最新美国发明专利第2013-01-08期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08348408B2	Ink set and image forming method An ink set which includes an ink composition including a pigment, polymer particles having a glass transition temperature of 70° C. or more and a volume average particle size of 70 nm or lower, and a water-soluble polymerizable compound that undergoes polymerization when irradiated with an active energy ray; and a treatment liquid including an aggregating agent for aggregating components in the ink composition, and an image forming method, including an ink applying process for applying the ink composition; and a treatment liquid applying process for applying the treatment liquid, are provided.
US08348407B2	Liquid ejection head, liquid-droplet ejection device, and image forming apparatus A liquid ejection head includes nozzles, separate chambers, a common chamber, inlet portions, a filter unit, and ribs. Droplets of liquid are ejected from the nozzles. The separate chambers are communicated with the nozzles. The inlet portions are communicated with the corresponding separate chambers. Liquid is supplied from the common chamber to the separate chambers through the inlet portions. The filter unit is disposed between the inlet portions and the common chamber to filter liquid in an area across the separate chambers in a first direction in which the nozzles are arrayed. The ribs are disposed in the filter unit at intervals corresponding in size to at least two of the separate chambers in the first direction to partition the filter unit. The inlet portions are communicated in the first direction with each other in at least one portion of each of the inlet portions facing the filter unit.
US08348406B2	Liquid ink delivery system including a flow restrictor that resists air bubble formation in a liquid ink reservoir A fluid ink delivery system includes a receptacle positioned proximate to a plurality of inkjet ejectors, and an ink supply in fluid communication with the receptacle. Ink held in the receptacle may be withdrawn under negative pressure by a pump in the ink supply. A flow restrictor in fluid communication with the pump limits the negative pressure level applied by the pump to be less than a pressure that draws air across a porous member in the receptacle.
US08348403B2	Image forming apparatus At a predetermined position during the lateral movement of a carriage 10, a gap switching mechanism 30 for switching a gap between a recording head 15 and a recording medium is provided. The recording head 15 is mounted facing downward on the carriage 10. A part close to one side on a lower end of the carriage is slidably and pivotably supported by a guide shaft 11 of a round shaft shape. A switching block member 13 provided with several abutment portions 52 and 53 with different heights, which are positioned so as to be opposed to a slide portion 12a at an upper end of a frame 12 extending in a vertical direction along a back of the carriage. The A switching block member 13 is pivotably supported by the carriage. A first pushing portion 56 is located at a left end of the frame so as to abut against the switching block member 13. A pivotal posture of the first pushing portion is changed due to the abutment to bring the abutment portion 53 into a slide contact relationship with the frame 12, so that a small gap is provided. A second pushing portion 57 is located at a right end of the frame so as to abut against the switching block member 13, a pivotal posture of the first pushing portion is changed according to the abutment to bring the abutment portion 52 into a slide contact relationship with the frame 12, so that a large gap is provided.
US08348402B2	Fluid supply device, printing device, and method of controlling a fluid supply device A fluid supply device, a printing device, and a control method for a fluid supply device can desirably supply a fluid while maintaining good throughput, and can reduce device size and cost with a simple construction. The inkjet printer has an expansion mechanism that enables an ink refill operation in which a movable member expands an ink chamber by moving a piston that moves in contact with a regulator panel disposed to the main device side and supplies ink from an ink cartridge, a comparison means that determines whether or not the amount of ink left in the ink cartridge is less than a specified value, and a CPU that sets a long time mode in which the ink refill operation time is long when the amount of ink left in the ink cartridge is less than the specified value.
US08348401B2	Inkjet printing apparatus A turning operation of a head set lever is completed, and a printing head can be detached from a carriage part. By the above-described turning operation of the head set lever, a supply port insertion and extraction part connected via a link slides, a needle pipe of the supply port insertion and extraction part is brought into a state of being the farthest from the printing head, and a needle insertion and extraction lever is brought into a state in which it moves under a case wall. Thereby, an operator cannot turn only the needle insertion and extraction lever when the head set lever is in an opened state. In this manner, when the head set lever is in the opened state, the operation of the needle insertion and extraction lever, which is used for connection of the supply port insertion and extraction part to ink supply port, is restricted.
US08348398B2	Droplet ejection device and method for collecting adherent liquid There is provided a droplet ejection device comprising: a droplet ejecting head comprising a droplet ejecting surface on which an ejecting aperture from which droplets are ejected and a collecting hole for collecting adherent liquid adhered to the droplet ejecting face are formed; and a collecting unit that causes the liquid to overflow to the droplet ejecting face through the collecting hole and collects the overflowed liquid through the collecting hole together with the adherent liquid.
US08348390B2	Enhancing superoleophobicity and reducing adhesion through multi-scale roughness by ALD/CVD technique in inkjet application Various embodiments provide a device having a multi-scale superoleophobic surface and methods for forming and using the device, wherein a particulate composite layer including metal-containing particulates is formed on a textured micron-/sub-micron surface of a semiconductor layer to provide device with multi-scale rough surface.
US08348386B2	Pagewidth printhead assembly with ink and data distribution A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer, that has an elongate ink distribution member mounted with a series of inlets spaced along the length of the elongate ink distribution member, one or more integrated circuits fixed to the ink distribution member, the or each integrated circuit having nozzles for ejecting ink supplied by the distribution member onto a passing media substrate, and an electrical connector for transmitting data to the or each integrated circuit, the electrical connector having an elongate array of contacts for electrical connection with a corresponding array of contacts on the inkjet printer.
US08348380B2	Printhead cartridge incorporating ink supply and moveable maintenance station A printhead cartridge for an inkjet printer is removably receivable in the printer. The cartridge comprises: a pagewidth printhead, an ink delivery system and a maintenance station. The maintenance station comprises: a chassis reciprocally moveable between a first position and a second position, and a printhead maintenance system mounted on the chassis. The printhead maintenance system is moveable by the chassis between the first position in which the printhead is maintained by the maintenance system and the second position in which the maintenance system is disengaged from the printhead. The chassis comprises an engagement formation for complementary engagement with an engagement arm of an engagement mechanism in the printer. The chassis is moveable by means of the engagement mechanism.
US08348378B2	Inkjet printer incorporating capping mechanism actuated by flexible arm An inkjet printer includes a printhead assembly for ejecting ink upon print media; a capping molding for engaging a face of the printhead assembly; and an actuator for actuating the capping molding against and away from the printhead assembly. The actuator includes a flexible arm attached at one end to the capping molding and at the other end to slip and drive wheels. The slip and drive wheels facilitating actuation of the capping molding via the flexible arm. The flexible arm facilitates conformation of the capping molding against the printhead assembly.
US08348376B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A printer includes first and second ejecting sections of which positions of nozzles are different from each other in a sub scanning direction, and an ejecting section group. The ejecting section group includes first and second individual ejecting sections of which the positions of the nozzles are same in the sub scanning direction. When a frequency of ejecting the liquid using the first and second ejecting sections and the first and second individual ejecting sections are Ra, Rb, Rc and Rd, the first mode in which Ra:Rb:Rc:Rd is 1:1:1:0, a second mode in which Ra:Rb:Rc:Rd is 1:1:0:1 and a third mode in which Ra:Rb:Rc:Rd is 1:1:0.5:0.5 are selected on the basis of the residual amounts of the ink.
US08348374B2	Ink jet apparatus and method of reducing crosstalk When ink is ejected from any one of a plurality of pressure chambers, an electric field pulse, which corresponds to an electric field pulse to be applied to a partition wall of the pressure chamber which is to eject the ink, and has at least one square wave, which is in a direction opposite to that of the electric field pulse and has a pulse width corresponding to the electric field pulse, is applied to a partition wall adjacent to the partition wall of the pressure chamber which is to eject the ink.
US08348373B2	Firing signal forwarding in a fluid ejection device A method for forwarding a firing signal within a nozzle group of a fluid ejection device includes receiving warm data and fire data. A firing signal having a firing pulse preceded by a warming pulse is received. The firing signal is conditionally modified according to of the fire data. The conditionally modified firing signal is forwarded to a particular nozzle circuit of the nozzle group.
US08348372B2	Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method An ink jet printing apparatus and an ink jet printing method are provided in which information about an ink amount ejected on each of unit areas into which a preceding print medium is divided and information about a size of a following print medium are acquired. A delay time for delaying a printing operation for the following print medium is set based on the information about the ink amount ejected on unit areas which are decided among the divided unit areas according to the information about the size of the following print medium.
US08348364B2	Fluid supply device, printing device, and method of cleaning a printing device A fluid supply device, a printing device, and a method of cleaning a printing device are disclosed. A fluid supply device includes a main tank, a fluid chamber, a fluid-discharging head, a movable carriage, an expansion mechanism that expands the fluid chamber to draw fluid from the main tank, a suction mechanism, a remaining fluid detection unit, a comparison unit that compares the remaining fluid volume in the main tank with a specified value, and a setting unit that sets a cleaning mode. The expansion mechanism is actuated via a movement of the movable carriage. The setting unit sets a first cleaning mode in which a first amount of fluid is vacuumed from the nozzle or a second cleaning mode in which a second amount of fluid is vacuumed from the nozzle that is less than the first amount. The cleaning mode is selected in response to the amount of fluid remaining in the main tank.
US08348363B2	Ink tank that enables ink remaining amount to be detected progressively There is provided a liquid tank having a liquid remaining amount sensing module that makes it possible to reliably determine that the amount of ink has reached a predetermined value, in spite of its simple and compact configuration. In the ink tank, an information storage element and a module are provided on a ceiling portion of an ink accommodating chamber directly accommodating ink; the module having an optical reflector that faces downward in a vertical direction. A housing of the ink tank is composed of a transparent resin. Infrared light from an external light emitting section is incident on the optical reflector. The reflected light is received by a light receiving section and then, the quantity of light is measured.
US08348362B2	Pivoting lid for refrigerator door A storage assembly includes a first storage compartment mounted within an interior chamber, a cover, and a slot. The first storage compartment is configured to move in a first direction between a first and a second position. The cover is secured to the first storage compartment and configured to pivot about an axis between a closed and an open position. The slot is located on one of a sidewall within the interior chamber or the cover, where the other one of the sidewall or the cover is configured to engage the slot. The cover moves in a second direction corresponding to a shape of the slot as the first storage compartment is moved between the first position and the second position. A second storage compartment can be provided above the first. The second storage compartment can move in the first direction despite the cover being in an open position.
US08348361B2	Additive dispenser drawer assembly An additive dispenser drawer includes roller assemblies located on opposite sides near a rear portion of the dispenser drawer. Each roller assembly moves within a guide rail attached to a side of a housing. Bearing fixtures are attached to the housing near the front and act upon surfaces of the dispenser drawer.
US08348359B2	Resistant sink base cabinet A cabinet for use in an environment in which water may be present has a structural base and a face front. The structural base has a pair of structural plastic side pieces for bearing a load of the cabinet, the side pieces each have a pair of legs, a front edge, a back edge and a pair of mounting portions, a plastic floor the floor tilting downwardly from a back of the cabinet towards the face front, the plastic floor having a first portion attaching to one of the side pieces and a second portion for attaching to another of the side pieces, a pair of cross supports for connecting the structural sides above the plastic floor, the cross supports mounting within the mounting portions. The face front is made from wood or a wood byproduct and attaches to each side piece at the front edges thereof.
US08348358B2	Computer enclosure with shield plate A computer enclosure includes a front panel, a shielding member, and a linkage assembly. The front panel defines an opening and a pair of sliding slots beside the opening. Each of the sliding slots has a stop portion and a sliding portion. The shielding member includes a pair of sliding posts respectively received in the stop portions of the sliding slots. The linkage assembly is capable of pushing the shielding member to urge the sliding posts sliding from the stop portions to the sliding portions of the sliding slots. The shielding member is capable of covering the opening when the sliding posts are received in the stop portions of the sliding slots and capable of sliding along the sliding portions to expose the opening.
US08348357B2	Drawer assembly locking mechanism A cabinet is fitted with a locking assembly suited for simultaneously locking or unlocking all of the drawers retained within the cabinet assembly. The locking assembly includes a primary actuation assembly, accessible from the exterior of the cabinet which engages a secondary actuation assembly. The secondary actuation assembly defines a plurality of lip elements which are displaceable intermediate the glide assembly which is associated with each drawer of the cabinet. In a closed, locked condition the lip elements are displaced in front of the glide elements thereby forming an obstacle to the lateral displacement of the glide assembly thereby precluding the outward withdrawal of the drawer from its retained position within the cabinet. In an open position, the lip elements are displaced to a position outside of the travel path of the glide assembly whereby they do not impede the operation of those glide assemblies.
US08348356B2	Combination idler recoil and tension adjustment assembly and method for identifying source of leakage in same An idler recoil and tension adjustment assembly is disclosed which provides a visual indication to the operator when either the idler recoil section or the tension adjustment section has developed a leak. The idler recoil and tension adjustment assembly includes a housing that accommodates a reciprocating shaft that includes both an idler recoil section and a tension adjustment section. The tension adjustment section is in communication with the grease port and the idler recoil section is in communication with a gas port. The grease and gas ports are coupled to the reciprocating shaft at an attachment section disposed between the idler recoil and tension adjustment sections. A blocking plate is slideably mounted to the attachment section and a shaft or roller is provided inside the housing so that when a leak develops in one of the sections the blocking plate may provide a visual indication to the operator as to which section, the idler recoil or the tension adjustment, is experiencing a leak.
US08348355B2	Arrangement for switching valves in axle modules of a utility vehicle A circuit arrangement for switching two backup valves in a rear axle module of an electronic brake system of a utility vehicle is provided, in which the circuit arrangement includes a switch at which pulse width modulation for controlling magnetic fields of inductors of the two backup valves is applied, and a diode for a slow discharge of the two backup valves in correlation with a predetermined operating state of the two backup valves, in which the diode is connected in parallel with two branches, each containing an inductor of the two backup valves, of the circuit arrangement, and in which the diode switches the two backup valves simultaneously in correlation with the predetermined operating state.
US08348351B2	Brake control device A brake control device is provided, which is capable of providing a precise diagnosis on a trouble on a hydraulic pressure valve etc., so as to provide an appropriate output hydraulic pressure corresponding to a stroke amount of a brake pedal. In this device, an electromagnetic valve is provided on a hydraulic pressure passage allowing an auxiliary hydraulic pressure chamber to communicate with an accumulator, and is controlled to open when such a trouble occurs that output hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pressure valve becomes lower than a predetermined range; and an electromagnetic valve is also provided on a hydraulic pressure passage allowing the auxiliary hydraulic pressure chamber to communicate with a reservoir, and is controlled to open when such a trouble occurs that the output hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pressure valve becomes insufficiently reduced.
US08348347B2	Folding vehicle head restraint assembly A vehicle head restraint assembly is provided with a cross member. A head restraint is supported by the cross member. A fixed locking member is mounted within the head restraint. A latch is moveably mounted on the cross member at a first latch position and at a second latch position. An actuator is mounted within the head restraint to move the latch between the first latch position and the second latch position. The head restraint is pivotable when the latch is in the second latch position. Another vehicle head restraint assembly is provided with a lateral support rod and a head restraint pivotally mounted thereon. A locking member is pivotally mounted within the head restraint. A latch is mounted on the support rod. An actuator disengages the locking member from the latch. A biasing member pivots the head restraint upon disengagement of the latch and the locking member.
US08348343B2	Method for controlling the kinematics of a seat having movable portions by space of freedom and seat carrying it out A method for controlling the kinematics of a seat having movable portions and actuators for moving the movable portions between an initial position and a final position, at least one movable portion including a specific point, including the steps of establishing, for the specific point, an authorized travel conduit between the initial position and the final position, delimited by two lateral boundaries, calculating the current position of the specific point, establishing a target direction for the specific point that is suitable for moving the specific point in the conduit from the lateral boundaries and the current position, and modifying the direction of the specific point by controlling the actuators in order to force the specific point to move in the conduit.
US08348342B2	Preference control mechanism A preference control mechanism is provided that includes a housing, a shuttle, a sub shuttle and at least one resilient member. The housing has a channel. The shuttle has a cavity. The shuttle is moveable within the channel of the housing from a first position to at least one second position. The sub shuttle is moveable within the channel of the housing and is moveable independent of the shuttle. The one or more resilient members have a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is attached to the shuttle and the second end is attached to the sub shuttle. The preference control mechanism is configured for attachment to at least one chair component. Chairs may also be designed to include one or more embodiments of the preference control mechanism.
US08348340B2	Seat structure A seat structure has a main body and a seating surface element attached to the main body extending in a longitudinal direction. A back element is connected to a rear end of the seating surface element and is reclinable and extends in a vertical direction. The back element includes a back plate and a pair of back rods respectively positioned on both lateral sides of said back plate. An upper end flap is connected to an upper end of the back plate in a forward tiltable manner. A displacement member is supported on the back rods and is vertically displaceable. A first connection element connects the displacement member and upper end flap to tilt the upper end flap forward according to displacement of the displacement member.
US08348338B2	Electrical connection protection unit A vehicle seat having a seat with an upper seatback and a headrest including various electronic components. A connector sleeve is configured to fit within a guide sleeve on the seat to allow an electrical connector extending from the headrest to be easily and efficiently connected to an opposing electrical connector extending from the seat during assembly. The connector may be configured to maintain electrical connection between the connected electrical connectors when a removal force is applied.
US08348336B2	Sunroof for a vehicle Aspects of the invention relate to sunroof for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof. The sunroof comprises a stationary part to be attached to the vehicle, and at least a front closure member and a rear closure member, movably supported by the stationary part. The closure members are movable between a closed position within the roof opening and an open position in which they are moved at least partly away from the roof opening. An intermediate member is supported by the stationary part in the area of the rear end of the front closure member and the front end of the rear closure member when they are in their closed position. An electrical part on each of the closure members requires electrical connections between each closure member and the stationary part. An electrical connection between the closure members is effected through the intermediate member, while the connection to the stationary part is effected through one of the intermediate member and closure members which has the least displacement with respect to the stationary part.
US08348335B2	Convertible vehicle A passenger car configured as a convertible, with an underbody, which has a middle tunnel, and with a cockpit carrier, on which a steering column carrying a steering handwheel is mounted. Driving comfort can be increased if the cockpit carrier is attached solely to the middle tunnel fixedly in three directions perpendicular to one another.
US08348334B2	Watt linkage suspension device having integrated compliance and damping A suspension system for the spring or damped suspension of a massive body relative to a substructure. The suspension system comprises a spring/damper arrangement disposed between the massive body and the substructure, which comprises at least one damper element and/or at least one spring element for damping shock and/or vibration, and includes a Watt linkage arrangement with at least one Watt linkage. At least one spring element and/or at least one damper element is arranged in the area of a Watt link between the Watt link and the bearing seat associated with the Watt link.
US08348332B2	Partition structure and installation structure for installation part A partition structure for absorbing an impact energy applied to the partition for petitioning a vehicle room includes a cover, a plurality of reinforcing member (wires) arranged with an interval in the vehicle width direction inside the cover, and a belt arranged behind the reinforcing member so as to intersect the reinforcing member. An installation structure for an installation part fixes an installation part to an installation target member by engaging and screwing the bolt with nut. A fixing seat is formed on a back surface of the installation target member integrally with the installation target member. A bolt is arranged in the fixing seat through the installation target member, and a holding part holding a nut on a back surface side of the seating face to prevent the nut from rotating.
US08348330B2	Wire harness protector and touch sensor assembly The present invention is a touch sensor assembly for a closing panel of a frame member that at least partially defines an opening and is oppositely disposed from the closing panel. The touch sensor assembly can have an elongated housing dimensioned to attach to a leading edge of the closing panel or a trailing edge of the frame member. The touch sensor assembly can also have a wire harness with a first portion encapsulated within the housing and a second portion that extends a predetermined length from the housing and passes through an aperture in the closing panel or an aperture in the frame member. A wire harness protector is also provided, the protector being attached to the wire harness proximate to the elongated housing.
US08348327B2	Folding devices for vehicle windscreens A fold down device for the windscreen of a vehicle and in particular for an armored windscreen, wherein said device incorporates two uprights hinged by a first end to the structure of the cab of said vehicle, each of said uprights being placed in the vicinity of the lateral edge of said windscreen, said windscreen being linked to each of said uprights by a connecting rod that is hinged on one side to the second end of each of said uprights and on the other to said windscreen.
US08348324B2	Vehicle cargo space liner A removable, drapable liner intended for protecting a cargo space of a vehicle. The liner has a base and four sides, all being made of a flexible, tear resistant, water resistant fabric, and is transformable between a stored state, in which it may fold flat or be rolled up, and a drapable, open-topped, box-shaped state. The liner is neither rigid nor self standing, but does have supportive draping strips that provide sufficient support to easily conform the liner to the shape of the cargo space, effectively draping it against the sides and base of the cargo container. The four supportive draping strips each form part of a join between two sides of the liner. The draping strips extending along the length of the joins. Draped against the cargo space, the liner is easy to fill and maximizes the use of the cargo space, while protecting the vehicle.
US08348323B2	Rear vehicle body structure A rear vehicle body structure includes a rectangular frame, a box-shaped section, a spare-tire storage section, a peripheral flange, and a reinforcing member. The rectangular frame has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view and includes left and right rear frames and front and rear cross members so as to contain a spare tire. The box-shaped section has a substantially rectangular bottom so as to be placed in the rectangular frame. The spare-tire storage section is provided in the box-shaped section and has an opening at an upper part of the box-shaped section to receive the spare tire. The peripheral flange projects outward from the upper part so as to be attached to the rectangular frame. The reinforcing member extends along the bottom in a front-rear direction of a vehicle body and is laid between the front and rear cross members.
US08348318B2	Woven strap with a variable width A woven strap comprises at least two continuous parts having different widths, wherein the change in width results from a modification of the respective weave of said parts. The strap can thus be used to create a loop or a ring in order to attach or bear a load. The two ends of the strap are joined to each other by stitching. Only the stitching areas of each of the two ends are tubular. The rest of the ring is flat and the stitching areas are placed on top of each other. The loop or ring can include an integrated wear and tear and/or overload indicator.
US08348317B1	Holding apparatus A holding apparatus has: a first sleeve having a first arm and a first handle; a second sleeve having a second arm and a second handle; a coupling element that couples together the first and second sleeves about an axis of rotation, with an overlap between the first and second arms upon sufficient rotation of the second sleeve about the axis of rotation towards a closed position of the holding apparatus; an adjustable receiving structure formed of inwardly oriented receiving surfaces of the first and second arms and configured to receive and retain an object upon sufficient rotation of the second sleeve about the axis of rotation towards the closed position; a quick release mechanism; and an adjustable sizing element configured to be in releasable engagement with the quick release mechanism that releasably maintains an adjustable size of the adjustable receiving structure.
US08348309B2	Energy absorbing bumper for latch closing sound quality A vehicle door latch mechanism having a housing. A catch is rotatably connected with the housing and includes a striker retaining slot. A pawl is operably connected with the housing. A pawl isolation disk is disposed between the pawl and a frame plate. A striker is adapted for engagement with the catch. A striker bumper is adjacent the housing and includes an abutment surface and a striker damper surface.
US08348308B2	High security lock for door A high security locking system can be used in a conventional pivot door adapted for use with a latch and deadbolt lock combination. The high security system can be a multi-point lock, received in a recess formed in a locking edge side of a door stile, cooperating with a linkage or other mechanism in a conventional deadbolt/location. The lock can be actuated with a keyed cylinder and thumb turn combination.
US08348299B2	Multiple direct lock positions for touring ski mounting plate A binding device for retaining footwear securely to a snowshoe, ski, snowboard, and other apparatuses for traversing mainly over snow and ice covered terrain. The mounting plate includes multiple direct locking features on the mounting plate surface which interact with mating interfaces on a ski device. At least one strap coupled to the mounting plate is disclosed for securing a boot to the mounting plate foot bed. A positional releasable axle pivot pin that may selectively articulate the mounting plate and selectively aid in a locked heel mode directly on the mounting plate is disclosed. A first position wherein the binding may articulate in a walking motion on the axle pivot pin when connected to a ski device and a second position wherein the axle pivot pin and secondary locking feature in the mounting plate may be engaged wherein articulation and the walking motion of the mounting plate is prevented.
US08348289B2	Rack-and-pinion mechanism and steering system With a rack-and-pinion mechanism, an impact force is absorbed and reduction in assembling performance is suppressed. An annular fitting groove (51) that extends in the circumferential direction of a rack guide (41) is formed in an outer peripheral face (41a) of the rack guide (41), and an O-ring (52) is fitted in the fitting groove (51) in a state in which the axial movement of the O-ring (52) is restricted. A communication groove (61) that provides communication between an internal space (55), defined by the fitting groove (51) and the O-ring (52), and the outside of the rack guide (41) is formed in the rack guide (41).
US08348282B2	Tool clamping device and tool clamping method A tool clamping device includes: a tool holder having a two-face restraint portion constituted by a tool taper portion and a tool end surface; a spindle having a spindle taper portion facing the tool taper portion and a spindle end surface facing the tool end surface, wherein the tool holder is clamped to the spindle by performing an operation to pull the tool holder in toward the spindle; and a clamping unit housed in the spindle, wherein, when the tool end surface is in contact with the spindle end surface and the tool taper portion is fitted into the spindle taper portion, a gap is formed between the tool taper portion and the spindle taper portion.
US08348279B2	Magnetic house puzzle A take-apart puzzle consisting of a small number of identical looking bricks which are held together by the mutual magnetic attraction of their internally hidden magnets. The puzzle is disassembled by separating the bricks from one another. Upon separation it will be found that one or more of the magnets within the bricks have moved and/or rotated thereby causing one or more of the bricks to now mutually repel one another. The bricks will not be attracted to each other, thus forcing the so-moved magnets back into their original positions. The puzzle is made all the more tantalizing to solve by the fact that magnetic fields cannot be readily seen and the puzzle only consists of a small number of separate pieces.
US08348278B2	Playing card dispensing and opening system A playing card dispensing and opening system includes a motor drive unit controllable to rotate a first output shaft and rubber card-dispensing wheels in dispensing playing cards and to rotate a second output shaft and a crank arm in moving a transparent flat shovel for opening each dispensed playing card and then carrying the playing card to a playing card recycling chamber for recycling.
US08348276B2	Detecting contacts during sporting activities etc A method and an apparatus are described for determining parameters of a contact between bodies occurring within an activity. A digital camera directed towards a target area during the activity captures image frames including infra red image data. Structure for comparing image data for multiple temporally spaced frames with image data of a reference datum records any localized infra red emission appearing in at least one incident frame. The image data for at least one of the incident frames is analyzed to determine at least one parameter of the contact, and the image data for the incident frame is recorded. Visual display means displays the incident frames including the image data in the IR spectrum to enable visual inspection of the activity in the target area at the time of the incident frame and that gave rise to the contact producing the infra red emission.
