent contamination and re-use of the shield. The devices can define a beneficial geometry conducive to use by a single operator that can be utilized for percutaneous targets near the skin surface.
US08496591B2
A perfusion assessment system is proposed. The system includes means for providing an echo-power signal indicative of a perfusion of a contrast agent in a body-part under analysis, the contrast agent being administered as a bolus and undergoing a significant destruction during a passage of the contrast agent in the body-part, means for associating the echo-power signal to a model function including the product between a bolus function indicative of the passage of the contrast agent without said destruction and a reperfusion function indicative of a reperfusion of the contrast agent in the body part following the destruction corresponding to a substantially constant inflow of the contrast agent, and means for estimating at least one perfusion indicator from the bolus function and/or the reperfusion function.
US08496589B2
An ultrasonic diagnosis device includes a diagnostic image generation unit (7) that generates an ultrasonic image from ultrasonic data obtained by transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves; an input unit (1) for receiving an input of a reference image, and hardware configuration and control parameter information data that is associated with the reference image, which are to be used by the diagnostic image generation unit; a parameter setting unit (3) that sets parameter information necessary for generating the ultrasonic image based on the input data that has been input; and a storage unit (8) that stores the ultrasonic image in association with the parameter information, and supplies ultrasonic image data with which the parameter information is associated, as a reference image. This enables easy setting of the parameters to be used in new diagnostic image acquisition so as to be set the same as the parameters used in reference image acquisition.
US08496588B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of rapidly obtaining ultrasonic images of the eye using a set of procedural options that can be automated by a positioning mechanism that can be controlled by software.
US08496587B2
A therapy system includes a therapy module, e.g., a high-intensity-focused ultrasound transmitter, to perform successive deposits of energy in a target zone. The successive deposits being separated by a cool down period. The therapy system further includes a thermometry module, e.g. by a magnetic resonance examination system, configured for thermometry to measure temperature in a measurement field. A control module regulates the cool down period in dependence of the measured off-focus maximum temperature during the energy deposit preceding the cool down period.
US08496580B2
Apparatus including an optical system (20) for use in an endoscope is provided. The optical system has distal and proximal ends, and includes an image sensor (32), positioned at the proximal end of the optical system. The optical system also includes an optical member (34) having distal (36) and proximal ends, and shaped so as to define: (a) a lateral surface, at least a distal portion of which is curved, configured to provide omnidirectional lateral viewing, (b) a distal indentation (44) in the distal end of the optical member, and (c) a proximal indentation (48) in the proximal end of the optical member. The optical system also includes a convex mirror (40), coupled to the distal end of the optical member, and shaped so as define an opening through which the distal indentation passes. A distal lens (52) is positioned distal to the mirror. The optical member, the mirror, and the distal lens have respective rotational shapes about a common rotation axis.
US08496579B2
The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for high-resolution microscopic imaging in laser endoscopy based on laser-induced object reaction radiation and for performing microscopic cuts in biological tissue. In using multiphoton processes for endoscopic applications in biological materials with an accuracy of under one millimeter, radiation of a pulsed femtosecond laser is focused into an object by means of a transmission focusing optics unit comprising a transmission system and miniature focusing optics having a high numerical aperture greater than 0.55 to trigger a local object reaction radiation in the micrometer to nanometer range, and the distal end of the transmission focusing optics unit is moved in at least two dimensions for highly spatially resolved scanning of the object and for transmitting object reaction radiation which is scanned in a locally progressive manner to an image-generating system with a photon detector. In an other embodiment the femtosecond laser radiation is energy enhanced is applied to the same transmission focusing optics unit to perform microendoscopic surgery in biological tissue.
US08496577B2
An endoscope apparatus comprising an irradiating section that switches over time between irradiating a target with light in a first wavelength region and light in a second wavelength region; a light receiving section that receives returned light from the target; a movement identifying section that identifies movement of the target, based on an image of the target captured using returned light from the target irradiated by light in the first wavelength region; a control section that that predicts timings at which a phase of the movement of the target is a predetermined phase, based on the movement identified by the movement identifying section, and causes the irradiating section to emit light in the second wavelength region at the predicted timings; and an image generating section that generates an image of the target based on the returned light received by the light receiving section at the predicted timings.
US08496575B2
The present invention provides a measuring endoscope apparatus which includes an endoscope that photoelectrically converts an image of an object to generate an imaging signal, a signal processing section that processes the imaging signal to generate image data, a distance measuring section that calculates an object distance based on a principle of triangulation using the image data, and a display section that displays the image of the object based on the image data. The measuring endoscope apparatus further includes a measuring section that calculates a size of the mark indicating a size of the object based on the object distance and a view angle of the endoscope. The display section also displays a mark along with the image of the object based on the image data.
US08496571B2
The apparatus consists of a pulse generator, a control device, and a field generating device which jointly generate a pulsed electromagnetic field, wherein series of pulses that have specific intensities and are applied at specific intervals and at different frequencies influence the pulsation of the field, thus making it possible to cause stimulating effects on homeostatic autoregulatory mechanisms in the organism. The pulsed electromagnetic field of the invention achieves greater changes in characteristics and significantly longer decay times than previously known electromagnetic fields. The long-term effectiveness can thereby be prolonged up to ten fold.
US08496570B2
A bone growth stimulator is provided. In one embodiment, the device has an elliptically shaped transducer coil. The coil provides increased therapeutic benefit to a wearer. An elliptically shaped housing supports and contains the coil. The housing includes a curvature when viewed in profile, such that a first surface of the housing is convex. The convex surface is adapted to be positioned against a wearer's lower back, to nest within the natural curvature thereof.
US08496563B2
An exercise support apparatus comprising acquiring unit for acquiring first information representative of at least one of an exercise experience and physical fitness of a user, storing unit for storing a plurality of kinds of exercises, exercise selecting unit configured to select at least one of the exercises stored in the storing unit, and at least one break; and exercise menu generating unit configured to generate an exercise menu including the selected exercises and the at least one break based on the acquired first information by the acquiring unit.
US08496548B2
A cylindrical carbon fiber arrow shaft formed with an increased external diameter of 0.380 inches. This arrow shaft is formed with an axial bore which has a first internal diameter throughout a substantial portion of the shaft length, and a second, smaller, internal diameter throughout the fletching end of the arrow. The second internal diameter corresponds to the internal diameter of standard arrows having external diameters of 0.295 inches. Using this standard internal diameter at the fletching-end of the arrow, standard nocks may be used without the need for any spacer or insert, thereby decreasing fletching-end weight significantly and providing for the proper and more desired location of the center of gravity forward on the arrow.
US08496538B1
A tilting platform assembly comprises a base member having a dome shaped upper surface portion, and a platform member having an upper playing surface and a concave shaped lower surface portion, the concave shaped lower surface portion corresponding substantially with the dome shape upper surface portion of the base member and being movable relative thereto. A mechanism is provided for selectively fixing and releasing the dome shaped upper surface portion of the base member relative to the concave shaped lower surface portion of the platform member to permit the top playing surface to be disposed at a plurality of different orientations.
US08496537B1
A golf putting-training device attachable to a golf club having a deformable rod member that is be shaped into a triangular configuration with a rod insert end then placed into a rod receptacle affiliated with a golf club fastener element forming a spaced apart triangular guide from said golf club wherethen the user forms a similar triangle extending from their hands, through the arms and between the shoulders and uses the guide to identify unwanted joint flexure or rotation during a putt thereby enabling corrective action.
US08496523B2
Techniques for handling wager residuals are described herein. Embodiments include a method that detects a residual from one or more wagers remaining in a first memory location for an electronic wagering game machine. The residual of the one or more wagers are transferred from the first memory location to a second memory location. Information about the residual is stored. The residual from the first memory location is cleared.
US08496522B2
A cascading symbol game includes designated symbols such as wild symbols. In the cascading symbol game, a gaming device generates and displays a symbol from a plurality of symbols for each of a plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device removes at least one symbol from at least one of the plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device repositions at least one displayed symbol to another one of the symbol positions to create at least one empty symbol position. If a designated event occurred, the gaming device generates and displays at least one designated symbol, such as a wild symbol, in the at least one empty symbol position, wherein the at least one designated wild symbol is generated independent of the plurality of symbols. The gaming device displays any award associated with any winning symbol combination formed from the displayed symbols.
US08496518B2
A gaming apparatus includes a value input device, a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a light array, an audio output device, and a controller operatively coupled to said value input device, said display unit, said light array and said audio output device, said controller including a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a video image representing a game to be generated on said display unit, to determine a game event mode, to selectively perform one of: (i) to cause a sound segment to be generated on said audio output device and synchronize a light pattern to be generated on said light array with the sound segment and (ii) to control said light array directly to cause a light pattern to be generated on said light array according to the game event mode, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said game.
US08496510B2
An object of the present invention is to reliably detect a belt to form a base tire having a desired shape and dimensions even in a case where a belt layer or a belt reinforcing layer is made of a non-metal material. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of producing a retread tire by grinding and removing by a grinding means tread rubber of a used tire including a belt layer, the tread rubber being disposed on the outer side in the radial direction of the belt layer, comprising the steps of: measuring hardness of the tread rubber by a hardness measuring means; and completing grinding of the tread rubber by the grinding means when hardness of the tread rubber measured by the hardness measuring means has reached a predetermined hardness.
US08496509B2
There is disclosed a bubble generating apparatus including a body portion, a bubble ring, a blower and a sound sensor. The bubble generating apparatus is designed to generate bubbles in response to sounds detected by the sound sensor. When sound is detected by the sensor, the blower is activated thereby directing air through the bubble ring in response to those sounds.
US08496503B2
A female electrical connector including at least a distal wiring part configured to be connected to an electric cable and at least a proximal connection part including an opening in an overall shape of a ring directed along a central axis, the ring configured to collaborate with an appendage belonging to a male electrical connector directed along a central axis so as to allow the two connectors to be electrically connected via a plurality of tabs connected to the ring, each tab including a base attached to the ring and a head distant from the ring and that comes into contact with the appendage, and at least one retaining tab in the shape of a claw and at least one electrical connection tab in the shape of a vane, the claw having a base of a width greater than or equal to the width of its head and the vane having a base of a width less than the width of its head.
US08496502B2
A coaxial cable connector includes a shell that extends between a mating end and a cable end. The cable end is configured to be terminated to an end of a coaxial cable. A dielectric insert is held within the shell. An inner contact is held within the dielectric insert. The inner contact has a spring loaded pin that is configured to be spring loaded against a center conductor of the coaxial cable.
US08496498B2
A lighting connector which includes (a) an upper housing having plural connector pins, and one or more interlocking grooves; and (b) a lower housing, the lower housing having a plurality of connector pin guide holes, and one or more interlocking tongue portions. The lower housing is connectable with the upper housing to form the lighting connector by coupling at least one of the one or more interlocking grooves with at least one of the one or more interlocking tongue portions, and by coupling at least one of the plural connector pins with at least one of the connector pin guide holes.
US08496494B2
A first electrical connector (1) for terminating an electrical cable (11) and for engaging with a mating electrical connector (51). The first connector comprises a body (5) having an engagement portion including a sleeve (7) whose passage extends along a mating axis (101) for engaging the mating electrical connector. The connector comprises at least one resilient member (15), such as a coil spring, arranged on the sleeve. The resilient member is capable of deforming radial to the mating axis (101) to provide a reaction force for maintaining the engagement of the connector with the mating connector. The first connector can be detached by lifting a boot (13) to pry apart the connectors.
US08496493B2
An apparatus for fixing a storage device includes a metal bracket, and a fixing frame slidably received in the bracket. The bracket includes two side plates, and one of the side plates forms a resilient tab. The fixing frame includes two opposite fixing arms each defining a latching hole, two resilient members, and two metal fasteners. Each resilient member includes a pad clinging to an inner surface of a corresponding one of the fixing arms, and a projection engaging in the latching hole of the corresponding fixing arm. Each fastener includes a head, and a pin. The heads are received in the corresponding latching holes and abut against outer sides of the corresponding projections. The pins extend through the corresponding through holes for engaging with the storage device. A protrusion extends outwards from one of the heads to contact the resilient tab and connect the storage device to ground.
US08496491B2
A connector unit includes a male connector including a first plug terminal, a second plug terminal, a first switch terminal, and a second switch terminal; and a female connector including a first jack terminal, a second jack terminal, a first contact unit, and a second contact unit. The first jack terminal is connected to the first contact unit. The second jack terminal is connected to the second contact unit. The first switch terminal is configured to make the first contact unit electrically conductive and the second switch terminal is configured to make the second contact unit electrically conductive when the male connector is inserted into the female connector and rotated with respect to the female connector.
US08496488B2
An apparatus includes a housing and a cover. The housing can include a surface to receive a terminal block to transmit power to an electrical component. A shroud to be inserted within the electrical component can extend away from the housing surface. The cover can have an end for hingedly attaching to the housing. Another cover end can be configured to releasably lock to the housing. The housing and the cover can have notches. The cover is pivotable relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover and the housing together form an enclosure for the terminal block, and the notches of the housing and the cover cooperatively define passageways configured to receive external wires to connect to the terminal block.
US08496483B1
An educational toy with interchangeable spheres for teaching the user to produce words, progressions, mathematics, patterns and other educational arrangements and sequences comprising a shaft with a permanently affixed stationary sphere on one end and a removable threaded sphere on the other. A plurality of educational balls having various graphics and horizontal throughbores that are slid onto the shaft in a user selected order when the threaded sphere is removed and retained thereon when it is replaced.
US08496476B2
Methods and apparatus providing a critical set of endodontic instruments. The set includes a first endodontic instrument, a second endodontic instrument, and a third endodontic instrument. Each endodontic instrument includes a working portion that has a cone-like shape. Each working portion having an effective contact area defined by the exposed surface area of the working portion's respective cone-like shape. The difference between the effective contact areas of the first endodontic instrument and second endodontic instrument being substantially the same as the difference between the effective contact areas of the second endodontic instrument and third endodontic instrument.
US08496473B2
A dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth includes digitizing the patient's tooth; adding virtual objects to predetermined locations on the digitized tooth; and fabricating the dental template to locate the object on the patient's tooth. The template can be used for etching or for positioning brackets on teeth.
US08496464B2
A closure assembly, of the type with a multi-rod drive, for the injection moulding of plastic material is described. The closure assembly has a plurality of closing rods and a driving plate, wherein the driving plate is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position. The closure assembly also has disconnecting and fixing means associated with each closing rod for disconnecting it from the driving plate, independently from the other closing rods, and to firmly fix it, once disconnected, on a side of the mould.
US08496459B2
An apparatus is configured to produce a spunbonded fabric. In order to achieve an airiness of the spunbonded fabric and ready adaptability to process parameters which are to be changed, a spinning beam together with a blowing apparatus is configured to be pivotable in a pivoting unit. A relatively high airiness is achieved by the filaments running obliquely onto the fabric belt below the spinning beam. Rotary leadthroughs or elastic feed lines to the spinning beam make the slight pivoting possible.
US08496458B2
A die press assembly (14) for pressing carbide steel cutting inserts for cutting tools comprising a lower clamp (8, 13) for clamping and holding a lower punch (7), a die clamp (6, 11) for clamping and holding a die (5) and a core pin clamp (10, 12) for clamping and holding a core pin (9), where the lower punch (7), the die (5) and the core pin (9) each have a bore or a recess (16, 30, 31, 32) for receiving a locking device (17).
US08496456B2
A progressive cavity pump includes at least one inner rotor with Z external threads and at least one outer rotor with Z+1 internal threads. The outer rotor has radial bearings at both ends, whereas the inner rotor has a radial bearing only on one side, preferably the inlet side. There is arranged, on the same side as the bearing of the inner rotor, a conventional gear, for example a wheel gear, for maintaining a stable ratio between the rotational speeds of the inner and outer rotors exactly equal to (Z+1)/Z.
US08496446B2
A compressor muffler (100) for a refrigeration system is provided with an array of Helmholtz resonators (130, 230, 330) formed along an inner surface of a muffler chamber (110) of the muffler.
US08496434B2
A rotor system for a rotorcraft having at least one rotor blade pair operably associated with a differential pitch assembly operably for controlling a pitch angle of an upper rotor blade and the lower rotor blade in the rotor blade pair. Operation of the differential pitch assembly changes the pitch of the upper rotor blade more severely than the pitch of the lower rotor blade. As such, the rotor system is configured to provide optimum pitch of the upper and lower rotor blades during a helicopter mode and an airplane mode.
US08496418B2
Fastening elements are known in which locking elements can be swivelled out of a non-operative position and into a fixing position. Usually, each of these locking elements has a locking lug. The known fastening devices are mostly very complex in their structure.The some embodiments of present application propose the provision of a fastening device for at least partially securing a first and a second freight item, which fastening device comprises a frame and comprises a locking claw having a first locking lug and a second locking lug. The locking lugs in this case are aligned along a longitudinal direction of the fastening device, for the purpose of encompassing and holding partial portions of the freight items. The locking claws are pivotally fastened to the frame of the fastening device in such a way that the locking claw can be swivelled out of a fixing position, for securing the freight items, into a non-operative position. The locking claw can comprise at least one ramp portion and be realized in such a way that the locking claw can be swivelled out of the fixing position and into the non-operative position by a freight item approaching in the transverse direction.This appliance is not only easy to operate, but can achieve considerable savings in weight in the configuration of the freight deck.
US08496414B2
A clamping member for reliably inserting a protrusion portion thereof into a mounting hole of a cutting insert so as to engage the protrusion portion with an inner peripheral surface of the cutting insert and strongly clamp the cutting insert on a tool holder. The clamping member includes a body having a top surface engageable with a head of a clamping bolt, a bottom surface facing the tool holder and a bolt hole for insertion of the clamping bolt, and a protrusion portion protruding from the bottom surface and being engageable with a mounting hole formed in the cutting insert. The protrusion portion has an inclined surface facing toward a rotational direction about a center axis of the clamping bolt, the inclined surface is inclined so that the protrusion portion is gradually tapered from a base side thereof proximate the bottom surface toward an end side thereof distal from the bottom surface.
US08496394B2
A method or arrangement for clamping at least one first and one second component to each other with a connection by force on all sides is disclosed. The connecting arrangement comprises a bolt extending from a first component through a through opening in a second component, a clamping nut which is screwed on the bolt for clamping the components, and a cone pair comprising an inner cone with a split and an outer cone. One part of this cone pair is formed as a conical clamping element, which is arranged and axially moveable for radial clamping on the bolt between the components and the clamping nut. A locking nut is screwed on the conical clamping element and clampable against an abutment surface of the second component to limit moveability of the clamping element.
US08496388B2
A fusion-splicing device, including a fusion-splicing operation element that fuses ends of opposing optical fiber segments to form a spliced optical fiber; a ferrule holding device that receives and holds a ferrule holder in a predetermined position, the ferrule holder having an open end that receives a ferrule therein and an opposite end from which a string-like stem extends. The ferrule having an optical fiber segment that extends away from the open end of the ferrule holder when the ferrule is disposed in the ferrule holder, one end of the ferrule holding device being open to allow an end of the optical fiber segment of the ferrule to be held at a position to be fused to an end of an opposing optical fiber, and an opposite end of the ferrule holding device being shaped to accommodate the stem.