US08348275B2	Mail-sorting installation with a plurality of output means, and mail-sorting methods A sorting system for sorting flat objects, particularly mail items, and a method for sorting such objects. The sorting system has a discharge device and an arrangement having at least two output devices. The output devices are arranged one behind the other as viewed in a longitudinal axis. The discharge device is designed to discharge each flat object to be sorted into one of the output devices in each case in such a way that the objects discharged into the same output device form a stack. Each output device has a bottom. The bottom of each output device rises with respect to the horizontal as viewed in a rising direction. An edge appears between the bottoms of two adjacent output devices. The edge slopes downward vertically or aslant as viewed in the rising direction.
US08348267B2	Media rotation and translation apparatus An improved media rotator/translator apparatus includes a cylinder on sphere nip. A series of beveled/spur gears are included, one of which rotates co-axially but independent to the drive roll shafts. This enables the drive rolls to be driven about their own axis while simultaneously allowing for rotation about the roll shaft axis. A ball idler is positioned above each drive roll providing media normal force. Thus, sheet translation, jogging, and rotation is obtained, but with no relative motion, thereby eliminating marking of certain media.
US08348266B2	Skew-feeding correcting apparatus and image forming apparatus The skew-feeding correcting apparatus of the present invention includes an abutment portion which is disposed to a conveying path to convey a sheet and to which a top end of the sheet is abutted to correct skew feeding of the sheet, a movement portion which moves the abutment portion in a sheet width direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction, and a controller which controls driving of the movement portion to move the abutment portion to a position where a corner part of the sheet is not to be abutted to the abutment portion before the top end of the sheet is abutted to the abutment portion.
US08348265B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming unit may include a capability of determining whether paper conveyed through the unit is bending. In some embodiments, an amount of bending of the conveyed paper may be determined. An embodiment of an image forming apparatus may include a paper feeding unit, an image forming unit, a skew correcting roller pair, a rotary member pair, sensors, signal processing units, and a control unit. A rotary member pair may convey a sheet to the skew correcting roller pair. Sensors may be disposed at various positions along the conveying path. In some embodiments, the sensors may include transmitting units and/or receiving units. These units may be positioned such that a conveyed sheet passes through therebetween. Signal processing units and control units may allow for the determination of the bending of conveyed sheets.
US08348263B2	Recording medium stacker and recording apparatus A first stacker is configured so that a support surface includes a base-side support surface that forms a planar shape on the base end side of the support surface and a leading edge-side support surface that forms a planar shape that tilts upward toward the leading edge. A second stacker is configured so that a support surface forms a planar shape, and is held in a tilted orientation during use so that the support surface of the second stacker continues to the leading edge of the second stacker in the same upward-tilted state with respect to the leading edge-side support surface of the first stacker.
US08348256B1	Change-over between gear trains in a printer A printer includes multiple gear trains, each gear train to pick paper. The printer also includes a print media sensor to detect the presence of print media along a paper path, a user input control, and control logic coupled to the print media sensor and the user input control. Based upon receiving multiple signals from the user input control to resume printing, each such signal following an indication from the print media sensor that paper has not been picked, the control logic to cause a change-over to occur from one gear train to another gear train.
US08348250B2	Pneumatically damping mount A pneumatically damping mount, in particular an engine mount for motor vehicles, includes a bearing spring of elastomeric material for supporting a mount core and delimiting a working chamber. The working chamber is filled with a gas, in particular air, and communicates with the ambient atmosphere through a nozzle opening. A progression element of elastomeric material is disposed opposite the bearing spring and delimits the working chamber together with the bearing spring, to enable further deformation of the mount after closing of the working chamber.
US08348245B2	Impregnator An impregnator for mixing a nonaerated or only slightly aerated liquid (F) with gas (G), in particular for mixing a noneffervescent or only slightly effervescent beer precursor product, or a beer precursor product containing CO2, with CO2, includes a mixing cell, in particular tubular, which except for an incoming liquid inlet, an incoming gas inlet, and an outlet, is partitioned off from the surrounding, and at least one Impregnator body is disposed in the mixing cell in such a way that the flow through the mixing cell of the liquid (F) and gas (G) must necessarily take place through the impregnator body. Disposed in the mixing cell is at least one impregnator body, which includes a porous solid body, namely of a foam material, a sponge, a follow fiber module, or a sintered material.
US08348244B2	Carburetor valve adjustment limiter A carburetor valve and limiter cap assembly for limiting adjustment of fuel flow in a carburetor may include a needle valve and a limiter cap. The needle valve may have a tip, a threaded portion, a head having a flange with an outer diameter greater than the rest of the head, and one or more serrations formed on the head. The limiter cap may have a sidewall, a tab extending outwardly from the sidewall, a first cavity having an inner diameter sized for an interference fit with the flange, and at least one driving feature to engage at least one serration so that rotation of the limiter cap causes rotation of the needle valve. The interference fit between the flange and the limiter cap inhibits removal of the limiter cap from the needle valve to prevent undesired adjustment of the needle valves by an end user.
US08348242B2	Post and rail coupling system A plurality of similarly configured coupling component assemblies is provided. Each assembly includes a first coil spring and a second coil spring. Each coil spring is positioned in a hole. Each coil spring has an interior end of a reduced diameter with a fastener attaching the spring to the hole. Each coil spring has an exterior end extending a short distance outside of the hole. The exterior ends of adjacent opposing coil springs are adapted to interlock and join associated components of the system when rotated with respect to each other about a common axis of rotation. The coupling components also include a cylindrical rod with opposed ends within the opposing coil springs. Each rod has an axial length greater than the length of each coil spring and less than the axial length of two holes.
US08348235B2	Butterfly valve with removable valve disc element A triple offset butterfly valve includes a valve body defining a valve orifice and a valve member rotatably mounted in the valve orifice. The valve member includes a disc element detachably mounted to a mounting plate; the valve member being mounted to a rotatable axle which extends between the disc element and mounting plane thereof. The valve body has an annular valve seat against which the disc element of the valve member seals when the valve is closed. In use, when the valve components become worn, the disc element of the valve member can easily be removed as a complete unit and replaced. In this manner, the need for a removable seal on the valve member is avoided, which reduces the number of potential leak paths as compared to known butterfly valves.
US08348234B2	Vacuum valve A vacuum valve including a valve opening, a valve seat surrounding the valve opening, and a valve plate. During closing starting from the open position, the valve plate is moved over a main section of the closing path in a main closing direction parallel to the valve plate and the plane of the sealing surface, and then over a final section running at an angle to the sealing surface plane for guiding the valve plate onto the valve seat. A guide element on the wall that guides the valve plate over the end section of the closing path interacts with a guide element on the valve plate. The valve plate is guided over the final section of the closing path by guide surfaces that are angled relative to the sealing surface, and at least one guide surface is arranged on a guide element of the valve plate or the wall.
US08348230B2	Solenoid valve The invention relates to a solenoid valve having a valve cartridge, which includes a pole core, a valve insert connected to the pole core, an armature that is axially movably guided inside the valve insert and is coupled to a main closing element, and a valve body connected to the valve insert. The valve body forms a main valve with the main closing element and is disposed between at least one first flow opening and a second flow opening. The axial motion of the armature and of the main closing element opens the main valve against the force of a restoring spring, and the force of the restoring spring closes the main valve. According to the invention, the main closing element is designed as a sliding element axially movably guided inside an inner bore of the valve body. The sliding element and the armature are connected to each other and are pressure-compensated by a compensating port. The sliding element is moveable into an open position by a linear axial opening motion of the armature, and is moveable into a closed position by the restoring spring via the at mature by a linear motion.
US08348229B2	Faucet assembly The faucet assembly employs a sensor on the side of the spigot to control the flow of water from the spigot. An initial waving of a user's hand across the sensor causes the spigot to be opened and a subsequent waving of the user's hand across the sensor causes the spigot to be closed.
US08348227B2	Flow-volume regulator A fluid flow regulator includes a regulating profile which is either centrally or peripherally disposed within the flow rate regulator, and an annular restrictor which is made of an elastic material. In a functional position of the flow rate regulator, the restrictor delimits a control gap between itself and the regulating profile. In a starting position of the flow rate regulator, the flow rate regulator has an unrestricted flow cross section that is larger than the control gap. The unrestricted flow cross section of the flow rate regulator is variable by a deformation of the restrictor in response to a pressure differential that is generated when a fluid flows through the flow rate regulator. The relative position of the restrictor and the regulatory profile is variable, and moveable against a reset force, into the functional position from the starting position, in response to a flow of fluid within the flow rate regulator. The reset force may be provided in the form of a spring.
US08348225B2	Concrete form brace having rebar securing mechanism A brace for concrete forms employing first and second form elements includes at least one attachment member adapted and constructed to secure the brace to at least one of the form elements. A span member is connected to the at least one attachment member, and has a length sufficient to hold the first and second form elements apart. At least one article securing mechanism secures the article associated with the concrete form to the brace.
US08348222B2	Fastener device for securing spaced mold boards A wall construction includes two mold boards spaced from each other for forming a chamber between the mold boards, a connection rod disposed between the mold boards, two connecting members attached to the connection rod and engaged through the mold boards and engaged with the mold boards for positioning the mold boards in place relative to each other, and two bracing members attached to the outer ends of the connecting members and engaged with the mold boards for further positioning the mold boards in place relative to each other, two frame members are engaged with the mold boards and secured to the mold boards with lock members.
US08348221B2	Formwork system for constructing a structural concrete floor with projecting floor beams A formwork system is provided for constructing a structural concrete floor, said formwork systems constitutes a main frame (100) forming a concrete slab structure, a plurality of side frames (110) each movably mounted at the edge of the main frame (100) for forming a concrete beam formwork structure, and a plurality of retainers mounted at the edge of the main frame (100) for supporting below the side frames (110) and jacking means for raising and lowering the formwork system. The side frame (110) being movable enables the formwork system to be effectively detached from a casted structural floor having concrete beams extended therefrom. The formwork system is also extricable on site after fabrication of the concrete ceiling slab floor and concrete beam.
US08348220B2	Portable ceiling fan mounting assembly A portable ceiling fan mounting assembly adapted for use on the exterior of a parked motorized recreational vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes an arm to which the ceiling fan and bracket for the fan is mounted. The arm has an electrical plug disposed on one end that connects the ceiling fan assembly electrically to the available power in the recreational vehicle. A mounting plate is attached to the recreational vehicle wall which receives the arm and contains an electrical receptacle for receipt of the electrical plug. The device is thus easy to handle and install and is user friendly.
US08348214B2	Mounting arrangement for optical devices The invention relates to a mounting arrangement for optical devices having a mounting plate forming an undercut guide for receiving a clamping plate, the mounting plate comprising a side bar in which an undercut profile groove is formed, and having a strip located opposite the bar movably connected to the mounting plate via a clamping mechanism and a second undercut profile groove forming the undercut guide together with the first undercut profile groove, the strip being able to be tightened against the mounting plate by the clamping mechanism to fix the clamping plate, whereby the spacing distance between the undercut profile grooves is reduced. A second undercut guide is formed by additional undercut profile grooves in the same side bar of the mounting plate and the same strip, wherein the guides are both disposed on one side of the plane (X) spanned by the mounting plate.
US08348213B2	Adjusting mechanism and projector having the same An adjusting mechanism adapted to adjust a position of a projection unit relative to a fixing object is provided. The adjusting mechanism includes a base, a sliding plate, a first screw, and an elastic element. The base is adapted to be fixed to the fixing object. The sliding plate is slidably disposed on the base along a first axis and adapted to be fixed to the projection unit. The first screw is fixed to the sliding plate and screwed to the base, wherein the first screw drives the projection unit to move relatively to the base along the first axis when the first screw is rotated. The elastic element is compressed between the base and the sliding plate along the first axis.
US08348212B2	Movable extension assembly for a mounting system An improved system for securing a display device mounting bracket to a surface mounting bracket in a mounting system. A fastener connects to a movable extension component that is movably engaged with the device mounting bracket. When a device mounting bracket has been correctly positioned relative to the surface mounting bracket, the movable extension component is moved until a portion of the surface mounting bracket is positioned between the device mounting bracket and the movable extension component, thereby preventing the device mounting bracket from moving away from the surface mounting bracket.
US08348211B2	Securing attachments to a medical supply unit A medical supply unit is provided including at least one carrier provided with coupling devices with fixing rails. In the fixing rails, fixing elements of an adapter engage, which are locked in the fixing rail by an operating means actuated by hand by means of a locking means.
US08348208B1	Vehicle window support apparatus The vehicle window support apparatus provides for a user to hold a vehicle window in a desired position, relative to up and down, without the typical vehicle window support mechanisms. The apparatus does not need tools or hard installation into the vehicle. Instead, suction cups hold the window. The apparatus lower vertical member and horizontal member position the apparatus within the existing window channel of a given vehicle. The slanted member enables the upper vertical member to be proximal to the window itself, whereby the suction cups are then temporarily and removably affixed to the window, holding the window as desired by a user. Upon termination of use, the apparatus suction cups are easily removed from the window and the lower vertical member removed from the window channel.
US08348200B2	Synthetic jet actuator system and related methods Systems and methods for controlling fluid flow utilizing a synthetic jet actuator, are provided. An example of a synthetic jet actuator system includes a synthetic jet actuator including a dual bimorph subsystem to provide low, medium, and high synthetic jet velocities and/or fine flow control response, and an arc-forming subsystem to provide enhanced pressure, velocity, and mass flow performance, enhanced flow control response, and/or heating of the fluid within the bimorph chamber to extend the performance or operating margin of the dual bimorph subsystem of the synthetic jet actuator. The arc-forming subsystem includes a pair of electrodes interfaced with inner surface walls of the dual bimorph subsystem. Various configurations of power supplies can be utilized to provide simultaneous function to both the subsystem and the arc-forming subsystem to allow selective activation.
US08348197B2	Integration system for lifting surface lateral parts in an aircraft The lifting surfaces comprise a torsion box capable of bearing aerodynamic and inertial loads. The torsion box has lateral parts that are connected together by an attachment comprising a rib, having a central upper part and a central support lower part joined only by angled cross bars, forming a truss structure along the length of the central support upper part and the central support lower part. The angled cross bars are attached to the upper and the lower parts of the central support: alternatively to both sides of a plane of symmetry defined by said upper and lower parts of the central support, dividing the torsion box in the two lateral parts making a zone of access perpendicular to the length of the central supports, where said zone of access is closed with a piece provided with at least one hole for permanent access.
US08348193B2	Method and apparatus for retrieving a hovering aircraft For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy.
US08348189B2	Device for shredding sheet material The present invention provides a device for shredding sheet material, comprising shredding means—(2) for shredding the sheet material and a feed conveyor system for feeding sheet material. The feed conveyor system comprises a suction duct (12) having an inlet (19) and an outlet (20), and suction means for sucking sheet material to be shredded from the feed location to the shredding means via the suction duct and for sucking sheet material shredded by the shredding means to the collecting location. The shredding means comprise at least one stationary shear blade (4) and at least one rotary shear blade (3), as well as drive means. The device further comprises detection means for detecting an increased risk of jamming of the shredding means during operation of the device, as well as blocking means (31) which operate in dependence on the detections made by the detection means for partially blocking the suction duct in a blocking position or releasing the suction duct in a free position.
US08348186B2	Food mixers and processors The invention provides an electrically-driven kitchen machine including a food mixer or a food processor. The machine has a support platform for supporting a receptacle for foodstuffs to be mixed or otherwise processed. The machine has an electric motor used to drive mixing or processing tools disposed in the receptacle; and a heater for heating the foodstuffs in the receptacle. In order to ensure that the temperature of the foodstuffs is accurately determined, the base of the receptacle consists of multiple layers, including a first metallic material, such as aluminum, having a relatively high thermal conductivity, sandwiched between outer and inner skins of a second metallic material of lower thermal conductivity than the first metallic material. The machine is also provided with first and second probes, each protruding through the receptacle-supporting platform and urged upwardly to contact the inner skin and the first metallic material respectively. The second metallic material typically comprises stainless steel, and the heater typically comprises an induction heater, in which case the probes are constructed so as to resist absorption of heat from the energy field generated by the heater.
US08348185B2	Shredder feeder A shredder feeder has a first receiving post configured to receive a roll of first material, second and third receiving posts respectively configured to receive first and second rolls of second material, and a pair of guideposts that form an outlet of the shredder feeder therebetween. The respective guideposts are positioned to respectively direct the second material from the first and second rolls toward the first material from the roll of first material so that the first material is interposed between the second material from the first roll of second material and the second material from the second roll of second material when the first material and the second materials from the first and second rolls of second material pass concurrently through the outlet.
US08348184B2	Waterless separation methods and systems for coal and minerals A waterless method of processing coal to remove impurities therefrom includes drying a batch of coal to remove moisture therefrom, pulverizing the coal into individual coal particles to liberate impurity particles from the coal and without substantially reducing the size of the impurity particles, and separating the impurity particles and pulverized coal particles into respective product streams via air classification. The dryer includes a plurality of rotating paddles, and an air stream forces the coal through the plurality of rotating paddles to pulverize the coal into individual particles and liberate the impurities.
US08348182B2	Irrigation pipe An irrigation pipe comprising: at least one first integrated emitter characterized by a first discharge-pressure threshold; at least one second integrated emitter characterized by a second discharge-pressure threshold different from the first discharge-pressure threshold threshold; wherein, the at least one first and at least one second integrated emitters are positioned along the pipe in accordance with a predetermined configuration.
US08348181B2	Shower assembly with radial mode changer A shower assembly having a plurality of spray modes for expelling water includes a housing having a water inflow and a water outflow. The shower assembly provides a manifold defining a cavity having a sidewall. One or more mode apertures formed in the sidewall of the cavity are in fluid communication with the water outflow. A radial mode changer provided in the shower assembly defines a hollow passageway in fluid communication with the water inflow, and further defines a plurality of recessed ports in fluid communication with the hollow passageway. The radial mode changer is rotatably received in the cavity of the manifold and may be rotated relative to the manifold to align at least one of the recessed ports with at least one of the mode apertures for providing flow from the water inflow into the water outflow via the radial mode changer.
US08348180B2	Conical swirler for fuel injectors and combustor domes and methods of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing gas and/or fuel swirlers for fuel injectors and combustor domes and cone-shaped swirlers so manufactured are disclosed. The disclosed conical swirlers feature cut-through slots on a cone-shaped body. The contour and spacing of the slots are configured and arranged to accommodate a wide range of requirements for fluid flow areas and swirl strengths. Preferably, the cone-shaped swirlers can be manufactured by wire EDM processing. More preferably, multiple cone-shaped swirlers can be manufactured simultaneously by nesting swirler blanks in a stack and wire EDM processing the stack as a unit. The cone-shaped pinwheel swirler fits well into various fuel injector heads, enabling the injectors to reduce the frontal surface area and flat area for minimal potential of carbon formation.
US08348177B2	Liquid dispensing apparatus using a passive liquid metering method A liquid dispensing device using a piezoelectric member in connection with an atomizing head and a passive metering method to supply liquid to the atomizing head. Preferably, the device is used to but not limited to dispensing of fragrances, insecticides or other aromatic solutions. The piezoelectric member does not vibrate the nozzle plate through which the liquid is dispensed. The passive metering method relies only on surface tension forces within the supply passageway. The device can work with a wider range of liquid properties than existing piezoelectric devices of this type. The passive metering method is robust and consistent, enabling larger and more varied liquid reservoirs because the reservoir height is not a factor in determining the performance of the device. The atomizing head functions with a wider range of liquids than atomizers whose nozzle plates are directly excited.
US08348176B2	Fuel injector with an integrated pressure booster Proposed is a fuel injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector has a housing in which are arranged an injection valve element with a nozzle needle, a pressure boosting device, and a first control valve, and a second control valve. The first control valve controls a control space of the nozzle needle and the second control valve controls a differential pressure space of the pressure boosting device. A first return flow connection is provided for discharging the control quantity of the control space of the nozzle needle, and a second return flow connection is provided for discharging the control quantity of the pressure boosting device. The two return flow connections are arranged on different housing parts of the housing.
US08348173B2	Portable temperature controlled container A portable temperature controlled container having a body including an internal chamber with an opening into the internal chamber; and a temperature control unit coupled to the body and displaced to be thermally coupled with a first portion of the internal chamber, the temperature control unit configured to selectively alter the temperature in the internal chamber by releasing a thermally controlled material into the internal chamber.
US08348165B2	Optical reader having an imager There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. An image including imaging data can be obtained utilizing the hand held device. The image can include a representation of a signature.
US08348162B2	Foreign substance detection device for card reader and card reader socket A foreign substance detection device for a card reader includes an emitting module (1), a receiving module (2) and a control processing module (3). The emitting module (1) is embedded on a wall surface of a card reader insertion opening (101) for emitting detection waves to a detection area (103) in front of the card reader insertion opening (101). The receiving module (2) is embedded on the wall surface of the card reader insertion opening (101) for receiving the detection waves emitted by the emitted the emitting module (1). The control processing module (3) identifies whether the receiving module (2) receives the detection wave reflected by the foreign substance in the detection area (103), and determines whether the foreign substance exists in the detection area (103) according to the determination result. A card reader socket which includes a case (100) and the foreign substance detection device is also provided.
US08348159B2	Wireless transaction medium having combined magnetic stripe and radio frequency communications A wireless financial transaction instrument, such as a card, has a magnetic stripe, a display, and an on-board power supply, such as a battery, and is usable with a dual capture point of sale terminal. Information is received by such a terminal from the card wirelessly, and also from the magnetic stripe, and the data received contactlessly is preferably used to verify that read from the stripe. The display can display the account number on command, or to display a current balance, or amount of credit remaining, or any combination of these items of information.
US08348156B2	Light guiding device, reader/writer device for noncontact communication medium, and electronic apparatus A light guiding device can be used for a reader/writer device (1) for a noncontact communication medium. The light guiding device includes a light guide plate (10) which includes: a transparent main body part (17) which can transmit light inputted from an LED (9); and a protruding part (18) which is provided so as to protrude from a part of an end surface of the transparent main body part (17). A diffusely reflecting part (19) is provided on a lower surface side of the transparent main body part (17), and a first light emitting part (7) is provided on an upper surface side of the transparent main body part (17). Reflecting parts (21) are provided on an upper surface side and a lower surface side of the protruding part (18), and a second light emitting part (8) is provided at a leading end of the protruding part (18). In the case where the first light emitting part (7) is covered by the noncontact communication medium, the second light emitting part (8) makes it possible to check a light emitting state. Accordingly, the light guiding device is provided, in which the light emitting state of the light emitting part can be easily checked.
US08348155B2	All in one card The invention comprises arrangement and methods for contact- and contactless-services, e.g. payments, money transfer, electronic tickets or identity cards. A card comprises a point of service interface for communication with a point of service, a card database, a mobile terminal interface for connect the card to a mobile terminal connectable to a telecommunication network. The card database can be controlled by the mobile terminal. The card database is configured for storing data and the card data can be accessed via the point of service interface. The date stored in the card database relates to e.g. bank cards, credit cards, identification, tickets, electronic money, identification 15 cards. The invention also comprises a mobile terminal (MT) suitable for communication with the card described.
US08348154B2	Method and device for communication between an automobile and a point of sale Automobile, Reader and Method facilitating mobile commerce by a user of an automobile is disclosed, the automobile being equipped with a reader to be placed inside of the automobile, the reader being able to read purchasing instrument data of at least one of a contactless credit card or smart card-type credit card or NFC-enabled handset, and the reader being further connected to a wireless communication interface of the automobile, the wireless communication interface being able to transmit the purchasing instrument data to a point of sale.
US08348152B2	Method of authorizing automated banking machine use responsive to user data read from data bearing records An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards, to cause machine user authorization and financial transfers. Account data read from a user card is associated in a data store with instructions for displaying a customer interface uniquely associated with the particular bank where the user holds the account. The customer interface includes user-selectable financial transaction options. The arrangement enables the customer interface of the user's home bank, with which the user is familiar, to also be automatically displayed when the user operates automated banking machines of other banks.
US08348141B1	Gemstone parcel paper with a viewing window A convenient, economical, novel parcel paper for folding to enclose a gemstone is provided, which includes three rectangular sheets of paper (or a paper-like material) and a thin, rectangular substantially transparent viewing pane attached to at least the inner one of the rectangular sheets. The three sheets include an outer cover sheet, a thin central flute, and a thin inner flute. Each of the sheets is configured with an open rectangular viewing window. The viewing pane is attached to the inner flute to form a continuous, unified sheet; thus when the cover, central flute, and inner flute are folded together with their viewing windows aligned, the viewing pane allows observation of the enclosed gemstone enclosed within the folded parcel paper.
US08348133B2	Vehicle floor production system In one aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle floor production system, in which a carrier is moved through a loop formed by a return line provided at the top of the system and a welding line provided at the bottom, and the carrier is horizontally moved by the frictional force of a horizontal movement driving means. Preferred systems can reduce the manufacturing cost and required installation area.
US08348132B2	Mask frame apparatus for mounting solder balls Disclosed herein is a mask frame apparatus capable of forming a bump having a micro-pitch without performing the manufacturing and the operation controlling of a separate head apparatus and preventing the reduction of a mounting speed of solder balls due to the repetition of an operation of separately recovering the solder balls after they are mounted on a mask. A mask frame apparatus for mounting solder balls includes: an outer circumferential mask frame configured to supply solder balls and having a hollow type duct shape; and an inner mask duct having a duct shape and positioned over the inside of a circumference of the outer circumferential mask frame so as to be in communication with the outer circumferential mask frame, and including a plurality of mask openings formed in a duct shape bottom surface so that the solder balls introduced through the hollow type outer circumferential mask frame are mounted on a substrate by the flow of air.
US08348128B2	Anastomosis system and method A system for performing anastomosis includes a plurality of staples, an annular staple support having structure for holding the staples, and a staple closing device for closing the staples to secure the canal ends together. A method for performing anastomosis and staples for performing anastomosis are also disclosed.
US08348127B2	Surgical fastener applying apparatus A surgical fastener cartridge is provided and includes a cartridge body having a plurality of surgical fasteners operatively disposed therein. An actuation mechanism is housed within the cartridge body and includes a plurality of pushers operably associated with the plurality of surgical fasteners. The actuation mechanism includes a plurality of pivotably connected link assemblies. Each link assembly being pivotably engaged with a corresponding bottom surface associated with each the pushers and a corresponding top surface associated with an internal channel housing and operably coupled to one another. The actuation mechanism includes an activation structure configured to move each of the link assemblies and sequentially cause each of the link assemblies to move through a succession of motions within the cartridge body, such that the link assemblies cause the corresponding pusher to contact and, subsequently, sequentially eject the associated surgical fastener towards the depression in the anvil.
US08348125B2	Battery powered surgical instrument A surgical stapler has a handle assembly including a stationary handle and a trigger. The stapler also has a drive assembly with a body having a working end and a cam member supported on the working end. The cam member is positioned to translate relative to the anvil to maintain the anvil in the closed position during firing of the stapler. The trigger is operatively connected to a power cell. The power cell is operably connected to a motor of the drive assembly. The manipulation of the trigger actuates the power cell such that the power cell powers the drive assembly to effect translation of the cam member relative to the anvil. The stapler also has a channel for supporting the staple cartridge and the motor of the drive assembly controls the actuation sled supported within the cartridge. The actuation sled urges the plurality of staples from the cartridge when the anvil is in the closed position and in cooperative alignment with the staple cartridge.
US08348123B2	Surgical stapling device with dissecting tip A dissecting tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the dissecting tip is secured to the end effector of the surgical instrument, e.g., to the cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue.
US08348119B2	Nailer device A nailer device has a housing containing a motor, a gear box, a transmission mechanism, and a striking rod. The motor, the gear box, and the transmission mechanism cooperate to cause the striking rod to be moved back and forth. The striking rod has a peripheral outer surface and a longitudinal axis and the striking rod and the gear box are connected through a sliding connection structure which allows the striking rod to be moved along its longitudinal axis and which prevents the striking rod from rotating around its longitudinal axis.
US08348116B2	Nail gun adaptable to nails of different length The nail gun contains a gun body and an adjustment device. The gun body has a base containing a top opening. The adjustment device is mounted on the base, and contains a sliding member and a positioning member. The sliding member contains two opposing elongated wing pieces extended along the two lateral sides of the base, respectively. Each wing piece has a through slot, and each slot has a number of positioning notches along a top side of the slot. The positioning member contains a positioning element and an elastic element. The positioning element is housed in the base and is exposed out of the top opening. The positioning element also contains at least a positioning bar extended out of the base into a slot to engage the positioning notches. The elastic element has its two ends connected to the positioning element and the base.
US08348115B2	Scribe line forming device and scribe line forming method A vertical crack is generated at a desired position on a brittle material substrate S by making a wheel tip 5a of a glass cutter 5 move while being in contact with the substrate surface by a load which does not allow the wheel tip 5a to damage the surface, using an armature 6 applying an abrupt impact force for generating the vertical crack having a predetermined depth, to the glass cutter 5 moving on the substrate. A scribe line is formed as the vertical crack is urged to extend along a planned scribe line, due to a stress gradient exerted onto the vertical crack and occurring between a compressive stress in an irradiation area on the substrate at which a laser beam is irradiated from a laser beam oscillator 8 and a tensile stress in a cooling area made by a cooling medium released from a cooling nozzle 7.
US08348111B2	System and method for vehicle article carrier having stowable cross bars A vehicle article carrier system for use on an outer body surface of a vehicle. The system may have a pair of support rails secured to the outer body surface. At least one cross bar having a pair of end supports extends between the support rails. Each end support has a housing and a rotatable locking component secured to the housing for rotatable movement. One of the housing and the rotatable locking component has a biased implement projecting therefrom, and the other has a plurality of structural elements arranged in a circumferential pattern. The biased implement engages with at least one of the structural elements to provide an additional holding force to the rotatable locking component when the rotatable locking component has been tightened.
US08348110B1	Self-rotating cup holder A self-rotating cup holder comprising cup-shaped inner and outer bases, a weight disposed in the top edge of the inner base, the inner base can rotate within the outer base; two circular tunnels formed by circular tracks disposed in the top edges of the inner and outer bases; a spring mounting block disposed in each tunnel, springs extend from the mounting blocks through the respective tunnels in opposite directions; a stopper tunnel disposed in each tunnel and positioned opposite the mounting blocks, spring stoppers on the ends of the springs are positioned outside the respective stopper tunnels, wherein when the inner base rotates in a first direction a first spring is stretched in a first direction toward a first spring mounting block, wherein when the inner base rotates in a second direction a second spring is stretched in second direction toward a second spring mounting block.
US08348109B2	Apparatus and method for securing resin set bolts when performing rock bolting The resin nozzle adapted for storing resin set bolts into ceilings and walls of a mine by injecting a resin sausage into a pre-drilled bolt hole, the said nozzle including: a spring that defines a passage to which resin sausages may be passed there-through; a nozzle tip connectable to the same defined passage, said nozzle adapted to extend into a pre-drilled bolt hole; and a connector member adapted to be fastened onto the tuck bolting equipment to which the resin sausages may be ejected there-from.
US08348108B2	Dispenser for refrigerator A dispenser for a refrigerator including a pushing member formed in a planar shape and configured to be movable in a back and forth direction, a switch configured to be operated by a pushing force applied to be parallel with the pushing member, and a motion conversion unit cooperating with the motion of the pushing member to enable the switch to be pushed, wherein the motion conversion unit includes an oblique member configured to be protruded obliquely from one side of a rear surface of the pushing member, and a transfer member coming in contact with the oblique member and the switch and having one side fixed to be rotatable in parallel with the pushing member.
US08348106B2	Fluid dispensing or feeding device A fluid dispensing device includes a pressurizing device coupled between a fluid bottle and a discharge tube for forcing the fluid to flow through the discharge tube without gravity, the pressurizing device includes a container having an inclined inner peripheral surface, and a piston slidably received in the container and having an outer peripheral portion for selectively engaging with the inclined inner peripheral surface of the container in order to pump the fluid into the discharge tube when the piston is moved toward the discharge tube with a coil, and for being selectively disengaged from the inner peripheral surface of the container when the piston is moved away from the discharge tube.
US08348104B2	Apparatus for dispensing fluids An apparatus for storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of the stored fluid has a container defining a variable-volume storage chamber; a dispensing valve including a valve inlet coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber, and an elastic valve member in fluid communication with the valve inlet and defining a normally-closed valve opening; a manually engageable actuator; and a pump including a compressible member defining a compression chamber coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber. Multiple portions of the stored fluid are hermetically sealed in the variable-volume storage chamber. The actuator is manually engageable and movable between (i) a first position wherein the compression chamber defines a first volume, and (ii) a second position wherein the compression chamber defines a second volume less than the first volume. In the second position the fluid in the compression chamber exceeds a valve opening pressure and, in turn, moves the elastic valve member between (i) a normally closed position hermetically sealing the one-way valve and variable-volume storage chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere, and (ii) an open position permitting fluid flow through the valve opening.
US08348102B2	Dispenser with lateral actuator A fluid product dispensing device has a reservoir containing fluid and dispenser head with a dispensing orifice. The reservoir moves relative to the dispenser head to cause dispensation. The reservoir is moved by a lateral actuator that pivots in relation to the dispenser head which in turn pivots an actuator link that is located in the middle of the lateral actuator which in turn is in contact with the reservoir itself. As the lateral actuator moves, the actuator link pivots and moves the reservoir closer to the dispensing head, which causes dispensation as desired by the user.
US08348099B2	Powder allotting device A powder allotting device comprises a supporting device, a coupling device, and a separating device. The supporting device is a base of the powder allotting device, and the supporting device is coupled to the separating device by the coupling device. The a separating device further comprises a rotary plate with a curved grooved structure, a plurality of movable valves, a scraper, and a cylinder with a plurality of T-shape grooves, and a plurality of slices. The plurality of slices are inserted into the T-shape grooves and enter the curved grooved structure, moving up and down the T-shape grooves.
US08348092B1	Recycling bin cover The invention discloses a recycling bin cover comprising a base member engageable with a periphery of a recycling bin's open top; a frame having a plurality of frame members extending upwardly from the base member toward an imaginary apex; a curtain supported on and forming a sidewall extending around the frame; a flap forming an openable sidewall in the curtain; an opening positioned on the curtain and dimensioned to accept materials for recycling into the bin; and one or more lifting members connected to the base member, to the frame, or to both, and extending to form a handle above the recycling bin cover. Also included is a method of advertising by displaying a collegiate or sports emblem on the recycling bin cover disclosed.
US08348091B1	Cocktail plate Provided are plate designs that enable a user to hold a plate in one hand, together with a drinking cup in the same hand. The subject designs find use in various situations in which a user desires to hold a plate and a drinking cup simultaneously. The subject designs also find use in various situations in which a user desires to hold a plate securely, in the presence or absence of a drinking cup.
US08348090B2	Metal insert fitting for material storage tanks A bulk storage container includes a tank with a “full drain” outlet, and a coupler attached to the outlet, in which the full drain outlet and coupler utilize a metal-on-metal threaded connection to create a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The polymer coupler includes a metal insert with internal threads, and the tank includes a metal insert with external threads corresponding to the internal threads of the coupler insert. The metal inserts are integrally molded within the walls of the tank and coupler, respectively. Advantageously, the threaded metal inserts provide a rigid structural connection between the tank and coupler that is highly durable and leak resistant. In addition to the threaded fluid-tight seal, a shoulder of the coupler abuts a corresponding face formed on the tank, with a gasket between the shoulder and face to provide a secondary seal.
US08348081B2	Retractable locking cover and trash container with retractable locking cover A retractable cover is provided. The retractable cover may include a leading cover member; and a plurality of following cover members, each of the plurality of following cover members may be hingedly coupled to at least one of the leading cover member and one adjacent following cover member.
US08348079B2	Apparatus and method for closing off the open end of a container with a removable flexible membrane covered by a rigid cap The invention concerns a closure for a cylindrical can (10) The closure includes a flexible member (11) of the easy-open type secured across the open end of the can (10). A rigid, screw cap (22) is screwed over the thus sealed end of the can. An annular, resilient member (24) depending downwardly from the underside of the end wall of the cap (22), engages the membrane (11) in the vicinity of the end flange (18) of the can body (10) thereby strengthening the seal between the membrane (11) and the flange (18). This advantageously permits cooking of the contents of the can with the flexible membrane (11) in situ, thereby giving rise to a can having an easy-open end, the contents of which can are cooked and sterilized using conventional processing lines.
US08348076B2	Collapsible container with locking device A collapsible container includes a main frame and at least one pivotable side wall that is pivotable between a collapsed position and an opened position. The pivotable side wall is provided with a spring lock insert secured therein and biased toward a lock position in which a lock portion of the spring lock insert extends beyond an end edge of the pivotable side wall. The main frame includes a latch opening that receives the spring lock insert when the pivotable side wall is in the opened position.
US08348073B2	Carbody connection system and crane using same A mobile lift crane includes a carbody made from two side members and two end cross members connected to each other with a carbody connection that can be disconnected such that the side members and end cross members can be individually transported between job sites and reassembled at a new job site. Preferably the two side members are interchangeable with each other when making the carbody, and the two end cross members are also interchangeable with each other. Further, each of the side members and end cross members preferably has a section of a roller path and section of a ring gear attached to them while being transported and assembled.
US08348067B2	Fingernail color display device A fingernail color display system. Holding rods having a fingernail color display element are inserted into a display device. The display device has a side section and a top section. The side section provides support for the top section. The top section has holes arranged in rows. Rod support sections are attached to the underside of the top section so that there are rows of the rod support sections. The holding rods are inserted through the holes and are supported by the rod support sections to display the holding rods so that a rearmost row is higher than a frontmost row. In a preferred embodiment the display device is injection molded. Also preferably the top section is tilted with respect to horizontal and the rod support sections are of equal length. Also preferably the rod support sections include an alignment feature for aligning the holding rods so that the color display element is flush with the front edge of the display device.
US08348066B2	Floating disk for separating blood components A floating separating element for use in centrifugal separation of components of a physiological fluid comprises a positioning part and a separating part, where the positioning part is designed to automatically assume a position in a supernatant and a separating part is positioned at a desired location with respect to the interface between the supernatant and heavier components. In preferred embodiments the physiological fluids are blood or bone marrow aspirate, and the heavier components comprise red blood cells. The positioning part comprises the majority of the mass of the separating element and is thin so that differences in the position of the separating element with respect to the interface are small compared to differences in the densities of the separated compoments, particularly the component comprising red blood cells. A method allows red blood cells to move the separating element during decanting to ensure complete decant of the supernatant.
US08348065B2	Separation apparatus for separating mud from water A separation apparatus for separating mud from water has an input tank device, a pipe device and a first separating assembly. The input tank device has an input tank. The pipe device has a first pipe having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first pipe is connected securely to the input tank. The first separating assembly has a main structure having a hydrocyclone. The hydrocyclone is connected to the second end of the first pipe. Accordingly, the hydrocyclone can efficiently and quickly separate mud from liquid of the raw water in the input tank.
US08348064B2	Multi-cyclone sediment filter A multi-cyclone sediment filter having a sediment bowl with a hemispherical bottom and a sump for collecting sediment, a cylindrical cyclone housing disposed above and sealingly connected to the sediment bowl, a removable and replaceable cyclone cartridge inserted into the cyclone housing, a diffuser plate sealingly connected to the cyclone cartridge and cyclone housing, a fluid inlet for introducing fluid into the cyclone housing, and a fluid outlet for discharging fluid from the cyclone housing. The cyclone cartridge inserted in the cyclone housing includes a plurality of vertically disposed inverted cone-shaped fluid cyclones, each having a small opening at a lower end and larger opening at an upper end. The cartridge has a plurality of fluid flow paths that direct fluid to the cyclones where a vortex is induced in the moving fluid. As sediment is removed from the fluid in each cyclone, it is separated out and delivered down into the sediment bowl sump, while fluid is directed upwardly and out to the fluid outlet.
US08348056B2	Pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly A pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly (1810) for disposing of sharps and one or more of fluid pharmaceutical waste and solid pharmaceutical waste includes a receiver assembly (1851) having a sharps receiver (1815), a waste receiver (1812), and a receiver retainer (1816). The sharps receiver (1815) receives sharps. The sharps receiver (1815) includes a sharps receiver body (1823) that defines a sharps region (1827C). The waste receiver (1812) receives one of fluid pharmaceutical waste and solid pharmaceutical waste. The waste receiver (1812) includes a waste receiver body (1819) that defines a waste region (1827A) that is independent of the sharps region (1827C). The receiver retainer (1816) receives the sharps receiver (1815) and the waste receiver (1812). The sharps receiver body (1823) and the waste receiver body (1819) are positioned substantially adjacent to one another within the receiver retainer (1816). The sharps receiver (1815) and the waste receiver (1812) are integrally formed as a unitary structure. Additionally, the sharps receiver (1815) and the waste receiver (1812) can be inserted into and/or removed from the receiver retainer (1816) together as an integrated unit.
US08348055B2	Musical instrument carrying case and stand A musical instrument carrying case and stand is disclosed. The carrying case and stand includes a case having a top side, a bottom side, a back side, and a front side having a vertical slit and a horizontal slit that collectively define a first flap and a front panel and a support element that is pivotally attached to the back side of the case to pivot between a first position in which the element is substantially parallel to the back of the case and a second position in which the element supports the case when the musical instrument is removed from the case. Additional embodiments may include first and second members attached to the back of the case where an end of the support element is pivotally attached between the first and second members, so that the element supports the case when the musical instrument is removed from the case.
US08348054B2	Multi-purpose, small-garment bag structure A combined, flexible and floppy laundry, travel, storage/display bag structure for socks and like small clothing articles, including (a) a machine-launderable/dryable, open-mesh, fabric bag having front and back sides, and spaced top, bottom and lateral edges, (b) located intermediate the bag's top and bottom edges, an elongate openable/closeable closure structure joined to and extending laterally across the bag's front side and between its lateral edges, and furnishing user-selective access to the inside of the bag, and (c) plural, releasable, clothing-article-holding structures mounted inside the bag on its back side, made manually accessible, via the closure structure, for operative gripping and releasing, within the bag, of user-selected clothing articles.
US08348051B2	Nestable beverage containers and methods thereof Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to nested beverage containers and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to improved beverage containers having interlocking features with adjacent containers, allowing for ease of transportation and lower cost of packaging. In one embodiment, a nestable beverage container comprises a top portion comprising an opening into a voluminous body, a sealing means, and a connection means positioned beneath the sealing means, a bottom portion comprising a receiving means shaped to conform to the connection means of an adjacently nested container, and the voluminous body being defined by the top portion, the bottom portion and a side wall, wherein the opening into the voluminous body is the only means for accessing contents of the nestable beverage container.
US08348049B2	Conveyor system A conveyor system for transporting cylindrical objects is disclosed including an endless conveyor arranged in a transport path, a drive for feeding the endless conveyor, guide rails for restricting lateral movement of cylindrical objects transported on the endless conveyor, an elevation transport section adapted to transport the cylindrical objects from a first height to a second height and including the endless conveyor having a base surface extending along the transport path, the endless conveyor including vertical protrusions extending outwardly from the base surface of the endless conveyor and including a front wall with an inclined portion sloping towards the base surface, such that a cylindrical object transported on the elevation transport section can rest on the inclined portion under a contact force directed towards the base surface by gravity.
US08348047B2	Parts manipulation method and apparatus Method and apparatus for imparting movement to one or more articles includes placing the one or more articles on a surface of a support member and imparting vibratory motion to the support member by vibrating actutators connected to the support member wherein the vibratory motion includes at least a rotational vibratory component about one or more axes out-of-alignment with the gravity vector to produce effective force fields on the surface.
US08348044B2	Conveyor apparatus A conveyor apparatus is provided that includes a frame and a cross conveyor. The cross conveyor has a moveable belt sized and configured to receive and move material. The cross conveyor is supported by the frame. The frame has a base and a plurality of rotatable members attached to the base. The rotatable members are configured to rotate to move the frame. The frame is sized and configured to be positionable adjacent to a mobile bridge conveyor having a tripper conveyor device such that a portion of the cross conveyor is positionable under an upper end portion of the tripper conveyor device to receive material from the tripper conveyor device and move the material to a storage area or stacking area for stacking the material. The tripper is preferably constrained to the frame of the mobile bridge conveyor.
US08348043B2	Apparatus having a bill validator and a method of servicing the apparatus An apparatus having a bill validator. The apparatus having a storage area within a housing. The bill validator operable to input bills into the storage area. The bill validator being removable secured within the housing. The removable bill validator permitting the bill validator to be removed from the housing for servicing without comprising security of the storage area.
US08348041B2	Dog-tooth-face interface A dog-tooth-face interface for a vehicle includes a first clutch element that has a plurality of recesses distributed on a side of the first clutch element and around an axis through the first clutch element and a second clutch element that has a plurality of teeth configured to engage with the recesses and distributed on a side of the second clutch element adjacent the recesses. At least one of the first clutch element and the second clutch element is configured so as to rotate about the axis, and at least one of the first clutch element and second clutch element is configured so as to move along the axis to engage or disengage the first and second clutch elements. Moreover, the first clutch element has a substantially continuous wall surrounding the recesses, and the recesses have at least one corner relief portion configured to avoid contact with corners of the teeth.
US08348039B2	Clamping roller freewheel A clamping roller freewheel, which has an inner ring, an outer ring and clamping rollers arranged between the inner ring and outer ring. The clamping rollers interact, in each case, with one clamping ramp formed on the outer circumference of the inner ring. The clamping rollers are surrounded by an elastically expandable protective ring which is concentric with respect to the freewheel axis. Retaining lugs prevent the protective ring from being driven in rotation by the outer ring in idle running operation. In this way, the outer ring is prevented from grinding against the clamping rollers, and the clamping rollers are prevented from being driven in rotation, with the resulting wear to the clamping ramps, in idle running operation.
US08348038B2	Disk friction clutch apparatus using self-energizing effect A disk friction clutch apparatus using a self-energizing effect is disclosed. The clutch apparatus includes a drive friction disk connected to a drive shaft, a driven friction disk connected to a driven shaft, a push member configured to press the driven friction disk against the drive friction disk at an engagement position of a clutch, and an operation unit configured to shift the push member from the release position of the clutch to the engagement position. The operation unit is operated to increase a force of the push member to press the driven friction disk when the push member located at the engagement position of the clutch receives a force of rotating the drive shaft. Since the clutch apparatus employs a self-energizing effect, it is possible to fasten the clutch with a small force.
US08348033B2	Impact-absorbing member The impact absorbers having different lengths are formed by providing notches in one of opposed surfaces on front end side in a collision direction of a square pipe having a square in cross section. The three impact absorbers are disposed in a width direction while two impact absorbers are disposed in a height direction such that directions of the notches differ from each other, and the impact absorbers are disposed in integrally welded to form the impact-absorbing member.
US08348032B2	Component for the absorption of energy on an impact The present invention relates to a component for the absorption of energy on an impact having a frame as well as having a section located in the frame and connected to the frame, with the section consisting of a multilayer fiber composite or comprising a multilayer fiber composite.
US08348031B2	Impact attenuating and spring elements and products containing such elements Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.
US08348023B2	Disk brake An object of the present invention is to provide a disk brake having excellent responsiveness. A rotation preventing mechanism 34A prevents a rotation of a carrier 41 (one output member) in a direction causing a piston 12 to return. An internal gear 46 (the other output member) rotates by a predetermined degree to act on the rotation preventing mechanism 34A. When the motor 38 causes a sun gear (input member) to rotate such that the piston 12 moves in a return direction, a rotation of the internal gear 46 according to the rotation of the sun gear 44 releases rotation prevention of the rotation preventing mechanism 34A to the carrier 41. It is possible to release the parking brake without use of a worm gear which is used in the conventional arts for holding a thrust force (self-holding). As a result, it is possible to quickly release the parking brake, and therefore a driver can start to run without delay after parking brake release, whereby the responsiveness is improved.
US08348022B2	Elevator call display panel with universal body part to accommodate call button and display variations An arrangement for the call apparatus and display apparatus of an elevator has a body part which includes at least call buttons and other actuators, such as apertures for the display elements. The body part is essentially universal such that the number, size, shape and placement location of the apertures of the body part are arranged to be suited for the use of as many display variations and/or call button variations as possible, and in that an essentially thin light-attenuating film-like layer is disposed in front of the body part, which layer is fitted to allow light produced by the display elements through, but covers the apertures and other features in the body part.
US08348019B2	Elevator element for driving or reversing an elevator suspension means in an elevator system In an elevator element for driving or reversing an elevator suspension device in an elevator system, that interacts with an elevator suspension device, the arithmetic mean of the roughness value of the contact surface measured in the circumferential direction of the elevator element, and the mean roughness value of the contact surface measured in the axial direction of the elevator element, are different. The arithmetic mean roughness value of the contact surface measured in the circumferential direction of the elevator element is less than 1 micrometer.
US08348017B2	Reduced gulp fluid reservoir An assembly includes a reservoir for holding a fluid, and a scavenge passage connected to the reservoir at a reservoir inlet. The scavenge passage returns the fluid from a delivery location to the reservoir. A bleed passage is connected in fluid communication between the reservoir and the scavenge passage.
US08348014B2	Fall-arrest ladder system A safety-featured ladder, including taut rope wrapped over top of the top rung and under bottom of the bottom rung and fixedly connected to the ladder when downward force is applied to the rope in front of the ladder. In a first embodiment, a sleeve including a pulley subsystem is attached to a body harness worn by a climber and can move or slide along the rope only when climbing up ladder. In a second embodiment, a sleeve including a different pulley subsystem including a centrifugal brake is attached to a body harness worn by a climber and can move or slide along the rope when climbing up or climbing down. However, if the climber loses footing and starts to fall the sleeve grabs the rope, and/or the rope grabs the sleeve, which prevents the climber from falling more than a few inches and from injury. Hooks at top of the ladder can hook around transverse cables atop poles.
US08348010B2	Invertible ear tips for an ear piece An ear piece for providing audio (e.g., from an electronic device) to the user is provided. The ear piece may include a compliant element operative to be inserted in the user's ear such that the compliant element deforms to retain the ear piece in the user's ear. The compliant element may include a connector portion coupling the compliant element to the ear piece housing, and an outer portion folded over the ear piece housing. To improve the user's comfort, the parting lines and other manufacturing defects may be hidden from view and from touch (e.g., the parting lines are on the inner surface of the outer portion).
US08348007B2	Device for elastically mounting an engine transmission unit on a motor vehicle body A device for elastically mounting an engine transmission unit on a motor vehicle body, comprising a motor support, a flange rigidly mountable to the motor vehicle body, defining a longitudinal direction to be aligned with the driving direction, wherein the motor support essentially extends out of the flange in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is facing the engine transmission unit for forming a mounting area for the engine transmission unit, and an elastomeric body via which the motor support is elastically supported by the flange and which has a vertical support spring to absorb an essentially static load from the weight of the engine transmission unit, the load acting vertically to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, wherein the vertical support spring comprises two spring arms inclined towards each other and spreading away from each other in transverse direction.
US08348006B2	Structure for mounting ancillaries on vehicle A structure for mounting ancillaries on a vehicle wherein one end of a first bracket in a plate form extends downwardly and is fixed to a body frame and the other end of the first bracket supports a reservoir. In addition, the first bracket supports the regulator in the proximity of the reservoir. The reservoir attached to the forward end of the first bracket functions as a deadweight which, because of the inertia of the deadweight, suppresses the vibrations of the forward end of the first bracket due to vehicle traveling and engine rotation. Thus, this structure suppresses and attenuates the vibration of the regulator attached to the first bracket.
US08348005B2	Hybrid vehicle A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor, a multi-stage gear transmission, and an actuator. The engine has a crankshaft, a crankcase, and a cylinder. The motor is provided on the crankshaft. Through the multi-stage gear transmission, an output of the crankshaft is changed to be used for traveling of the vehicle. The actuator is configured to automatically shift the multi-stage gear transmission and is provided in the crankcase in proximity to the motor. A radius from a center line of the cylinder to a part of the actuator farthest from the center line is shorter than a radius from the center line to a part of the motor farthest from the center line. The actuator has a width less than a width of the motor in a direction perpendicular to the crankshaft.
US08348004B2	Method for generating a triggering signal for a pedestrian protection device A method for generating a triggering signal for a pedestrian protection device in which sensor data are ascertained and analyzed. After a collision with an object has been recognized, features are generated from the sensor data, which are analyzed for ascertaining an object mass and/or an object hardness, the triggering signal for the pedestrian protection device being generated if the ascertained object mass and/or the ascertained object hardness is/are within a triggering range which represents a collision with a pedestrian.