US08496385B2
A connector incorporating a module, in which an incorporated electrical component may be cooled efficiently and reliably, is provided. A transmission apparatus disposed inside a main body cover of a module-incorporating connector is provided with a ceramic board at which an electrical component and such are mounted. A metal cover touches an upper face of the electrical component. A portion of the metal cover is disposed in an insertion portion of the main body cover. Heat generated by the electrical component is propagated via the metal cover to the insertion portion of a first cover member. When the module-incorporating connector is connected to a socket of a device, the insertion portion is disposed inside an exterior case, in which temperature is controlled by an air conditioner, and cooling is performed reliably and efficiently.
US08496384B2
A re-terminable, no-crimp ST-type optical connector assembly includes a spring-loaded ferrule holder assembly and a reusable activation system for termination of the assembly. The optical connector can be terminated by a suitable cam activation tool. The connector includes a housing, such as a bayonet, matable to a mating adapter, a backbone retained within a rear of the housing, a ferrule holder provided within the backbone, and a cam provided between the ferrule holder and the backbone. The ferrule holder includes an alignment key exposed to mate with a cam activation tool to lock rotation of the ferrule holder relative to other connector components. The cam includes a cam activation cutout at a front face thereof that mates with a cam activation tool interface to enable rotation of the cam between de-activated and activated positions, the cam activation cutout also receiving the alignment key of the ferrule holder therethrough.
US08496374B2
A differential scanning calorimeter (1) includes: a sample container (2) for receiving a measurement sample; a reference substance container (3) for receiving a reference substance; a heat sink (10); a thermal resistance (5), which is connected between the sample container and the heat sink, and between the reference substance container and the heat sink to form heat flow paths therebetween; a sample-side thermocouple (7), which is thermally connected to the thermal resistance at a portion in the vicinity of the sample container with its hot-junction (7c) being insulated; and a reference substance-side thermocouple (8), which is thermally connected to the thermal resistance at a portion in the vicinity of the reference substance container with its hot junction (8c) being insulated, in which the sample-side thermocouple and the reference substance-side thermocouple output a heat flow difference signal indicating a temperature difference between the measurement sample and the reference substance.
US08496365B2
A vehicle lighting assembly is provided which includes a housing, first and second light sources located in the housing, and an articulating lighting device. The articulating lighting device is located within the housing and moves between a use position in front of another light source to provide light and a retracted position. Accordingly, light assembly housing is effectively used to provide a secondary light source, such as a daylight running lamp.
US08496363B2
A wall notification device described herein can draw a lower current by providing a more efficient reflector configuration. The reflector is designed to be positioned on a wall and provide sufficient light output in each of the requisite directions, as required by the UL 1971 standard. The notification device has a reflector unit having a base having a curved portion centered on the vertical axis and a flat portion extending from the curved portion; a reflective flange extending from a location near a top side of the base; a first and second specular protrusion extending from the curved portion of the base; a third and fourth specular protrusion extending from the base; a fifth and sixth specular protrusion extending from the curved portion of the base; and a sixth and seventh specular protrusion extending form the flat portion of the base.
US08496356B2
A high-intensity light source is formed by a micro array of a semiconductor light source such as a LEDs, laser diodes, or VCSEL placed densely on a liquid or gas cooled thermally conductive substrate. The semiconductor devices are typically attached by a joining process to electrically conductive patterns on the substrate, and driven by a microprocessor controlled power supply. An optic element is placed over the micro array to achieve improved directionality, intensity, and/or spectral purity of the output beam. The light module may be used for such processes as, for example, fluorescence, inspection and measurement, photopolymerzation, ionization, sterilization, debris removal, and other photochemical processes.
US08496350B2
The wiring board comprises an FFC and a through-hole portion as a segmenting portion. The through-hole portion segments the conductive pattern of the FFC into a plurality of conductive pattern segments. The conductive pattern segments connect the light emitting elements to thereby connect the light emitting elements in series to one another.
US08496349B2
The present invention discloses a uniform light emitting lamp structure including a lamp holder, an electric connection portion and a planar portion disposed on both end surfaces of the lamp holder respectively, and the planar portion includes a circuit board electrically coupled to the electric connection portion. The lamp structure further includes an LED light source, a lamp cover and a light guide column with a refractive index n1. After the light of the LED light source is projected from an environmental medium with a refractive index n2 to the light guide column, a portion of the light is reflected from the critical plane in a direction corresponding to the lamp holder through reflections and refractions, such that the light of the LED light source is projected in the environmental medium to achieve the uniform light emitting effect.
US08496347B1
A modular lighting system and method that can utilize a wide variety of members, connectors, power sources, light sources, and light source covers. The system can be implemented in a variety of different ways, with some embodiments involving fully interchangeable components. Some members can be rigid or substantially rigid to allow substantially rigid assembly structures. Light source covers can be removed and added to customize the individual impact of an individual light source as well as the aggregate display of the entire assembly.
US08496346B2
A device for illuminating the interior of a pumpkin, gourd or the like includes a housing having an interior region and a lighting assembly positioned at least in part within the interior region. The lighting assembly includes a rechargeable power source and a lighting element. The device includes a depending skirt extending from the housing and defining a recess. A photovoltaic collector is operably connected to the lighting assembly. The skirt is inserted into an opening in the pumpkin, gourd or the like, and the lighting element illuminates the interior of the pumpkin, gourd or the like. The photovoltaic collector recharges the rechargeable power source when exposed to ambient light.
US08496339B2
A transparent wavelength-selective retroreflector (100) that retroreflects light within a specific wavelength range and is transparent to visible light. A transparent wavelength-selective retroreflector allows visible light to pass therethrough and selectively retroreflects light within a specific wavelength range. One preferred embodiment of a transparent, wavelength-selective retroreflector includes an optical structure layer (101) that is made of a light transmissible material and a wavelength selective reflective layer (102). At least one of the front or rear surfaces includes a cube corner structure, such as cube-corner type trigonal pyramids, cube-corner type cavities, cube-corner type trigonal pyramids with reflective layers, cube-corner type cavities with reflective layers, and the like.
US08496333B2
An illumination module including a light emitting element, a wavelength conversion unit, a control unit, and a determining unit is provided. The light emitting element is capable of emitting an excitation light beam. The wavelength conversion unit is disposed on a transmission path of the excitation light beam for converting the excitation light beam into a color light beam. The control unit is connected to the wavelength conversion unit and capable of driving the wavelength conversion unit to rotate and to shift relative to the excitation light beam. The determining unit is electrically connected to the control unit. When the determining unit determines that a shifting condition is satisfied, the determining unit instructs the control unit to shift the wavelength conversion unit relative to the excitation light beam, so as to change the irradiation position of the excitation light beam on the wavelength conversion unit.
US08496320B2
An ink cartridge includes a body that is adapted to contain ink, an air vent provided on the body adapted to enable air to pass into and out of the body, and a sealing member that covers the air vent, the sealing member being heat staked to the body.
US08496319B2
A fluid container includes a housing unit including a free-fluid chamber, a regulated chamber, and a plurality of valves. The free-fluid chamber is configured to store fluid. The regulated chamber includes an air bag assembly, an outlet, and a plurality of states. The air bag assembly is configured to regulate respective fluid therein and includes at least one air bag including an internal chamber having a volume capacity. The outlet is configured to transport the respective fluid from the regulated chamber. At least one of the plurality of valves is configured to selectively stop fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the free-fluid chamber based on the respective state of the regulated chamber.
US08496306B2
The opening mechanism includes a fixing member, a movable member, a locking member, a first resilient member and a second resilient member. The fixing member is fixed to a first rail and has a guide portion, a stop and a room. The movable member is movably connected to the fixing member and has a first leg, a second leg and an engaging portion. The first leg slidably contacts the guide portion and the second leg extends into the room. The locking member is pivotably connected to a second rail and includes a locking portion. The first and second resilient members respectively provide a force to a third rail and the movable member. When the second rail is forcibly pulled out relative to the first rail, the movable member is moved and pivots at an angle so that the locking portion is disengaged from the engaging portion.
US08496305B2
A furniture unit including a compartment that contains and conceals a subwoofer, wherein the compartment has vent openings that allow air and sound to pass freely between the subwoofer compartment and the outside of the furniture unit while concealing the subwoofer from the view of a person sitting within a typical viewing angle of a television that is placed on top of the furniture unit or mounted on the wall above the unit.
US08496303B2
A pump assembly including a housing, a pump unit having a low pressure portion and a high pressure portion and accommodated in a pump unit receiving portion which is formed in the housing, a suction passage, a low pressure chamber communicated with the suction passage and the low pressure portion, and a discharge passage, wherein when the pump unit is accommodated in the pump unit receiving portion, the low pressure chamber is formed between the pump unit and a wall surface of the housing which defines the pump unit receiving portion, and the discharge passage is formed by a communication pipe which extends through the low pressure chamber and communicates the housing and the high pressure portion of the pump unit with each other.
US08496301B2
A vehicle brake mechanism includes a master cylinder operated with a brake pedal. A first fluid channel connects a first hydraulic chamber of the master cylinder to a first-circuit wheel cylinder. A second fluid channel connects a second hydraulic chamber of the master cylinder to a second-circuit wheel cylinder. A master cut valve is provided in the first fluid channel and is capable of hindering communication between the first hydraulic chamber and the first-circuit wheel cylinder. A slave cylinder is connected to the second fluid channel and is driven by an actuator to generate a hydraulic pressure. A third fluid channel is provided downstream of the master cut valve and the slave cylinder and connects the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel to each other. A connection control valve is provided in the third fluid channel to close the third fluid channel.
US08496299B2
An omnidirectional wheel has a hub that is rotatable around a rotational axis, and two wheel discs connected to the hub and spaced coaxially on the hub. A number of roller bodies are located between the wheel discs, evenly distributed around a circumferential edge of the wheel. The respective roller axes of the roller bodies are aligned at a diagonal angle relative to the rotational axis, and are each supported in a freely rotating manner between the wheel discs at opposite ends thereof. Each roller body is mounted in a freely rotating manner in respective modules respectively attached to the wheel discs.
US08496297B2
Described are several mechanisms for permitting a user to adjust the seat on a stationary exercise bicycle. The described mechanisms can be used to adjust the height of the seat or the fore and aft positioning of the seat on an upright type bicycle. Each of the described mechanisms can be configured to provide users with an optimum seat position and with a convenient latch mechanism to adjust the position of the seat.
US08496296B2
A connecting structure comprises a tubular connection joint and a tubular pipe-shaped cardboard tube for integral engagement with the tubular connection joint. The tubular connection joint is generally curved-shaped and has an insertion portion and a lock projection disposed along a curved inner surface of the insertion portion. The pipe-shaped cardboard tube has an oblique front end portion configured to be inserted into the tubular connection joint so that the oblique front end portion engages between the lock projection and the curved inner surface of the insertion portion.
US08496294B2
A seat assembly for supporting an occupant above a floor includes a support mechanism operatively coupled between a seat back and a seat cushion. A rear end of the seat cushion is released from the support mechanism to pivot the seat cushion from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position in response to pivotal movement of the seat back from an upright seating position to a forwardly folded position. The support mechanism is released from the floor and a stand-up link pivotally coupled between the floor and the support mechanism moves the seat cushion from the generally horizontal position to the generally vertical position and simultaneously urges the seat back to pivot relative to the seat cushion, thereby maintaining the seat back in a generally vertical orientation defining a stand-up position.
US08496293B2
A child restraint in accordance with the present disclosure includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. The child-restraint harness includes a crotch belt. A seat-back tether strap is also included in the child restraint.
US08496289B2
A pitman-style foldable frame structure has an innovative and unique assembled design. The frame structure includes foldable panels, a central spindle, lateral frames, oblique connecting rods, a control device, and a central connecting frame. The frame structure offers improvement over the prior art in lowering the material cost and increasing structural support strength and rigidity of the pitman-style foldable frame and achieves practical advancement and better industrial utilization effect.
US08496288B2
An outer side wall structure for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger automobile, having a front section and a rear section, between which at least one door of the motor vehicle can be situated, and having an upper section and a lower section. It is provided that the sections form a peripheral frame.
US08496287B2
A front vehicle body structure includes, on each of left and right sides, a front side frame, an upper member, a frame connecting member, an impact absorbing mechanism. The impact absorbing mechanism has a closed cross-sectional shape in frontal view of a vehicle. The impact absorbing mechanism includes an external wall and an internal wall. The external wall is substantially straight with respect to an upper internal wall of the upper member such that the frame connecting member is disposed therebetween. The internal wall has a shape in which at least a front portion of the internal wall between a central portion of the internal wall in its longitudinal direction and the bumper beam is obliquely bent outward.
US08496283B1
A roll-up tarp apparatus for attachment to an open top truck trailer having a truck box, having end caps at each end that partially cover the top opening. Preferred embodiments include a flexible tarp having at least one magnet, even more preferably a plurality of magnets along each end of the flexible tarp, that are configured to releasably secure the flexible tarp to the end cap when the flexible tarp is in the secured position. Preferably, the flexible tarp is wound around an elongated roll bar that is secured to at least one arm that connects the elongated roll bar to the truck box and selectively activates movement of the elongated roll bar to move the flexible tarp from an open position to a secured position. Various embodiments include biasing members to bias the arm(s).
US08496279B2
A lifting hook device includes a fixed hook for lifting disposed at a head section of a hollow body having an inside maintained airtight, and a rotatable hook for suspending a load, the rotatable hook has a shaft section rotatably supported in the body and vertically suspended from a bottom section, a motor for rotating the shaft section of the rotatable book about the axis of the shaft section through a rotating mechanism, an azimuth sensor mounted to the rotatable hook and detecting the rotational azimuth of the rotatable hook, and a control section for controlling rotation of the motor to restrict the orientation of the rotatable hook to a predetermined direction.
US08496274B2
A threaded connection includes a pin member comprising a first pin step and a second pin step, and pin wedge threads disposed on each of the first and second pin steps and a box member comprising a first box step and a second box step, and box wedge threads disposed on each of the first and second box steps, wherein an axial separation of the first and second pin steps differs from an axial separation of the first and second box steps.
US08496261B2
A mobility chair is arranged for a high degree of maneuverability, and is particularly useful for handicapped individuals in need of a highly stable and maneuverable carriage. The mobility chair may be particularly useful for children, and includes a seat positioned between first and second wheels of a first wheel set, wherein the axial spacing dimension of the first and second wheels is greater than the axle height. The mobility chair is arranged for pivotability about the first wheel set axle to permit the user to freely pivot forward while in the seat of the chair, with the pivoting being limited in both circumaxial directions about the axle axis.
US08496259B2
A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle trailer includes a pair of elongated, spaced-apart parallel main members, each one having a pair of spaced apart parallel vertical walls. At least one cross member extends between and attaches to the main members, and includes a pair of spaced apart parallel transversely-extending vertical walls. Each one of a first pair of hangers includes a pair of spaced-apart parallel vertical walls that generally align and attach to the main member vertical walls. Each hanger includes a hanger support having a pair of spaced apart parallel vertical webs integrally formed with a diagonally extending side member. The hanger support attaches to the inboard hanger wall and also to the cross member. The frame reduces weight and provides improved reaction of longitudinal and side loads, yet still efficiently reacts vertical and racking loads imparted on the frame during operation of the vehicle.
US08496255B2
The invention relates to a clamping system for clamping a number of tools wherein said system comprises: a body; an elongated groove arranged in the body for reception of a clamping part of at least one tool; at least one pusher element extendable into the groove for pushing the clamping part of a tool against a wall of the groove; wherein shape imposed displacement means for displacing the at least one pusher element from a first position substantially freeing the groove, enabling insertion of the clamping part of a tool into the groove, towards a second position, in which the at least one pusher element extends into the groove.
US08496237B2
An apparatus for rotation of a structural beam during fabrication thereof comprises spaced mounting members, each mounting member including a base frame and a circular support bracket supported for rotation by spaced rollers mounted on said base frame. At least one of the spaced rollers includes a drive mechanism to rotate the support brackets with a beam located therein. Each support bracket comprises a beam clamp mechanism with a stationary portion and a movable portion pivotably mounted thereto to form opposable jaws to receivably locate said beam therein.
US08496228B2
A stemless ball valve comprising a first flange, second flange, ball, inner magnetic cartridge, outer magnetic cartridge, and planetary gear assembly. The inner magnetic cartridge is situated inside of the outer magnetic cartridge, and the inner and outer magnetic cartridges actuate the valve. The planetary gear assembly is situated between the inner magnetic cartridge and the ball. The planetary gear assembly comprises one or more planetary gear phases, each planetary gear phase comprising a step-down gear. Each planetary gear phase comprises one or more planetary gears that engage with the inner teeth of the outer ring of the planetary gear assembly and with a step-down gear. The invention further comprises a pressure equalization system comprising inner and outer equalization tubes, a piston situated between the inner and outer equalization tubes, and either a piston spring or spring washer stack that biases the piston in the direction of the clean oil.
US08496226B2
A seal assembly is provided for a rotary ball valve having a top-mounted bonnet, thereby allowing the seal assembly to be installed and removed without removing the valve from the pipeline. In an embodiment, the seal assembly may include a seal ring disposed within the valve interior and biased toward the ball element of the valve. A seal carrier may be disposed between the seal ring and the valve body, and the seal carrier may be removably secured to the valve body by a plurality of bolts disposed in the valve interior. A primary leak path may exist between the seal ring and the seal carrier and a secondary leak path may exist between the seal carrier and the valve body. A bellows seal may prevent fluid flow through the primary leak path, and an auxiliary seal may prevent fluid flow through the secondary leak path.
US08496223B2
A sideform molding accessory (10) includes a cap member (12) for capping an end (14) of a sideform (16). The cap member (12) includes a pair of opposed sides (12.1) and (12.2) and a peripheral portion (13) with at least a part of a profile (18) of the peripheral portion (13) complementing a molding surface (20) of the sideform (16) A retaining member (22) extends from one of the sides (12.2) of the cap member (12) for retaining the cap member (12) in position relative to the end (14) of the sideform (16).
US08496218B2
In some embodiments, a display mounting system may include a display monitor coupled to a display arm that is mounted relative to a guide track. The display arm may be configured to contact the guide track though a track follower. The guide track may have an arc with a height that varies relative to a yaw position along the arc. In some embodiments, the track follower may be configured to move in contact with the arc of the guide track in a yaw direction and movement of the track follower in the yaw direction along the guide track may result in a change in pitch of the display arm. In some embodiments, the arc of the guide track may include a point for a stowed position of the display arm and a second point for a deployed position of the display arm.
US08496217B2
The present invention relates to a pressure-applying telescopic spacer formed by two attached tubes telescopically coupled to one another with sheet metal rings pushed by a spring for establishing a wedging and driving of the sheet metal rings on the inner tube and blocking the axial movement of the latter with respect to the outer tube. The assembly of sheet metal rings and push spring being located in a head belonging to a sleeve with anchoring devices for the fixing thereof on the outer tube. The body determined by the sleeve and the head or expansion forming a handle for manually handling the spacer. Support plates are connected with movable devices for adjusting the spacing length of the spacer itself to the desired measurement are included at the ends.
US08496216B2
In order to enable mounting of a cabinet 1 having a display unit to a supporting base 9, axial members 121 and 131 in the shape of a regular polygonal prism are disposed in the cabinet 1 and fitting holes 91 and 92 into which the regular polygonal prisms can be fitted, respectively, are disposed in the supporting base 9. By opening and then closing, or opening and then moving the axial members 121 and 131, the user can fit or remove them into or from the fitting holes 91 and 92, respectively, so as to mount or demount the cabinet to or from the supporting base. By tilting the cabinet by an angle when fitting the axial members into the fitting holes, respectively, the user can change the rotational attitude of the cabinet 1 with respect to the supporting base. Thereby, the user can use the display unit at different times and at different positions with simple manipulations.