US08348002B2	Slewing ring drive A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises a steering assembly, a slewing ring engaged with the steering assembly and being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly mounted to the slewing ring, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the slewing ring.
US08347998B2	Working machine with one or more electric machines for driving, braking, and/or generating power and a method for operating such a working machine A working machine including an internal combustion engine for supplying torque to the driving wheels of the working machine, and a transmission line arranged between the internal combustion engine and the driving wheels for transmitting torque from the internal combustion engine to the driving wheels. The working machine further including at least one hydraulic pump in a hydraulic system for moving an implement arranged on the working machine and/or steering the working machine. The transmission line includes at least one electric machine for driving or braking the driving wheels, and/or for generating electric power for the at least one hydraulic pump.
US08347995B2	Automobile provided with a power supply battery which is removable by a vertical movement, and device for installing and removing such a battery A motor vehicle including a structure including a bottom and which bears a motor powered by a removable power supply battery, the structure further including an element for receiving the battery and an attachment mechanism for attaching the battery onto the receiving element. The receiving element and the attachment mechanism are adapted to enable installation of the battery in the receiving element from the underside of the structure by an upward movement towards the structure, and removal of the battery under the structure by a downward movement in a direction opposite to the structure.
US08347992B2	Electrically-variable accessory drive for engine start A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine mechanically coupled through a planetary gear set to an accessory drive and a torque machine. Operator inputs and engine operating parameters are monitored to select an operational state including one of an autostop accessory control state, autostart operation state, engine torque assist state, and energy power generation state.
US08347991B2	Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle The present invention provides track assemblies and a method that allow bringing the contact patch towards the inside (the outside) of the suspension arm, by providing a asymmetric track assembly, either by lowering at least one inside (outside) support wheel relative to the remaining support wheels, or by using a belt that comprises, transversally, at least one first profile on the outer (inner) side thereof lower than a second profile on an inner side thereof.
US08347988B2	Down-hole hammer drill A down-hole hammer comprising a drill bit (10) and a drive collar (11) with an interconnection therebetween for causing rotation of the drill bit upon rotation of the drive collar. The drill bit (10) comprises a drill bit head (13) and a shank (19), the drill bit head (13) defining a cutting face (15) and having a circumferential shoulder section (17) adjacent the cutting face (15). The shank (19) extends from the shoulder section (17) in the direction away from the cutting face (15). The interconnection between the drill bit (10) and the drive collar (11) comprises a spline assembly including at least one spline (43) on the shoulder section (17) for mating engagement with at least one counterpart spline (63) on the drive collar (11) to provide a drive coupling therebetween while also allowing the drill bit (10) to slide axially within the drive collar (11) to perform a percussive action.
US08347983B2	Drilling with a high pressure rotating control device A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressured Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the facture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.
US08347981B2	Power tool It is an object of the invention to provide a power tool with a rational placement of a dynamic vibration reducer within a tool body. A representative hammer drill embodied as a power tool according to this invention has a dynamic vibration reducer 151 which is placed within an internal space 110 located to a motion converting section 113 side of a driving motor 111 within a body 103. An inner edge of the internal space is defined by an outer edge of the motion converting section 113, and an outer edge of the internal space is defined by an outer periphery of the driving motor 111.
US08347978B2	Method for controlling a power driver A driving tool having a driver, a power source, a sensor and a controller. The power source selectively provides an input to the driver to cause the driver to translate along an axis. The sensor senses a condition in the power source that is indicative of a level of kinetic energy of an element in the power source and generates a sensor signal in response thereto. The controller is coupled to the power source and the sensor and is responsive to the sensor signal for deactivating the power source to inhibit the power source from providing the input to the driver when the level of kinetic energy of the element in the power source is below a predetermined threshold. A method for operating a driving tool is also provided.
US08347976B2	Hitch device for a working vehicle A hitch device for a working vehicle for coupling a working device to the working vehicle has a lifting shaft unit supported in the frame structure of the working vehicle, and a coupling structure that is operatively connected therewith. The lifting shaft unit includes a lifting shaft, at least one lifting arm that is fixedly connected with the lifting shaft, and at least one reciprocating cylinder, which is hingedly connected with the lifting arm. The coupling structure includes first, upper coupling elements, which are located on the frame structure, second, lower coupling elements, which are hingedly connected to the frame structure, and connecting elements that are hingedly located on lifting arms of the lifting shaft. At least one of the connecting elements is rigid. In this manner, it is ensured that the load on the coupling elements that form the hitch device is balanced, even when a load is introduced asymmetrically.
US08347970B2	Wellhead tubular connector Systems and methods are provided that may include employing a lockscrew to provide radial and axial force in connecting tubular members in a mineral extraction system. The lockscrew may be angled relative to the tubular members, at an angle that is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Further, the lockscrew may have an end portion which mates with a slot in a locking segment, and the lockscrew and locking segment may be moved from an unlocked to a locked position. In a locked position, the lockscrew exerts force axially downward and radially inward to push the locking segment against a tubular member, locking the member in place. The interconnection between the lockscrew and the locking segment may enable easier installation and may utilize parts which may be easier to manufacture. Furthermore, the angle of the lockscrew may provide improved support for tubular members.
US08347965B2	Apparatus and method for creating pressure pulses in a wellbore An apparatus for wellbore fluid treatment having a body with a lower end, an upper end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a long bore open at the upper end, an outlet port spaced from the upper end, and a die in the long bore between the upper end and the outlet port. The outlet port permits the communication of fluids between the long bore and the exterior surface. The die is substantially immovable within the long bore and has an inner open diameter in which a plug is landable to create a seal in the long bore before passing through the inner open diameter.
US08347958B2	Systems and methods for distributed interferometric acoustic monitoring Acoustic monitoring is carried out using a fiber optic cable. Coherent Rayleigh noise generated by the transmission of a coherent beam of radiation through the fiber optic cable is detected, a phase of the coherent Rayleigh noise is measured and the measured phase is processed to identify an acoustic occurrence along the fiber optic cable. In certain aspects, an optical fiber serves as a distributed interferometer that may be used to monitor a conduit, wellbore or reservoir. The distributed interferometric monitoring provides for accurate detection of acoustic occurrences along the fiber optic cable and these acoustic occurrences may include fluid flow in a pipeline or wellbore, processes taking place in a wellbore or pipeline, fracturing, gravel packing, or production logging.
US08347957B2	System and method for servicing a wellbore A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising establishing a pumping profile having a performance plan, determining a remaining life estimate for a first wellbore servicing device, wherein the first wellbore servicing device is suitable for impacting conformance to the performance plan, and selecting a second wellbore servicing device in response to the remaining life value for the first wellbore servicing device, wherein the second wellbore servicing device is suitable for impacting conformance to the performance plan. A wellbore servicing system, comprising a first device suitable for impacting conformance to a performance plan, a first sensor configured to monitor an operational characteristic of the first device, and a controller in communication with the first sensor, the controller being configured to calculate at least one of a remaining life estimate of the first device and a probability of survival estimate of the first device.
US08347956B2	Wellbore method and apparatus for completion, production and injection Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.
US08347954B2	Plunger lift system with seal and ball detent arrangement An intermittent lift plunger includes at least one seal mandrel, a bottom sub and an upper valve assembly. The valve assembly is closed by a well bottom stop which inserts into the lift plunger and opened by a lubricator stop at the top of the well. The seal mandrel includes a sleeve seal formed from an elastomeric rubber or plastic, which inflates to engage the well bore surface when the valve is closed and a pressure differential exists.
US08347953B1	Inline monitoring package for electrical submersible pump A submersible pumping system includes a motor, a pump driven by the motor, a seal section disposed between the pump and the motor and an inline monitoring package connected between the seal section and the motor. The inline monitoring package is electrically connected to the motor through a wye point connection. The inline monitoring package preferably includes a sensor array that includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure conditions internal and external to the submersible pumping system. The inline monitoring package further includes a shaft configured to transmit the output from the motor to the pump. The inline monitoring package further includes a fluid exchange system that accommodates the thermal expansion of lubricants in the motor.
US08347950B2	Modular room heat exchange system with light unit A modular heat exchange system for use in a central heat exchange installation in buildings, including at least one heat exchange element equipped for exchanging heat between environmental air and a fluid which is conducted through the heat exchange element. The heat exchange element has a predetermined first shape with opposite lateral sides. At least one non-heat-exchange add-on element, equipped for adding a given additional functionality to the system, has a predetermined second shape with a complementary lateral side to one of the opposite lateral sides of the heat exchange element.
US08347949B2	Elimination of shrinkage cavity in cast ingots An exemplary embodiment provides a method of eliminating a shrinkage cavity in a metal ingot cast by direct chill casting. The method involves casting an upright ingot having an upper surface at an intended height. Upon completion of the casting, the lower tip of the spout is maintained below the molten metal near the center of the upper surface. The metal flow through the spout is terminated and a partial shrinkage cavity is allowed to form as metal of the ingot shrinks and contracts. Before the partial cavity exposes the lower tip of the spout, the cavity is preferably over-filled with molten metal, while avoiding spillage of molten metal, and then the flow of metal through the spout is terminated. These steps are repeated until no further contraction of the metal causes any part of the upper surface to contract below the intended ingot height.
US08347948B2	Apparatus for preparing alloy sheet Apparatus for preparing alloy sheet, comprising a container for melted alloy liquid positioned in an inductive heating coil; a liquid flow stabilization outfit comprising a barrel container with open bottom and a base board arranged below the open bottom, and the barrel container's upper part being positioned below the mouth of the container for melted alloy liquid; a quenching wheel positioned below the melted alloy liquid flown from the liquid flow stabilization outfit's base board, which carries the melted alloy liquid and spins it into strips, to make the strips become alloy sheets after collision; a transferring outfit positioned below the wheel for further cooling and transferring of the alloy sheets, wherein the quenching wheel is equipped with a means for differentiating cooling rate for various alloy sheets. The magnetic material made of these alloy sheets is good in orientation, easy for post-sinter processing, and suitable for mass production.
US08347947B2	Process and refractory metal core for creating varying thickness microcircuits for turbine engine components The present disclosure is directed to a refractory metal core for use in forming varying thickness microcircuits in turbine engine components, a process for forming the refractory metal core, and a process for forming the turbine engine components. The refractory metal core is used in the casting of a turbine engine component. The core is formed by a sheet of refractory metal material having a curved trailing edge portion integrally formed with a leading edge portion.
US08347944B2	Nano-engineered ultra-conductive nanocomposite copper wire Nano-composite structures are formed by pre-loading carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into at least one of a plurality of channels running the length of a cartridge, placing the pre-loaded cartridge in a piston chamber of a die-casting machine, creating a vacuum therein, and filing the piston chamber with molten metal to soak the pre-loaded cartridge and fill empty cartridge channels. Pressure is applied via the piston to eject the carbon nanotubes and molten metal from the cartridge channels and inject the nano-composite mixture into a rod-shaped die cavity. The internal diameter of the cavity is equal to or less than the final diameter of the nozzle. The nano-composite mixture is cooled to form a solid nano-composite rod having the first predetermined diameter, wherein the carbon nanotubes are aligned in a non-random manner. Furthermore, drawing down the nano-composite rod to smaller diameter wire further disperses the nanotubes along the length of the wire.
US08347941B2	Vacuum processing chamber manufactured by aluminum casting The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vacuum processing chamber comprising a volume which is defined by a wall and which can be evacuated, said wall being made of aluminum by casting, said wall comprising an outer face and an inner face, said inner face faces the volume, and a method for improving the inner face of the wall of a vacuum processing chamber, wherein the inner face of said wall is smoothened by grinding and is subsequently pearl-blasted or shot-blasted. Vacuum processing chambers obtained by said methods are provided too.
US08347939B2	Corrosion resistant intruder screen A corrosion resistant intruder screen has a frame including elongate frame members (3) with a mesh (4) clamped to frame members (3). The frame members (3) each have a first holding channel (50) formed therein and a clamping portion (6) spaced from the first holding channel (50). Clamping members (7) co-act with fastening means (8) to clamp the mesh (4) between the clamping members (7) and the clamping portions (6) with leveraged clamping action. The screen includes covers (54) which are configured to be clipped to the frame members (3) and which each have a second holding channel (60) formed therein. The screen further includes a sealing assembly comprising first sealing members (51) and second sealing members (61). The first sealing members (51) are supported by the first holding channel (50) in the frame members (3) and positioned against one side of the mesh (4) and the second sealing members (61) are supported by the second holding channel (60) in the covers (54) and positioned on another side of the mesh (4).
US08347937B2	Window blind apparatuses, systems and/or methods A window blind apparatus having a first magnetically active track, a second magnetically active track, a first rod, a second rod, a first magnet located at the first end of the first rod, and a second magnet located at the second end of the first rod, a third magnet located at the first end of the second rod, a fourth magnet located at the second end of the second rod, and a window covering material adapted to be disposed between the first rod and the second rod, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be used to wholly or partially cover the window over which it is mounted.
US08347936B2	Hybrid mount assembly for a window treatment A window covering for a window having a window casement, or other opening in a wall, such as a doorway or a case-less window opening, with an inside portion adjacent to the window and an outside portion adjacent to the inside portion, the outside portion having a left side portion and a right side portion is disclosed. The window covering comprising includes a support assembly configured and arranged to attach to an inside portion of a window casement and a window treatment suspended from the support assembly and overlapping at least a portion of a left side portion and a right side portion of an outside portion of the window casement whereby the window treatment covers the window.
US08347935B2	Rigid retractable patio or window awning and operating mechanisms therefor A rigid retractable patio or window awning includes a number of rigid panels disposed in a tiered relationship with each other. Each lower panel is slidably connected with its respective upper panel via a set of slides. The top panel remains stationary. An awning operating mechanism includes arms connected via swivel joints with the bottom panel. Each arm also is connected via a threaded nut with a drive screw. The awning is extended by rotating the drive screw, which causes the nuts to travel along the drive screw causing the arms to push the bottom panel outwardly and the bottom panel to pull along any intermediate panels. The awning is retracted by rotating the drive screw in the opposite direction.
US08347934B1	Lamintated clamp for a tire changer A clamp for securing a wheel with a rim on a rim-holding tire changer. The clamp includes a base portion, a gripping plate secured to the base portion, and a support plate secured to the base portion such that the gripping plate is disposed between the base portion and the support plate. The gripping plate is configured with a first portion for engaging the rim of a wheel and the support plate is configured with a first portion to engage the rim of the wheel.
US08347933B2	Application-film transfer tool An application-film transfer tool includes a supply bobbin around which an unused transfer tape is wound; a transfer head around which the transfer tape is extended, the transfer head pressure-sensitively transferring an application film of the transfer tape onto a transfer subject by pressing against the transfer subject; a take-up bobbin taking up the used transfer tape; a clutch mechanism transmitting the rotation of the supply bobbin to the take-up bobbin and controlling the rotational speed of the take-up bobbin; and a reverse-rotation prevention mechanism preventing reverse rotation of the supply bobbin, wherein part of the supply bobbin constitutes part of the reverse-rotation prevention mechanism.
US08347929B2	Multi-piece rim and its attaching/removing method It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-piece rim which does not need much labor for supporting, and does not increase the number of components to be managed and the number of needed tasks.The present invention constructs a lock ring (40) to be fitted in the groove (11a) of a gutter band (11), which ring is divided in a plurality of portions (41, 42) being coupled at each end (41a, 42a) thereof by a flexible coupling member (43). Alternatively, a lock ring (140) is formed into a substantially C-shape being manufactured by cutting a part of a circular ring, and comprises a first portion (141) wherein a length of a chord at the cut portion is substantially equal to the diametral of a hub, and a second portion (142) having a shape corresponding to the cut portion of a circular ring in the first portion.
US08347927B2	Water collection apparatus and method An apparatus and method for passively collecting water in an environment where dew forms are disclosed. The apparatus has a radial body which includes a hydrophobic surface that is supported at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity. The apparatus may also include ridges which increase the surface area of the body thus increasing dew collection and provide shade which reduces the temperature increase of the body when the apparatus is exposed to sunlight. The method includes supporting a hydrophobic radial surface at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity and waiting for dew or condensation to form on the hydrophobic surface and run down the hydrophobic surface to either a reservoir or a beneficiary of the passively collected water, such as the roots of a plant.
US08347924B2	Fuel pump nozzle The invention relates to a main valve for a fuel pump nozzle, the main valve comprising a shut-off body for closing a fuel line and a displacement space that is configured to avoid undesirable pressure surges during closing of the main valve. The invention further relates to a fuel pump nozzle comprising a main valve according to the invention.
US08347923B2	Device with penetrable and resealable portion and related method Device and method for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and hermetically resealing a resulting needle hole in the device by applying radiation thereto. The needle penetrable and resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and may include a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber from the needle penetrable and resealable portion during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle. Such thermoplastic may include a predetermined amount of pigment that allows the thermoplastic to substantially absorb laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness thereof, and hermetically seal a needle aperture formed in the needle penetration region thereof in a predetermined time period.
US08347922B2	Apparatus and method for the vapor recovery of propane vapors during fueling A method and apparatus for the recovery of vapors associated with propane fueling. The fuel vapor recovery system can be implemented with typical retail propane fueling facilities. The recovery method may include capturing vapors vented during the filling of a portable propane tank into a recovery tank, and transferring some of these recovered vapors into a second tank to be filled.
US08347919B2	Inflating valve for an inflatable object An inflating valve has a body and a valve disk. The body is hollow and has a passage defined through the body and a holding tab. The passage has an inner surface and a bottom opening defined in the bottom of the body. The holding tab is radially connected to the inner surface of the passage and has a holding hole defined through the holding tab. The valve disk is attached securely to the bottom of the body to close the bottom opening of the passage and has a holding rod formed on and protruding from the valve disk and engaging the holding hole in the holding tab. Accordingly, the valve disk can be automatically opened by the pressured air and automatically closed by the recoil force provided by the holding tab.
US08347918B2	Solenoid valve apparatus A solenoid valve apparatus includes a solenoid valve and a switching device that switches between a first state in which the working fluid in the pump chamber is discharged when the solenoid valve functions as a regulator valve and a second state in which discharge of the working fluid from the pump chamber is prohibited when the solenoid valve functions as the electromagnetic pump.
US08347916B2	Self-sealing chemical injection line coupling A chemical injection line connector includes first and second couplings configured to automatically seal shut when the members are disengaged. A method for blocking contamination or pressure transfer of chemical injection lines includes securing first and second couplings to corresponding ends of a chemical injection line and automatically sealing the couplings shut when the couplings are disengaged.
US08347912B2	Waste water pumping device In the device, according to the invention, the retention tank (7) constitutes a distributing chamber which is connected to the external retention tank (10) being a segment of a gravity-flow channel (11) with its cross-section greater than the cross-section of gravity waste water transfer required in the calculations, located on the line of waste water inflow to the retention tank (7), whereas the capacity of the retention tank (7) is at least two times smaller than the capacity of the external retention tank (10) constituting a segment of the gravity-flow channel (11) with its cross-section greater than the required cross-section of the gravity-flow channel (11) for gravity waste water transfer required in the calculations.
US08347909B2	Float valve system for a respiratory humidification system A float valve system for controlling an amount of liquid in a chamber is disclosed that includes a first valve seat and a second valve seat. Liquid enters the chamber in a first direction to the first valve seat and is transferred in a second direction to the second valve seat. First and second actuating members are provided to selectively open and close the first valve seat and the second valve seat, respectively. A first float is coupled to the first actuating member so as to close the first valve seat upon fluid in the chamber reaching a first predetermined level and a second float is coupled to the second actuating member so as to close the second valve seat upon fluid in the chamber reaching a second predetermined level that is different from the first predetermined level.
US08347907B2	Electrical connection device for a gas control valve An electrical connection device for a gas control valve. In one embodiment the device has a first electrical insulation member with an aperture extending between top and bottom surfaces and a second electrical insulation member having a top face and a bottom face and situated in the aperture of the first electrical insulation member so that the top face resides in the aperture and the bottom face resides outside the aperture. A joint member connects the first and second electrical insulation members. The device also includes first and second electrical terminals that are electrically insulated from one another and wherein each extends from the second electrical insulation member through the joint member to a location outside the first electrical insulation member. The first electrical terminal has a first inner terminal situated on the first face of the second electrical insulation member, a first outer terminal that projects out radially from the first insulation member, and a first intermediate segment that extends between the first inner terminal and the first outer terminal. The second electrical terminal has a second inner terminal situated on the second face of the second electrical insulation member, a second outer terminal that projects out radially from the first insulation member, and a second intermediate segment that extends between the second inner terminal and the second outer terminal.
US08347905B1	Energy saving faucet A faucet of the single handle mixing valve type. The faucet includes a housing having a domed housing cap enclosing a valve cartridge having an actuating stem movable along a vertical flow-control axis for varying water flow rate, and movable along a horizontal temperature-control axis for varying the temperature. A handle is connected to the actuating stem. A recess extends vertically along the outer surface of the domed housing cap. A releasable stop member is adapted to engage the recess when the handle is moved along the vertical flow-control axis in its cold water only position, and adapted: to release engagement upon application of a horizontal force. A ramp is located along the lower periphery of the domed housing cap outside of the cold water only position and is adapted to prevent the handle from being lowered into a full off position except when in the cold water only position.
US08347901B2	Substrate cleaning method, substrate cleaning system and program storage medium The present invention provides a substrate cleaning method capable of removing particles from the entire surface of a substrate to be processed at a high removing efficiency. In the substrate cleaning method according to the present invention, a substrate to be processed W is immersed in a cleaning liquid in a cleaning tank 12. Then, ultrasonic waves are generated in the cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning tank 12, so that the substrate to be processed W is subjected to an ultrasonic cleaning process. While the substrate to be processed is being cleaned, a dissolved gas concentration of a gas dissolved in the cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning tank is changed.
US08347896B2	Artificial eyelash structure and its fabrication and method of use An artificial eyelash structure includes a mounting member having a bonding portion for adhering to an eyelid and a bendable portion for enabling the bonding portion to be curved into a smoothly arched shape when bending the bonding portion upwards or downwards, and multiple eyelashes connected with the mounting member. The artificial eyelash structure is prepared by: forming a mounting member from a thin film, and then processing the thin film of the mounting member into a bonding portion and a bendable portion such that the bendable portion enables the bonding portion to be bent upwards or downwards, and then connecting eyelashes with the mounting member. A method of using an artificial eyelash structure includes the step of preparing an artificial eyelash structure having a mounting member and eyelashes connected with the mounting member, the step of bending the mounting member along the connection between the mounting member and the eyelashes to form a bonding portion; and the step of curving the bonding portion into a smoothly arched shape and then using a glue or double-sided adhesive to adhere the bonding portion to an eyelid.
US08347893B2	Assembly for thickening hair An assembly for thickening hair has a first adhesive tape, apt to be reversibly adhered on hair, having an adhesive face onto which there are arranged connecting elements of hair extensions of a first plurality of the hair extensions at their respective distal end, and a second adhesive tape, apt to be reversibly adhered on hair, having an adhesive face onto which there are arranged connecting elements of hair extensions of a second plurality of the hair extensions at their respective distal end, the tapes having positioning elements such that the connecting elements of the extensions of said first and second plurality of the hair extensions overlap when the positioning elements are in turn overlapped.
US08347892B2	Disposable hookah bowl The present invention is directed to a disposable hookah bowl and hookah bowl product that are moisture-sealed. The hookah bowl includes a tobacco compartment, an ignitable product shelf, a heat inlet seal, and a particulate outlet seal. The hookah bowl product includes the hookah bowl and a combustible product, such as massell.
US08347891B2	Methods and apparatus for performing a non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
US08347890B2	Automated tissue retention system An automated tissue retention system generally comprises an oral appliance retractably coupled to a covering which is secured to an anterior portion of the tongue. Once placed within a subject's mouth, the appliance may be maintained in a closed configuration while the subject's mouth remains closed. However, as the subject sleeps and the tongue becomes hypotonic, the subject's mouth typically opens during a sleep disordered event. The appliance may be actuated by the separation between the mandible and maxilla to have greater tension and thus retract or pull anteriorly the covering adhered to the tongue. As the covering pulls the tongue anteriorly or maintains a position of the tongue, the base of the tongue may be inhibited or prevented from collapsing posteriorly against the phryngeal tissue walls and thereby allow the subject to breathe normally.
US08347889B2	Airway positioning device A positioning device to facilitate the maintenance of a patent airway by correctly positioning a patient's head under anesthesia during an operation or procedure comprising at least one adjustable support including a plurality of segments or sections selectively positionable relative to adjacent segments or sections and selectively lockable relative to each other having a patient engaging member coupled to the proximal end portion thereof to engage a portion of the patient's head to maintain the position of the patient's head during an operation or procedure.
US08347874B2	Grease drip pan and gas tank blocker for a barbecue grill The inventions disclosed herein relate to frame assemblies for gas barbecue grills which incorporate structures for preventing a consumer from storing replacement fuel tanks on the grill, in order to minimize fire and tipping hazards. Because it is known that many consumers never install or even remove prior art tank blockers, the tank blocker of the present invention is adapted to serve as a function of the grill (in addition to the function of blocking a tank) or to support a component of the grill. The preferred embodiment of the tank blocker described herein is adapted to support a component of the grease management system, namely the grease drip pan. Consequently, it is believed that consumers will be forced to install or will be prevented from removing the tank blocker, lest the grease management system become inoperable (or function improperly), causing grease to spill onto the cart.
US08347873B2	Heat reducing slot on a carbide plate and method of use thereof A heat reducing slot that is part of a saw blade that includes tips that will house carbide or other tips that are to be attached through a torch or induction. Heat reducing slots repeat for each tip on the perimeter of a blade that will be treated with high heat. For each tip, there is a general area defined near the seat and groove of the tip. In this general area a slot is inserted that has the effect of reducing the amount of heat needed to be applied to the blade for the attachment of carbide or other tips.
US08347872B2	Battery powered concrete saw system A battery operated concrete saw system (10) includes an electric saw (12) and a battery pack cart (14) as well as an electrical cord (62) for facilitating cutting in small places with a battery pack cart at a remote location.
US08347867B2	System and method for protecting engine fuel pumps A fuel control system for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel starvation detection module and a fuel pump protection module. The fuel starvation detection module detects when a fuel pump is delivering less than a predetermined amount of fuel based on a fuel level in a fuel tank, a fuel pressure in the fuel pump, and an air/fuel (A/F) ratio of the engine. The fuel pump protection module decreases an amount of fuel supplied to the engine during a period after detecting that the fuel pump is delivering less than the predetermined amount of fuel.
US08347863B2	Method for controlling a fuel delivery device on an internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine has a fuel delivering device with a high-pressure pump which conveys fuel into a fuel reservoir, and a volume flow control valve that is assigned to the high-pressure pump. A control difference (FUP_DIF) is determined from a difference between a predefined fuel pressure (FUP_SP) and a detected fuel pressure (FUP_AV). The control difference (FUP_DIF) is fed to a controller that encompasses at least one integral portion (I_CTRL). A corrective value (COR) for an error value of a fuel flow rate is determined in accordance with the integral portion (I_CTRL) of the controller if a sum of the integral portion (I_CTRL) exceeds a given threshold value during a predefined mode of operation of the internal combustion engine. In addition, an actuating signal (PWM) for the volume flow control valve is generated according to a controller value (FUEL_MASS_FB_CTRL) and the corrective value (COR).
US08347861B2	Method to control a gas engine and a gas engine system thereof In a gas engine system, air fed through a turbocharger is mixed with fuel gas flowing through a fuel gas supply line and supply into a combustion chamber is controlled. In case that the fuel gas has a low calorie or the engine output power is high, a portion of the fuel gas is diverged from the fuel gas supply line, and the flow rate thereof is set to a constant rate less than that of the diverged side fuel gas. The diverging fuel gas is fed into the combustion chamber through a divergence control valve while the remainder of the fuel gas is fed into the fuel flow control valve. In case that the fuel gas has a high calorie or the engine output power is low, the divergence control valve is closed so as to feed the fuel gas only into the gas supply main pipe.
US08347859B2	Automatic throttle calibration in a marine vessel A method of calibrating throttle controls in an electronic shift and throttle system includes opening the throttle and then moving the throttle back towards a hard stop in increments. The voltage level of an electrical signal sent by a throttle position sensor is measured and recorded at each increment. An idle position is established as being where the lowest voltage level was measured when the throttle is at least 0.75° away from the hard stop.
US08347858B2	Load condition detection apparatus for general-purpose engine In an apparatus for detecting condition of load connected to a general-purpose internal combustion engine, a first threshold value is compared with a sum obtained by adding a predetermined value to a detected throttle opening and changes the threshold value to the sum if the first threshold value is less than the sum and the engine is determined to be under first load condition if the throttle opening exceeds the threshold value. Next a second threshold value is compared with a difference obtained by subtracting change amounts of the engine speed and throttle opening and the engine is determined to be under second load condition if the difference exceeds the second threshold value, thereby enabling to accurately detect a condition of a load connected to the engine. Then the desired engine speed is changed in response to results of the determinations.
US08347852B2	Method and system for pre-ignition control Methods are provided for controlling an engine in response to a pre-ignition event. A pre-ignition threshold and a pre-ignition mitigating action are adjusted based on a rate of change of cylinder aircharge. As a result, pre-ignition events occurring during transient engine operating conditions are detected and addressed different from pre-ignition events occurring during steady-state engine operating conditions.
US08347847B2	Internal combustion two stroke oscillating engine The invention relates to heat engines and more specifically to positive displacement internal combustion engines, and is particularly concerned with oscillating engines i.e. engines, in which piston executes oscillating motion. The invention provides the optimal, “canonical” form for the two stroke oscillating engine of unique strenght and compactness.
US08347846B2	Control device for internal combustion engine A vehicle control system 10 includes a water pump 23 with an electromagnetic clutch, an oil relief device 25, an OCV 26, a water temperature sensor 31, and an ECU 11. The ECU 11 causes the electromagnetic clutch of the water pump 23 to be disengaged on the basis of the detection result detected by the water temperature sensor 31, and stops the coolant circulation. The ECU 11 instructs the OCV 26 to adjust the lubricant pressure to low by an oil relief device 25. The ECU 11 determines whether or not the adjustment of the lubricant pressure to low by the oil relief device 25 is stopped on the basis of the detection result detected by the water temperature sensor 31 when the engagement of the electromagnetic clutch of the water pump 23 continues for a given period.
US08347844B2	Oil pan for internal combustion engine transmission unit The invention relates to an oil pan (6) for an internal combustion engine transmission unit (1) comprising an oil pan housing (7) and a carrier flange, by way of which the oil pan housing is to be connected to the transmission housing (5) of the transmission. The carrier flange (4) is affixed to the transmission housing (5), and is connected to the oil pan housing (7) via a detachable connecting unit, wherein the connecting unit can be released or locked for the assembly and disassembly of the oil pan housing between the oil pan housing (7) and the carrier flange (9) regardless of the disassembly of the carrier flange from the transmission housing.
US08347841B1	Internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine includes a rotary valve such that said rotary valve serves as an output shaft for said engine.
US08347836B2	Method for controlling a variable event valvetrain A method to start an internal combustion engine having a variable event valvetrain is provided. The method includes increasing the speed of said internal combustion engine during a start from a stopped position after a request to start said internal combustion engine. The method may further include increasing an intake valve lift amount, of at least a cylinder during said start while said internal combustion engine speed is increasing. The method may further include only enabling fuel flow to said cylinder when said intake valve lift amount reaches a predetermined level.
US08347835B2	Engine assembly including secondary oil pump and pump mounting structure A cam bearing cap may include a first bearing cap region, a pump mounting region, an oil inlet, and an oil outlet. The first bearing cap region may extend over and secure a first camshaft to an engine assembly. The pump mounting region may extend from the first bearing cap region and may have a secondary oil pump mounted thereto. The oil inlet may extend through the pump mounting region and may provide communication between the secondary oil pump and an oil supply. The oil outlet may extend through the pump mounting region and may provide communication between the secondary oil pump and a hydraulically actuated engine component.
US08347829B2	Electrolytic reactor and related methods for supplementing the air intake of an internal combustion engine An electrolytic reactor and related methods are provided for supplementing the air-intake of an internal combustion engine with hydrogen. In one embodiment, the reactor has a core defined by a plurality of whole metal plates separated by peripheral gaskets; an inlet for providing an electrolyte to the core; a gas and effluent outlet, and a pump to force an electrolyte through the core.
US08347824B2	Combination retractable leash assembly and wearable locket for companion pet A retractable leash assembly that may be selectively carried by a user while attached to the collar or other wearable item on a companion pet and carried by the pet while not in use. The leash assembly may be connected to more than one location along the collar or other wearable item for securing the leash assembly to the companion pet. The leash assembly comprises a braking mechanism for stopping the movement of the leash in a preferred embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the retractable leash assembly provides a full-length leash and weighs less than about 85 g.
US08347823B1	Pet triggered programmable toy One embodiment of a pet toy having a control module, active triggering module, and passive triggering module. Our device is an interface between a pet and pet toy or other useful device. A pet can trigger at will a moving highly collimated light dot for exercise, entertainment, mental stimulation, education, and even surrogate companionship in the absence of a human caretaker. Pets that fail to learn triggering behavior will benefit from pre-set play periods as programmed or selected by their caretaker and/or passive activation such as infrared detection or another proximity sensing switch.
US08347821B2	Self-regulated liquid dispenser and system for maintaining a liquid level in a container of dispensed liquid A self regulated feeder for a footbath for animals may include a hollow container for a source of fluid, an outlet passageway to connect the hollow container with the footbath, an air return passageway to connect the hollow container to ambient air to return air to the hollow container, and a differential valve to restrict the returning air to the hollow container. The fluid may include air, and the fluid may include a liquid having a disinfect agent. The self regulated feeder may include a flush passageway to flush the footbath, and the air return passageway may be connected to a liquid trap container to prevent fluid from the footbath from reaching the hollow container.
US08347814B2	Method and apparatus for coating a curved surface An apparatus includes a workpiece support, a source that is spaced from the workpiece support and can emit a plume of coating material toward the workpiece support, and plume adjusting structure that, between the source and workpiece support, can influence a plume of material flowing from the source. A different aspect involves a method that includes emitting from a source a plume of coating material that flows toward a workpiece support, and adjusting, between the source and the workpiece support, a plume of material flowing from the source.
US08347813B2	Thin film deposition apparatus and method thereof A thin film deposition apparatus including a substrate mounting error detector, a chamber and a substrate support positioned in the chamber. The substrate support is configured to support a substrate. The substrate mounting error detector includes: a light source configured to provide a light beam to the substrate, such that the substrate reflects the light beam; a collimator configured to selectively pass at least a portion of the light beam reflected by the substrate; and an optical sensor configured to detect the at least a portion of the reflected light beam passed by the collimator. The detector is positioned and oriented to detect substrate position on a lowered support prior to raising the support into contact with an upper cover of a clamshell reactor arrangement. This configuration allows a thin film deposition process only if the substrate is correctly mounted on the substrate support. Thus, abnormal deposition due to a substrate mounting error is prevented in advance.
US08347809B2	Slot nozzle assembly, slot coating gun, shim plate, and method of extruding a foamable melted material in a wide band A slot nozzle assembly for extruding a foamable melted material in a wide band including a plurality of foamable melted material passages, lateral distribution flow routes communicating with the plurality of foamable melted material passages, a restriction member disposed inside the lateral distribution flow routes, a slot for discharging foamable melted material, and a converging portion which communicates with the lateral distribution flow routes and the slot, and whose cross-section area gradually becomes smaller toward the slot.
US08347808B2	Apparatus and method for applying solid edible particulates to an edible substrate The invention relates to an apparatus for applying solid edible particulates to an exposed surface of an edible substrate. The apparatus includes a particulate supply, a metered dosing system, a conduit through which the measured particulates are to the edible substrate, an applicator nozzle to direct the measured particulates from the conduit onto the exposed surface of the substrate, and a vacuum system that supplies a directed stream of air to transfer the particulates from the dosing system through the conduit and the nozzle. The particulates are ejected at a velocity sufficient to cut through air currents between the nozzle and substrate, but insufficient to fully penetrate the exposed surface of the substrate, to deposit and adhere a substantial amount of the particulates in a desired pattern onto the exposed surface of the substrate.
US08347807B2	Dashboard indicator module A dashboard indicator module including a rotating actuator including a hollow output shaft controlling movement of an indicator with a light conducting path, connected to a light source, diffusing a light at an angle, and a reduction gear set. The external diameter of the conducting path is between 2.6 and 5.5 millimeters.
US08347804B2	Mooring system System for mooring a substantially cylindrical floating production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO), comprising a substantially cylindrical mooring element having un upper side for engaging the lower side of the FPSO, further comprising mooring lines for connection to the seabed, and operating means for realising an engagement between the mooring element and the FPSO, wherein the mooring element has such a specific weight that, when disconnected from the FPSO, it floats at a certain depth below the sea level.
US08347795B2	Table A table may be sized and configured to nest with one or more adjacent tables to reduce a height of the table in a nested configuration. The table may include a table top constructed from molded plastic and the table top may include a receiving portion sized and configured to receive an engaging portion of a frame of an adjacent table in the nested configuration. The table may also include a metal frame connected to the table top and the frame may include an engaging portion sized and configured to be disposed in a receiving portion of an adjacent table in the nested configuration. If desired, an outer surface of the engaging portion may be visible and exposed in the recess in the lip.
US08347791B1	Computer keyboard and mouse tray assembly A computer accessory tray assembly adapted for mounting to a chair. The tray assembly includes individual left and right mouse trays mounted by horizontal arms to respective arms of the chair. A keyboard tray is engageable with the left and right mouse trays to prevent lateral movement of the keyboard tray, but allows the keyboard tray to be lifted up from engagement with both mouse trays and moved out of the entry/exit position of the chair so that the user can have access to the chair. When removed from engagement from both mouse trays, the keyboard tray can be stowed by hanging it from either of the mouse trays. The mouse trays are adjustable vertically, forwards and backwards, and can be titled to provide ergonomic access to a mouse resting on either mouse tray.
US08347788B1	Lead free reduced ricochet limited penetration projectile A frangible projectile with a specific gravity similar to a lead projectile. The projectile comprises 34-94%, by weight, binder. The binder comprises poly ether block amide resin. The projectile further comprises 6-66%, by weight, ballast. The ballast comprises at least one member selected from a group consisting of tungsten, tungsten carbide, molybdenum, tantalum, ferro-tungsten, copper, bismuth, iron, steel, brass, aluminum bronze, beryllium copper, tin, aluminum, titanium, zinc, nickel silver alloy, cupronickel and nickel. The projectile can be prepared with a particularly preferred specific gravity of 5-14 and more preferably 11-11.5.
US08347787B1	Variable data lithography apparatus employing a thermal printhead subsystem A printhead subsystem is disclosed for selectively removing portions of a layer of dampening fluid disposed over an arbitrarily reimageable surface in a variable data lithographic system. The subsystem comprises a thermal printhead element disposed proximate the arbitrarily reimageable surface, and driving circuitry communicatively connected to the thermal printhead for selectively temporarily heating the thermal printhead to an elevated temperature. Portions of the dampening fluid layer proximate the thermal printhead are vaporized and driven off the arbitrarily reimageable surface by the thermal printhead when the thermal printhead is at the elevated temperature, to thereby form voids in the dampening fluid layer.
US08347785B2	Web offset press as well as method for operating the web offset press A web offset press includes several printing units through which a web passes essentially in a horizontal direction. The printed web then passes to at least one first folding unit. Each of the printing units has at least one plate cylinder and one transfer cylinder which interacts with the web being printed. An effective plate width of the plate cylinder corresponds to the print image of at least eight upright or prone printed pages in a BIN 4A format. The printed web is slit longitudinally into a plurality of web strands: A first number of these web strands are supplied to the first folding apparatus. At the same time, a second number of web strands, produced by the slitting of the same web, are supplied to a second folding apparatus for further processing.
US08347782B2	Fruit and vegetable slicer A fruit or vegetable slicer, particularly suitable for slicing between the edible portion of a watermelon and its rind. The slicer comprises a cutting blade made a thin flexible or bendable food compatible material and having at least one cutting edge; a positioning strip; and a connector mechanism for operably connecting distal ends of the cutting blade and positioning strip to each other and adapted to allow the positioning strip and cutting blade to swivel relative to the connector mechanism.
US08347780B2	Beverage air management dispensing system The present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating air from a fluid, such as syrup, as the fluid enters a first chamber of a system; passing the fluid from the first chamber to a second chamber via a first device; passing the air from the first chamber to the second chamber via a second device so as to reintroduce the air back into the fluid and form a new fluid mixture having more uniform air bubbles; and discharging the new fluid out of the system.
US08347776B2	Vehicle attached gun mount A gun mount for mounting a weapon to a vehicle includes a weapon mount plate defining a planar surface. First and second side plates are oriented at an angle to the weapon mount plate planar surface. Front and rear plates are perpendicular to the weapon mount plate and the first and second side plates supporting the weapon mount plate and fixed to the first and second side plates. A male tab extends from both the first and second side plates. A female slot is created in individual ones of both the front and rear plates. The female slot is aligned to slidably receive the male tab with a male tab freely extending portion extending beyond the female slot. A tab weld joint created at the freely extending portion of the male tab fixes the first and second side plates to the front and rear plates.
US08347774B2	Magazine with cartridge gear A drum style magazine for a firearm is disclosed. The magazine has a tower and a magazine body. The magazine body contains a cartridge gear for holding and carrying cartridges of ammunition. The cartridge gear has two rows of teeth, separated by a channel. Cartridges can be held between the teeth of the rows. The gear has a unique shape that makes it relatively easy to manufacture.
US08347771B2	Process for localization of a long-member profile that is inserted between fibrous support preforms that are assembled for forming a composite-material part An assembly of fibrous support preforms that makes it possible to obtain a composite-material part that includes a space (30) that originates from the assembly in which a long-member profile (32) of organic or inorganic fibers is housed and whose purpose is to fill the space (30), is characterized in that the long-member profile includes at least one metal fiber that extends over the entire length of the profile (32) so as to ensure the function of a marker that can be detected by detection element (38) that emit waves that can be modified by the marker (36).
US08347770B2	Hole punch A hole punch includes a base and a handle assembly to actuate a punch pin. The base may include a housing enclosing a punch head, and the housing may include an opening where the handle assembly is adapted to be recessed within the opening. The handle assembly may include a first linkage and a second linkage, each pivotally coupled to the base, and a third linkage pivotally coupled to both the first and second linkages, where the third linkage is arranged to move substantially parallel to the base. The first linkage may be substantially parallel to the second linkage when the punch pin is in a rest position, and the second linkage may be configured to nest within the first linkage when the punch pin is in a deployed position.
US08347768B2	Screwdriver for an inner profile screw A screw driver for a screw having a drive socket having an axially extending shaft with a bifurcated tip, the tip having a cross-sectional profile for insertion into a cross-sectional profile of the screw socket. The shaft has a tapered section adjacent the bifurcated tip. A bushing is mounted on an outer surface of the shaft for axial movement therealong. The bushing has inwardly extending protrusions for engaging the tapered section on the shaft upon movement in the axial direction along the shaft in a direction. away from the tip. This allows the selective capture or release of the screw by the shaft tip by axial movement of the bushing away from and towards the shaft distal tip.
US08347765B2	Axial connecting structure of pliers An axial connecting structure of pliers contains two symmetrical bodies axially connected together by using a first screw bolt and a nut; each body including a first extension with a grip and a second extension axially connected with a clamping paw, wherein the second extension includes a hollow fitting member, the fitting member includes a central hole, a limiting shaft, a positioning orifice to receive a spring and a ball, and a circular disc; the clamping paw includes an annular tab having a central post, the post includes an axial aperture, the tab also includes a receiving chamber to fit the fitting member and an inner fringe, the receiving chamber includes a guiding groove based on a radian of a predetermined degree of first central angle, the inner fringe includes plural recesses arranged thereon based on a radian of a second central angle.
US08347764B2	Ratchetable open-ended wrench A ratchetable open-ended wrench includes a handle for a hand to grasp, a wrench head located on one end of the handle, and a fastener room located in the wrench head for accommodating a workpiece to be rotated. The wrench head further includes a first jaw having a first driving wall, a second jaw having a second driving wall facing the first driving wall, an inner wall extending from the second driving wall into the second jaw, a concavity, an auxiliary jaw retracting opening, an auxiliary jaw capable of longitudinally sliding into the auxiliary jaw retracting opening in an elastic way, and an auxiliary jaw limiting member coupled to a limiting slot. The auxiliary jaw further includes an exterior end having a pillow in contact with the driving wall and a pushing surface for working together with the first jaw to grip the workpiece under operation, an interior end, and a limiting slot.
US08347755B2	Transmission with adjustment member for varying tension force A transmission apparatus includes a drive member, a driven member, and an at least partially flexible transmission coupled to the drive member and the driven member. The flexible transmission is configured to cause movement of the driven member in response to movement of the drive member. The flexible transmission includes a first tension element having a first portion coupled to the drive member, a second portion coupled to the driven member, and an intermediate portion between the first portion and the second portion. The transmission apparatus also includes an adjustment member that engages the intermediate portion of the first tension element. The adjustment member is configured to be adjusted to vary a tension force applied to the first tension element.
US08347752B2	Actuating device with shift carriage lock An actuating device for transmitting shift commands to an automatic gearbox of a motor vehicle. The actuating device comprises a selector lever which is movable in a selector lane between an automatic shift lane and a sequential shift lane, a shift carriage for transmitting the shift commands to a gearbox transmission element, a separating device for separating the force transmission between the selector lever and the shift carriage, and a locking device for blocking the selector lever in at least one selector lever position. The locking device is set up to block the shift carriage. The shift carriage can be blocked not only in the shift-lock positions but also in the position of the shift carriage which corresponds to the selector lane position of the selector lever.
US08347750B2	Transmission and variable radially expanding spring clutch assembly A transmission generally includes a shaft member having a continuous cylindrical surface portion longitudinally disposed next to a cylindrical outer surface portion interrupted by longitudinal grooves. A first gear assembly has a first clutch spring that holds a first set of rolling members between lobes that extend from a first output gear. A second gear assembly has a second clutch spring that holds a second set of rolling members between lobes that extend from a second output gear. The first gear assembly and the second gear assembly are configured to move longitudinally along the shaft member to a position where at least one of the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly is engaged for rotation with the shaft member when a value of torque at the shaft member is below a torque threshold value.
US08347748B2	Gear changing device for automotive applications A gear changing device (1) has a gear lever (3) to operate a vehicle gear box, and several sensors to detect the movement of the gear lever with respect to the surroundings as a result of a force exerted by a user on the gear lever. The gear-changing device also has two electrical motors (5, 7), which are connected to the gear lever (3) via transmissions (9, 11). The transmission (9, 11) are formed by self-braking worm-worm wheel transmissions. The gear lever (3) can only be shifted if the electrical motors are actuated. The electrical motors shift the gear lever or permit the movement of the gear lever, depending on the sensor signals. The movement speed of the gear lever in this is such that it appears to the user that he has to overcome resistance to be able to shift the gear lever, so that the gear lever exercises a haptic effect.
US08347741B2	Specimen handling apparatus A specimen handling apparatus is provided and includes a body in which a bore is defined and a needle having a tip portion and a bit, which is removably insertible into the bore with the tip portion at least partially exposed, the bore and the bit each being formed such that, when the bit is inserted into the bore, the needle is forced into one of first or second rotational positions relative to a long axis thereof.
US08347739B2	Torque sensing system having torque sensor, method for determining an amount of torque, and steering system A torque sensing system, a torque sensor, a method for determining an amount of torque, and a steering system are provided. The method includes generating a first output signal utilizing a first plurality of piezo-electric transducers disposed between a first plurality of tooth portions of a first hub portion and a second plurality of tooth portions of a second hub portion when the first hub portion is rotated in a first direction relative to the second hub portion. The transducers are electrically coupled in series with one another. The method further includes filtering the first output signal to obtain a first filtered signal and amplifying the first filtered signal to obtain a first amplified signal. The method further includes determining a first torque value indicative of a first amount of torque applied to an input shaft based on the first amplified signal.
US08347738B2	Sensors and control for an interventional catheter This invention provides small position sensors for applications where localized sensing in a small volume of space is needed but where measurement of large relative displacement is also necessary. The invention enables a surgeon to accurately position the tip of a catheter during minimally invasive therapy. The current invention further improves the quality of tactile feedback to a physician during catheter-based surgeries with an axial force sensor at the tip of the catheter that allows for the transmission of force information to the physician. One embodiment of this invention is a position sensor for active interventional catheters, where the sensor may be laser-machined shape memory alloy (SMA), and the catheter actuators may be heated SMA or wire-pulleys. Providing position feedback from a catheter during minimally invasive therapy allows for closed-loop control of the catheter tip position under computer-aided guidance and enable force feedback to the physician.
US08347737B2	Pressure sensor for use in fuel cell systems A pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of a fluid in fluid flow path of a fuel cell system is disclosed. The pressure sensor includes a housing provided with a communication path formed between the fluid flow path and an interior of the housing, the communication path having a hydrophobic feature to militate against a formation and an accumulation of an undesired material within the pressure sensor.
US08347733B2	Conditioner, apparatus and method The present invention pertains to a flow conditioner for displacing and mixing fluid flow to minimize the effects of thermal gradients on the accuracy of a transit time ultrasonic flowmeter and defines an envelope in a cross sectional direction in a pipe having a first ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in a downstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. The conditioner has a second ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and in juxtaposition with the first ramp, the second ramp extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in an upstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. An apparatus for determining fluid flow in a pipe having ultrasonic transducer sites. A method for determining fluid flow in a pipe. A method for affecting fluid flow in a pipe.
US08347732B2	Adjustable ultrasonic gas flow measurement device An adjustable ultrasonic gas flow measurement device includes a gas pipe, a transmitter, a receiver and a micro-processing module. The gas pipe is filled with a gas under test. The transmitter and the receiver are respectively installed in two ends of the gas pipe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals inside the gas pipe. The micro-processing module is electrically connected to the transmitter and the receiver for generating and sending a first ultrasonic signal to the transmitter for transmitting, and comparing the phase shift of a second ultrasonic signal and a third ultrasonic signal to output a phase comparison result, wherein the transmitted first ultrasonic signal passing through the gas pipe was received by the receiver as the second ultrasonic signal, and the third ultrasonic signal is generated by shifting the first ultrasonic signal with a predetermined phase difference.
US08347731B2	Flow rate meter incorporating reusable device A flow rate meter comprises a disposable fluid transport portion and a reusable interface connector removably attached to the transport portion. The transport portion includes a flow conduit having an input and an output, while the interface connector provides feedback to a desired location. First and second portions of control circuitry are, respectively, associated with the transport portion and the interface connector. The first circuitry portion includes a plurality of electrodes and derives flow rate. The device measures a range of flow rates and is adapted, for example, for use in micro-fluidic systems including fluids administration to a patient's body.
US08347730B2	Substantially flexible implant holder for a tubular implant structure A substantially flexible implant holder for holding a substantially tubular implant structure during fatigue testing of the implant structure, the implant holder having a substantially elongate cavity for occupation by the tubular implant structure and a cavity-surrounding part which extends from at least a first longitudinal end of the cavity to at least a second longitudinal end of the cavity, the cavity-surrounding part having a stiffness which gradually changes from a relatively high stiffness adjacent each of the longitudinal ends of the cavity to a relatively low stiffness adjacent a middle portion which is situated between the two longitudinal ends of the cavity.
US08347724B2	Low profile ultrasound inspection scanner An inspection scanner [1000] is described that has a low profile construction designed to fit into tight spaces and inspect structures [10] such as weld joints [13]. Wheel frame assemblies [1100, 1200] carry a probe holder assembly [1110] with an ultrasonic (US) array [1400] that emits US beams through the structure [10] and receives reflected sound waves. The probe holder assembly [1110] extends and US beam is angled away to inspect in tight locations. The wheel frame assemblies [1100, 1200] roll on wheels [1140, 1240] that drive an encoder [1250]. Encoder [1250] provides the specific locations for the received sound waves with respect to the weld. The locations and received sound waves are used to reconstruct a signal showing imperfections inside of structure [10]. The wheels [1140, 1240] may be magnetic to hold it to the structure [10] being inspected. A brake system [1600] may be employed to hold the inspection scanner [1000] at a given location.
US08347723B2	Sonic resonator system for testing the adhesive bond strength of composite materials Disclosed herein is a sonic resonator system for use in testing the adhesive bond strength of composite materials. Also disclosed herein are a method of calibrating the sonic resonator system to work with a particular composite bond joint, and a method of non-destructive testing the “pass-fail” of the bonded composite bond strength, based on a required bond strength.