US08496215B2
An elbow bracket for cables or pipes, supported by a structure of an aeronautical device, in which a reinforcing rib of the elbowed main plate is not assembled with the elbowed main plate by welding but by tightening following a twisting of end-pieces traversing slots of the main plate and causing an outer face of the plate to be trapped against an upper face of oblong slits partially cutting into the end-pieces. The support is faster to construct, and has sufficient resistance.
US08496211B2
The invention relates generally to a bracket adaptable to mount upon a wall stud and resist displacement of the bracket in response to external forces, thereby maintaining one or more securely enclosed conductors at least a fixed distance from an installed sheet of drywall. A mounting portion is shaped to permit fastening to a wall stud. A lateral support portion is attached to the mounting portion and at an angle relative to the mounting portion such that upon fastening of the bracket to the wall stud an edge of the lateral support portion engages the wall stud and resists displacement of the bracket. The lateral support portion includes an aperture wherein the conductors may be placed such that they extend substantially parallel to the plane of the wall stud, and are also thereby positioned at least a fixed distance from the plane of the sheet of drywall.
US08496205B2
A dual pivot load restraint for cargo aircraft for restraining pallet type loads from vertical movement having an upper pivot member pivotally mounted on a lower pivot member and the lower pivot member is pivotally mounted on a base member and the upper pivot member having an engagement portion having an engagement position for projecting into pockets on a pallet type cargo load and abutting against a lower wall thereof, and the lower pivot member having an engagement position for the upper pivot member in the engagement position thereof, and the walls of the pallet type cargo load engaging the engagement portion of the upper pivot member to move the upper pivot member to a retracted position for movement of the pallet type cargo load in the aft direction of the aircraft, and the walls of the pallet type cargo load engaging the engagement portion of the upper pivot member to move the upper pivot member with the lower pivot member to a retracted position of the lower pivot member, and having resilient members for resisting movement of the upper pivot member and the lower pivot member from the engagement positions thereof and urging the movement of the upper pivot member and the lower pivot member to the engagement positions thereof after movement therefrom.
US08496201B2
A heat sink is used to absorb heat produced by a vehicle. The heat sink uses a steam reformer to create an endothermic reaction between two fluids. Excess heat from the vehicle's engine is used to heat the reactor to facilitate the endothermic reaction. In some embodiments, the reactant fluids are pre-heated by absorbing heat from various components of the vehicle. Excess heat from the various components or from the vehicle engine is used to vaporize the fluids before the fluids enter the reactor.
US08496197B2
A paper shredder includes a housing, cutters positioned in the housing, and a feeder base adapted to support a stack of paper. The feeder base includes a feeder slot. The feeder base further includes a first aperture on one side of the feeder slot, the first aperture providing a first communication pathway between a top surface of the feeder base and a waste area below the feeder base, and a second aperture on a same side of the feeder slot as the first aperture, the second aperture providing a second communication pathway between the top surface of the feeder base and the waste area below the feeder base. The first and second communication pathways are separated from one another.
US08496193B2
A fluid flow control device, particularly useful for drip-irrigation emitters, for controlling the discharge of a fluid (water) from a discharge port in a fluid conduit (drip irrigation pipe) includes: a housing attachable to the fluid conduit and constructed to define a fluid chamber having an inlet opening communicating with the interior of the fluid conduit, and an outlet opening communicating with the discharge port of the fluid conduit; and a flow control member freely movable within the fluid chamber and having a surface contacting an inner surface of the housing to control the flow of fluid from said fluid chamber out of the fluid conduit via said outlet opening in the housing. One of the contacting surfaces of the flow control member or housing is formed with a protruding pattern such that the two contacting surfaces define small passageways for the flow of fluid from the fluid chamber out of the fluid conduit via the outlet opening. The flow control member is manually accessible, via the outlet opening, to be manually moved away from the outlet opening in the fluid chamber and thereby to flush the small passageways of any clogging particles.
US08496187B2
A removable component for dispensing a physical resource from a dispensing system may include a body defining a reservoir in which a physical resource may be stored, a graphic provided on the removable component having information.
US08496181B2
There is set forth herein a method of providing network connectivity. The method can include introducing a new communication device within a communication range of a portable data collection device, the new communication device comprising a dynamic access module enabling the new communication device to receive data packets from the portable data collection device and route payload data of the data packets to an access point. In one aspect the new communication device can receive data packets from the portable data collection device and route payload data of the data packets to the access point if the new communication device determines that it is in range of both of said access point and the portable data collection device. There is set forth herein a system having a dynamic access module.
US08496178B2
Systems and techniques for image based bar code scanning. A rotating spinner is positioned to reflect images to an imaging device within the scanner so that a field of view of the scanner encompasses images reflected by the spinner to the imaging device. The rotation of the spinner causes the field of view of the scanner to change. Mirrors positioned and oriented to reflect images to the spinner and from the spinner to the imaging device further shift the field of view of the scanner as the rotating spinner causes images reflected from different mirrors to be delivered to the imaging device so that both cashier and customer side imaging sensing may be employed. The image field may be automatically shifted from cashier side imaging to customer side imaging, shifted based on detection of customer presentation of an item in a customer presentation window field of view, or manually shifted by a cashier.
US08496176B2
A scanning apparatus and method for entering a user input into the apparatus uses a non-electrical control device having a target undersurface, which can be manually manipulated to a particular setting. The particular setting of the non-electrical control device is determined by processing an image of at least a portion of the target undersurface captured by a scan sensor of the scanning apparatus.
US08496173B2
A camera-based code reader (10) has an image sensor comprising a line-shaped reading area (18) for capturing an image line, an illumination unit (28, 30) for illuminating the reading area (18), an evaluation unit (46) configured to compose an image from successively captured image lines, and a decoding unit (48) for locating and decoding code information in the image. The code reader (10) further comprises an elongated base body (26) with a plurality of individual image sensors (32) mounted thereon, each of the individual image sensors (32) comprising a line-shaped individual reading area (18a-d), and the individual image sensors (32) together forming the image sensor by being oriented and arranged relative to one another so that the individual reading areas (18a-d) overlap to form the line-shaped reading area (18).
US08496169B2
An enhanced security system utilizes a consumer wireless device and independent secure servers to enhance identification and authentication of the electronic ticketing. The consumer may make an eTicket purchase using a network, such as the Internet, in a conventional manner. The server involved in the purchase may send an eTicket confirmation to a consumer wireless device. However, master records of the transaction are sent via a secure link to a vendor server, typically associated with a wireless service provider. At a point just-in-time, the vendor server transmits symbology to the consumer wireless device and transmits additional data related to the symbology to a security server. When the consumer arrives with the eTicket, the consumer also uses the displayed symbology on the consumer wireless device. The symbology is scanned and compared with data transmitted from the vendor server to the security server. If authenticated, the eTicket may be authenticated. In addition, a near field communicator in the consumer wireless device may be programmed to provide additional security. The programmed NFC may be scanned to provide additional authentication.
US08496168B1
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader that is operative to read card data corresponding to financial accounts from user cards. The card data is linked in at least one data store to data indicating that the card data corresponds to a financial account that is authorized to be used to conduct at least one transaction through use of the automated banking machine. The automated banking machine may be used to carry out financial transfers involving financial accounts by users who are determined to be authorized users of such accounts. Data corresponding to a financial account can also be linked to a mobile wireless device through inputs by an authorized user through an input device of the automated banking machine.
US08496163B1
High speed document mailing comprises receiving package tracking data electronically from a courier for a document to be shipped via the courier, digitally placing the package tracking data onto a page within the document, printing out the document, and automatically inserting the document into an envelope such that the package tracking data on the page is visible through a window of the envelope.
US08496159B2
Solder bumps of uniform height are provided on a substrate through the use of injection molded solder. Copper pillars or ball limiting metallurgy are formed over I/O pads within the channels of a patterned layer of photoresist. Solder is injected over the pillars or BLM, filling the channels. The solder, which does not contain flux, is allowed to solidify. It forms a plurality of solder structures (bumps) of equal heights. Solder injection and solidification are preferably carried out in a nitrogen environment or a forming gas environment. Molten solder can be injected in channels formed in round wafers without spillage using a carrier assembly that accommodates such wafers and a fill head.
US08496155B2
An exemplary surgical stapler may include a staple holder, including an upper surface with two substantially-planar angled surfaces positioned lateral to and angled relative to each other. The staple holder may include staple channels within it, and each staple channel may open to a corresponding angled surface. The stapler may also include at least one feeder belt extending into the staple holder and staples frangibly affixed to the feeder belt. Generally, at least one staple is held within a corresponding staple channel of the staple holder.
US08496152B2
There is provided a surgical instrument incorporating driving force mechanisms capable of transmitting a driving force through an articulated section of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, a series of racks connect with a transfer gear to pass forces around the articulated section. In an alternative embodiment a series of cable sections and wheels or pulleys are provided to transmit a driving force through the articulated section of the surgical instrument.
US08496149B1
A hunting blind assembly having a frame adapted for shoulder supported carriage; a collapsible hunting blind; a durable flexible sheet fitted for, upon movement of the hunting blind to its collapsed configuration and upon placement of the hunting blind in contact with the frame's back side, and between the frame's left and right ends, arcuately covering the hunting blind; and left and right pluralities of ties interconnecting the frame with the durable flexible sheet, the left and right pluralities of ties, in combination with the frame and the durable flexible sheet, encapsulating the hunting blind.
US08496127B2
A method for producing a stacking column (P) for storing storage items above or alongside one another on pawls (13) which are arranged between two side walls (1, 2) such that they can rotate about an axis (12), the side walls (1, 2), pawls (13) and mounting brackets (7) form an assembly for producing stacking columns (P) of varying pitch.
US08496126B2
A product pusher device includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear end, and a channel and a paddle movably connected to the track for movement along the channel. The paddle has a front face for engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products located on the track. The paddle includes a foot which is slidably engaged in the channel and extends forwardly of the front face. A biasing element urges the paddle toward the track front end.
US08496123B2
The invention relates to a process for making porous cross-linked cellulose membranes and processes for coupling a chromatography ligand to cross-linked cellulose membranes. The invention provides methods for separating a first component from a second component in a solution based upon a difference in the size of the first and second components, and methods for separating target molecules from other components in a solution comprising use of membranes obtainable by the process of the invention. The method has particular utility in separating proteins from cell lysates and cultures.
US08496122B2
The present invention relates to a membrane being suitable for, for example, hemodialysis. Said membrane comprises at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer. According to the present invention the outer surface of the hollow fiber has pores in the range of 0.5-3 μm and the numbers of said pores in the outer surface are in the range of 10,000 to 150,000 pores per mm2, preferably in the range of 18,000 to 100,000 pores per mm2, and most preferably in the range of 20,000 to 100,000 pores per mm2. The present invention further relates to a process for the preparation of said membrane and use of said membrane in hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration, and in dialysis and filtration in general, for example in water purification or dehydration.
US08496119B2
A fluid filter is described, which includes a housing having a first end portion defining fluid inlet and fluid outlet areas, a filter media disposed in the housing, having inlet surfaces communicating with the fluid inlet and outlet surfaces communicating with the fluid outlet, and a relief valve assembly for selectively opening a filter bypass connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The relief valve assembly has a media plug for anchoring it in the filter media, the media plug having a bypass aperture connecting to the fluid outlet, and a valve element secured to the media plug. The valve element has a valving portion cooperating with the bypass aperture in the media plug for resiliently closing the bypass aperture when an inlet fluid pressure is below a threshold pressure, and for opening the bypass aperture when the inlet fluid pressure is above the threshold pressure.
US08496117B2
The filter apparatus for an incoming liquid which includes a retentate and a permeate includes a housing with a frame and a hollow drum assembly mounted for rotation within the housing. An inlet assembly delivers the incoming liquid under pressure to the drum assembly. A filter assembly is mounted to the inside of the drum. A trough assembly is mounted so as to be in a fluid-tight relationship to the interior surface of the filter assembly as the drum rotates past the trough assembly. A manifold is fixedly mounted and configured to cover successive columns of openings of the drum wall as the drum rotates. Pressurized gas is directed to the manifold, so that as the drum turns, and retentate is collected on the interior surface of the filter, pressurized fluid from the manifold dislodges the retentate into the trough and out an outlet assembly.
US08496110B2
A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.
US08496107B2
Methods and apparatus for grasping an object using a re-closable bag with integrated finger sleeves. The re-closable bag includes a flexible side panel, an opening on a top end of the bag, and at least two flexible finger sleeves connected to the side panel. The opening includes a closure adapted, when closed, to seal the bag. The at least two flexible finger sleeves, when in a first position, are disposed between a first portion and a second portion of the side panel. Each finger sleeve in the two or more finger sleeves is adapted to accept at least a portion of a human finger. In some aspects, an object grasped using the finger sleeves can be retracted into the re-closable bag with integrated finger sleeves and stored within the bag.
US08496103B2
A conveying apparatus (1) moves a transport unit (3) having at least one running section (4, 5). The running section (4, 5) can, in particular, be configured as a runner of a skid. The conveying apparatus (1) has a support (6, 8) which takes up the weight of the transport unit (3) on the running section (4, 5). The conveying apparatus (1) includes at least one drive roller (20) which interacts with the running section (4, 5) of the transport unit (3) for a rolling movement and subjects the transport unit (3) to a force (FK) for movement along the support (6, 8). The drive roller (20) is operatively connected to a force-generating device (44) for providing a press-on force (FP) pressing the drive roller (20) against the running section (4, 5) of the transport unit (3).
US08496098B1
A manual seat height adjuster mechanism for a seat of a vehicle includes a freewheel brake mechanism having a rotatable output pinion to engage and rotate an adjustment component of the seat to adjust a height of the seat and a locking mechanism selectively engagable and disengageable with the freewheel brake mechanism to allow the height of the seat to be adjusted and to prevent the height of the seat from moving once the height has been adjusted.
US08496091B2
An elevator car layout information editing system 1000 includes a riding car display device 300 and a car layout information editing device 400. The riding car display device 300 stores at least one piece of car layout information showing planar layout of plural elevator cars at a transverse section of a building, displays the above car layout information, and as well carries out an editing process of the displayed car layout information according to an edition instructing signal to instruct the editing process of the above car layout information. The car layout information editing device 400 receives an editing operation for the above car layout information displayed by the riding car display device 300, generates the edition instructing signal to instruct the editing process corresponding to the received editing operation, and sends the generated edition instructing signal to the display device.
US08496078B2
A semi-autonomous vehicle includes a chassis having a repository on a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system, a steering system, a braking system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system of the semi-autonomous vehicle is operatively coupled to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system and signally connected to the extra-vehicle sensory system and the extra-vehicle communications system. A non-load-bearing coupling mechanism of the semi-autonomous vehicle includes a connector, a flexible mechanical link element and a communications link.
US08496072B2
A drop hammer for driving a pile comprising a ram member supported within a housing chamber for movement relative to the housing member between the lower position and the upper position and a lifting system for moving the ram member from the lower position to the upper position. When the lifting system raises the ram member above a preload position, ambient air substantially freely flows into and out of the housing chamber through a vent port. When the ram member falls below the preload position, fluid is prevented from flowing through the vent port such that ambient air within a preload chamber portion of the housing chamber compresses to create a preload force that is transmitted to the pile. When the ram member moves into the lower position, an impact force generated by the ram member is transmitted to the pile.
US08496069B2
A device for cultivating soil or brushing debris includes a frame supporting a transmission and a motor. The transmission defines a housing. A drive shaft, which is at least partially surrounded by the housing, is driven by the motor. The drive shaft is a worm having a first set of threads on an exterior surface thereof and a second set of threads on the exterior surface thereof. The first set of threads are spaced-apart from and angled with respect to the second set of threads. A first gear, a second gear, and a third gear are all supported at least partially within the housing. External teeth of the second gear are in constant engagement with external teeth of both the first and third gears. A shaft is fixedly attached to the second gear and an assembly is removable attached to the shaft.
US08496065B2
A release assembly (200) for releasing a portion of a tool string in a wellbore. The release assembly (200) includes an outer housing (202) having a fishing receptacle (206) disposed therein. The fishing receptacle (206) includes a fishing neck (208). A support assembly (214) is disposed within the housing (202). The support assembly (214) has a first position wherein the support assembly (214) engages the fishing neck (208) to prevent separation of the fishing receptacle (206) from the housing (202) and a second position wherein the support assembly (214) is disengaged from the fishing neck (208) no longer preventing separation of the fishing receptacle (206) from the housing (202). An actuator (224), disposed within the housing (202), maintains the support assembly (214) in the first position until actuation thereof allows the support assembly (214) to shift to the second position.
US08496063B2
A method and device for recovering drilling fluid used in connection with the provision of a subsea well, in which the drilling fluid is circulated from a vessel on a sea surface via a drill string and out through a drill bit into an annulus which is defined by a borehole and the drill string. The device includes a filtering device which is connected, in respect of fluid, to an annulus and which is arranged to contain drill cuttings and drilling fluid. A fluid line extends from a portion of the filtering device to the vessel, the fluid line being arranged to carry drilling fluid which has been separated from the drill cuttings back to the vessel.
US08496047B2
A heat dissipating apparatus includes a thermal conducting base and heat pipes connected to the thermal conducting base. Each heat pipe includes a heated section and a heat dissipating section. The portion connected to the thermal conducting base is the heated section, and the heat dissipating section is extended outward from the thermal conducting base. In the heat pipes, at least one heat dissipating section of the heat pipe is extended outward from a lateral side of the thermal conducting base, and the heat dissipating section of the heat pipe is situated at a position higher than the heated section, and fins are disposed on the heat dissipating section of the heat pipe. Therefore, the heat pipe guides the heat absorbed by thermal conducting base to a lateral side to dissipate heat from a nearby heat source.
US08496046B2
Disclosed is a method for producing alloy ingot including: a step of: charging alloy starting material into a cold crucible in a cold-crucible induction melter, and forming melt pool of the alloy starting material by induction heating in inert gas atmosphere; a step of continuing the induction heating and adding first refining agent to the melt pool, and then reducing the content of at least phosphorus from among impurity elements present in the melt pool; and a step of forming alloy ingot by solidifying the melt, the phosphorus content of which has been reduced. The first refining agent is mixture of metallic Ca and flux, where the flux contains CaF2 and at least one of CaO and CaCl2. The weight proportion of the sum of CaO and CaCl2 with respect to CaF2 ranges from 5 to 30 wt % and the weight proportion of metallic Ca with respect to the melt pool is 0.4 wt % or greater.
US08496039B1
A portable operational privacy pressed on glass-cover blind for doors with oval shape glass and windows that can be mounted to any door or window by means of releasable fasteners mounted on the back side of the privacy screen. The blind-slats can be oriented in either a horizontal or vertical position having the operating-rod perpendicularly mounted to the blind-slats. Additionally, the present invention provides for a privacy screen having a frame with a plurality of fabric slats extending longitudinally across the privacy screen frame without the need of tools, drilling, holes, nails, etc.
US08496038B2
The present invention provides at least one anti-sway trolley assembly used in conjunction with either a single sided partition set or sandwiched between first and second partition side in a double sided partition set. The anti-sway trolley assembly comprises a floating rod affixed at a first end to a trolley. Affixed at a rod second end is a floor contact member which provides frictional resistance to lateral displacement of the door. Each anti-sway trolley assembly rides in a chain guide and is affixed to a partition hinge rod. In this manner, a floor channel is not required to achieve resistance to lateral displacement forces.