US08347721B2	Acceleration sensor A micromechanical acceleration sensor includes a substrate with a substrate surface arranged in one plane, a first counter-electrode arranged on the substrate surface, a second counter-electrode arranged on the substrate surface, and a rocking mass arranged above the first counter-electrode and the second counter-electrode. The rocking mass is in this case connected to the substrate via a torsion spring which permits tilting of the rocking mass about an axis of rotation. Further provided are a first compensation counter-electrode arranged on the substrate surface and a second compensation counter-electrode arranged on the substrate surface. In addition, a first compensation electrode is arranged above the first compensation counter-electrode and a second compensation electrode is arranged above the second compensation counter-electrode.
US08347716B2	Microelectromechanical gyroscope with enhanced rejection of acceleration noises An integrated microelectromechanical structure is provided with a driving mass, anchored to a substrate via elastic anchorage elements and designed to be actuated in a plane with a driving movement; and a first sensing mass and a second sensing mass, suspended within, and coupled to, the driving mass via respective elastic supporting elements so as to be fixed with respect thereto in said driving movement and to perform a respective detection movement in response to an angular velocity. In particular, the first and the second sensing masses are connected together via elastic coupling elements, configured to couple their modes of vibration.
US08347715B2	Variable capacitance electronic device and microelectromechanical device incorporating such electronic device An electronic device includes a capacitive component with variable capacitance coupled to a control stage that controls the capacitance based on a reference signal, with a reference frequency, and an excitation signal, that is a multiple of the reference frequency. The capacitive component includes a variable capacitive network having a plurality of switched capacitors, each being switchable between a first configuration, where it is connected between connection terminals of the capacitive component, and a second configuration, where it is connected at most to one of the connection terminals. The control stage includes a logic module, coupled to the variable capacitive network for switching periodically each capacitor between the first configuration and the second configuration. A sign circuit, coupled to the capacitive component supplies a control signal having edges concordant with the excitation signal in one half-period of each cycle of the reference signal and discordant edges in the other half-period.
US08347713B2	Apparatus and method for measuring dynamic rigidity of a main shaft of a machine tool An apparatus for measuring dynamic rigidity of a main shaft of a machine tool with high accuracy. The apparatus includes an unbalanced master that is attached to the main shaft and of which position of a center of gravity is offset with respect to a center of rotation of the main shaft; a tachometer that measures a rotational speed of the main shaft; and a run-out amount measuring device that is positioned so as to face the unbalanced master at a predetermined position in an axial direction and is any given position in a circumferential direction, and that measures an amount of run-out of the unbalanced master. The dynamic rigidity of the main shaft is calculated based on a relation between the rotational speed measured by the tachometer and the amount of run-out measured by the run-out amount measuring device.
US08347711B2	Atom-interferometric, stepped gravity gradient measuring system A full-tensor, gravity gradient measuring system is disclosed that is based on atom interferometry. Each axis in the three-axis measuring system is served by a different gravity gradiometer, where each gradiometer comprises three pairs of atom interferometric (AI) accelerometers. The accelerometers in each pair are mounted on opposite sides of the gradiometer's rotation axis from each other. The three AI accelerometer pairs are step-rotated, instead of being continuously rotated, thereby providing enhanced signal-to-noise performance. The three gradiometers in the overall measuring system are mounted orthogonally with respect to one another on a local-level platform, in order to achieve a full-tensor measuring system. The measuring system can be step-rotated as an overall unit around an axis perpendicular to a local level reference. The multiple levels of stepped rotation, as enabled by the atom interferometry being utilized, yields improved results with lower costs than what is achievable with some prior-art techniques.
US08347709B2	Measurement apparatus for mass flow detection of harvested crops The invention relates to a measurement apparatus for detecting the mass flow of harvested crops which are conveyed by means of a conveyor. The measurement apparatus comprises a first measuring device for weighing the conveyor together with the conveyed harvested crops, a second measuring device for determining the volume of the harvested crops conveyed by the conveyor, and a computer device for determining the mass density of the harvested crops.
US08347706B2	Flow-rate measurement apparatus A plate-shaped board is arranged so that fluid passages are respectively formed at a sensor-element mounting surface side of the plate-shaped board and at a backside surface side thereof being opposed to the sensor-element mounting surface side, a curved passage portion is provided which is located upstream of the plate-shaped board and changes its direction so as to form a curved line, and the curved passage portion has an outer-side wall surface including a sloping portion that slopes so that, of two edge portions of the outer-side wall surface in a direction perpendicular to board surfaces of the plate-shaped board, the edge portion located on a sidewall surface, facing the sensor-element mounting surface, of the curved passage portion is positioned closer to an inner wall surface of the curved passage portion than the edge portion located on a sidewall surface opposed to the first sidewall surface, along the sidewall surfaces.
US08347705B2	Magnetically mounted light for use in inspecting steel belted tires The invention includes a light assembly which is configured to magnetically mount on a steel belted tire and a method of inspecting the inside of the tire using the light assembly.
US08347700B2	Device for operating an internal combustion engine An association unit is designed to determine cylinder-individual lambda signals on the basis of a lambda probe signal and to determine lambda deviation signals for the respective cylinders based on the lambda signals in relation to an averaged lambda signal. Furthermore, an observer has a sensor model of the lambda probe that is arranged in a feedback branch. The lambda deviation signals are fed to the input side and observer output quantities in relation to the respective cylinder are representative of the injection characteristics deviations from predetermined injection characteristics. A parameter detection unit impresses a predetermined interference pattern from cylinder-individual mixture deviations. It further changes at least one sensor model parameter as a detection parameter in response to the respectively predetermined interference pattern for as long as the observer output quantities represent the portion of the interference pattern associated with the cylinders thereof in a predetermined manner.
US08347699B2	Procedure for determining at least one misfiring cylinder of a combustion engine, control unit and motor vehicle drive train At a procedure for determining at least one misfiring cylinder (1, 2, 3, 4) of a combustion engine (12) with an even number n of at least four cylinders (1, 2, 3, 4), whereby at least each cylinder (1, 2, 3, 4) is assigned to its own angle segment of a work cycle of the combustion engine (12) and whereby uneven running values (luts) are determined for each cylinder (1, 2, 3, 4), the uneven running values (luts) are evaluated with regard to the fulfillment of a condition (1., 2., 3., 4.), which is set depending on the length of the angle segment or a part or a multiple of it and which corresponds with a default misfiring pattern of the combustion engine (12).
US08347696B2	Microchannel forming method and nanotipped dispensing device having a microchannel A method of forming a microchannel as well as a thin film structure including same is made by forming a first thin film on a side of a substrate, forming a fugitive second thin film on the first thin film such that the second thin film defines a precursor of the elongated microchannel and a plurality of extensions connected to and extending transversely relative to the precursor along a length thereof A third thin film is formed on the first thin film and the fugitive second thin film such that the second thin film resides between the first thin film and the third thin film. A respective access site is formed in a region of the third thin film residing on a respective extension and penetrating to the fugitive second thin film. The fugitive second thin film forming the precursor is selectively removed from between the first thin film and the third thin film using an etching medium introduced through the access sites, thereby forming the microchannel between the first thin film and the third thin film. The method preferably further includes forming a sealing layer on the third thin film in a manner to close off open access sites remaining after selective removal of the second thin film.
US08347690B2	Leakage detector for compressors A compressor leakage detector includes a water tank, an elevator platform, a control panel, and a pressure testing unit. The elevator platform is disposed in the water tank to rise and drop vertically. The operating panel of the control panel has a human-machine interface, indicators, and pressure gauges. The pressure testing unit in the control panel uses an intake pipe to connect to several branch pipes that in turn connect to the compressors in the water tank. Each of the branch pipes connects in series to at least one intake EM valve and at least one exhaust EM valve. A pressure sensor is interposed between the intake EM valve and the corresponding compressor.
US08347688B2	Method and apparatus for sample analysis Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.
US08347685B1	Method and device for validating or calibrating a chemical detector at a point of use A method for validating or calibrating a chemical detector at a point of use. The method includes presenting a device to the chemical detector, the device comprising a frangible container defining a predetermined volume and a chemical material sealed within the frangible container in a predetermined amount, and breaking the frangible container to release the chemical material for detection by the chemical detector. A device and method of making the device for validating or calibrating a chemical at a point of use are also provided.
US08347680B2	Lock and key combination with a large number of codes A lock and key combination is disclosed, offering a large number of codes. The combination includes a lock (200) of the kind comprising a housing having a cylindrical bore, a cylindrical key plug (202) and a number of locking pins (205a-205g) in a row along a key plug axis for locking the key plug against rotation in the cylindrical bore, and a key (100) of the kind comprising a longitudinally extending, substantially flat key blade (102), with at least two longitudinally extending formations. The key blade comprises an upper edge portion having a first code pattern (103) and a lower, massive portion having a second code pattern (104). At least one of the locking pins in said row is a short pin (205a, 205b, 205c) comprising a first, relatively short key sensing part (207, 208) cooperating with the first code pattern (103), and at least another one of the locking pins in said row is a long pin (205f, 205g, 205h) comprising a second, relatively long key sensing part (210, 207, 208) cooperating with the second code pattern (104).
US08347679B2	Unlocking device for concealing keyhole of lock An unlocking device includes a casing mounted to a side of a lock having a keyhole. A movable body is rotatably received in the casing about an axis. The movable body has a closed end having a through-hole. A key receiving seat is received in the movable body and has a passage. The keyhole is normally blocked by the closed end of the movable body. The movable body can be rotated to align the through-hole with the keyhole and the passage. A manually rotatable linking rod extends through the passage and has an engaging portion for coupling a key received in the passage. The key can be moved into the keyhole by moving the linking rod along the axis and can be rotated for a locking or unlocking operation.
US08347678B2	Rekeyable lock cylinder assembly A rekeyable lock cylinder assembly includes at least one lock cylinder and a mortise lock adapter. Each lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A locking bar is disposed in the cylinder body for movement transverse to, and rotationally about, the longitudinal axis. A plug assembly having a tool receiving aperture is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. A first member is moveable in response to application of a force by a tool received through the aperture to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of pins. The mortise lock adapter includes a housing configured for receiving the cylinder body of the lock cylinder. A mortise lock actuator is coupled to the plug assembly of the lock cylinder.
US08347677B2	Releasable lock for a motor vehicle lock mechanism A releasable latch, for a motor vehicle lock mechanism, includes a fixed stator having at least two semicylindrical portions, a rotor rotatably mounted in the fixed stator and includes a plurality of tumblers configured to be moved radially under an action of a key that is designed to be inserted axially into the rotor, and an intermediate tubular socket configured to rotate about an axis thereof in the fixed stator and to move axially relative to the fixed stator. The rotor is directly coupled with a control lever that acts as a cam when the key is suitable, and uncoupled from the control lever in a released position. The rotor is fixed axially in the intermediate socket, and the rotor and the intermediate socket are prevented from rotating relative to one another by the plurality of tumblers when the key is not suitable.
US08347672B2	Lock cylinder particularly for functions which can be carried out in a vehicle In order to enable a turning of a key of a lock cylinder onto a driven member (shaft 36) in the lock cylinder only when a proper key is inserted, yet to prohibit the turning in case of an overload, an overload lock is arranged therebetween. The driven member (shaft 36) should specifically actuate functions in the vehicle only if the correct key is used. A threshold rotation torque determines the change between the normal and the overload state. In order to improve the lock cylinder, it is furnished that a disengaging lever (40) is mounted in the cylinder housing (30) in a pivotable manner (42) and can be displaced between two pivot positions in a radial plane defined by the longitudinal axis (13) of the lock cylinder. A locking cam (41) belonging to the overload lock is arranged on the free end of the disengaging lever (40). When the disengaging lever pivots, a carrier (50) pivots in unison, the carrier having a coupling part which engages in a counter coupling part of the cylinder core (10) during normal function. The disengaging lever (40) and the carrier (50) form a common pivot unit. In case of overload, wherein a rotation of the cylinder core force, the carrier (50) is decoupled from the cylinder core (10).
US08347669B2	Securing mechanism cooperating with a device that is to be secured A securing mechanism cooperating with a device that is to be secured, having a closing part, which can be slipped onto a free end region of the device. Locking elements are rotatably mounted in the closing part and engage into an annular groove of the device by an engaging element to lock it, except in one defined position of rotation. An adjusting member engages in an end region of the locking elements accessible from outside. A spring presses the locking element against a contact area of the closing part in the direction of the axis of rotation thereof forming a brake. A catching structure provided with a plurality of catching points is disposed on an annular surface of the locking elements. A catching element engages into the catching points when the respective locking element is rotated, at least when the closing part is tilted.
US08347664B2	Adjustable molded archery lock An adjustable archery bow lock for an archery bow with bow strings, or a limb with a cam or a pulley, includes a locking first frame with first and second rod receiving apertures there through. A lock mechanism is on the first frame with a moveable and securable locking index pin. A parallel second frame has first and second rods that are adapted to capture and immobilize the bow strings, or the cam or pulley with the limb. The rods pass through the receiving apertures. One of the rods has a series of aligned indentations, teeth or serrations. The rods are secured to the first frame with the locking index pin secured into one of the indentations or between the teeth or serrations to prevent drawing or firing of the bow.
US08347663B2	Cable wrap security device A security device a plurality of cables which are securable about an item of merchandise with a locking member and a cable-tightening mechanism each connected to the cables in a spaced apart manner. The locking member includes a key portion for unlocking the tightening mechanism when the cable is removed from the item. The tightening mechanism includes a spool and a ratchet mechanism. Alternate embodiments for locking and unlocking the ratchet mechanism are disclosed. The tightening mechanism carries sense loops which if compromised actuate an onboard audible alarm. The cables are part of one or more of the sense loops. The device is configured to sound a security gate alarm upon passing through the gate and upon simply reaching a certain distance from the gate. The tightening mechanism includes a housing having a flip-up handle for tightening the ratchet mechanism to tighten the cable.
US08347660B2	Padlock A padlock is provided that may include a lock body and a hoop which is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the lock body. The lock body may include an inner housing, an outer housing and a latching mechanism for latching the hoop in the closed position. The inner housing may include a first insertion part and a second insertion part which may receive the latching mechanism to form a pre-installable module. The pre-installable module may be inserted between first and second shells of the outer housing in shape matched manner to place the padlock in a fully assembled condition.
US08347659B2	Lock mechanism using one-way valve to lock piston A lock mechanism for locking at least one door of a container in a closed position includes a housing, at least one lock member at least partially enclosed within the housing, the at least one lock member comprising a first lock member configured to engage a first portion of a container to lock at least one container door in a closed position, and a latching mechanism coupled to the at least one lock member. The latching mechanism includes a fluid chamber configured to hold a fluid, a piston slidably housed within the fluid chamber, and a valve coupled to the fluid chamber and configured to be in one of two states, the two states including an open state where fluid can flow through the valve in two directions to allow the piston to be moved in two directions, and a closed state where fluid is inhibited from flowing through the valve in at least one direction to prevent the piston from moving in at least one direction. The lock mechanism further includes a lock circuit at least partially enclosed within the housing, the lock circuit including memory, and a lock controller coupled to the memory and the latching mechanism and configured to receive commands related to the operation of the lock mechanism, wherein the lock controller is configured to cause the latching mechanism to be in one of the two states in response to the received commands.
US08347658B2	Method and system for passive electroseismic surveying A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
US08347652B2	Method and device for homogenizing glass melt The invention relates to a device for homogenizing a glass melt in a melt receptacle, wherein at least one stirring device is disposed in a melt receptacle, which comprises a stirrer shaft and a plurality of stirrer blades, and wherein a gap (16) is formed between a wall region of the melt receptacle and the stirrer blades. According to the invention, the respective stirring device causes an axial feed action in an inner stirring region between the stirrer shaft and the stirrer blades in order to feed the melt in the stirring region along the stirrer shaft. A melt flow brought about by the axial feed action seals the gap against direct passage of the melt. According to the invention, a very high gap width can be achieved, thus preventing the abrasion of materials in the region of the marginal gap. This also reduces the complexity required for adjusting the device. According to the invention, a high level of homogenization can be achieved regardless of the entry point of the inhomogeneities.
US08347648B2	Air cycle refrigerating/cooling system and turbine unit used therefor An air cycle refrigerating/cooling system includes a first heat exchanger for cooling air, a turbine unit that has a compressor for compressing the air and an expansion turbine for adiabatically expanding the air, and a second heat exchanger for cooling the air. A compressor rotor of the compressor and a turbine rotor of the expansion turbine are attached to a common main shaft in the turbine unit in such a manner that the turbine unit drives the compressor rotor with a power generated by the turbine rotor, and the main shaft is rotatably supported by a rolling contact bearing. A part or the entirety of a thrust force applied to the main shaft is supported by an electromagnet, and a pressure equalizing device for equalizing a gas pressure at opposite ends of the rolling contact bearing is provided.
US08347646B1	Frosted beverage chilling and dispensing device and system According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a device for chilling and dispensing a beverage from a bottle is provided. The device comprises mounting rail configured to attach to a bar top structure and having a top rail plate and a rail freezing and chilling mechanism under the top rail plate. The device also includes a dome configured to attach to the top rail plate and having a dome plate, interior storage tank and a dome freezing and chilling mechanism between the dome plate and the interior storage tank. The rail freezing and chilling mechanism and the dome freezing and chilling mechanism are configured to build a layer of frost on top of the top rail plate and along the dome plate from humidity of ambient air. The dome is configured to seat the bottle in an inverted position and chill and dispense the beverage from the interior storage tank.
US08347645B1	Hydrogen fuel cell driven HVAC and power system for engine-off operation including PEM regenerative hydrogen production A hydrogen fuel cell driven HVAC and power system for powering a vehicle during engine-off time. The system includes a power storage and fuel cell conversion unit integrated with a high efficiency reverse cycle heat pump to provide cab comfort and auxiliary power to a vehicle when the engine is off. Hydrogen gas is generated from vehicle wasted energy during coasting, braking and at times of engine peak performance and is safely stored in metal hydride storage containers at low pressure. During engine-off time, a fuel cell draws from the stored hydrogen and works in conjunction with the heat pump to heat and cool and provide electrical power to the vehicle. The system is a green energy solution to anti-idling regulations as it produces no harmful EPA emissions as it provides air conditioning and power to the vehicle during engine-off time.
US08347643B2	Indoor air quality improvement by re-evaporation control Various control methods are disclosed for removing moisture from the external surfaces of an evaporator in a refrigerant system to avoid moisture entering a conditioned space. In one embodiment, the evaporator fan is driven in a reverse direction, and the air is guided to the outdoor environment. In other embodiments, a supplemental exhaust fan is utilized in conjunction with the evaporator fan. Also, a reheat circuit, hot gas bypass circuit, or specific features of a heat pump unit may be utilized to more efficiently perform the moisture removal.
US08347639B2	Method and apparatus for tempering treatment of meat, tempered meat treated by the method, and refrigerated meat storage A tempering treatment method whereby the temperature of meat, which involves a carcass prepared by slaughtering cattle or poultry and sterilizing and washing, is lowered as close to the ice storage temperature as possible to prevent a temperature rise caused by the actions of enzymes contained within the meat before transporting the meat to a refrigerated storage, which comprises surface-freezing the meat by blowing a cold air stream at about −20 to about −40° C. to the meat before conducting the tempering treatment, thus allowing the generation of freezing latent heat in the subcutaneous part owing to the surface-freezing (freezing the subcutaneous tissue), and then rapidly lowering the core temperature inside the meat due to the latent heat released at the melting of the freezing latent heat to thereby conduct the tempering treatment at a temperature of 0 to +15° C.
US08347634B1	Combined cycle power plant A combined cycle power plant with a gas turbine engine integrated with a dirty fuel combustor in the turbine exhaust and the hot gas stream from the dirty combustor is mixed together and then passed through a heat recovery steam generator to produce steam, the steam being passed through a steam turbine to drive a second electric generator. Some of the turbine exhaust is passed directly into the HRSG while the remaining turbine exhaust is passed into the combustor and burned with the dirty fuel.
US08347631B2	Fuel nozzle liquid cartridge including a fuel insert In an embodiment, a system includes an end cover and a liquid cartridge. The liquid cartridge is configured to mount in a fuel nozzle of a turbine engine, wherein the liquid cartridge comprises a one piece flange configured to couple to the end cover, wherein the flange comprises a water inlet, an air inlet, and a fuel inlet.
US08347627B2	Carbon-dioxide-capture-type steam power generation system A carbon-dioxide-capture-type steam power generation system 1 according to the present invention comprises a boiler 6 producing an exhaust gas 5 by combusting a fuel 2 and having a flue 8; an absorbing unit 40 being configured to absorb the carbon-dioxide contained in the exhaust gas 5 into an absorbing solution; and a regenerating unit 44 being configured to release the carbon dioxide gas from the absorbing solution absorbing the carbon dioxide and discharge the released carbon dioxide gas. Further, in this system, a reboiler 49 is provided for receiving a heating-medium as heat source, producing a steam 43 and supplying the produced steam 43 to the regenerating unit 44. Additionally, in the flue 8 of the boiler 6, a boiler-side heat exchanger 61 is provided for heating the heating-medium by the exhaust gas 5 passing therethrough.
US08347625B2	Method and device for operating a wastegate actuator for a wastegate In a method for operating an actuator for a wastegate actuating device of an exhaust gas turbocharger, a wastegate situated in an exhaust branch of an internal combustion engine is electrically adjustable with the aid of the actuator, and an exhaust gas quantity flowing through the exhaust gas turbocharger is adjustable as a function of an opening position of the wastegate. The actuator is controlled using an applied electrical power in a closed position of the wastegate to provide a varying closing pressure of the wastegate as a function of a characteristic curve of an exhaust gas counterpressure applied via the wastegate.
US08347624B2	Oxidant injection during cold engine start Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine with a turbocharger in a vehicle. One example method comprises, under selected operating conditions, generating an oxidant rich component from engine intake air, storing the oxidant rich component of the intake air, and, under subsequent cold start conditions, injecting an amount of the stored oxidant rich component to the engine.
US08347622B2	Master cylinder A master cylinder includes a bottomed cylindrical cylinder body, a piston formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape by a forging method and slidably disposed in the cylinder body, and a spring assembly including a spring urging the piston toward an opening side of the cylinder body. A length of a spring of the spring assembly is determined by a retainer which can abut against an inner bottom portion of the piston. An annular groove is formed on the outermost side of the inner bottom portion of the piston by the forging method.
US08347620B2	Bypass/flushing valve for closed hydraulic circuit A bypass/flushing valve for a hydrostatic system includes a valve body including a central bore, a shuttle valve located in the central bore, and a valve spindle disposed within the central bore. The valve body includes four ports each in communication with the central bore. The shuttle valve blocks flow through the central bore between a first port and a second port. When pressure at the second port is higher than at the first port, the shuttle valve moves to allow flow passage between the first port and the third port. When pressure at the first port is higher than at the second port, the shuttle valve moves to allow flow passages between the second port and a third port. The spindle is movable between a first position to block communication between the second port and the fourth port and a second position to allow for communication between the second port and the fourth port.
US08347618B2	Dual pump hydraulic system A dual pump hydraulic system is provided for a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. The system includes a first circuit with a first high pressure pump supplying hydraulic fluid to the first subsystem at a higher pressure. The system also includes a second circuit with a second lower pressure pump supplying hydraulic fluid to the second subsystem at a second pressure. A first valve controls communication between the first pump and the second circuit. A second valve is operable to communicate the second pump with the first circuit when pressure in the first circuit is less than a second threshold pressure or when commanded by a control unit. A check valve prevents fluid flow from the first circuit back into to the second valve.
US08347610B2	Exhaust emission control device An exhaust emission control device has a particulate filter 5 and a selective reduction catalyst 6 arranged side by side. An S-shaped communication passage 9 is arranged for introduction of exhaust gas 3 from a rear end of the filter 5 to a front end of the adjacent catalyst 6 in a forward fold-back manner and with a urea water addition injector 11 arranged midway of the passage 9. In order to satisfactorily disperse the urea water with enhanced mixing with the exhaust gas 3 even if the flow rate is increased, slits 12 are formed in circumferentially spaced positions on a rear end of a mixing pipe 9B constituting an upstream portion of the communication passage 9 so as to introduce the exhaust gas 3. A downstream end 9a of a gas gathering chamber 9A is connected to the rear end of the mixing pipe 9B such that the slits 12 are encased and the rear end of the mixing pipe 9B is closed.
US08347608B2	Exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine A degree of dispersion of a reducing agent added to an exhaust gas flowing into an exhaust gas purification apparatus is controlled. Before addition fuel is added, a valve opening Vd of a flow area changing valve is changed to generate pulsation of the exhaust gas, so that addition valve vicinity exhaust gas pressure Pg varies periodically. Addition timing TMad is controlled to synchronize with extremum arrival timing TMe. High or low dispersion type addition control adds fuel at timing (CP) when the addition valve vicinity exhaust gas pressure Pg becomes a maximum value Pgmax, at timing (TP) when at a minimum value Pgmin, or at both timings (CP, TP).
US08347607B2	Integrated exhaust and electrically heated particulate filter regeneration systems A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter that includes multiple zones. An electrical heater includes heater segments that are associated with respective ones of the zones. The electrical heater is arranged upstream from and proximate with the PM filter. A post-fuel injection system injects fuel into at least one of a cylinder of an engine and an exhaust system. A control module is configured to operate in a first mode that includes activating the electrical heater to heat exhaust of the engine. The control module is also configured to operate in a second mode that includes activating the post-injection system to heat the exhaust. The control module selectively operates in at least one of the first mode and the second mode.
US08347606B2	Exhaust gas after treatment system and method for operating an exhaust gas after treatment system for internal combustion engine A system for controlling performance of an internal combustion engine. The system may include an internal combustion engine having an exhaust system for processing gases exhausted from the internal combustion engine. The exhaust system may be comprised of at least one mixing device, at least one emission control device, and a delivery apparatus for delivering an agent affecting operation of the emission control device into the exhaust system. The at least one mixing device may be located downstream of the internal combustion engine and upstream of the at least one emission control device, and the delivery apparatus may be located upstream of the emission control device. The system may include a controller to adjust at least one engine parameter in relation to an operating condition of the mixing device.
US08347605B2	Automotive diesel exhaust HC dosing valve for use with diesel particulate filter systems A dosing valve assembly is disclosed for administering a reducing agent into an exhaust stream from an internal combustion engine upstream of a catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter. The dosing valve assembly includes a control valve coupled to a source of reducing agent, a delivery valve constructed and arranged for coupling to the exhaust stream to enable a quantity of reducing agent to be administered into the exhaust stream, and an elongated conduit connecting the control valve and delivery valve for fluidly communicating reducing agent from the control valve to the fuel delivery valve. The disclosed arrangement enables the control valve to be displaced from the delivery valve and thus away from the high temperature environment proximal to the exhaust stream.
US08347604B2	Device for determining deterioration of catalyst and method for determining deterioration of catalyst The degree of deterioration of a catalyst is obtained accurately in cases where a plurality of catalysts is disposed at an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. Under the assumption that the degree of deterioration of a catalyst which is disposed at a location upstream of an NOx selective reduction catalyst and has an oxidizing ability is at a predetermined value, the ratio of NO2 in the NOx which inflows into the NOx selective reduction catalyst is estimated; the NOx removal rate of the NOx selective reduction catalyst is calculated a plurality of times at least until a local maximum value is obtained; and the degree of deterioration of the catalyst having an oxidizing ability is determined by comparison between the ratio of NO2 observed when the NOx removal rate of the NOx selective reduction catalyst reaches the local maximum value and a reference value of the ratio.
US08347596B2	Methods of forming yarn and apparatus for twisting or cabling yarn Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include a yam twisting or cabling apparatus, methods of twisting or cabling yarn, and the like.
US08347594B1	Pivoting mount for a knife drive A draper platform (100) has a knife drive (250) for driving a knife assembly (140) that is supported on and between two adjacent support arms (246) that pivot with respect to each other and with respect to the frame (102, 104, 106) of the draper platform (100) to which the two adjacent support arms (246A, 246B) are pivotally connected. two resilient mounts couple opposing sides fo he sub-frame to the two adjacent support arms.
US08347592B2	Device for manufacturing sandbags An apparatus for constructing sandbags has a movable, floatable platform, and a length of casing disposed in a roll and supported on the platform. The casing has two longitudinal edges and can be unrolled from the roll. There is a hopper for receiving and dispensing a quantity of sand on top of the casing as the casing is unrolled from the roll. The hopper is supported by a crane mounted on the platform, and positioned above the length of casing. There is a device for bringing the longitudinal edges of the casing together after the sand has been deposited, and a stitching machine for stitching the edges of the casing together to form a tube of casing filled with sand. The stitching machine is mounted on the crane above the device for bringing the edges of the casing together. There is a conveyor for conveying the tube away from the stitching machine and off of the platform.
US08347591B2	Methods of erecting carrier packages A carrier package is constructed to tightly secure articles within the package. During loading, pushing the containers into the package causes the side panels of the package to deform so that the height of the package decreases and the width of the package increases.
US08347590B2	Device for cutting packing bag, device for producing packing bag and method for producing packing bag A cutter includes a male blade, a female blade, an advancement and retraction controller and a suction device. The male blade includes: a linear cutting portion linearly shaped with a predetermined thickness in a center part; a rounded cutting portion where a radius having a substantially arc shape in planar view is continuously formed from the linear cutting portion; and an end provided adjacent to the rounded cutting portion. The female blade has a fitting portion that is a hole conforming to the profile of the male blade in planar view and to which the male blade is fitted. On a lateral side of the female blade, an elongated hole for inserting a base film from one lateral side to the other lateral side is formed as an insertion portion.
US08347588B2	Compressible mattress frame A mattress frame that occupies a small volume and can be used by a recipient without having to assemble the frame. The frame has four connected sides and is made of foam. The frame is rectangular in shape and has two longer sides and two shorter sides. The two shorter sides are folded in a U shape so that a bow-tie-shaped frame results. The bow-tie-shaped frame is rolled and packaged in a container. The frame can be rolled to form a spiral or an M-shape. A recipient of the rolled frame removes the frame from its packaging and the frame expands to its intended shape.
US08347586B2	Window and door assembly structures Interfaces between nosings on respective frames and frame combinations to be joined. Each nosing has an elongate receptacle extending along the nosing length. A remote wall of the receptacle is displaced from the remainder of the nosing. The remote wall on the nosings to be joined can be generally aligned with and proximate the receptacle opening on the other nosing. With the remote walls and respective receptacles aligned, the frames are moved toward each other with the remote walls on the respective nosings entering the receptacles, with the remote walls in generally facing relationship with each other. Spacings and tolerances of the remote walls, and corresponding receptacles, can optionally provide frictionally-restrained engagements of the remote walls in the receptacles, whereby the frames can be re-oriented with limited assembly support to such assembly without disengagement of the nosings from each other by the action of gravity.
US08347582B1	Variable pitch connectors An innovative retrofit connector with unique bends that add strength, and angled nailing that allow the connector to positively tie together intersecting wood structural members. The intersecting members can be horizontal, vertical, and of different slopes. The connector is simple to manufacture, doesn't split the wood, angles the nails or screws into the heart of the wood, and is strong. The connector helps protect an existing home against wind and seismic events.
US08347581B2	Adjustable masonry anchor assembly for use with insulating concrete form systems An anchor assembly for use in joining together a masonry wall structure and a supporting back wall structure wherein the back wall structure is preferably formed using insulated concrete form (ICF) blocks each having a pair of opposed ICF panels associated therewith, the anchor assembly including an anchor member and a tie member. The anchor member includes an anchor portion adapted to penetrate one of the ICF panels and having at least one opening associated therewith so as to lie between the opposed ICF panels when attached thereto for allowing poured concrete to flow therethrough, and an attachment portion having a tab member positioned and located to overlay an ICF panel flange member when the anchor member is inserted within the ICF panel, the tab member being attachable to the ICF panel flange member. The attachment portion further includes an elongated slot for receiving the tie member, the tie member being adjustably movable along the length of the slot so as to be positionable between the courses of brick or other masonry material associated with the masonry wall structure as the masonry wall structure is being erected.
US08347580B2	Structural member and modular beam system An improved structural member includes a pair of top flanges each extending along the member's length in a separated and opposed co-planar fashion, and a pair of similarly separated and opposed co-planar bottom flanges also extending throughout the member's length. At least two web members connect the lowermost surfaces of the top flanges to the uppermost surfaces of the bottom flanges, and at least one leg member connects these web members together and holds them in a spaced-apart relationship. The invention also includes cooperatively configured components for connecting the inventive structural members together in end-to-end and perpendicular relationships, and also strengthening members which may be added to or removed from the structural members, as needed. Additionally, components for attaching the structural members to other mechanisms and to conventional accessories are provided, so that a modular beam and scaffold system is formed.
US08347579B2	Semi-butterfly connecting clamp and building steel framework joint structure A semi-butterfly connecting clamp and a building steel framework joint structure are mainly used for connection of a building steel framework. The connecting clamp includes a bearing plate, two L-shaped self-locking blocks, and two clamp wings provided at two ends of the bearing plate, respectively. Each of the clamp wings is integrally formed by a pre-tightening plate and a self-locking fastening plate. A groove is provided at an end of the self-locking fastening plate near the bearing plate. A wedge-shaped piece, having an inclined upper surface and a locking bolt hole, is placed on the self-locking fastening plate at a position near the groove. The retaining distance of the connecting clamp can be conveniently adjusted according to the size of the retained vertical column, and it can weaken the destruction action of the applied outside force on the building steel framework when the outside force acts on the connecting clamp.
US08347577B2	Recessed reveal wall panel system An eco-friendly wall panel system may comprise a plurality of panels, horizontal joints and panel clips which are all fabricated from the same sheet of material. For example, the panels may initially be fabricated from the phenolic sheets. After the maximum quantity of panels has been fabricated from any one sheet, the remaining portion of the phenolic sheet may be used to fabricate the horizontal runners and the panel clips which may be smaller than the panels. As such, as much of the phenolic sheet is being used to fabricate the system. Hence, the process and the product are both eco-friendly.
US08347574B2	Joint elements for slabs A system for transferring loads across a joint between cast-in-place slabs, more particularly at crossover point of a joint between cast-in-place slabs, includes at least one dowel plate and joint elements and includes elements or abutments for limiting the relative movements of the dowel plate towards the joint elements along three orthogonal directions.
US08347570B1	Crown molding fastener A crown molding fastener has a connector portion connected to a mount portion. The mount portion has a tail connected to a foot. The foot is connected such as by adhering and/or anchoring to a rear side of crown molding. The connector portion has a base connected to at least one of a wall and a ceiling. The connector portion connects to a clamp. The clamp receives the tail there through and upon pulling the tail a desired amount, a tension is applied between the foot and the clamp such as by providing a resilient tail and/or a spring member between the base and the clamp.
US08347566B2	Device for connecting mullions to transoms and reinforcing plate therefor A connecting device for connecting a mullion to a transom, each having a T-shaped metal profile fastened to the end face thereof in order to accommodate panes of glass, wherein the mullion is connected to the transom by means of a main connecting device and reinforcing means are provided to increase the stability of the mullion/transom connection, is characterized in that the reinforcing means is a reinforcing plate having the following features: a base-plate portion with fastening holes for fastening to the end face of the mullion, said mullion having a recess corresponding to the size and thickness of the base-plate portion, wherein the recess is open laterally, and two tongues bent in parallel to the plane of the base-plate portion, extending at a distance to one another and provided with fastening holes, said tongues engaging over the projecting T-shaped metal profile of the transom.
US08347560B2	Modular assembly A modular assembly capable of converting from a shipping container configuration into a building unit, and from a building unit into a shipping container configuration. From the shipping container configuration, a plurality of frame panels and unit panels moveably connected to a frame of the modular assembly are selectively positioned to form the floors, walls, and ceilings of the building unit configuration thereby forming a living and/or commercial structure complete with electrical, water and sewage connections. The assembly may include an automated erection system, which may include a system of electric motors, gears, pulleys, cables, automated mechanical arms and electronic controls, located within the container structure of the modular assembly, and which interact with a plurality of frame panels and unit panels to deploy and retract the plurality of frame panels and unit panels for constructing the shipping container configuration and building unit configuration.
US08347557B2	Gutter hanger A gutter hanger having a mounting portion to be secured to a building frame and a support portion to engage a gutter in an operative position on the building frame. The mounting portion has first and second legs joined together to define an upwardly opening “U” shape to receive a depending flashing portion with the mounting portion secured to a building frame.
US08347551B2	Method of applying pesticides Method of protecting a germinating seed treated with a pesticide comprising placing one or more pesticide-containing particles next to a pesticide-treated seed, wherein the amount of pesticide is such that the pesticide-treated seed and the pesticide-containing particles together contain an Effective Dose of the pesticide and the pesticide dose contained in the pesticide-treated seed is less than or equal to the Maximal Non-Phytotoxic Dose of the pesticide.
US08347550B2	Greenhouse, screen device and screen The present invention comprises greenhouse comprising a frame provided with columns and with parallel, equally spaced girders supported by said columns, as well as a roof supported by said columns and with at least one wall, said greenhouse comprising a screen device along the roof, which screen device comprises a number of screens, a screen (1) being connected, via first connecting means, to a girder on a first longitudinal side and being connected, via second connecting means, to a front bar (2) extending parallel to the girders on a second longitudinal side opposite said first longitudinal side, which front bar is movable in a direction transversely to its longitudinal direction between an open position and a closed position, said second connecting means comprising a lace element (3) connected to the screen near a longitudinal edge of the screen and a lace chamber (4) associated with the front bar, which lace chamber extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the front bar, in which lace element is retained, which lace chamber has a passage extending parallel to the front bar for inserting the lace element into the lace chamber from an end face of the front bar, through which passage the screen extends in use, which lace element is strip-shaped.
US08347545B2	Decoy support system and method A support supports a decoy device in an elevated position above the support with a post. The support comprises a platform member with a front edge and an opposite rear edge with longitudinal sides extending therebetween. The platform member has top and bottom surfaces defining parallel planes between the front and rear edges and the longitudinal sides. The front edge has a width dimension less than the width dimension of the rear edge. The front edge is generally pointed in cross-section. The platform member is formed from a material with sufficient buoyancy to allow the support to substantially float in the water with the decoy device mounted thereto. The platform member top surface has a mount adapted to receive the post of the decoy device. The platform member has a tether connector. The method of using the support is also disclosed.
US08347536B2	Display device A display device includes a panel that is mountable to a vertical wall, and a leaf assembly comprised of a stack of like shaped leaves that are bundled together and connected to the panel, and a plurality of magnets that enable the leaves to be magnetically held in one or the other side of the panel but be manipulated by a user with one hand, in a flipping manner, thereby freeing the user's other hand to perform tasks related to use of the display device. The panel includes a slot through which rearward end portions of the leaves are passed and bundled by compression plates, thus leaving the connection arrangement hidden from view and aesthetically pleasing. In an arrangement, a frame is provided about the panel to guide and support, at least in part, the lower edges of the leaf assembly.
US08347533B2	Machine applied labels to armored cable Flexible indicia bearing labels are placed on armored electrical cable at spaced apart intervals while the cable is moving continuously from an armoring station to a takeup reel or accumulator. A label dispenser places labels in a U shaped recess of a body which is moveable toward engagement with the cable. Opposed rollers fold one edge of the label over into engagement with the surface of the cable and the other edge of the label over onto itself in overlapping relationship. The cable is passed through a heat tunnel to shrink the labels into tight engagement with the cable. A controller monitors movement of the cable and controls actuators for applying and folding labels onto the cable at spaced apart intervals.
US08347528B1	Surface rake apparatus The surface rake apparatus provides for use either in forward or rearward motion, by virtue of the first member's forward wings and the second member's rearward wings. Debris such as snow, leaves, and limbs, for example, can thereby be easily channeled toward a desired destination. Snow, for example, can be pushed or pulled off of a roof or other surface. An important feature of the rearward wings of the second member is the upward slant of each. Another important feature is the inclusion of wheels on the first member. The wheels ensure against scraping by elevating the lower edges of the first and second members slightly above the surface to be rid of debris. The telescopic handle provides benefit of length adjustment so that the apparatus may be most conveniently used in reaching distant surfaces and also in reduced length for those areas more proximal to the user.
US08347525B2	System and method for producing dry formulations The invention relates to a spray drying system and a method for its operation that provides a composition of dry. or essentially solvent free, particles from a solution of an agent. The system comprises a generally vertical tube reactor arranged for counter-current removal of solvent from a process flow fed with aerosol droplets of solution descending from the top said reactor with an ascending gas flow. The reactor includes a perforated process tube for transportation of the process flow from the outlet of an aerosol generating device to a dry particle collecting device. A membrane sleeve essentially surrounds the peripheral area of said process tube and separates the descending process stream from the ascending gas stream. Vaporized solvent is transported from the process stream to the ascending gas stream. A reactor housing is sealingly covering said process tube and membrane sleeve and is provided with means for introducing and/or removing the process fluids.
US08347523B2	Clothing dryer A clothing dryer including a rotating drum, a shelf installed inside the rotating drum, and a support member, which is rotatably installed at a rear end of the shelf such that the shelf is supported by a rear surface of the rotating drum. The rear end of the shelf is installed on a rear surface of the rotating drum through the support member, so that the shelf is more stably installed inside the rotating drum.
US08347515B2	External-coupled electronic angle measurement apparatus The present invention proposes an external-coupled electronic angle measurement apparatus including a housing, a display element, an angle detection system and a coupling portion. The housing is movable through the coupling portion to fasten the external-coupled electronic angle measurement apparatus to a desired location of different hand tools to accurately measure turning angles of a screw driven by the hand tool through the angle detection system and display the result on the display element.
US08347513B2	Hand-held saw with rigid frame A hand-held saw with a rigid saw frame is disclosed. The rigid frame of the hand-held saw allows a saw blade to remain highly tensioned during the cutting process. The rigid saw frame has a “C-shape,” is unbent, and contains openings that make up a truss-like structure, which distributes an external force that is focused on one portion of the saw frame across other portions of the saw frame.
US08347511B2	Cutter assembly for concave tapered food product A concave tapered food product includes a cross section and a second end having a shape defined by a generally concave arc and a generally convex arc. The concave tapered food product has a first side and a second side shaped by a longitudinal cut along the foodstuff. A cutter assembly for cutting a foodstuff to form the concave tapered food product includes a housing member. The cutter assembly also includes a curvilinear blade including a cutting edge for cutting the foodstuff, the cutting edge defining an arc along a first portion of the curvilinear blade and a foot positioned at an end of the curvilinear blade for supporting the curvilinear blade. The foot is configured for being received and secured in the housing member. The housing member is configured for at least partially enclosing the curvilinear blade.
US08347510B2	Handle assembly for power tool A handle assembly for a power tool is disclosed, in which the power tool has a housing, a motor provided in the housing, an output shaft adapted to be caused by the motor to execute reciprocating motion, and a blade assembly (5) extending from the housing along a first axis (A-A). The handle assembly (2) comprises a front handle (6), a rear handle (7) integral with the front handle (6) and a mounting portion adapted to be mounted to the housing of the tool, wherein the rear handle (7) is displaced from the plane (A-A) of the blade assembly (5) in use. As a result of this, the knuckles of the hand of the user that is gripping rear handle (7) are raised away from the surface of the object being cut. This provides the advantage that the user's knuckles avoid any grazing or cutting resulting from contact with the object, or with the ground when carrying out low cutting.
US08347509B2	Utility tool having interchangeable tool cartridges A tool system is presented. The tool system includes a tool body sized and dimensioned to fit comfortably in a human hand, and includes a plurality of interchangeable tool cartridges. Some of the tool cartridges include a tool bit cover capable of remaining in a closed, locked position sheathing a tool bit. Once installed, the tool bit cover can be unlocked via actuation of a trigger disposed on the body of the tool or on the cartridge. Preferably, the tool bit cover unsheathes the underlying tool bit due to pressure or force of a work surface.
US08347508B2	Electric shaver An electric shaver includes a rod-shaped body part, a head part, and a link mechanism. The head part projects from one end portion, in a longitudinal direction, of the body part and is swingably attached to the body part with a support base between the body part and the head part. The head part includes a shaving portion and a drive mechanism. The shaving portion is formed to be elongated in a direction orthogonal to a projecting direction of the head part and has paired blades configured to operate relative to each other. The drive mechanism is configured to drive at least one of the paired blades. The link mechanism includes two link arms each connected to the support base and the head part respectively at connecting axes parallel to a longitudinal direction of the shaving portion. The link mechanism is configured to support the head part on the support base swingably. The two link arms are disposed asymmetrically with respect to a straight line passing on a center of gravity of the head part and extending parallel with the projecting direction of the head part, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the shaving portion.
US08347506B2	Method for producing engineered wood flooring and product A method for manufacturing an engineered wood flooring product including providing a flat plywood platform having an original thickness, sanding top and bottom surfaces of the platform to achieve a final thickness less than the original thickness, wherein the amount of material removed from the bottom surface is greater than the top surface to induce center lift in the platform, applying adhesive to the platform, applying a veneer face to the platform, and subjecting the lay-up to a lineal pressing system to ensure bonding.
US08347504B2	Remanufactured fuel injector tip and fuel injector tip remanufacturing process A method of manufacturing a fuel injector having high-flow orifices in its tip includes removing a bulb from a fuel injector tip having at least one spray orifice with a first diameter, and friction welding a slug to the fuel injector tip, including forming a fused interface of material of the slug and material of the fuel injector tip. The method further includes modifying the slug subsequent to friction welding the slug to the fuel injector tip, including forming a new bulb from the slug having at least one spray orifice therein with a different diameter than that of the removed bulb. A remanufactured fuel injector, and fuel injector tip, includes an injector tip body having a first tip portion of a first material and a second tip portion of a material compatible for friction welding with the first material. The injector tip body further includes a third tip portion attaching the first tip portion to the second tip portion, the third tip portion including a friction weld formed during remanufacturing of the fuel injector tip.
US08347501B2	Method for manufacturing WTG blade having a spar Within the field of wind turbine generators (WTG), to provide a consistent way of manufacturing a WT blade there is disclosed a blade mould and a blade spar fixture to support the spar in the mould so as to provide a fixed predetermined relative position, and preferably also orientation, between at least a root end, such as a bushing in the root end of the blade spar, and a root end of the mould. Overall consistency is also obtained in that hereby a blade with anticipated aerodynamic and strength characteristics is provided, among others in that at least adjacent to the root of the spar there is substantially the same distance for a cured adhesive between an innermost surface of each of blade shells and an outermost surface of the spar.
US08347499B2	Method for producing a turbine casing A method for producing a turbine casing for a rotating machine is provided. The casing is manufactured by a casting process, and is cast in two casing halves which are separated by a parting plane which passes axially through the turbine casing. Each casing half is first cast in one piece in each case, and each casing half is separated into at least two casing sections which are joined together for forming a casing half in each case.
US08347495B2	Method of extending the individual electromagnetic shielding of electrical strands in a twisted-strand cable to an electrical connector End segments of cables are stripped of their individual shielding coverings so as to form unit shielding pigtails extending from a terminal portion of the strand from which shielding has not been removed and around which a conductive packing strip has been wound so as to reach a predetermined diameter. The pigtails are folded back and distributed uniformly around the circumference of the terminal portion of the strand in the successive turns of the packing strips. The packing strip is clamped by an annular reinforcing spring blade, and then the assembly is surrounded within two half-shells that are coupled to each other and connected to the connector.
US08347488B2	Magnetic write head manufactured by damascene process producing a tapered write pole with a non-magnetic step and non-magnetic bump A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a non-magnetic step layer, non-magnetic bump at the front of the non-magnetic step layer and a write pole with a tapered trailing edge. The tapered portion of the trailing edge of the write pole is formed by a two step process that allows the write pole taper to be formed with greater accuracy and repeatability than would be possible using a single step taper process. An alternative method is also described on how to make a non-magnetic bump structure with adjustable bump throat height prior to Damascene side shield gap formation in a Damascene wrap around shield head.
US08347485B2	Centrifugally-cast shorted structure for induction motor rotors A procedure for centrifugally casting a shorted structure around induction motor rotors is described. The method is commonly applied to a plurality of rotors disposed and arranged for rotational balance and supported on a suitable support, or optionally, on a plurality of supports arranged in layered fashion about a common rotational axis. The method comprises forming a wax representation of the shorted structure around a lamination stack; mounting a plurality of such lamination stacks in a mounting fixture and-attaching a suitable gating and runner system; forming an investment by coating the structure with refractory followed by melting out the wax; casting molten metal into the investment while it is rotating and aligning the mold to allow the centrifugal force generated to promote mold filling; and, continuing to rotate the investment until solidification is substantially complete.
US08347484B2	Method for manufacturing stator for a rotary actuator A rotary actuator includes an outer enclosure having an inner diameter surrounding a hollow interior. A stack of stator laminations, each having a stator diameter greater than the inner diameter of the outer enclosure when in an unflexed state, are also included in the rotary actuator. Each of the stator laminations is configured to flex into a shape so as to be positionable within the outer enclosure and substantially conform to the inner diameter. The stator lamination thus forms a line-to-line fit with at least a portion of the outer enclosure to form an interface having a desirable reluctance.
US08347483B2	Method for manufacturing an ultrasound imaging transducer assembly An ultrasound transducer includes an array of PZT elements mounted on a non-recessed distal surface of a backing block. Between each element and the backing block is a conductive region formed as a portion of a metallic layer sputtered onto the distal surface. Traces on a longitudinally extending circuit board—preferably, a substantially rigid printed circuit board, which may be embedded within the block—connect the conductive region, and thus the PZT element, with any conventional external ultrasound imaging system. A substantially “T” or “inverted-L” shaped electrode is thereby formed for each element, with no need for soldering. At least one longitudinally extending metallic member mounted on a respective lateral surface of the backing block forms a heat sink and a common electrical ground. A thermally and electrically conductive layer, such as of foil, transfers heat from at least one matching layer mounted on the elements to the metallic member.
US08347481B1	Welding blanket This invention provides an improved protective mat that includes a magnet at each end for temporally securing the mat to a pipe so that the mat remains in position during a welding process. The mat is flexible so as to conform to the curvature of the pipe and may be placed in any position preferable on the surface of the pipe. The positioned and secured mat prevents spatter from coming into contact with the external surface of the pipe lying under the positioned protective mat. The mat is preferably heat and fire resistant up to temperatures of about 1500° F. and may be a silicone-coated fiberglass mat. When the mat is not in use, the mat may be folded and the magnets may be used to secure the ends of the mat to one another.
US08347480B2	Comestible product sheeter with rear access A comestible product sheeter is configured to provide enhanced access to the rollers and other components of the roller assembly. The one or more frame members of the roller assembly are configured to support the rollers at different vertical locations. Enhanced access is provided to both the rear and front rollers of the roller assembly by supporting one of the rollers in a cantilever configuration. The roller assembly may also be provided with a pivotally mounted cutting roller support arm to further improve access to the rollers and other components of the roller assembly.
US08347476B2	Clamping device for detaching the universal coupling of a remote controlled car shock absorber A clamping device, for detaching a universal coupling of a remote controlled car shock absorber, comprises a horizontal roller, a holder, and a mobile element; wherein the horizontal roller is pivotally connected to the holder for rotation purpose; the mobile element is connected with the holder such that the mobile element can clamp and hold the axis of the shock absorber, and engage the universal coupling of the shock absorber into the engagement socket of the horizontal roller; by way of the rotation of the horizontal roller, the invention can allow the user to easily detach or assemble the universal coupling and adjust the coupling depth of the universal coupling via screwing without impairing the axis of the shock absorber during detaching, assembling or adjusting the universal coupling.
US08347473B2	Stud installation tool and method of use A stud installation tool comprising a slide shaft including a pair of arms angled towards each other, a slide bar with a triangular head at an end engaged within the pair of arms to enable the slide bar to move along the slide shaft without disengaging, a receiving brace attached to the slide shaft at an opposing end from the slide bar, where said receiving brace includes a threaded hole, a bolt threaded through the slide bar and extending down and through the threaded hole, a bolt head fastened to the bolt and positioned above the slide bar, and a stud holder connected to the slide bar at an end opposite from the triangular head wherein the stud holder includes an opening to accept a stud after the stud is slid through a hole in an axle plate and positioned between the receiving brace and the stud holder.
US08347472B2	Tool for automatically mounting a seat covering-tensioning clip A clip automatic-mounting tool comprises a clip holder (10) for holding and retaining a clip (C) to a first axial portion of a tensioning wire (W) embedded in a cushioned padding (P) for a seat, a drive cylinder (13) for moving the clip holder (10), a guide plate (11) including a portion having a first width substantially equal to that of the clip holder (10), and a tip end portion having a second width wider than the first width, the clip holder (10) being adapted to be moved along the guide plate (11) by the drive cylinder (13), and an insertion arm (12) extending along a side edge of the tip end portion of the guide plate (11) and forward protruding in an oblique upward direction from the tip end portion of the guide plate (11), the insertion arm (12) having a cutout groove (12b) formed in a tip end portion (12a) thereof for engagingly receiving a second axial portion of the wire (W), which is spaced from the first axial portion of the wire (W), when the insertion arm (12) is inserted into the cushioned padding (P).