US08496030B2
A hydraulic accumulator, especially a pulsation damper, comprises a metal bellows (19) that has a terminal element (35) which can be displaced along the wall of a housing (1) at least on one bellows end (31) during expansion and compression of the bellows (19), a guiding means (47) being interposed between the terminal element and the housing. Said guiding means comprises, on at least one peripheral zone of the terminal element (35), on its outer periphery, first annular sections (51) that are radially spaced apart from the wall of the housing (1) and that are separated from each other by second annular sections (53) and radially project over the first annular sections (51).
US08496028B2
A faucet including a faucet head, a body and a magnetic coupling releasably coupling the faucet head to the faucet body.
US08496017B2
A walking stick has a shaft and a hand guard at one end of the shaft, the hand guard being detachedly secured to the shaft so that it can be removed, inverted, and reattached. The hand guard has a yoke shape with two arms with spaced apart ends for receiving an elastic band therebetween. The hand guard is positionable with the arms of the yoke extending away from the shaft so as to comprise a slingshot.
US08496009B2
A dual arch dental appliance including a body which contains a pair of impact absorbing members located in molar regions of the arches. The impact absorbing members are selected from plastic material that exhibits high impact absorption coupled with low resilience or rebound. The result is an appliance which transfers minimal shock to the wearer. The appliance preferably further includes a bumper for providing enhanced impact protection to all of the user's upper and lower teeth. An airway opening is preferably provided to facilitate breathing when the appliance is clenched between the teeth. A post may be provided for structural reinforcement of the airway opening and, optionally, for receiving a tether for fastening the device to a helmet.
US08496000B2
A snorkel adapter apparatus is disclosed. The snorkel adapter apparatus includes a snorkel tube, a float, a mouthpiece, and a single pivot point. These pieces combined together create a snorkel breathing apparatus that allows the user to submerge the snorkel in water and prevent water from entering the snorkel tube and mouthpiece. When the snorkel is submerged in water, the float rotates around a coupler attached to the pivot attachment point and closes the open end of the snorkel tube. The buoyancy of the float in the water causes it to rotate and seal the snorkel tube closed.
US08495993B2
An engine assembly includes an engine structure, an air intake assembly and a positive crankcase ventilation system. The engine structure defines an intake port and a crankcase. Furthermore, the air intake assembly is in communication with the intake port. The positive crankcase ventilation system includes a fresh air line, a housing and a foul air line. The fresh air line is in communication with the air intake assembly and the crankcase. The housing defines an air inlet and an air outlet with the air inlet being in communication with the crankcase and partially defined by a wall extending into an inner volume of the housing. An oil separation mechanism may be located in the housing between the air inlet and the air outlet. The foul air line is in communication with the air intake assembly and the air outlet.
US08495990B1
A pre-injection fuel atomization system for a combustion engine that reduces droplet size of incoming fuel at air intake, creating an aerosol that is injected by fuel injectors into the combustion chambers. The system uses a vibrating crystal in a transducer, the vibrations atomizing the fuel into an aerosol. The droplet size is reduced to around 0.1 microns, providing more surface area available for fast surface combustion. The fuel droplets are maintained in a stoichiometric ratio to oxygen in the air so that burning is complete and clean.
US08495984B2
An engine control system for a vehicle includes a variable displacement module that deactivates N of M cylinders of an engine during a fuel management mode. N is an integer and M is an integer greater than 1. A spark control module generates a spark timing signal for the N cylinders based on a pre-dwell time and a fuel management dwell modifier during the fuel management mode. The spark control module reduces dwell time of the N cylinders during the fuel management mode based on the fuel management dwell modifier.
US08495977B2
The invention comprises a cylinder block wherein vertical reciprocation of a piston is transmitted to a connecting rod that rotates a crank shaft to generate torque. A cylinder head is joined to the top of the cylinder block, whereof one side is connected to a primary intake and exhaust manifold which is opened and shut by a primary intake and exhaust valve and the other side is connected to a secondary intake and exhaust manifold which is opened and shut by a secondary intake and exhaust valve. A primary cam shaft drives the primary intake and exhaust valve. A secondary cam shaft drives the secondary intake and exhaust valve. A tertiary cam shaft is placed on the upper side of the cylinder head and rotates to interlock with the rotation of the secondary cam shaft. Therefore, intake and exhaust performance of a four-stroke internal combustion engine is improved.
US08495961B2
An improved shipping system includes a base deck section. The system further includes an upper-tier deck section, that moves between a position atop the base deck section through a variety of positions, including positions that put the upper section out of the way of loading and unloading any load on the base deck section. Cartons may be atop both the base deck section and the upper-tier deck section, for shipments, with the upper-tier deck section in the raised configuration. When emptied, the shipping system may be returned with its upper-tier deck section moved down to a position atop the base deck section, and the shipping system stacked upon a similar improved shipping system. Shipping efficiency is increased as much as twenty percent and perhaps more. All components are steel, and may also be plastic, wood and the like.
US08495958B2
In a printer for corrugated cardboard sheets and a box making machine for corrugated cardboard sheets, a control device that controls an operation of an air cylinder is provided such that an ink supply roll is moved toward or away from a printing cylinder relative to an intermediate position of a gap between ends of a printing plate attached on a surface of a printing cylinder. With this configuration, ink of an ink supply roll is appropriately transferred to the printing plate, an ink film on the printing plate is uniformized, and then printing precision is enhanced.
US08495955B1
A tree limb bundling tool includes a cylindrical base container having a bottom surface, a continuous, upstanding outer wall and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. A pair of diametrically-opposed notches extend from the open top to an intermediate portion of the wall. The device also includes a compactor having a circular upper surface with a cylindrical shroud depending therefrom. The shroud likewise includes a pair of opposing notches extending from an intermediate portion to a lower edge. Accordingly, a worker compiles limbs and places them within the notches on the base container. The compactor is inserted into the container with the shroud notches substantially aligned with the base container notches. The worker then either sits or kneels on the upper surface of the compactor at which time a tie or string is wrapped about each end of the compressed limbs.
US08495932B2
A tool for removing lug nuts contains a supporting post including an actuating portion and two guiding portions extending outward from two sides of the actuating portion respectively; a screw rod including a head end and a circular extension extending outward from the head end, wherein an outer diameter of the head end is more than that of the circular extension, the circular extension includes a first and a second thread sections; two retaining arm, each including a hole to insert the guiding portion, an aperture arranged on a top end thereof to communicate with the hole, and an orifice secured thereon below the hexagonal hole and having a third and a fourth thread sections to screw with the first and the second thread sections respectively so that after the screw rod is rotated, the retaining arms are driven to close to each other or leave away from each other.
US08495930B2
A power tong device (1) for handling of a threaded pipe connection wherein the power tong device (1) comprises a frame (6) having a power tong (10) and a holding tong (8) and also a drive gear (12) for the power tong (10), and wherein the power tong (10) is displaceable relative to the holding tong (8) along its rotational axis, as the power tong (10) is radially displaceable relative to the holding tong (8), and wherein the power tong (10) is connected to the drive gear (12) by means of a radially displaceable coupling (26, 54).
US08495919B1
A test apparatus and method for determining at least one characteristic of a test specimen. An exemplary test specimen is a shape memory metal alloy and an exemplary characteristic is a transformation temperature of the shape memory metal alloy. The test apparatus may include a chiller unit including a tank containing a chilling medium, such as isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol, which holds a removable fixture tray that can accommodate up to ten specimens, or more. The fixture tray holds the test specimens in an initial deformed condition, and the cooling medium may be gradually heated to induce transformation of the specimens. The test apparatus may include a vision-based optical system which includes a camera that tracks the specimens within its field of view.
US08495918B2
Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a rigid structure and a beam structure having an outer portion in contact with the rigid structure and an inner portion. The beam structure includes one or more beams extending between the outer portion and the inner portion of the beam structure and a cantilevered portion extending from the inner portion to inhibit displacement of the inner portion toward the rigid structure. Each beam has a sensing element disposed thereon.
US08495905B2
A gas concentration detection device includes: a first sensor having a resistance layer exposed to a gas, and an electrode covered by the resistance layer, the first sensor producing an output according to a gas component ratio on the electrode surface; and a second sensor having a pump cell that pumps oxygen into a gas chamber that contains part of the gas or discharges oxygen out of the gas chamber, and a sensor cell that produces an output according to a gas component ratio in the gas within the gas chamber, the second sensor producing an output based on the pump cell current when the pump cell is operated such that the output of the sensor cell is a predetermined value; and a hydrogen concentration detection unit that detects a hydrogen concentration in the gas based on an output difference between the first sensor output and the second sensor output.
US08495903B1
A method and apparatus for calibrating a tool. A moveable blade connected to the tool may be deflected towards an inward position with respect to the tool. A force applied to the moveable blade may be detected by a biasing mechanism in the tool using a sensor when the moveable blade is in the inward position with respect to the tool. The biasing mechanism in the tool may be adjusted if the force is not a desired force.
US08495899B2
An electromechanical lock comprises a housing, a rectilinear locking lever slidable within the housing, a blocking element positioned adjacent the locking lever that is movable between a first position that engages with the locking lever and a second position that disengages with the locking lever, and an actuating device operable to control movement of the blocking element between the first and second positions.
US08495898B2
A cam lock for cabinets, drawers, drug cabinets, credenzas, sliding doors, lockers, mail boxes and other door type applications is compact in size, fits an existing cam lock opening and provides electronic access via a keypad or other electronic access. Using batteries, such as AAA size batteries or smaller, the lock has electronics that release a lock turn knob or handle when the correct code is entered. Preferably a set of electronic contacts is included at an accessible position on the lock housing to allow both master access and power jumping with a common manager's implement, for situations of lost codes and/or battery failure. In a particular embodiment the lock is long, narrow and low in profile so as to fit on the margin of a steel or wood file cabinet, compatible with the cam lock opening already provided.
US08495894B2
The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular, an evaporator (1), in particular for a motor vehicle air-conditioner, with a number of closely arranged refrigerant tubes and at least one cold reservoir (4), in which a refrigerant medium is provided. The evaporator (1) comprises two parallel regions (1′ and 1″) running across the total width, the first region (V) corresponding to a conventional evaporator in design, the cold reservoir (4) being arranged in a separate second region (1″), through which at least a partial flow of refrigerant can flow which also flows through at least a part of the first region (1′) and the first and the second region are connected to each other by at least one overflow opening (13).
US08495893B2
A hybrid apparatus for cooling water and air while heating water and storing heated water includes a refrigeration system, a first water tank, a water inlet and heat transfer unit for transferring heat from the refrigeration system into a portion of the water from the water inlet. The apparatus also has a conduit for delivering heated water to a first insulated water tank and to a tap for drawing off heated water. In addition, the cooler has a water cooling system and a conduit for cooling a portion of the water from the water inlet and delivering the cooled water to a second water tank. A conduit is also provided for drawing water from the second water tank to a tap of cold water. Further, the cooler includes an air cooler that has a coil and a water pump for pumping cooled water through the coil plus a fan for blowing air across the coil to thereby cool the air.
US08495892B2
Frozen aerated products are produced by providing two forming elements, providing at least one open cavity on a surface of each forming element, providing filling means for filling said cavities with a frozen aerated material at a temperature higher than the temperature of the forming elements, filling two cavities, one on each forming element, with a frozen aerated material having an overrun of between 10% and 130%, allowing the frozen aerated material to expand outside its cavity and moving the two cavities opposite one another so that the frozen aerated material in each cavity is pressed against the frozen aerated material in the other cavity. A stick is placed between the two filled cavities before the frozen aerated material in each cavity is pressed against the frozen aerated material in the other cavity.
US08495890B2
A cooling member for a variable speed drive is disclosed. The cooling member includes including at least two channels, each channel including at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a first passageway configured to provide fluid to the at least two channels through the at least one inlet of each channel, a second passageway configured to receive fluid from the at least one outlet of each channel the at least two channels, and a connector to connect the cooling member to a second cooling member.
US08495884B2
A thermoelectric system includes a first thermoelectric element including a first plurality of segments in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system further includes a second thermoelectric element including a second plurality of segments in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system further includes a heat transfer device including at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is sandwiched between the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element. The second portion projects away from the first portion and configured to be in thermal communication with a working medium.
US08495883B2
A turbine engine assembly for a generator including a turbine engine having a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. An air bleed line is in communication with the combustor section for receiving combustor shell air from the combustor section and conveying the combustor shell air as bleed air to a plurality of stages of the turbine section. Bleed air is controlled to flow through the air bleed line when an operating load of the turbine engine assembly is less than a base load of the engine to bypass air exiting the compressor section around a combustor in the combustor section and effect a flow of high pressure combustor shell air to the stages of the turbine section.
US08495881B2
A system comprises a turbine combustor cap. The turbine combustor cap includes a plurality of segments. Each segment of the plurality of segments has edges abutting at least two fuel nozzle receptacles. Moreover, each segment of the plurality of segments does not completely surrounding any one fuel nozzle receptacle.
US08495876B2
The present invention relates to a two-stage supercharging system for an internal-combustion engine (10) comprising at least one cylinder (12) with an intake distributor (16) and an exhaust manifold (18), as well as a recirculation line (78) for recycling the exhaust gas to the intake of said engine, said system comprising a high-pressure supercharging stage (22) with a turbocharger including an expansion turbine (26) connected to a compressor (30) and a low-pressure supercharging stage (24) with a turbocharger including an expansion turbine (28) connected to a compressor (32), and exhaust gas purification means arranged between exhaust outlet (40) and turbine (26) of the high-pressure turbocharger.According to the invention, the system comprises an exhaust gas bypass branch (70) going from outlet (40) of the engine exhaust and ending at turbine (28) of low-pressure turbocharger (24).
US08495871B2
A hydraulic system includes an engine driven adjustable hydraulic pump which supplies fluid to a hydraulic consumer, and an electronic control unit. The adjustable pump includes flow controller for controlling a pressure difference between the consumer and the adjustable pump to a pre-determined control pressure difference. The flow controller includes an actuator controlled by the control unit, through which the pressure difference can be controlled. The electronic control unit receives an engine speed signal and controls the actuator to control the pressure difference, in order to make power delivery of the adjustable pump conform to the operating conditions of a vehicle.
US08495860B2
An engine system having a reductant delivery and storage system is described. In one example, a physical condition associated with a reductant storage device is correlated with a characteristic of a fluid stored in the reductant storage device to determine the availability and make-up of the stored fluid. In response, engine operation may be adjusted.
US08495852B2
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for insulating a component of a home or building. An insulated component may include a generally planar surface and a frame positioned atop one side of the generally planar surface. The frame may include a plurality of outer studs coupled together to form an outer periphery and inner studs that divide the frame into one or more sections. One or more of the sections may include a cavity or hollow space. The insulated component may also include a first layer of insulation within one or more of the cavities. The first layer of insulation may include a pour insulation material that transitions from a liquid state or phase to a solid state or phase.
US08495847B2
An improved roof panel system used on a building that exhibits, upon seaming, a substantially even distribution on both sides of such a seam is provided. Such a system thus permits not only increased resistance to wind uplift forces but also a more reliable roof in terms of load-bearing and load-carrying than typical single seamed roof panel systems. Particularly, the novel roof panel includes a female flange end portion with an extended “T” shape within its periphery and a male flange end portion with its own complementary “T” configuration to fit within the female flange. Such an extended “T” shape within the female flange end portion includes an extra extension that permits, upon engagement with the male flange end portion, two seams on either side of the engagement line of the two end portions of the roof panels. In such a manner, the two seams can also be compressed to become parallel with engagement line, or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the roof line itself. A method of constructing a roof with such a roof panel system, as well as the individual roof panels themselves, and the finished roof exhibiting such a roof panel system are all encompassed within this invention.
US08495842B2
A door jamb which is flush with the wallboard. Also a door jamb which provides a pocket into which wallboard fits. The preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a central web having a first surface a second surface, a first side and a second side, with a first right triangular section at the first side and a second right triangular section at the second side. The adjacent leg of the first right triangular section is in line with the second surface and the opposite leg of the first right triangular section projects away from the first surface. Further the adjacent leg of the second right triangular section is in line with the first surface and the opposite leg of the second right triangular section projects away from the second surface.
US08495833B2
A device for decorative purposes, for the vertical cultivation of plants, includes: i) a cultivation support containing a cultivation substrate, and having holes on the front face thereof for the opening out of the above-ground part of the plants, ii) a rigid frame extending in a substantially vertical plane, defining a window in the front face of the cultivation support, and iii) a water reservoir, the cultivation support being placed over the water reservoir, and including at least one hydrophilic wick extending from the cultivation substrate to the water reservoir tank. The cultivation support is hydrated by a continuous supply of water by one or more hydrophilic wicks immersed in the reservoir. It may include an internal framework to give it rigidity and to prevent settling of the substrate in the lower part of the support. A method for obtaining such a plant box is also claimed.
US08495824B2
The invention refers to a distributor plate (12) for fluidized bed equipment (9) with openings (3) and deflector strips (1) arranged directly above them. It is characterised by the deflection strips (1) having an oblong shape, being mounted longitudinally in the fluidized bed equipment (9), in parallel to the main flow direction (19) of the product above the openings (3) in the base plate (2), and having spacers (6) that form an outflow cross-section around the periphery of the deflection strip (1) for the fluidizing gas, where the base plate openings (3) can be designed advantageously with an oblong cross-section. This ensures good fluidization of the material, while also conveying it.
US08495819B2
A linear motion mechanism comprises a second rotating shaft having an external thread portion 48a at least at a part of an area in a length direction and an adjusting pin 40 having an opening 60 through which the external thread portion 48a passes. The opening 60 of the adjusting pin 40 has a cross-sectional shape that enables the adjusting pin 40 to move in a radial direction of the second rotating shaft. An inner thread part 62 that engages with and disengages from the external thread portion 48a of the second rotating shaft depending on a position of the adjusting pin 40 is formed on an inner surface of the opening 60. A spring 56 capable of retaining a state in which the external thread portion 48a and the inner thread part 62 engage with each other is arranged on the adjusting pin 40.
US08495817B2
A transmission assembly for a string trimmer is disclosed. The transmission assembly comprises a liner that includes a sleeve. The sleeve includes an inner surface that defines a passageway for a rotatable core, and the sleeve further includes an outer surface. The liner further includes a plurality of legs that project from the outer surface, and a retainer projection disposed at a position axially adjacent to the plurality of legs. The transmission assembly further comprises a retainer that is held to the liner by the retainer projection. The retainer is configured to axially and radially restrain the liner relative to an outer down-tube.
US08495813B1
A method of making an energy-assisted magnetic recording apparatus is provided. The method comprises the step of aligning a first wafer including a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) with a second wafer including a plurality of magnetic recording heads, such that an emitting region of each of the plurality of VCSELs is disposed over a light redirecting structure of a corresponding one of the plurality of magnetic recording heads. The method further comprises the step of bonding the first wafer to the second wafer.
US08495812B2
A method of manufacturing a highly reliable magnetic head slider, with a simplified manufacturing process which provides reduction in manufacturing time and costs, is provided. The manufacturing method includes a multi-layer forming step for forming a magnetic head section in a multi-layered manner, the magnetic head section including a read element and/or a write element and a magnetic shield for magnetically shielding the read element and/or the write element, and the magnetic head slider is manufactured by being cut off from a multi-layered body having the magnetic head section. The manufacturing method further includes, after the multi-layer forming step, a shield end removing step for removing end portions in a width direction of the magnetic shield located on the flying surface side of the magnetic head slider.
US08495811B2
A bench for the support and manufacturing of parts with complex geometry includes a support base on which one or more mobile units of support/manufacturing move. The mobile units of support/manufacturing can move and relocate independently from other ones on the surface of the support base. The mobile units of support/manufacturing include at least two adhesion feet configured to connect to anchoring elements distributed on the surface of the support base. The anchoring points are distributed on the surface of the support base with a predefined distribution according to a geometry, such that the distance between any anchoring point, and the corresponding anchoring element, from any other said anchoring point, and the corresponding anchoring organ, in the immediate vicinity of the anchoring point and the corresponding anchoring organ, is constant and equal to the radius of a predefined circle.
US08495802B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clip including: a flange to be abutting a panel having an attaching hole; and a leg portion to be inserted into the attaching hole. The leg portion includes: an engaging part; and a guide part connected thereto. The guide part include: a distal-end tapered part formed to be gradually reduced in an outer diameter toward an inserting direction of the leg portion; a base-end reversely tapered part formed to be gradually reduced in an outer diameter toward the opposite direction; and a diameter enlarged part formed therebetween to have an outer diameter largest among the guide part. The largest outer diameter of the diameter enlarged part is larger than that of a distal end part of the engaging part.
US08495801B2
A clamping device includes a holding member including a space for allowing an item to be disposed therein, and a tightening mechanism operable to make the holding member clamp the item in the holding member. The space is varied in size depending upon the external diameter of the clamped item. Additionally, the tightening mechanism is provided for enabling a satisfactory securing condition for any size of items.
US08495791B2
Provided is a clip for fixing a mat on a carpet of a vehicle, the clip including: a lower plate disposed on a bottom surface of the carpet, and includes an insert groove on a front portion; an upper plate disposed on a top surface of the carpet, includes a hook coupled to the inserted groove in the front portion, and includes a projection at a top to which the mat is inserted; a pillar penetrating through a hole of the carpet, and connects a rear portion of the lower plate and a rear portion of the upper plate in upward and downward; a first hook formed on a bottom surface of the rear portion of the upper plate corresponding to an inner side of a front portion of the pillar; and a second hook formed on a top surface of the rear portion of the lower plate corresponding to the inner side of the front portion of the pillar, and hooked to the first hook through the hole, when the lower plate moves upward toward the upper plate based on the pillar. According to the clip, a rear portion of the clip is coupled firstly on the carpet by combining the first and second hooks, and then a front portion of the clip is coupled secondly on the carpet by combining the hook and the insert groove. Thus, fixability of the clip to the carpet is reinforced, and movement of the mat is effectively prevented.
US08495785B2
/A cleaning tool including a first support member, an absorbent member disposed below the first support member; and a plurality of brush bristles which extend into the absorbent member. Further embodiments of the present invention provide a cleaning tool including a first support member and a second support member, an absorbent member disposed below the second support member, an elastic compressible substrate sandwiched between the first support member and the second support member; a plurality of brush bristles which extend into the absorbent member; and an adjusting mechanism for varying the position of the second support member relative to the first support member, such that the cleaning tips of the brush bristles can be inside, outside or coincident with the absorbent member.
US08495781B2
A cleaning device for cleaning a floor includes a base body, a rotatable roller brush disposed on the base body, a dirt container disposed on the base body, a liquid container configured to receive a cleaning liquid disposed on the base body; and a sponge configured to receive a soiled cleaning liquid disposed on the base body.
US08495777B1
A diver's rescue knife including a handle with a threaded stud at the butt end, a hammer screwed onto the stud and mounting a hard pin with a sharp point.
US08495768B2
A mechanism (100) composed of three primary assembled components, a housing assembly (10), a cable assembly (50), and a lift arm assembly (70) that work in unison to lift a toilet seat (102) via the application of pressure to a foot pedal (32).
US08495767B2
A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.
US08499345B2
An approach is provided that receives a user identifier from a user of the information handling system. The user identifier can include a username as well as a user authentication code, such as a password. Hardware settings that correspond to the user identifier are retrieved from a nonvolatile memory. Hardware devices, such as ports (e.g., USB controller), network interfaces, storage devices, and boot sequences, are configured using the retrieved hardware settings. After the hardware devices have been configured to correspond to the identified user, an operating system is booted.
US08499331B1
A network compliance application performs a method of coalescing violation data based on rule and policy violations by retrieving network event data indicative of compliance with a set of policies, in which each of the policies has a set of rules. Policy definition includes a template of rules, definition of rule severity, and a compliance threshold specifying a number of rules of a severity that render the policy non-compliant. The compliance application computes, for each of the policies, violations, each violation indicative of a deviation from a particular rule, and displays a series of views indicative of a plurality of policies in the set of policies, each of the views indicative of violations attributable to each of the policies. From the displayed view, the application receives a detail selection corresponding to a subset of the displayed violations for detailed report display.
US08499330B1
A method for desktop enterprise security management that addresses the multiple network and desktop security needs of an enterprise, facilitates the development, implementation, and enforcement of the enterprise's desktop security policies and procedures, and provides for review and revision of those policies and procedures. The method is based on a four-stage approach to desktop network security management. The first stage lays the foundation for the enterprise's network security policy. The second stage validates users and desktop devices according to the enterprise's desktop security policies, gathers data, and provides feedback to users regarding their compliance with the enterprise's desktop security policies. The third stage enforces the enterprise's desktop security policies by blocking access by desktop devices and/or users that do not comply with the enterprise's desktop security policies. The fourth stage includes periodic review of the enterprise's needs so that new desktop security support teams can be identified and the enterprise's desktop security policies implemented with the new teams.
US08499326B2
Described herein are techniques for facilitating the testing of cable television receivers during manufacturing and remanufacturing. More particularly, described herein techniques for simulating a conditional access module and/or cable television communication network/head-end for use during a testing process. The simulated conditional access module allows for the testing of a cable television receiver without the use of a head-end and/or fully functional conditional access module to verify all communication paths through the cable television receiver.
US08499323B2
A mobile communication device comprises receiver circuitry operable to receive broadcast real-time media data over a communication interface, and signal processing logic operable to extract real-time media content from the broadcast real-time media data, and output the extracted real-time media content via a user interface of the mobile communication device. In response to determining a partial loss of data for the broadcast real-time media data, the signal processing logic is operable to retrieve stored media content from a memory element of the mobile communication device, and output the retrieved media content via the user interface of the communication device.
US08499310B2
An information processing apparatus includes a stop instructing unit configured to cause a first device to stop a process of transmitting device information set in the first device to a second device; an acquiring unit configured to acquire, from the first device, transmission destination information indicating a transmission destination of the device information set in the first device; a registering unit configured to register the transmission destination information acquired by the acquiring unit; and a transmitting unit configured to, based on the transmission destination information registered by the registering unit, transmit device information to be set to a device corresponding to the transmission destination information.
US08499306B2
A microprocessor executes programs in a pipeline architecture that includes a task register management unit that switches a value of a task register to second register information that is used when a second task is executed after the execution of a first task is completed, if a switch instruction to the second task is issued when a plurality of units executes the first task, and a task manager that switches a value of a task identification information register to a second task identifier after the value is switched to the second register information, and grants each of the plurality of units permission to execute the second task.
US08499303B2
Methods to dynamically improve soft real-time task performance in virtualized computing environments under the management of an enhanced hypervisor comprising a credit scheduler. The enhanced hypervisor analyzes the on-going performance of the domains of interest and of the virtualized data-processing system. Based on the performance metrics disclosed herein, some of the governing parameters of the credit scheduler are adjusted. Adjustments are typically performed cyclically, wherein the performance metrics of an execution cycle are analyzed and adjustments may be applied in a later execution cycle. In alternative embodiments, some of the analysis and tuning functions are in a separate application that resides outside the hypervisor. The performance metrics disclosed herein include: a “total-time” metric; a “timeslice” metric; a number of “latency” metrics; and a “count” metric. In contrast to prior art, the present invention enables on-going monitoring of a virtualized data-processing system accompanied by dynamic adjustments based on objective metrics.
US08499292B2
A virtual execution environment (VEE) for a streaming Intermediate Language (IL), wherein the streaming IL represents a streaming program, communicates streaming data in queues, stores data-at-rest in variables, and determines data by functions, where inputs are read from the queues and the variables, and outputs are written to the queues and the variables.
US08499286B2
In one embodiment, a method for testing adjustment and configuration is disclosed. The method can include accessing source code of a test framework that is configured for testing a module, creating a configuration folder having a property override for a test suite for the module testing, determining a source root folder for the test suite, starting the test framework by passing in an identifier for the test suite, and adding a custom test to the source root folder using the configuration folder to customize the test suite. The method can further include compiling the test framework with each of the plurality of test folders enabled. The method also may use a refactoring tool to make changes in a file within the test framework.
US08499280B2
A solution for identifying build errors associated with a source code file for determining source code elements for refactoring. An embodiment of the invention utilizes a source code management system in combination with build logs generated by a build environment to determine source code elements that would benefit from refactoring.
US08499276B2
The invention provides systems and methods for developing multi-platform graphical user interface (GUI) for a target software application. In invention includes assessing one or more functional requirements of the target software application and defining a functional specification for the multi-platform GUI using the assessed functional requirements. The functional specification is used to develop source code for the graphical user interface. An abstraction framework that evaluates functions of the GUI source code and provides instruction to perform the functions in each of the plurality of operating environments is then developed and used as an intermediary between the GUI source code and each of the plurality of operating environments.
US08499260B2
Solutions for accounting for photomask deviations in a lithographic process during optical proximity correction verification are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: identifying a wafer control structure in a data set representing one of a first chip or a kerf; biasing the data set representing the first chip in the case that the wafer control structure is in the data set representing the first chip; biasing the data set representing the kerf or a second chip distinct from the first chip, in the case that the wafer control structure is in the data set representing the kerf or the second chip; simulating formation of the wafer control structure; determining whether the simulated wafer control structure complies with a target control structure; and iteratively adjusting an exposure dose condition in the case that the simulated wafer control structure does not comply with the target control structure.
US08499257B2
A system is disclosed for providing on-screen graphical handles to control interaction between a user and on-screen objects. A handle defines what actions a user may perform on the object, such as for example scrolling through a textual or graphical navigation menu. Affordances are provided to guide the user through the process of interacting with a handle.
US08499250B2
A system and method for interacting with multiple information forms across multiple types of computing devices and platforms is provided. A computer-readable storage media for interacting with multiple information forms across computing devices is also provided and includes computer-readable instructions to cause one or more computer processors to execute operations including authenticating a user; establishing a channel grid framework for the user on a first platform, the channel grid framework providing access to a first computer application displayed on a display device as a channel; deploying the channel from the channel grid framework on the first platform to a second platform in response to a user selecting the channel from the channel grid framework on the first platform and performing a copy operation of the channel to the second platform; and establishing a run time application of the first computer application on the second platform.
US08499249B2
A method is disclosed comprising selecting an action tool from a set of action tools on a screen display of a computer, the action tool being associated with a set of actions including at least two of the following: (1) a printing action, (2) an e-mailing action, and (3) an archiving action, and applying the action tool to an object with a single user command using the computer, the action tool processing the object in accordance with the associated set of actions. A corresponding document output management system also is disclosed.
US08499240B2
Systems, methods, computer program code, and means are provided for the rules-based presentation of log messages on a graphical timeline. Pursuant to some embodiments, a request to view log file information is received, and a plurality of log file messages are retrieved based on the request. The plurality of log file messages are aggregated based on timestamp information contained in each of the log file messages and the aggregated log file messages are displayed along a graphical timeline.
US08499231B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. As an example, a data processing circuit is disclosed that includes a data detecting circuit having: a first vector translation circuit, a second vector translation circuit, and a data detector core circuit. The data detecting circuit is operable to receive an input data set and at least one input vector in a first format. The at least one input vector corresponds to a portion of the input data set. The first vector translation circuit is operable to translate the at least one vector to a second format. The data detector core circuit is operable to apply a data detection algorithm to the input data set and the at least one vector in the second format to yield a detected output. The second vector translation circuit operable to translate a derivative of the detected output to the first format to yield an output vector.
US08499224B2
A redundant code generation method includes: dividing original data into data strings; dividing each data string into a number of bit strings that accords with an extended Galois field operation; storing each of the bit string in a different memory area of a memory; and executing an exclusive OR operation among vectors, which are extracted from the respective bit strings stored in the memory, according to an operational expression to compute bit strings that make up redundant code data strings without carrying out a bit shift operation within the vectors. A predetermined plural number of bits is taken as a data unit and the number of bits as elements constituting each vector is equal to the data unit. The operational expression includes a companion matrix of a primitive polynomial of the Galois field and defined the generation of the redundant code data strings.
US08499214B2
The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and a data processing method which can improve the tolerance to errors of data. A demultiplexer 25 replaces, in accordance with an allocation rule for allocating code bits of an LDPC code to symbol bits representative of symbols, mb bits from among the code bits and sets the code bits after the replacement as symbol bits of b symbols. For example, when m is 12 and b is 1, where the i+1th bits from the most significant bit of the 12×1 code bits and the 12×1 symbol bits of one symbol are represented as bits bi and yi, replacement for allocating, for example, b0 to y8, b1 to y0, b2 to y6, b3 to y1, b4 to y4, b5 to y5, b6 to y2, b7 to y3, b8 to y7, b9 to y10, b10 to y11 and b11 to y9 is carried out. The present invention can be applied, for example, to a transmission system for transmitting an LDPC code and so forth.
US08499210B2
A flash memory device includes a plurality of memory cells each configured to store k-bit data, where k is a natural number greater than one. The device is programmed by a method including reading (i−1)-th order data from a selected memory cell connected to a selected wordline before programming i-th order data in one or more adjacent memory cells connected to an adjacent wordline, wherein i is a natural number between two and k, storing as read data the (i−1)-th order data read from the selected memory cell, and programming i-th order data in the selected memory cell based on the stored read data.
US08499209B2
Test patterns for at-speed scan tests are generated by filling unspecified bits of test cubes with functional background data. Functional background data are scan cell values observed when switching activity of the circuit under test is near a steady state. Hardware implementations in EDT (embedded deterministic test) environment are also disclosed.
US08499206B2
A memory system includes an error detection circuit having an error counter. When a bit error rate (BER) determined by the error counter exceeds a reference BER, the memory system reduces the BER by adjusting its operating speed or operating voltage, re-performing data training or impedance matching, or by adjusting a data swing width. Accordingly, a method of controlling a bit error rate may be performed, and a system hang is prevented.
US08499198B1
A data storage device (DSD) test system is disclosed comprising a first DSD tester operable to download a first version of an operating system to a first DSD and execute a first test on the first DSD, and a second DSD tester operable to download a second version of the operating system to a second DSD and execute a second test on the second DSD while the first DSD tester is executing the first test on the first DSD.
US08499185B2
Methods, system, and computer program products are provided for determining redundancy of power feeds connecting a server to a power supply. Embodiments include receiving, by a redundancy monitoring manager, from each of a plurality of redundancy monitoring interposers, connection information, wherein each redundancy monitoring interposer comprises a device that provides an electrical contact between a power circuit and one of a power supply, the server, and another power circuit; in dependence upon the connection information, determining, by the redundancy monitoring manager, for each power feed provided to the server, which power circuits supply the power feed; determining, by the redundancy monitoring manager, if any of the power feeds are supplied by the same power circuit; and indicating, by the redundancy monitoring manager, that the server has at least one non-redundant power feed when multiple power feeds of the server are supplied by the same power circuit.
US08499180B2
An IC Card may include electronic components to receive a power supply and a main clock signal by a reader device. The power supply may be provided to a subset of the electronic components during a main clock stop status wherein the main clock signal is suspended for avoiding a maximum power consumption threshold. The IC Card may also include a low precision clock included in the subset of electronic components for measuring time in the main clock stop status.
US08499179B2
A power bus monitor for use in an electronic product is coupled to receive power from an external power supply. The power bus monitor includes a signal detector coupled to an output of the external power supply to receive and demodulate information encoded on the output of the external power supply into a sequence of bits. A decoder is coupled to receive the sequence of bits from the signal detector and decrypt the sequence of bits. A logical comparator is coupled to receive the sequence of bits decrypted by the decoder. The logical comparator is coupled to assert an authentication signal indicating the external power supply is authorized to provide power to the electronic product when the logical comparator recognizes the sequence of bits decrypted by the decoder as a key.
US08499176B2
Directly powering an information handling system non-volatile storage device through an external connector allows imaging of the non-volatile storage device through the external connector with the information handling system in a powered down state. Imaging in a powered down state by providing power and image data to the non-volatile storage device directly through an external connection allows imaging while the information handling system is packaged, such as at intermediate shipping locations.
US08499174B2
Resuming from a sleep state. A request may received to resume operation of a computer system from a sleep state to an executing state. A restoring process may be initiated to restore the computer system to an executing state. The restoring process may include loading information from a nonvolatile memory medium to a computer system memory medium. A request may be received from a processor of the computer system to access the computer system memory medium. The request may require access to a portion of the computer system memory medium in the executing state, and may be received prior to completion of the restoring process. It may be determined if the portion of the computer system memory medium has been restored. If the portion of the computer system memory medium has not been restored, the portion of the computer system memory medium may be restored from the nonvolatile memory medium ahead of other portions in the restoring process.
US08499170B1
Hackers and other malicious users are prevented from injecting harmful SQL into a database and from retrieving confidential data. SQL statements formed by an application in response to user input (e.g., user Id and password), are scanned and compared to patterns of SQL commands and data embodied in one or more anti-SQL injection policies. If there is a match, the SQL statement is in violation of the policy. A severity level of the violation may be checked, for example, it may be determined whether the violation is critical or non-critical (normal). Different actions are taken depending on the severity of the violation. If the violation is critical, the SQL statement is dropped and the administrator is notified immediately and a trace of the violation is provided. If the violation is not critical, the data is retrieved and is compared against data in a confidential data registry. If any of the data is found to be confidential, that data is encrypted and then sent to the hacker. The hacker is not able to use or read the encrypted confidential data.
US08499168B2
A solid state disk system is disclosed. The system comprises a user token and at least one level secure virtual storage controller, coupled to the host system. The system includes a plurality of virtual storage devices coupled to at least one secure virtual storage controller. A system and method in accordance with the present invention could be utilized in flash based storage, disk storage systems, portable storage devices, corporate storage systems, PCs, servers, wireless storage, and multimedia storage systems.
US08499166B2
A system for controlling access to a protected network includes a network access control module coupled to the network and configured to restrict access to the network to an authorized user through a computer coupled to the network. The system also includes a communication device associated with the computer, which automatically transmits a unique identifier corresponding to the communication device to the network access control module when a user uses the communication device to request access to the network via the computer. When the network access control module receives the unique identifier it is configured to authenticate the communication device, to authenticate the user via the communication device when the communication device is authenticated, and when the user is authenticated, to submit log-on information to a log-on interface of the computer associated with the communication device so that the user can access the network via the computer.
US08499159B2
The invention relates to a method and system for embedding in a digital media file user fingerprint which the user cannot detect when using the digital media file. In the method, a user-detectable watermark is first embedded in the digital media file. This watermark can be transformed in a client device to a non-detectable fingerprint of the user by utilizing digital media file-specific information issued by a digital media rights owner when the user has bought a user license. Afterwards the digital media rights owner can read the embedded user fingerprint from the digital media file if it is illegally distributed between other users.
US08499158B2
There is provided an anonymous service method of providing local linkability. The anonymous service method providing local linkability according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, an anonymous authentication operation based on a short group signature is performed, for which the concept of a local linkability is introduced to secure linkability within the same service domain. Namely, in the interior of a service provider, a virtual index having a fixed value is calculated for each service user, and in this case, although a plurality of service providers collude with each other, they cannot calculate a virtual index having the same value, whereby the linkability can be secured within the same service domain but not within the interiors of different service domains.
US08499155B2
A method for improving the reliability and performance of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) networks where digital certificates are necessary for message authentication and some messages may be lost in transmission. The method uses a variable inter-certificate refresh period to optimize communications throughput based on network conditions such as node density and bandwidth saturation. In some network conditions, the inter-certificate refresh period may be increased, such that more certificate digests are sent between full digital certificates, to decrease average message size. In other network conditions, the inter-certificate refresh period may be decreased, to allow for more frequent message authentication by receiving nodes. Empirical data and an adaptive controller are used to select the refresh period which will provide the best performance based on network conditions.
US08499149B2
Direct Anonymous Attestation involves a Signer using a credential supplied by an Issuer to anonymously prove to a Verifier, on the basis of a public key of the Issuer, the Issuer's attestation to the Signer's membership of a particular group. To facilitate membership revocation, the Issuer updates the public key at intervals, and also effects a complementary updating to the Signer's credential unless the Signer has ceased to be a legitimate group member. A non-updated credential is inadequate to enable the Signer to prove its Issuer attested group membership to a Verifier on the basis of the updated Issuer public key.
US08499138B2
Management of a UNIX-style storage pools is enhanced by specially managing one or more memory management inodes associated with pinned and allocated pages of data storage by providing indirect access to the pinned and allocated pages by one or more user processes via a handle. Direct access of the pinned and allocated pages by the user processes without use of the handles is prevented. Hardware status bits in the inodes are scanned to determine which pinned and allocated pages have been recently accessed and callback communication to each user process is used to determine which of the least-recently accessed pages can be deallocated, defragmented and compacted.
US08499123B1
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a command processing pipeline operatively coupled to an N-way cache and configured to process a sequence of cache commands. A way of the N ways of the cache with which an address of a cache command matches is a hit way for the cache command in case the cache command is a hit. In one embodiment, the command processing pipeline may be configured to receive a first cache command from one of the plurality of processing cores, select a way, from the N ways, as a potential eviction way, and generate, based at least in part on the received first cache command, N selection signals corresponding to the N ways, wherein each selection signal is indicative of whether the corresponding way is (A). the hit way and/or the eviction way, or (B). neither the hit way nor the eviction way.
US08499115B2
A control method for a memory is provided. The memory includes a plurality of storage units, each storing a plurality of bits. In a read mode, a read command is provided to the memory. The value of a most significant bit (MSB) of each storage unit is obtained and recorded. The value of the most significant bits is output. The value of a neighboring bit of each storage unit is obtained and recorded. The neighboring bit neighbors the most significant bit. The value of the neighboring bits is output.
US08499107B2
A field device for process automation, composed of at least two components coupleable with one another, wherein, in each of the components, a control/memory unit is provided, in which, in each case, a parameter set with defined parameters is stored, and wherein, for the case, in which the at least two components are coupled with one another, at least one of the control/memory units reads, and compares with one another, the parameter sets stored in the separate control/memory units of the components, and wherein, in the case of a deviation in the parameter sets, the comparing control/memory unit of the control/memory units makes available, to the components coupled with one another, the intersection of the parameters of the parameter sets.
US08499104B2
The embodiments of the present invention provide a method for switching a working mode, a USB device, and a host device. The method for switching a working mode includes: determining, according to the osvc key value in the registry of a host device, that a driver for a second working mode is installed on the host device, after the USB device is connected to the host device; and switching the current working state of the USB device from a first working mode to the second working mode. In the embodiments of the present invention, neither special auxiliary program nor additional driver needs to be developed. Therefore, the solution is easy to implement and a problem of incompatibility will not occur.
US08499102B2
Techniques are disclosed for managing data requests from multiple requestors. According to one implementation, when a new data request is received, a determination is made as to whether a companion relationship should be established between the new data request and an existing data request. Such a companion relationship may be appropriate under certain conditions. If a companion relationship is established between the new data request and an existing data request, then when data is returned for one request, it is used to satisfy the other request as well. This helps to reduce the number of data accesses that need to be made to a data storage, which in turn enables system efficiency to be improved.
US08499099B1
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for converting data into a shortened Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address is described. The system includes a memory for storing instructions to convert data, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to receive the data, convert the data into a first sequence of symbols, and divide the first sequence of symbols into second sequences of symbols. The processor is also configured to execute the instructions to include, in each of a plurality of first addresses, a respective one of the second sequences of symbols, and associate each of the first addresses with a corresponding shortened address. The processor is further configured to execute the instructions to combine a portion of each shortened address into an index address, and associate the index address with a shortened index address. Methods and machine-readable storage media are also described.
US08499098B2
The present invention makes it possible to reassess respective host paths and reset priorities in accordance with the current state of a storage system. A management computer 400, in a case where either a failure or a configuration change occurs inside the storage system, assesses the respective host paths 501 through 506 in accordance with the status of a first communication network 500 and the status of a second communication network 600. The management computer 400, based on these assessment results, resets the priority of each host path. an alternate path program 112 of the host 100 are notified of the priorities, which have been set.
US08499094B2
A process executed by a computing device uses commands having a first format to exchange data through a network with a storage device configured to execute commands having a second format. A storage device controller identifies a command type associated with a command received from the process and identifies one or more physical memory addresses associated with the command. The storage device controller identifies a command having a second format associated with the received command and generates a network request including the command having the second format, the one or more physical memory addresses, a device identifier associated with the storage device and a tag. The network request is transmitted through a network to the storage device which executes the command having the second format. For example, an AoE request including an ATA command is generated from a received SCSI command.
US08499090B2
A hybrid system and method for delivering “streaming” media within the home. According to the method, small portions of media items from a controlling device are received at a rendering device for pre-caching into a cache. Upon a user selecting a media item for playback, play of the media item is immediately started from the cache in real-time while the remaining portions of the selected media item are downloaded from the controlling device and appended to cache at a rate faster than real-time.
US08499089B2
When a target device as a target of the current communication is an SNMPv3-compatible device corresponding to both protocols of the SNMPv1 and SNMPv3, the protocol used in the previous communication is identified, the order of priority of the protocols used in communication with the target device is determined on the basis of the determination result, and the communication with the target device is attempted in accordance with the order of priority of the determined protocols.
US08499084B2
A system for conducting multi-media communication sessions between two or more terminals includes a smart client application to dynamically load application code and data from servers on demand using an application management protocol. In the present embodiment the smart client is maintained on each terminal and initially executes a core application. This core application provides a user interface for selectively establishing and maintaining a communication session with a remote terminal. The core application also provides a user interface for including shared applications in the session to which the remote terminal has access. The core application provides a further user interface for combining two sessions into one that includes all participants and shared applications from both original sessions. Each shared application provides a user interface to each participant of the session according to their access rights: the participant who added an application to a session will typically have full access, while other participants typically have more restricted access. The core application uses a session management protocol to maintain consistent session state between all terminals involved in a session.
US08499081B2
A method of sending information from a Session Initiation Protocol intermediate node to a first Session Initiation Protocol terminal. The method comprises, upon receipt of a session initiation request at the Session Initiation Protocol intermediate node, establishing a first Session Initiation Protocol dialog between the Session Initiation Protocol intermediate node and the first Session Initiation Protocol terminal, sending information over said first dialog, forwarding said request from the Session Initiation Protocol intermediate node to a second, destination Session Initiation Protocol terminal, before, during, or after establishment of said first dialog, and establishing a second Session Initiation Protocol dialog, between the first and second Session Initiation Protocol terminals.
US08499080B2
A cluster control apparatus, cluster control system, and computer-readable recording medium are provided. The cluster control apparatus includes a switching unit that disconnects a first computer from a first group and disconnects a second computer belonging to a second group from the second group to cause the second computer to belong to the first group, when a first computer is unable to execute a job to be processed and a job executing unit that causes the second computer belonging to the first group to execute the job to be processed after the second computer have belonged to the first group by the switching unit.
US08499079B2
Methods and apparatus for providing primary transport service discovery information over one or more alternate transports that are not normally associated with the primary transport services. In one embodiment, the primary transport comprises a first wireless interface (e.g., Bluetooth), and the alternate transport comprises a second wireless interface (e.g., WiFi or WiMAX). Service profile information relating to the primary transport is broadcast to other users over the alternate transport in a more efficient and streamlined manner than that available on the primary transport. The other users store this service profile information so that it can be subsequently accessed for service profile discovery of the transmitting device by those other devices, thereby obviating subsequent transfer of the data over any transport (primary or alternate).
US08499060B2
Rolling software upgrades may be employed for a network device in a modular chassis and/or virtual chassis. The network device may include memory devices to store a software upgrade package and a group of instructions, and a processor. The processors may install the software upgrade package on a backup routing engine; determine subsets of multiple line cards on which to perform a software upgrade, where ports in each of the multiple line cards are part of a link aggregation group (LAG); initiate a reboot process for each of the subsets of multiple line cards, in sequence, where the reboot process for each of the line cards results in a software upgrade without deactivating any LAG. The processors may also switch the backup routing engine and a master routing engine to create a new master routing engine and a new backup routing engine, and install the upgrade package on the new backup routing engine.
US08499059B2
A computer-implemented system and methods for buffering of real-time data streams are disclosed. The apparatus and method in an example embodiment includes: configuring a content server for an initial content quality type associated with a content stream; receiving the content stream with the initial content quality type from a content feed; detecting a low watermark condition as the content stream is played on a playback device; reconfiguring the content server for a modified content quality type associated with the content stream while receipt of the content stream is in progress; and receiving the content stream with the modified content quality type from the content feed.
US08499057B2
The present invention is directed towards a “flash crowd” technique for handling situations where the cache receives additional requests, e.g., nearly simultaneous requests, for the same object during the time the server is processing and returning the response object for a first requestor. Once all such nearly simultaneous requests are responded to by the cache, the object is flushed from the cache, with no additional expiry time or invalidation action needed. This technique of the present invention enables data to be cached and served for very small amounts of time for objects that would otherwise be considered non-cacheable. As such, this technique yields a significant improvement in applications that serve fast changing data to a large volume of concurrent users, such, for example, as real time stock quotes, or a fast evolving news story.
US08499054B2
Method for viewing an attachment of an email message on a portable electronic device in which the attachment has a renderable format is provided. The method includes: requesting to view the attachment in an attachment viewer of the portable electronic device, building a graph structure within an attachment server representing a map of the attachment, the graph structure including at least one renderable identifier corresponding to a page of the attachment, requesting rendering of the attachment, the rendering request being send from the attachment viewer to the attachment server and including the at least one renderable identifier, initializing a rendering library and storing rendering commands corresponding to command types of the graph structure in the rendering library, drawing the rendering commands in an off-screen bitmap, saving the off-screen bitmap as a JPEG file, sending the JPEG file to the electronic device and displaying the JPEG file in the attachment viewer.
US08499040B2
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving sponsor specifications designating story characteristics; monitoring an organic activity stream for entries matching the story characteristics; and, in response to identifying an entry as matching the story characteristics, providing for display the entry in a predetermined area of a web page.
US08499037B2
A method and system for managing mobile exchange of profile information between a requestor and a recipient. A mobile client is provided on a requestor's first mobile device. The requestor provides requestor profile to an information exchange server through the mobile client. The requestor requests for a connection with the recipient using the mobile client. The mobile client is provided on a recipient's second mobile device. The recipient provides recipient profile to the information exchange server through the mobile client. On acceptance of the request for connection by the recipient, the information exchange server transfers the recipient profile to the mobile client on the requestor's first mobile device and vice versa. The mobile client automatically updates the transferred recipient profile on the requestor's first mobile device based on changes made by the recipient to the recipient profile and vice versa.
US08499036B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for sharing information. The technique includes defining a stored data set maintained by a first entity to include a locked data set and an unlocked data set, and providing a second entity with access to the stored data set. The second entity has permission to view the locked data set and to change only the unlocked data set.
US08499032B2
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and system that receives a seed term, obtains a corpus of candidate terms, where each candidate term comprises the seed term or variants of the seed term, obtains network traffic information associated with each candidate term in the corpus of candidate terms, and compiles a set of domain names based on the network traffic information. Each domain name in the set comprises one of the corpus of candidate terms.
US08499029B1
A mechanism is provided for managing a process-to-process communication request. A call is received in an operating system from an application in the data processing system. The operating system passes the call to a host fabric interface controller in the data processing system without processing the call. The host fabric interface controller processes the call using state information associated with the call. The call is processed by the host fabric interface controller without intervention by the operating system.
US08499027B2
A method and system for exchanging information with a Relationship Management system that includes a connection unit to bridge first and second communications connections and capture information associated with the first and second communications connections. An interface unit is then used to receive communications connection information from the connection unit and deliver select portions of the communications connection information in a select format to the Relationship Management system.
US08499026B2
The present invention relates to a distributed packet processing system for high-speed networks and a distributed packet processing method using thereof, in which a FIFO-type packet processing engine having three packet processing steps is provided in plurality to process packet data in parallel in processing packets for high-speed networks, and, therefore, packet sequences are guaranteed, and packets can be further promptly process.
US08499022B1
Combining multiple clusterings arises in various important data mining scenarios. However, finding a consensus clustering from multiple clusterings is a challenging task because there is no explicit correspondence between the classes from different clusterings. Provided is a framework based on soft correspondence to directly address the correspondence problem in combining multiple clusterings. Under this framework, an algorithm iteratively computes the consensus clustering and correspondence matrices using multiplicative updating rules. This algorithm provides a final consensus clustering as well as correspondence matrices that gives intuitive interpretation of the relations between the consensus clustering and each clustering from clustering ensembles. Extensive experimental evaluations demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of this framework as well as the algorithm for discovering a consensus clustering from multiple clusterings.
US08499021B2
A circuit and method for computing the circular convolution of an input signal with a finite impulse response operates to store initial input samples of the input signal, perform convolution of the remaining input samples in the block of input samples and then supplying the stored initial input samples for convolution, thereby generating circular convolution output samples.
US08499017B2
A data processing apparatus is arranged to perform a fused multiply add operation. The apparatus 100 has multiplying circuitry 110 configured to multiply operands B and C to generate a product B*C having a high order portion 160 and a low order portion 170. The apparatus has adding circuitry 130 configured to: (i) add an operand A to one of the high order portion 160 and the low order portion 170 to generate an intermediate sum value; and (ii) add the intermediate sum value to a remaining one of the high order portion 160 and the low order portion 170 to generate a result A+B*C.
US08499010B2
Garbage collection processes are automatically tuned on a system comprising a plurality of virtual machines running on a physical processing device with multiple physical processors. Tuning is implemented for each garbage collection process, by updating a load variable to reflect that a new garbage collection process has started, the load variable having a value that is based at least in part on a number of garbage collection processes that are currently running on the system. Tuning further comprises creating a number of garbage collection threads based at least in part on the current value of the load variable and/or number of processors, where the garbage collection threads are used to perform at least a portion of at least one phase of the new garbage collection process. Tuning further comprises re-updating the load variable to reflect completion of the new garbage collection process.
US08499000B2
System and method for implementing a floating index navigation tool are described. In one embodiment, the method includes, in response to a user's updating a search term, building first and second search queries; issuing the first and second search queries to at least one database comprising a searchable index of content; and responsive to receipt of search results from the first and second search queries, displaying the first query search results in a first manner and displaying the second query search results in a second manner different than the first manner.
US08498998B2
Provided are a method, system, and computer program product for grouping identity records to generate candidate lists to use in an entity and relationship resolution process. Identity records provide attributes of entities and are grouped into a group of identity records. A composite query on values for selected attributes of the identity records in the group is generated and applied to an entity database to obtain composite results of entity records in the entity database. For the identity records in the group, an individual query on attributes of one of the identity records is performed against the composite results of the entity records to determine a candidate list of entity records. Resolution rules are applied to determine entity records in the determined candidate list related to one of the identity records in the group according to the resolution rules.
US08498996B2
A computer-implemented method and system allows generating a query and a first fourth generation language at a native system to a non-native database which is capable of processing queries in a second fourth generation language. A query initiated by a client applicant in a first fourth generation language is analyzed to determine if it can be processed by a non-native system capable of processing queries in a second fourth generation language. Non-standard syntax representative of a function and the query that cannot be evaluated by the non-native database system is identified. If the syntax is discovered, the query is transformed through the use of formats or through an algorithm process into an equivalent query expression that can be processed by the database system.
US08498992B2
A favorite item set making section makes a favorite item set. A first rate calculating section calculates, with respect to a first set of items, a first rate of the number of items satisfying recommended item conditions to the number of all items. A user characteristic value calculating section calculates a user characteristic value by using the first rate. An item selecting section selects, from items in the favorite item set, a plurality of items including items satisfying the recommended item conditions to make a result item set. When the user characteristic value satisfies prescribed conditions, the rate of the number of items in the result item set which satisfy the recommended item conditions to the number of all items in the result item set is greater than the first rate and smaller than 1 except for a case where the first rate is 1.
US08498990B2
A content and data analysis method for evaluating and improving a website, by accessing the website to be analyzed, analyzing the content and data associated with the website, scoring the website based on a multitude of criteria, generating suggestions for improving the website, and implementing changes and improvements to the website. An electronic content and data analysis system and software program including an accessing mechanism for viewing the website to be analyzed, an analyzing mechanism for reviewing the content and data associated with the website, a scoring mechanism for attributing scores to the website based on a multitude of criteria; a generating mechanism for providing suggestions for improving a website; and an editing mechanism for implementing changes and improvements to a website is disclosed.
US08498988B2
Data records in one or more databases may be scanned to create a search index. The search index may include an identifier for each data record scanned, and a list of fragments of data in one or more data fields of each scanned data record. Each fragment in the list may be created by extracting a fixed number of adjoining characters from data in each data field of a corresponding data record. The list of fragments may include all fixed number of adjoining character sequences in each data field of a data record. Multiple search indexes may be included, with each search index including a different fixed number of adjoining characters in the fragment list. Systems and methods may be provided.
US08498978B2
Slideshow video file detection. A method includes receiving a search query for video files of a desired type. A portion of a video file is extracted. A frame difference based histogram and an active pixel based histogram are generated for the portion. Further, the frame difference based histogram and an active pixel based histogram are provided to a machine learning tool. An indicator is determined for the portion based on a plurality of parameters. The video file is classified as the desired type based on the indicator. The video file is provided to the user.
US08498964B2
Techniques for writing data in a distributed database system having a plurality of members and a master are disclosed. In one embodiment, a write request is received at an originating member. The write request is applied to a version of a database on the originating member and is placed in a journal queue of items for propagating to the master in one single atomic action. The write request is propagated to the master. Whether the propagated write request is associated with a conflict is determined, and in an event it is determined that the propagated write request is associated with the conflict, an indication that the write request is associated with the conflict is sent to the originating member.
US08498959B2
An enforcement system may include a policy decision point and an adaptive grid. Requests for service from users are passed to the policy decision point which uses enforcer agents in the adaptive grid to enforce policies by selecting from available policy enforcement points. The adaptive grid may also include explorer agents for evaluating enforcement capabilities available to the enforcement system.
US08498958B2
A moving obstacle deciding apparatus includes a search signal transmitting and receiving section 1 for transmitting a search signal, and for receiving the search signal reflected from a search target as a detection signal; a decision reference value calculating section 6 for calculating a decision reference value based on the detection signal received by the search signal transmitting and receiving section 1; and a moving obstacle deciding section 10 for making a decision as to whether the search target is a moving obstacle or not in accordance with a compared result of a difference value between decision reference values obtained by the decision reference value calculating section 6 in time-series searches with a prescribed threshold.
US08498955B2
In accordance with the invention, a system, method, and apparatus for analyzing advertisement-related data are presented, which may include receiving data related to an aspect of an advertisement and modeling the aspect of the advertisement with a mathematical model. The mathematical model may include a control-signal-related component, a control-signal-independent component, and an error component. Each component may be updated based on at least one of a control signal, the received data, and a previous state of at least one of the components. An updated model may be created based on the updated components. The system, method, and apparatus may also include predicting the aspect of the advertisement using the updated model. Exemplary aspects of and data related to the advertisement may include one or more of the following: a number of impressions, “clicks,” or “conversions” and/or the impression-to-conversion, impression-to-click, or click-to-conversion ratios.
US08498950B2
A system for training classifiers in multiple categories through an active learning system, including a computer having a memory and a processor, the processor programmed to: train an initial set of m binary one-versus-all classifiers, one for each category in a taxonomy, on a labeled dataset of examples stored in a database coupled with the computer; uniformly sample up to a predetermined large number of examples from a second, larger dataset of unlabeled examples stored in a database coupled with the computer; order the sampled unlabeled examples in order of informativeness for each classifier; determine a minimum subset of the unlabeled examples that are most informative for a maximum number of the classifiers to form an active set for learning; and use editorially-labeled versions of the examples of the active set to re-train the classifiers, thereby improving the accuracy of at least some of the classifiers.
US08498949B2
Supervised nonnegative matrix factorization (SNMF) generates a descriptive part-based representation of data, based on the concept of nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) aided by the discriminative concept of graph embedding. An iterative procedure that optimizes suggested formulation based on Pareto optimization is presented. The present formulation removes any dependence on combined optimization schemes. Analytical and empirical evidence is presented to show that SNMF has advantages over popular subspace learning techniques as well as current state-of-the-art techniques.
US08498946B1
A method of promoting user participation in a social broadcast environment is disclosed. Based on an attribution criterion, it is determined that a user is to receive credit for affecting a broadcast of a content data designated by the user. A user profile data associated with the user is processed to include in a broadcast stream generated for the broadcast an attribution content associated with the user. A method of providing user participation in a social broadcast environment is disclosed. A network communication is received from a user of a broadcast that includes a preference data indicating a preference of the user that a promoted content be included in the broadcast. Via a responsive network communication, a feedback data is provided to the user that includes a predicted future time at which the promoted content may be included in the broadcast. A method of promoting user participation in a social broadcast environment is disclosed. Based on an attribution criterion, it is determined that a user is to receive credit for affecting a broadcast of a content data designated by the user. A processor is used to transform a data associated with the user to include in a broadcast stream generated for the broadcast an attribution content associated with the user.
US08498938B1
Methods, devices, and apparatuses are described for retroactively applying financial activity recorded at an electronic device temporarily disconnected from a network to an account. This may include a customer providing financial transaction information, wherein the financial transaction information comprises funds to be credited to or debited from the account. After a period of time, it may be determined that a previously unavailable network connection to the host computer system is available. The financial transaction information and a timestamp indicating when the financial transaction information was received at the electronic device may then be transmitted. The financial transaction may then be applied to the account retroactively at a time linked to the timestamp.
US08498932B2
The invention contemplates a method of funds transfer is disclosed involving opening one or more trust accounts associated with a plurality of accounts with at least one financial institution, creating a plurality of money account cards with each of the plurality of money account cards associated with a live account associated with the entire amount in the trust account opened and maintained by company with at least one financial institutions, distributing the money account cards to retailers, retailing the money account cards to customers for distribution of the cards to cardholders, receiving money from the customers, applying the money to predetermined accounts of the plurality of accounts, receiving requests from cardholders to access the money in the predetermined accounts, and dispersing funds from the predetermined accounts in response to the requests from cardholders.
US08498921B2
Systems and methods for determining a brokerage commission owed by a client of a brokerage firm based on the principal volume (“PV”) of the client's eligible transactions over a time period. The system may comprise: (i) a database storing information about the client's transactions; and (ii) one or more processors in communication with the database. The processor(s) is programmed to determine the client's brokerage commission by: (i) calculating the cumulative PV of transactions made by the client through the brokerage firm over a time period; and (ii) calculating the commission for a billing time period based on the calculated cumulative PV. The applicable commission may be determined based on a tiered marginal commission rate schedule.
US08498918B2
Systems and methods are provided to fulfill customer trading orders in an illiquid two sided market. Request for cross functionality may be implemented in a trading environment using a trading engine for the matching of trades involving financial instruments. Request for cross functionally integrates the benefits of a dual bid-ask continuous trading market model with the price and quantity trade matching systems and methods.
US08498909B1
This invention relates to an expense reporting system for viewing and manipulating a user's financial transaction data and a method for associating financial transaction data with a user's project data. The system includes a user's financial transaction data hosted in a data storage unit, addressable on a network, and accessible by a remote user on a user interface unit having a user input means and a display; and an expense reporting module having a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to define project category data and associate representations of the user's financial data with the user-defined project category data.
US08498908B2
Systems and methods for facilitating financial transactions over a network include a merchant device, a client device and a payment processing device. The merchant device is adapted to allow a merchant to provide items for purchase via the network. The client device is adapted to allow a user to access the merchant device via the network and view the items for purchase. The client device is adapted to provide a payment mechanism to the user. The user generates a purchase request for an item by selecting the one item, dragging the item to the payment mechanism, and dropping the item over the payment mechanism. The payment processing device is adapted to receive the purchase request from the client device via the network and authorize the user to purchase the item from the merchant based on information passed with the purchase request.
US08498903B2
A system and method for performing a security check at a checkout terminal is disclosed. Various heuristics are utilized to verify that a customer or clerk has properly identified an item being purchased. In various embodiments, the weight or other physical characteristics of an item placed on a product scale are measured and compared with expected physical characteristics for the item. If a mismatch is detected between the actual physical characteristics and the expected physical characteristics, the transaction may be flagged for further investigation.
US08498901B1
The invention relates to a method for representing a transfer of currency during a transaction. The method involves establishing a network connection with a computing device, receiving, from the computing device, transactional data associated with the transaction, receiving currency data associated with a financial account, and displaying a pictorial representation of currency based on the currency data, where a currency type and a currency denomination are depicted as a portion of the pictorial representation. The invention further involves designating an amount of currency from the pictorial representation to obtain image data, where the amount of currency is sufficient to complete the transaction, transmitting the image data to the computing device as part of the transaction, and sending instructions to transfer the amount of currency from the financial account based on the image data and the transactional data.
US08498899B2
A method of processing room service transactions in an institution such as a hotel, having a plurality of guest rooms includes displaying selected visual representations of food items at predetermined intervals with a user device including an interactive graphical user interface in a guest room, receiving inputs from a guest with the graphical user interface and transmitting the inputs to a food service server for fulfillment.
US08498895B2
An online behavior tracking system includes a unique ID module configured to determine attributes of a user device, and calculate a unique ID for a user from the attributes. The unique ID is used to track online behavior for the user across different domains. Also, the online behavior tracking system is used in a content evaluation system which delivers content treatments to users and tracks online behavior of the users in response to the delivered treatments.
US08498891B2
Systems and methods for product level projections of pharmacy prescriptions within product therapy classes are provided. Average wholesale dollar sales amounts are obtained or estimated at channel/outlet/product-therapy levels. All of the average wholesale dollar sales amounts are converted to prescription data at channel/outlet/product-therapy levels using a correlation function. The correlation function is derived by correlating samples of total prescription data where available with corresponding average wholesale dollar sales amounts.
US08498885B2
Embodiments of methods and systems for predicting provider negotiated rates are disclosed. One method includes obtaining claims data and provider data, grouping the claims data into priceable units, computing prices for each of the priceable units based on the claims data and the provider data, and estimating provider negotiated rates based on the priceable units and the computed prices for the priceable units.
US08498884B2
A portable, electronic and encrypted medical record device and management system that receives and stores a registrant's or patient's medical history in a secured database, records the medical history on a portable computer readable medical storage device, includes a multi-level encrypted security system to control access to the medical information on the storage device or in the system for authorizing modification or access to the medical information, allows authorized medical personnel to update recently acquired medical data, dictates the data that authorized medical entities or personnel have access to and includes a recognizable logo to alert medical personnel of the medical storage device.
US08498883B2
A method for providing a user with the ability to access and collect prescriptions associated with the user in a secure and private manner. The method may include associating access information with the user to access a server storing prescriptions associated with the user, providing a web-based user interface to remotely access the drug prescriptions stored on the server, receiving at the server the prescriptions associated with the user from health care providers, storing the prescriptions such that the prescriptions are accessible through the web-based user interface. The method may further include electronically sending from the server the prescriptions to a pharmacy selected by the user.
US08498870B2
A computerized integrated order entry and clinical documentation and voice recognition system enables voice responsive user entry of orders. The system includes a voice recognition unit for detecting spoken words and converting detected spoken words to data representing commands. A data processor, coupled to the voice recognition unit, processes the data representing commands provided by the voice recognition unit, to provide order and documentation related data and menu options for use by a user, by interpreting the data representing commands using an ordering and documentation application specific ontology and excluding use of other non-ordering or non-documentation application specific ontologies. The ordering application enables initiating an order for medication to be administered to a particular patient, or additional ordered services to be performed. A user interface processor, coupled to the data processor, provides data representing a display image. The display image, includes the order related data and menu options provided by the data processor and supports a user in selecting an order for medication to be administered to a particular patient.
US08498868B2
The invention relates to a method for operating a technical medical system during a medical procedure, wherein a parameter correlated with the quality of the performance of the procedure is continuously registered while the procedure is being performed, the parameter is evaluated based on a quality criterion correlated with the procedure's fault-free performance, and an auxiliary procedure for the medical procedure is initiated as soon as the parameter has violated the quality criterion. The invention also relates to a technical medical system for performing a medical procedure according to the inventive method.
US08498867B2
Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different voices. Further disclosed are techniques and systems for generating an audible output in which different portions of a text are narrated using voice models associated with different characters.
US08498864B1
Methods and systems for predicting a text are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to receive one or more typed characters that compose a portion of a text; and receive, a voice input corresponding to a spoken utterance of at least a portion of the text. The computing device may be configured to determine, based on the one or more typed characters and the voice input, one or more candidate texts predicting the text. Further, the computing device may be configured to provide the one or more candidate texts.
US08498860B2
A modulation device including: a modulation unit for modulating a carrier in an audible sound range by an encoded transmission signal to generate a modulated signal; a masker sound generation unit for generating a masker signal outputted as a masker sound for making the modulated signal harder to hear when transmitted with the modulated signal; and an acoustic signal generation unit for inserting the masker signal in the modulated signal to generate an acoustic signal.
US08498858B2
The present invention relates to the translation of a portion of text to be communicated in a text-based communication in a communications network. A communications device for composing the text-based communication queries a translation service with a portion of text in a first language to obtain a replacement for the portion in a second language. A user may trigger a replacement query by composing the portion using at least one trigger symbol monitored by the communications device. Replacement may be confirmed with the user and at least one alternative replacement sought in response to the confirmation. The communications network may comprise a wireless network and the communications device a wireless mobile communications device.
US08498850B2
A hybrid simulation system to model cascading events within a black box system may include a tessellated field operable to allow a plurality of black box components to execute on a processor and communicate without needing a direct connection between the black box components. The black box components have transfer functions defined over a common coordinate system and time.
US08498833B2
A method of inspecting a stack body of at least a porous layer and a dense layer comprises the first step of measuring the length of the stack body before the stack body is fired, the second step of measuring the length of the stack body after the stack body is fired, the third step of calculating a shrinkage rate of the stack body based on a first measured value from the first step and a second measured value from the second step, the fourth step of determining whether the calculated shrinkage rate of the stack body is acceptable or not based on the calculated shrinkage rate, the fifth step of calculating an S/N ratio of the stack body based on the first measured value and the second measured value, and the sixth step of determining whether the current-voltage characteristics of the stack body are acceptable or not based on the calculated S/N ratio.
US08498816B2
A system includes a head-mountable display and a mobile device. The mobile device includes a position acquisition device that acquires positional information indicating a position of the mobile device. The mobile device includes a first orientation acquisition device that acquires first orientation information indicating an orientation of the mobile device with respect to a reference direction. The mobile device includes a first display that displays content based on the positional information and the first orientation information on the mobile device when a condition is satisfied. The mobile device includes a first receiver that receives second orientation information indicating an orientation of the head-mountable display with respect to one or more of the reference direction and the orientation of the mobile device. The mobile device includes a first transmitter that transmits content based on the positional information and the second orientation information when the condition is not satisfied.
US08498809B2
Techniques are provided for predicting a destination for a ground-based vehicle. Travel patterns are accessed and a series of locations of a ground-based vehicle are received. At least some of the received locations are related to at least one accessed travel pattern, and a destination of the ground-based vehicle is predicted based on relating the received locations with the travel patterns. An existence of an event may be predicted using the predicted destinations of a ground-based vehicle.
US08498806B2
In a hydraulic shovel positional guidance system, an optimal work position calculation unit is configured to calculate an optimal work position of a main vehicle body where a diggable range in which a target surface and an operability range overlap is largest. A display unit is configured to display a guidance picture showing the optimal work position.
US08498789B2
An ECT torque controlling system sets a torque demand amount. The torque demand amount set by the ECT torque controlling system is converted by a converter of a power train manager into a torque demand amount changing with a delay relative to the set torque demand amount. A selector of the power train manager switches between a state of converting the set torque demand amount into the torque demand amount changing with the delay relative to the set target value and a non-conversion state. An engine controlling system controls an engine so as to achieve the torque demand amount.
US08498786B2
A method and apparatus for managing undesired material in an area. A sensor system monitors the area for the undesired material. A number of operations is performed on the area using a vehicle system. The vehicle system comprises a vehicle and a structure connected to the vehicle. A computer system receives data for the area from the sensor system. The computer system identifies a presence of the undesired material along a number of paths in the area using the data to form an identification. The computer system initiates removal of the undesired material based on the identification.
US08498773B2
A stability enhancing system for a vehicle having a suspension system including a spring is disclosed herein. The stability enhancing system includes, but is not limited to, a processor that is mounted on the vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The sensor is configured to detect a dynamic condition of the vehicle. A locking mechanism is connected to the spring and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The locking mechanism is configured to inhibit the spring from releasing a stored energy when the locking mechanism is locked. The processor is configured to obtain the dynamic condition from the sensor, to utilize the dynamic condition to determine whether a wheel lift event will occur, and to provide commands to the locking mechanism to lock if the processor determines that a wheel lift event will occur.
US08498753B2
Systems and methods for reducing the cycling time of a climate control system. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems can receive from a database a target time at which a structureis desired to reach a target temperature. In addition, the system acquires the temperature inside the structure and the temperature outside the structure at a time prior to the target time. The systems use a thermal characteristic of the structure and a performance characteristic of the climate control system, to determine the appropriate time prior to the target time at which the climate control system should turn on based at least in part on the structure, the climate control system, the inside temperature and the outside temperature. The systems then set a setpoint on a thermostatic controller to control the climate control system.
US08498752B2
A power system controller using a 2×2 decoupling controller, a model reference, and feedback with delay. Embodiments provide control of microgrid frequency F and voltage V. In addition, this technique can also be used to control the real and reactive power delivered from the microgrid to the connected macrogrid. The control engineering approach is the same in both cases, but the roles of the four variables involved are reversed.
US08498750B2
A system for monitoring a transient flow of a fluid for the presence of contaminants is disclosed. The system includes a fluid control valve having a body defining a fluid flow path therethrough. A fluid monitoring device is in fluid communication with the fluid flowing through the control valve. The fluid monitoring device is adapted to monitor the fluid flowing through the control valve for contaminants.
US08498749B2
A method of managing energy use of a network device located at a site with a mobile device is provided. The method proceeds by determining a plurality of zones about the site and detecting a current location of the mobile device relative to the plurality of zones. The method continues by altering the operating condition of the network device in response to detecting the mobile device changing zones. A graphical user interface (GUI) is displayed within the display screen of the mobile device. A map presenting the site location, the plurality of zones disposed about the site location, and the current location of the mobile device is displayed within the GUI along with a distance selector including selectable distance values. The method further includes automatically scaling the plurality of zones and the map in response to changing the selectable distance value using the distance selector.
US08498747B2
A drapery assembly extends and retracts a drape with a powered carrier. The carrier receives both a power signal and a command signal from a controller via an electrically powered surface of a drapery rod. The carrier supports a portion of the drape and moves linearly along the length of the drapery rod in response to the control signal.
US08498741B2
A humanoid robot includes a torso, a pair of arms, a neck, a head, a wrist joint assembly, and a control system. The arms and the neck movably extend from the torso. Each of the arms includes a lower arm and a hand that is rotatable relative to the lower arm. The wrist joint assembly is operatively defined between the lower arm and the hand. The wrist joint assembly includes a yaw axis and a pitch axis. The pitch axis is disposed in a spaced relationship to the yaw axis such that the axes are generally perpendicular. The pitch axis extends between the yaw axis and the lower arm. The hand is rotatable relative to the lower arm about each of the yaw axis and the pitch axis. The control system is configured for determining a yaw angle and a pitch angle of the wrist joint assembly.
US08498733B2
A method and system are provided which reorders a sequence of operations of a part program to reduce the number of tool changes during execution of the program. The reordered sequence maintains a sequence of at least a first portion of the operations.
US08498731B2
Provided are a process-parameter prognostic system for predicting the shape of a semiconductor structure, a semiconductor fabrication apparatus having the process-parameter prognostic system, and a method of using the same. The process-parameter prognostic system may have a process prediction unit and a process-change point corresponding unit. The process prediction unit and the process-change point corresponding unit may obtain predicted parameters using measured parameters of semiconductor structures and sensor parameters of plasmas corresponding to the semiconductor structures.
US08498726B2
The present invention relates to a bi-directional broadcasting system for a small space. More particularly, multiple users enjoy the optimum surround sound and pursue the best convenience simultaneously by wirelessly connected an external receiver, multiple headphones, and external speakers which can be installed and composed variously, while watching a video media which was received through a television transmitting and receiving antenna or external signal input devices by a host television, that was related to a bi-directional broadcasting system for a small space.
US08498722B2
Systems and methods for incorporating online user generated media content (e.g., videos) into an interactive video gaming environment are provided. Reward or penalty media assets generated by users are stored on a remote server. A player action is received by the remote server and ranked. Based on the rank associated with the player action, the video asset server selects a reward or penalty media asset of the stored media assets. The selected reward or penalty media asset is presented to the player.
US08498716B2
An improved integrated external controller/charger system useable with an implantable medical device is disclosed. The system comprises two main components: an external controller and an external charging coil assembly that is coupleable thereto. When the external charging coil assembly is coupled to the external controller, the system can be used to both send and receive data telemetry to and from the implantable medical device, and to send power to the device. Specifically, the external controller controls data telemetry by energizing at least one coil within the external controller, and the external controller controls power transmission by energizing a charging coil in the external charging coil assembly, which is otherwise devoid of its own control, power, and user interface. The result is a cheaper, simpler, more compact, and more convenient data telemetry and charging solution for the patient having a medical implant.
US08498707B2
An exemplary method for treating obesity includes calling for delivery of electrical energy to a vagal nerve, detecting pre-prandial activity and, in response to the detection of pre-prandial activity, calling for delivery of electrical energy to the stomach for a pre-determined amount of time to induce satiety. Various other technologies are also disclosed.
US08498705B2
An implantable medical device provides ventricular pacing capabilities and optimizes AV intervals for multiple purposes. In general, intrinsic conduction is promoted by determining when electromechanical systole (EMS) ends and setting an AV interval accordingly. EMS is determined utilizing various data including QT interval, sensor input, and algorithmic calculations.
US08498704B2
Described are methods and devices for improving diastolic function with electrostimulation in heart failure patients who exhibit relatively normal systolic function. Such patients are characterized by impaired myocardial relaxation during diastole that prevents adequate filling of the ventricles during diastole to thereby reduce cardiac output. An implantable device is described for effecting strategic and periodic stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system to elicit myocardial adrenergic activation for improved myocardial relaxation.
US08498703B2
A method and apparatus for treating or preventing neurocardiogenic syncope is disclosed. Upon detection of bradycardia or a drop in blood pressure indicating the onset of syncope, electrostimulation pulses are delivered during the heart's refractory period. The pulses are non-excitatory but increase myocardial contractility and thereby increase cardiac output.
US08498702B2
In an implantable medical device and a method for monitoring ventricular synchronicity of a heart. In particular, impedance signals are measured and an occurrence of a notch is detected in the impedance signal coincident with a period including a change from rapid to slow filling of a ventricle. The notch is indicated by a first positive slope change in a negative slope in a predetermined time window during a diastolic phase of a cardiac cycle. A degree of synchronicity is determined based on the notch feature, wherein a decreasing notch feature indicates an increased degree of synchronicity in the filling phase of the ventricles.
US08498701B2
An AED includes defibrillation circuitry housed within an enclosure, a first processor programmed to periodically test the operability of the defibrillation circuitry and a second processor in communication with the first processor. The AED further includes a visual indicator, such as a red/green LED, positioned at the exterior of the enclosure that is operatively connected to the second processor. The second processor is programmed to control the visual indicator in response to the periodic test results provided to it by the first processor.
US08498697B2
Embodiments are disclosed relating to classification of somatosensory evoked potential waveforms.
US08498676B2
A terminated call alert process involves detecting, via a processor, that a voice connection initially established between a vehicle-dedicated communications device disposed inside a vehicle and a facility has been terminated and identifying a method used to terminate the initial voice connection. Via the vehicle-dedicated communications device, the method further involves transmitting a data message to the facility, where the data message includes information pertaining to the method used to terminate the initial voice connection. Also disclosed herein is a system for accomplishing the same.
US08498672B1
The wireless communication device which displays images retrieved from camera, three-dimensional images, and incoming images.
US08498666B2
A method includes enabling interoperability between different types of wireless communication systems operating with different types of air interfaces to provide downlink radio resource aggregation for a user equipment. Enabling includes establishing a first connection between a medium access control (MAC) protocol layer of a first wireless communication system and a physical layer of the first wireless communication system; establishing a second connection between the MAC protocol layer of the first wireless communication system and a MAC protocol layer of a second wireless communication system; using the first connection, performing wireless communications with the user equipment via one or more component carriers over a first air interface of the first wireless communication system; and communicating data over the second connection, the data used in wireless communications via one or more component carriers over a second air interface of the second wireless communication system. Apparatus and program products are also disclosed.
US08498660B2
Enhanced Group Calling Features for Connected Portfolio Services in wireless communications networks, such as a mobile or cellular phone communications networks. The Connected Portfolio Services include Mobile Conferencing (Scheduled/Instant/Reservationless Conference), Family Connect, Buddy Connect, and Quick Reach, while the Enhanced Group Calling Features include Voicemail Diversion (the recognition of a diversion to voicemail and dropping the leg), Reverse Quick Reach (where a terminating subscriber defines how a call dialed to his/her mobile number should be handled and directed), and Single Number Group Calling (an optimal design implementation of single number based group calling).
US08498658B2
Techniques, apparatuses and systems for providing communications based on time reversal of a channel impulse response of a pulse in a transmission channel between a transmitter and a receiver to enhance reception and detection of a pulse at the receiver against various effects that can adversely affect and complicate the reception and detection of the pulse at the receiver.
US08498655B2
A method of using radio signals transmitted for reception by mobile user equipment that includes receiving, with mobile user equipment (UE), radio signals having at least one format; monitoring, with the mobile user equipment, at least one property of the received radio signals; identifying a pattern in said monitored property or properties; and in response to identifying said pattern, triggering at least one action according to the identified pattern, and/or providing the UE with an indication of a location of the UE based at least part of the identified pattern.
US08498653B2
A load sharing method, device, and system are provided in the disclosure. The method includes obtaining a current load value. If the current load value exceeds a preset load threshold value, a sharing base station is selected. Information of a shared load that needs to be shared is transmitted to the selected sharing base station.
US08498648B2
A conventional wireless device constantly measures the signal strength of its server base station and the strength of signals from surrounding base stations for handoff purposes. The wireless device transmits this information to its serving base station, which discards the information a short time afterward, following handoff. The present system and method store the formerly discarded information in one of several existing network elements or in a separate computer system. This information is used to generate a carrier to interference ratio, which indicates the level of interference between station pairs, and to also generate a carrier to interference matrix, including identifying potential interference for each station pair. The frequency of occurrences during predetermined desired periods of time and the volume of traffic affected by each level of interference may also be calculated. This provides comprehensive, continuous, real-time information for wireless frequency planning.
US08498647B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate dynamically forming clusters in a wireless communication environment. A set of non-overlapping clusters can be formed dynamically over time and in a distributed manner. Each of the clusters can include a set of base stations and a set of mobile devices. The clusters can be yielded based upon a set of local strategies selected by base stations across the network converged upon through message passing. For example, each base station can select a particular local strategy as a function of time based upon network-wide utility estimates respectively conditioned upon implementation of the particular local strategy and disparate possible local strategies that can cover the corresponding base station. Moreover, operation within each of the clusters can be coordinated.
US08498645B2
The present disclosure provides for a method for allocating by a plurality of source base stations of a cellular wireless communication support infrastructure a temporary resource request identifier to a wireless communication device for accessing a target base station. The method includes identifying a list of temporary resource request identifiers associated with the target base station for use by one or more wireless communication devices, wherein the list includes a subset of one or more part time temporary resource request identifiers whose respective assignment to a corresponding grouping of one or more source base stations at a particular time is rotated between more than one of the plurality of corresponding groupings of one or more source base stations.
US08498638B2
A method of creating a candidate list of available cells for access by a wireless communications device, the method comprising, for each of a plurality of supported frequencies: measuring a received signal strength, and suppressing cell detection on a frequency if: a stored result of a determination of whether a cell was previously detected on the frequency is negative; and the measured received signal strength for the frequency is below a threshold criterion.
US08498635B2
Model based fault analysing in a base station in a mobile telecommunication system, the base station having a fault manager and resources adapted to transmit fault indication signals to the fault manager. The fault analysing including functions for receiving into the fault manager a predetermined fault rule model of said resources in a fault rule configuration file; implementing a fault analysis algorithm of predetermined rules for analysing received fault indication signals dependent on said predetermined fault rule model; generating an analysis tree data structure dependent on the fault rule configuration file; receiving from one of said resources a fault indication signal indicating identification and classification information; retrieving an applicable fault rule in the analysis tree data structure dependent on said fault indication signal; evaluating the result of the retrieved fault rule applied on said fault indication signal; generating an alarm signal dependent on said result of the applied fault rule.
US08498633B2
This disclosure discloses a method, system and device for initializing an internet device. The method mainly comprises: an application module queries, through a handshake negotiation with a communication module, network standard information, sends the hardware configuration information needed to the communication module, and then informs the communication module of the determined hardware configuration information; and the communication module initializes hardware devices according to the initialization operation information in a stored set of available initialization operation information matched with the hardware configuration information. This disclosure avoids the setting of different software versions corresponding to different hardware ports and parameter configurations and reduces the complexity of system maintenance and management. Besides, the application module can use the same set of codes to adapt to communication modules of different network standards, thus further reducing the complexity of system maintenance and management.
US08498631B2
The present disclosure relates to activation of applications based on a vibration of a portable electronic device. A portable electronic device comprises: a vibration detecting unit configured to detect a vibration of the portable electronic device, acquire the vibration response profile of the vibration, and detect, based on the vibration response profile, a vibration of which the vibration response has an intensity and an effective width within respective predetermined ranges as an effective vibration event; and an application activating unit configured to be triggered in response to the effective vibration event being detected by the vibration detecting unit, so as to activate an associated application provided in the portable electronic device. According to the present disclosure, some special application functions of the portable electronic device can be conveniently enabled, and particularly, a call transfer setting/cancelling operation of a mobile phone can be conveniently carried out.
US08498629B2
A software-defined radio includes an executable radio software system operable with a radio circuit and conforming to the software communications architecture (SCA) specification and defining an operating environment that allows a waveform application to operate with a radio circuit for transmitting and receiving voice and data. An extensible Human-Machine Interface (HMI) plugin module is operable for allowing a selected waveform application to integrate with the radio circuit and provide an HMI user interface.
US08498624B2
An apparatus (100, 200) and method are disclosed for managing voicemail messages. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a voicemail system (100) having a communications interface (110) and a controller (102) for managing operations of the communications interface. The controller is programmed to store (310) voicemail messages corresponding to a communication device (102), transmit (316) a log of the voicemail messages to the communication device, and receive (318) from the communication device a request to delete a voicemail message selectively chosen from a user interface corresponding to the voicemail log. The present disclosure further describes embodiments for the communication device.
US08498616B2
The present invention concerns a method for enabling a first base station to be included within a wireless cellular network, the wireless cellular network comprising a server, a plurality of second base stations and a telecommunication network linking the base stations and the server, the base stations managing cells. The first base station transfers a first message comprising at least an identifier of the first base station and information representative of the location of the first base station to the server, receives from the server a second message comprising an identifier of a second base station which manages a cell which is neighbor of a cell of the first base station and a certificate proving that the first base station is authorized to communicate with the second base station, transfers to the second base station a third message comprising the certificate in order to establish a communication with the second base station.
US08498609B2
A mobile station is configured to use, a reception quality of GPS electric wave received by a mobile station, time needed in obtaining GPS location information (or the reception quality of preset television or radio broadcasting) as surrounding environmental information of the mobile station and to control, based on the surrounding environmental information, measurement of a link status (reception quality) and/or reporting of the measurement to a base station. A report from the mobile station is transmitted via the base station and a gateway to a management server which optimizes radio parameter based on the report.
US08498603B2
Systems are disclosed that utilize AC-coupled filtering to reduce DC offset, with aspects dynamically correcting instantaneous DC offset generated from the AC-coupled filtering. A DC offset correction circuit for an radio frequency (rf) receiver, comprising a switchable high pass filter configured to receive a signal, the switchable high pass filter including a plurality of high pass filters connected in parallel, wherein at least one of the plurality of high pass filters has a tunable corner frequency.
US08498598B2
An RF-demodulator includes an RF-input, a demodulator output, a mixing and amplification stage coupled between the RF-input and the demodulator output, and a calibration circuitry. The calibration circuitry is configured to apply a calibration input signal at the RF-input and sense a resulting calibration output signal at the demodulator output to derive a gain of the mixing and amplification stage based on the relationship between the calibration output signal and the calibration input signal.
US08498595B2
A preset device and an automatic preset application for ranking a group of content providers (e.g., radio stations) and for assigning one or more preset channels to the content providers with the top rankings. The preset device may include a timer configured to be coupled to a receiver, the timer configured to time a plurality of durations of a plurality of signals received from a plurality of content providers, a memory coupled to the timer, the memory configured to store the plurality of durations, and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to rank the plurality of content providers based on the respective plurality of durations, and configured to preset the tuning device based on the ranked plurality of content providers.
US08498592B2
Improved battery life for mobile wireless devices communicating using standard network protocols is obtained by measuring an energy profile of the transmitter circuitry with respect to transmission rate and transmission energy and adjusting operating conditions according to measured or deduced error rates. Additional energy savings are obtained reducing the total number of bits transmitted using payload compression and header truncation making use of application layer communications between the remote device and a power-unconstrained proxy device.
US08498578B2
Methods and apparatuses for dynamic interference management for wireless networks are disclosed. A node in a wireless network is configured to determine whether to cease transmissions during a period of time designated for a first node to transmit to a second node based on at least parameter relating to a channel between the first and second nodes.
US08498557B2
A developer supply device is provided, which includes a bias controller that, during an image forming operation by an image forming apparatus, applies a first bias to a first transfer board and applies a second bias to between a developer holding body and the first transfer board, so as to make the developer holding body hold development agent thereon while transferring the development agent along a first developer transfer path of the first transfer board. At least one of before and after the image forming operation, the bias controller applies the first bias to the first transfer electrodes without applying the second bias to between the developer holding body and the first transfer board, so as to transfer the development agent along the first developer transfer path without making the developer holding body hold the development agent.
US08498556B2
A developing device includes developing units each including a first gear and a development roller; a rotation supporting member; a cam member having a cam surface surrounding the rotation axis, and being secured to and rotating together with the rotation supporting member; and a driving force transmission member including a cam receiving roller and a second gear. The cam surface includes a curved surface whose curvature is less than a curvature of the cam receiving roller so that, as the first gear approaches a driving position where the first gear receives the driving force from the second gear by the rotation of the cam member, the cam receiving roller is moved away from the rotation axis once, after which the cam receiving roller is moved towards the rotation axis, thereby starting engagement of the first gear with the second gear before the first gear reaches the driving position.
US08498555B2
A rotary driving device includes a rotary shaft supported rotatably about an axis thereof on a predetermined supporting member, a rotary load body mounted on the rotary shaft to project radially outward from the rotary shaft in such a manner that the rotary load body can rotate integrally with the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a driver for rotating the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a disk mounted on the rotary shaft coaxially therewith for integral rotation with the rotary shaft, the disk having a mounting hole formed therein, a pendulum loosely fitted in the mounting hole, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a relative position relationship between a central axis position of the mounting hole and a center of gravity position of the pendulum under conditions where the disk is rotating.
US08498554B2
The image forming apparatus includes a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a drum drive input member; a developing cartridge configured to be movably mounted to the drum cartridge, the developing cartridge comprising a developing roller disposed so as to face the photosensitive drum and a developing drive input member; a drum drive transmission member configured to engage with the drum drive input member and configured to transmit drum driving force to the drum drive input member while permitting a positional gap of the drum drive input member within a predetermined range; and a developing drive transmission member configured to engage with the developing drive input member and configured to transmit developing driving force to the developing drive input member while permitting a positional gap of the developing drive input member within a predetermined range.
US08498553B2
A cartridge includes: a rotational body; a joint member having a first joint-side engagement part configured to be engaged to a rotational body-side engagement part with a predetermined moving range in a rotational direction, and a press member, wherein the joint member has a second joint-side engagement part configured to be engaged with a transfer-side engagement part with central axes of the joint member and the driving force transfer member being substantially matched, and wherein when the second joint-side engagement part is contacted to the driving force transfer member at a position at which the central axes of the joint member and the driving force transfer member are not matched, the joint member is rotated within the predetermined range and the second joint-side engagement part is thus moved, so that the second joint-side engagement part is engaged with the transfer-side engagement part in the rotational direction.
US08498545B2
A demodulator for a DPSK-modulated optical signal of bit frequency 1/T, comprises an interferometric structure (3) having an input port (1) for receiving the DPSK-modulated optical signal, an output port (8), and first and second arms (4, 5) extending from said input port (1) to said output port (8), adjustment means (5, 7, 14, 16) for fine tuning a propagation delay difference of said two arms (4, 5) in a range comprising T, an optical/electrical converter (10) connected to the output port (8) of the interferometric structure (3), and a bandpass filter (12) connected to an output of the optical/electrical converter (10), the passband of which does not include 1/T. The adjustment means (5, 7, 14, 16) is adapted to tune the propagation delay according to the output power level of the bandpass filter (12).
US08498541B2
Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to an optical transceiver module having a diagnostic communications link, wherein the link is configured to access diagnostic and other data contained within the transceiver controller via a backdoor interface. Controller data, including operational parameter values and module setup values, is accessible while the transceiver operates in conjunction with an external host and may be retrieved, and sometimes modified, in real time without interrupting normal transceiver operation or suspending the transmission of data over optical fibers. The data is accessed with an external user device via a backdoor interface on the outside of the transceiver module.
US08498537B2
The present invention relates to an optical cross-connect apparatus supporting plural directions, and provides a method of effectively performing an alarm indication by a node supervisory unit of the optical cross-connect apparatus. The node supervisory unit includes an alarm indication information storage unit that manages a management table for each of the plural directions. The management table manages not only received alarm indication information but also “internal WSS input/output port optical fiber connection state”, “WSS optical path setting state on DROP/THROUGH selection side”, “transponder destination location”, and “destination direction”, with respect to each direction. Then, a process flow is added to match received FDI information with the management information stored in the management table for each direction, and to specify an alarm destination.
US08498536B2
The invention at hand concerns a method and a system for transmitting data in an optical transmission system. A measuring signal is generated having a wavelength which differs from the wavelengths of a data signal that includes the data to be transmitted. The measuring signal is coupled in the optical transmission system, reflected after passing through the transmission path and decoupled again. The coupled measuring signal is compared with the decoupled reflected measuring signal. By taking into account the comparison results, a compensation of the change of the data signal resulting from the dispersion in the fiber is performed in such a way that the data included in the data signal can be used.
US08498535B2
A receiver for a communications link includes a receiver module and a host receiver. These two components can be tested independently. In one embodiment, the receiver module is characterized with respect to noise and distortion. The noise performance can be determined by comparing input and output signals of the receiver module, to determine the relative noise of the receiver module. The distortion performance can be determined by comparing the distortion of input and output signals of the receiver module, using a reference host receiver that includes an equalizer. The host receiver can be tested by using a reference receiver module.
US08498531B2
An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.
US08498526B2
A high speed cooking apparatus employing a low voltage high current system for heating foods employing a novel wire mesh heating element. The system herein described providing the benefits of high speed cooking like that further described by U.S. Provisional Application 60/822,028 filed on Aug. 10, 2006, but yet providing significant cost benefit and simplicity over said system.
US08498524B2
A vaporizer device of the type which is connected to the electric mains by a plug (1), incorporating a single container (6) equipped with a body of two or more independent receptacles (8) which hold different liquid fragrances in which respective wicks (2) are immersed and a lid (9) which closes the body (7) and renders the receptacles (8) independent. The lid (9) comes with openings (10) in correspondence with the positions of the wicks (2) for the egress and vaporization of the fragrance by actuation of one or more resistance elements (3), located in opposition to the openings (10), either with use of a manual pushbutton (4) or automatically in accordance with a pre-established program, diffusing the fragrances in a sequential or combined manner during predetermined intervals of time.
US08498520B2
A video system and process in which a series of video frames are encoded for fast forward and/or fast reverse playback, wherein a subset of frames are encoded as reference frames that have a hierarchical relationship with each other. The reference frames are I frames and predicted frames, such as P, B, or IDR frames.