US08347470B2	Portable robot Portable robot for carrying out the drilling process in the assembly of aeronautical components which are secured on a support known as a stand. The robot comprises a displaceable platform in order to permit it to be located close to the stand, and an arm, which supports a frame comprising a beam intended to support a drilling head that can be displaced in the three axes.
US08347461B2	Slide cover mounting structure Used in an electronic device comprising a cover panel and a base member, a slide cover mounting structure includes two hinges bilaterally mounted on the top wall of the base member, two sliding rail holders respectively connected to the pivot shafts of the hinges, two sliding rails bilaterally mounted on the bottom surface of the cover panel and respectively slidably coupled to a sliding groove on each of the sliding rail holder, two gears pivotally connected between fixed rails on the sliding rail holders, and two gear racks respectively mounted on the cover panel and meshed with the gears. Thus, the cover panel is prohibited from biasing during sliding movement, and turnable about the pivot shafts of the hinges from a horizontal position to a tilted position relative to the base member.
US08347460B2	Checker-equipped door hinge device for vehicle A door hinge device for vehicle includes a checking-force generating mechanism provided between an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. The checking-force generating mechanism has a holding member attached to the outer cylinder, an elastic member biasing the holding member toward the inner cylinder, a detent roller being held in a holding groove of the holding member, and detent grooves that are provided in an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder and are capable of holding the door at a plurality of positions where the door should be stopped by an engagement with the detent roller. The detent roller applies a compression load to the elastic member even in a state where the detent roller is engaged with any of the detent grooves. An assembly groove is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder and allows the detent roller to be inserted into the holding groove in a state where the holding member is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder. Accordingly, it is possible to exert an enough checking-force at a predetermined position where the door should be stopped and to allow the detent roller to be easily inserted into the holding groove at the time of the assembling.
US08347459B2	Hinge A hinge (1) has a carcass-side hinge portion (4) which can be pre-mounted on a furniture carcass (2) and a hinge portion (6) which can he pre-mounted on a door wing (3), the hinge portions (4, 6) being joined together in an articulated manner and at least one of the hinge portions (4, 6) having height adjustment means (10) and/or a lateral adjustment means (5). The hinge portion (6) mounted on the door has a hinge cup (8) in which the height adjustment means (10) are arranged, and at least one locking element (17) for immobilising the door wing (3) in relation to the furniture carcass (2) at the set vertical position of the door wing (3).
US08347453B2	Vacuum cleaner bag docking assembly A vacuum cleaner including a nozzle, an air conduit including a projecting tube, a suction source positioned to provide a flow of dirty air, a bag docking assembly, and a filter bag coupled to the bag carrier. The bag docking assembly includes a main body mounted to the air conduit. A bag carrier is configured to engage the main body and configured to move between a first position and a second position. A lever is coupled to the main body and the bag carrier and the lever is configured to move the bag carrier between the first position and the second position. The bag docking assembly is configured such that when the bag carrier is in the first position, the filter bag is not engaged with the projecting tube and when the bag carrier is in the second position, the filter bag is engaged with the projecting tube.
US08347452B2	Vehicle vacuum module A vehicle vacuum cleaning system may have a portable vacuum module that employs a vacuum module case, a vacuum fan within the interior of the vacuum module case and a vacuum fan drive shaft coupled to the vacuum fan. The vacuum module attaches and detaches to an HVAC module within the vehicle. The HVAC module may utilize an HVAC case, an electric motor within the HVAC case, an HVAC fan drive shaft coupled to the electric motor and an HVAC fan coupled to the HVAC fan drive shaft. The vacuum fan drive shaft is adapted to receive rotational energy from the HVAC fan drive shaft, either directly or through an auxiliary shaft. The vacuum module may employ gears to increase the speed and drawing force of the vacuum fan. A debris receptacle is detachable to the vacuum module. The HVAC fan drive shaft ultimately drives the vacuum fan.
US08347450B2	Wiper blade A wiper blade includes a lever member, a rubber blade, and a movable cover member. The lever member includes a main lever and a yoke lever. The yoke lever includes a plurality of grip portions, by which the rubber blade is gripped. The rubber blade includes a following end projecting outward from the one of the grip portions that is located at a longitudinally outer side of the lever member. The movable cover member includes a holding portion and a basal portion. The holding portion holds the following end. The basal portion is pivotally coupled to the yoke lever so that the movable cover member pivots relative to the yoke lever when the following end bends and deforms in a direction orthogonal to the wiping surface.
US08347447B2	Mop body having recessed side surfaces Disclosed is a mop body that includes side surfaces that are substantially recessed from a lowermost contact point. The greatly recessed side surfaces completely remove a large portion of the cleaning surface from contact with the surface to be cleaned. Upon rotation of the mop body, the side surfaces can be placed into contact with the surface to be cleaned in order to pickup dirt, hair, lint, or other debris captured by the portion of the mop body contacting the surface to be cleaned. Further, in some embodiments the lowermost contact provides essentially a single point of contact with the surface to be cleaned to enable the mop body to easily remove debris from corners. The disclosed mop construction greatly enhances the total amount of surface area that can be effectively used for cleaning.
US08347445B2	Remote controlled robot for cleaning inner-walls of duct and remote control system using same The present invention relates to a remote controlled robot for cleaning inner walls of a duct, more specifically, to a remote controlled robot comprising: a cart movable in the duct by remote control; at least one first link pivotally connected to the cart, which is relatively rotatable to the cart; a first driving unit to drive the first link to relatively rotate to the cart; at least one second link pivotally connected to the first link, which is relatively rotatable to the first link; a second driving unit to drive the second link to relatively rotate to the first link; and a cleaning means installed at the second link for separating dusts from the inner walls of the duct, thereby enabling to clean the upper inner-walls and the bottom inner-wall of the duct simultaneously, and to continuously proceed with the cleaning in case of the height change of the duct to reduce cleaning time thereof.
US08347441B2	Load bearing construction and method for installation The invention relates to a load bearing construction such as a bridge in which there is provided a deck structure which is supported by and spans at least two support portions. The invention provides for the advancement of the deck structure along said support portions and in advance of said structure excavation can occur to create the space into which the deck structure is to be advanced.
US08347438B2	Footwear uppers and other textile components including reinforced and abutting edge joint seams Textile Components, such as upper members for articles of footwear, include: (a) a first portion having a first edge, wherein the first edge includes a first portion of material engaged with a first seam support material via a first thermoplastic material; (b) a second portion having a second edge, wherein the second edge includes a second portion of material engaged with a second seam support material via a second thermoplastic material; and (c) structure to engage the first and second edges in an abutting edge joint (such as a zig-zag stitch). The resulting textile components may be lightweight and breathable (e.g., due to use of lightweight upper fabric), having a comfortable fit (e.g., due to the abutting edge joint), while still providing a strong, stable, and durable construction (e.g., due to the presence of the seam support member(s)).
US08347431B1	Apparatus and method for a pillow holder Apparatus and method for holding a pillow on an upwardly extending end of a mattress having a single sheet of material having a upper end and a lower end along with a first side and a second side having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower end is folded back upon itself to form an enclosure so that the upper surfaces of the folded section are adjacent to each other having a pillow disposed in the enclosure. The upper end is wrapped around the upwardly extended end of the mattress, using straps to hold the upper end in place.
US08347427B2	Water use monitoring apparatus A water use and/or a water energy use monitoring apparatus that is affixed to the hot and cold main water supply piping for continuously (or on demand) monitoring and displaying the water use within a residential or commercial building. A first wire or wireless communication is incorporated to electronically communicate with a remote display for viewing by the owner of a commercial building or occupier/resident of a home. A second optional wire or wireless communication can be incorporated that can be monitored by civil, commercial, governmental or municipal operators or agencies, using a remote display and/or recorder or by a secure wire or wireless communication network (e.g. cell phone communication technology). A third wireless communication can be incorporated to electronically communicate water parameter data utilizing typical cell tower technology and/or mesh network technology.
US08347423B2	Universally installable hands free toilet seat lifter/lowerer An apparatus for lifting and lowering a toilet seat assembly includes a motion sensor, a motor assembly, a first gear located on a shaft of the motor, a second gear interfaced with the first gear, a drive shaft interfaced with the second gear. A lever is coupled to the drive shaft for lifting the toilet seat. The apparatus may include a bearing housing that includes a movable lead screw with a detent. A first end of a first spiral spring is connected to a slot of the drive shaft within the bearing housing. The first spiral spring is wrapped around the drive shaft. A second end of the first spiral spring is located in a path of the detent. The hubs of the second gear and the drive shaft may be connected together using a crank shaft. A microcontroller may control the motor assembly and be programmable using the sensor.
US08347413B2	Apparel with reduced drag coefficient An athletic garment including a panel designed to reduce frictional and pressure drag around an appendage of an athlete competing in a high-speed event, such as running and cycling. The panel is positioned to encircle the appendage, and is provided with regions having different surface texture roughnesses. The leading edge of the panel includes texture designed to enhance the laminar boundary layer, while the adjacent portion of the panel includes texture intended to trip the boundary layer to turbulent flow. The drag-reducing panel may be the cuff of a sock, a sleeve, wristband, a headband, or the like.
US08347412B2	Athletic pants A pair of athletic pants comprises a hip portion, and two leg portions extending from the hip portion. Each leg portion includes a knee portion configured to be worn over the knee of a human, the knee portion comprised of a first material. A slit is formed in each knee portion and a second material provided in each slit, wherein the second material has greater elasticity than the first material in at least two different directions. In at least one embodiment, each slit in the knee portion is in the shape of a lens. In at least one other embodiment, each slit in the knee portion is in the shape of a symmetric lens. In at least one embodiment, the athletic pants are baseball pants.
US08353060B2	Scanning probe microscope and a measuring method using the same It is difficult for a scanning probe microscope according to the conventional technology to operate a probe for scanning and positioning in a wide range and for high-precision scanning in a narrow range. A scanning probe microscope according to the invention uses probe driving actuators for coarse adjustment and fine adjustment. For scanning and positioning in a wide range, the coarse adjustment actuator is switched to fast responsiveness. For scanning in a narrow range, the coarse adjustment actuator is switched to slow responsiveness. Instead, positional noise is reduced and the fine adjustment actuator is mainly used for scanning in a narrow range. The probe is capable of not only scanning and positioning in a wide range but also high-precision scanning in a narrow range.
US08353051B2	Image forming apparatus, access control method, access control program and computer readable information recording medium An image forming apparatus provided with an interface for a portable information recording medium, has an access control part carrying out access control, for respective ones of a plurality of resources which the image forming apparatus has, based on access control information defining whether or not usage thereof by a user is allowed, wherein the access control part carries out access control based on the access control information stored in the portable information recording medium.
US08353045B2	Method and tool for information security assessment that integrates enterprise objectives with vulnerabilities In one aspect, a method to assess information security vulnerability of an enterprise includes storing enterprise objectives in a computer system, storing enterprise resources determined using a value criterion, a rareness criterion, an inimitability criterion and a non-substitutability criterion in the computer system and storing enterprise information assets in the computer system. The method also includes mapping the enterprise objectives with the enterprise resources and mapping the enterprise information assets with the enterprise resources. The method further includes determining a threat analysis using an attack tree using the enterprise resources and the information assets and determining a risk value using the attack tree.
US08353044B1	Methods and systems for computing device remediation A computer-implemented method for remediation of a computing device attempting to access a network. The method may include detecting that the computing device is attempting to access the network. The method may also include determining that the computing device does not comply with a network-access-control policy of the network. The method may include using a virtualization layer to bring the computing device into compliance with the network-access-control policy. The method may include permitting the computing device to access the network after the computing device is brought into compliance with the network-access-control policy. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08353042B2	Content filtering of remote file-system access protocols Methods and systems for content filtering of remote file-system access protocols are provided. According to one embodiment, holding buffers in which data collected from a remote file-system access protocol is stored, a holding buffer context table, a file map table and a usage table corresponding to each holding buffer are created within one or more computer-readable media. References to each of the holding buffers are tracked within the holding buffer context table. References to a common file are mapped to a common holding buffer of the holding buffers with the file map table. Modified and unmodified portions of the holding buffers are tracked using the usage table corresponding to each holding buffer. Responsive to a predetermined event in relation to a holding buffer or the holding buffers, the existence of malicious, dangerous or unauthorized content contained within the holding buffer is determined by performing content filtering on the holding buffer.
US08353040B2	Automatic extraction of signatures for malware Method for the automatic generation of malware signatures from computer files. A common function library (CFL) created, wherein the CFL contains any functions identified as a part of the standard computer language used to write computer files which are known as not containing malware. The functions of a computer file which does contain a malware are extracted and the CFL is updated with any new common functions if necessary, such that the remaining functions are all considered as candidates for generating the malware signature. The remaining functions are divided into clusters according to their location in the file and the optimal cluster for generating the malware signature is determined. One or more of the functions in the optimal cluster is selected randomly, as the malware signature.
US08353038B1	Monitoring and managing changes to non-structured storage of system configuration information A configuration information manager monitors attempts by processes to update non-structured storage of system configuration information, such as plain text files which contain system configuration information. When such an attempt is made, the configuration information manager makes a copy of the target file, and redirects the write operation to this copy. The configuration information manager then analyzes the process that did the writing, as well as the content that was written. If the process and/or the content is deemed to be suspicious, the changes will be logged and discarded, thus protecting the system. Should the changes be deemed legitimate, then the configuration information manager folds them into the real file, typically in an annotated manner, so as enable subsequent reversion of the changes as desired.
US08353034B2	System and method to locate a prefix hijacker within a one-hop neighborhood Method, system and computer-readable medium to locate a prefix hijacker of a destination prefix within a one-hop neighborhood on a network. The method includes generating one-hop neighborhoods from autonomous system (AS)-level paths of plural monitors to a destination prefix. The method also includes determining a suspect set of AS identifiers resulting from a union of the one-hop neighborhoods. The method further includes calculating a count and a distance associated with each AS identifier of the suspect set. The count indicates how often the AS identifier appeared in the one-hop neighborhoods. The distance indicates a total distance from the AS identifier to AS identifiers associated with the plural monitors. Yet further, the method includes generating a one-hop suspect set of AS identifiers from the suspect set that have highest counts and highest distances.
US08353028B2	Render engine, and method of using the same, to verify data for access and/or publication via a computer system A method and system to verify active content at a server system include receiving, at the server system a communication (e.g., an e-mail message or e-commerce listing) that includes active content that is to be made accessible via the server system. At the server system, the active content is rendered to generate rendered active content. The rendered active content presents a representation of information and processes to which an end user will be subject. At the server system, the rendered active content is verified as not being malicious.
US08353027B2	System and method for enhanced protection and control over the use of identity A method of protecting use of an entity's identity is provided. The method comprises setting a status of the identity to a first state, the first state defining a scope of permitted use of the identity, changing, in advance of an intended use of the identity, the status to a second state defining a scope of permitted use of the identity that is different from the first state, requesting use of the identity after the changing; and returning, after the requesting, the state back to the first state.
US08353025B2	Method and system for dynamically establishing a virtual private network (VPN) session Techniques for virtual private network (VPN) access are provided. A dynamic determination, in response to privileges, is made as to whether a principal and a device of a principal are to receive a thin client virtual private network (VPN) installation for a thin client VPN session between the principal and a remote site or whether a clientless VPN session is appropriate. Dynamic switching between the clientless VPN session and thin client VPN session is permissible when the principal supplies the appropriate credentials for such a switch.
US08353023B2	Identity-based-encryption message management system Systems and methods for managing email are provided. Some of the email may be encrypted using identity-based-encryption (IBE) techniques. When an incoming IBE-encrypted message for a recipient in an organization is received by a gateway at the organization, the gateway may request an IBE private key from an IBE private key generator. The IBE private key generator may generate the requested IBE private key for the gateway. The gateway may use an IBE decryption engine to decrypt the incoming message. The decrypted message can be scanned for viruses and spam and delivered to the recipient. Outgoing email messages can also be processed. If indicated by message attributes or information provided by a message sender, an outgoing message can be encrypted using an IBE encryption engine and the IBE public key of a desired recipient.
US08353022B1	Bilateral communication using multiple one-way data links A bilateral data transfer system comprising a first node, a second node, a first one-way link for unidirectional transfer of first data from the first node to the second node, and a second one-way link for unidirectional transfer of second data from the second node to the first node, wherein the unidirectional transfer of the first data across the first one-way link and the unidirectional transfer of the second data across the second one-way link are independently administered by the bilateral data transfer system. Under such bilateral data transfer system, each of the one-way data links may be subject to separately administered security restrictions and data filtering processes. Hence, it enables secure bilateral communications across different network security domains.
US08353021B1	Determining firewall rules for an application on a client based on firewall rules and reputations of other clients A security system monitors the trustworthiness and firewall configurations of a set of clients, where a firewall configuration comprises a set of firewall rules that control access by an application to network communication functionalities of a client. Based on the firewall rules used by other clients and the reputation of those clients, the system determines a set of default firewall rules by selecting one or more rules that are used by the more trustworthy clients. The default firewall rules are made available to other clients, which may use these default rules. This leverages community knowledge about how much network access to allow for a particular application.
US08353019B2	Security token destined for multiple or group of service providers An authentication server generates a security token to be used by a client for accessing multiple service providers by obtaining a secret key for each specified service provider, generating a saltbase, generating a salt for each service providers using the saltbase, the secret key, and a hashing algorithm, generating a session key that includes the salt, assigning an order to each of the generated salts, and arranging the salts based on the orders, generating a presalt for each provider using the salt for each previous provider, generating a postsalt for each of the specified service providers using the salt for each following provider, generating a blob for each of the specified service providers using the saltbase, the respective presalt, and the respective postsalt, inserting the generated blobs for the specified service providers in the security token, and providing the generated security token to the client workstation.
US08353017B2	User password protection A system and method are disclosed for protecting a password assigned to a user, the method comprising: providing a password entry screen having a virtual keyboard, the virtual keyboard including a plurality of character keys arranged in a non-QWERTY format; authenticating the user if a password submitted by the user accessing the password entry screen matches a user password retrieved from a password database; and denying access to the user if the submitted password does not match the retrieved user password. The system comprises a storage module and a computer program for performing the method.
US08353015B2	Trusted internet identity A token or other storage device uses Internet identities to set file access attribute rights. Subsequently, requests to access a file can be controlled by confirming the Internet identity of the requester by either validating the request with a known public key or retrieving the public key from an Internet identity provider. Files may be stored encrypted and may be re-encrypted with the public key associated with Internet identity making the request.
US08353013B2	Authorized application services via an XML message protocol Disclosed are systems and methods to provide a persistent authorized server address space (ASAS). The ASAS can host components from product suites that are not able to execute in an authorized state. To host other product's components, the ASAS receives “messages” from the unauthorized product components in the form of a generic eXtensible Markup Language (XML) protocol. These messages may request product initialization/administration or performance of a function by the ASAS on behalf of the requesting product. Security constraints are also provided to ensure system and data integrity. Further, the ASAS is not tightly coupled to any requesting product so that flexibility of product update or update to the ASAS itself may not be unnecessarily constrained.
US08353011B2	Apparatus, method and computer program product providing mobile node identities in conjunction with authentication preferences in generic bootstrapping architecture (GBA) In one exemplary and non-limiting aspect thereof a method is provided that includes sending a wireless network (WN) a first message that includes a list of authentication mechanisms supported by a node and, in association with each authentication mechanism, a corresponding identity; determining in the WN an authentication mechanism to be used for bootstrapping, based at least on the list received from the node; and including information in a second message that is sent to the node, the information including the determined authentication mechanism in conjunction with a corresponding identity. The method further includes protecting at least the list of authentication mechanisms supported by the node and the corresponding identities and sending a second message to the network, the second message including at least the list of authentication mechanisms and the corresponding identities. The method further includes receiving a second response message from the network that is at least partially integrity protected, where the second response message includes an indication of the selected authentication mechanism and the corresponding identity.
US08353010B2	Method of establishing protected electronic communication between various electronic devices, especially between electronic devices of electronic service providers and electronic devices of users of electronic service A method of establishing protected electronic communication between various electronic devices equips users beforehand with a personal electronic identity gadget bearing no information about the user identity. Only at the first connection of the blank personal gadget to the electronic devices of an arbitrary electronic service provider, and/or to local electronic devices, the personal electronic identity gadget and the electronic devices and/or the local electronic devices mutually generate a verifiable electronic identity, which is stored in the personal electronic identity gadget and in the electronic devices and/or local electronic devices, for the needs of further mutual electronic communication, separately from other identities and without the knowledge of personal data about the user. Consequently only the generated and stored information is utilized for verification of the identity at every subsequent connection of the user to the electronic devices of the given electronic service provider and/or to the local electronic devices.
US08353004B2	Authentication device, authentication method, authentication program and computer readable recording medium An authentication device having high resistance to spoofing is provided. The portable telephone includes a camera of imaging the face of the person to be authenticated, an imaging direction comparing unit of determining whether or not the face of the person to be authenticated is imaged from diagonally below, and a main control unit of determining that the person to be authenticated is not the person in question when the imaging direction comparing unit determines that the face of the person to be authenticated is not imaged from diagonally below.
US08353001B2	Methods and apparatus for rating device security and automatically assessing security compliance Automatic Security Compliance Assessment (ASCA) systems and methods are provided. The disclosed systems and methods can automatically determine whether all of the devices in an enterprise network comply with security policies or standards, and can automatically take remedial or corrective action to bring those devices into compliance with security policies or standards if they are determined not to be in compliance. The disclosed systems and methods can automatically ensure that all of the devices in an enterprise network remain in compliance with the security policies or standards, and automatically create records that establish whether each of the devices are in compliance and regularly update those records over time so that the enterprise can quickly and easily provide evidence of compliance and/or corrective actions taken to bring devices into compliance if required to do so.
US08352998B1	Policy evaluation in controlled environment A module may include interface logic to receive information identifying a state related to a client device via logic related to a controlled environment, and to send a valid policy result to a host device, where the valid policy result is related to the state. The module may include processing logic to process policy content according to a resource policy, where the processing is based on the information, and to produce the valid policy result based on the processing using the resource policy, where the valid policy result is adapted for use by the host device when implementing the network policy with respect to a destination device when the client device attempts to communicate with the destination device.
US08352995B2	Polling cable diagnostic and monitoring system that aggregates responses from multiple terminals A cable television diagnostic method for a cable television network sends a polling message to a plurality of television set top boxes from a cable television headend; wherein the polling message instructs the cable television set top boxes to obtain at least one operational parameter of each of the television set top boxes; receiving a plurality of response messages from the cable television set top boxes, each containing the at least one operational parameter; determining that one of the operational parameters is outside of a specified range of values; and aggregating the operational parameters of the plurality of set top boxes to determine if the same operational parameter is outside the range of specified values for more than the one of the television set top boxes.
US08352991B2	System and method for modifying a video stream based on a client or network environment A Video Server (VS 100) encodes a video stream according to the values of parameters and transmits the video stream over a Network to a Video Client (VC 200) that decodes the received video stream for presentation to a user. As the video stream is being received, (VC 200 continually gathers data regarding at least the condition of Network sends this data to (VS 100). (VS 100) modifies the values of the parameters based on the data received from (VC 200), which in turn modifies the encoding of the video stream.
US08352990B2	Realtime broadcast stream and control data conversion system and method A system that delivers live broadcast media to consumer devices, including a system for enabling devices without native capabilities such as internal bulk storage and stream processing, to have command and control of live broadcast streams, has been provided. This is achieved through intercepting and converting the normal service provider channel mapping data to a new channel map which points to a software system that delivers command and control of live broadcast media, and implementation of a software system which can receive a channel change protocol, establish a command and control session with the device, convert the channel map protocol to the original format, tune in, receive, convert and process the live stream so that it can be delivered to the requesting device and in turn be controlled by user interaction with that device or the software system. A corresponding method is also provided.
US08352989B2	Content transmission device and content reproduction device A content reproduction device includes: a plurality of communication units (a cellular phone and a wireless LAN communication unit), each receiving a content transmitted in segments from a content transmission device over a communication path; a content reconstruction unit that has a buffer in which each segmented data of the content received by each of the communication units is temporarily accumulated, and that reconstructs each segmented data accumulated in the buffer into the content; a reproduction unit that reproduces, at a predetermined bit rate, the content reconstructed by the content reconstruction unit; and a communication control unit that: calculates, for every predetermined time, target transmission speeds to be assigned for content reception performed by the respective communication units, based on free space in the buffer and the bit rate; and transmits a first request signal indicating the calculated target transmission speeds to the content transmission device via one of the communication units.
US08352981B1	Television advertisement reach and frequency management The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving at a television processing device an airing schedule for a specified advertisement. The airing schedule includes data specifying past airings of the specified advertisement, a local frequency at which the specified advertisement is to be shown, and a schedule of airings of replaceable advertisements. The device determines, from viewing log data, whether the local frequency for the specified advertisement has been achieved. If the local frequency has not been achieved, the specified advertisement is aired in place of a replaceable advertisement when the television processing device is tuned to a channel of a scheduled airing of the replaceable advertisement at a time of the scheduled airing, and the local frequency of the specified advertisement is incremented. Otherwise, the replaceable advertisement is presented.
US08352972B2	Disk sorter and disk processor A disk sorter for DVDs, CDs or other disks includes a sorter frame. Plural sorting trays are contained in the sorter frame in a multi-level arrangement, respectively have a front tray end and a rear tray end, are inclined downwards toward the front tray end, for containing a disk on a side higher than the front tray end upon reception with the rear tray end. A movable chute structure is disposed behind the rear tray end, movable up or down, inclined downwards toward the rear tray end, for supplying one of the sorting trays with the disk by guiding to the rear tray end. A disk transfer device holds the disk, and places the disk on the chute structure, to transfer to the one sorting tray. Furthermore, a lifting device moves up or down the chute structure, and positions the chute end at the rear tray end.
US08352970B2	Social network application programming interface Disclosed in one example is a method for interfacing with multiple social networks. The method includes receiving a call from a social networking service agnostic social networking application for one of a plurality of social networking functions in a first format, translating the call in the first format to a call in a second format, the second format being one of a plurality of heterogeneous social networking service application programming interface formats, and passing the call in the second format to a first social networking service by utilizing a first social networking service application programming interface.
US08352967B2	Safe browser plugins using native code modules Some embodiments provide a system that executes a plugin for a web browser. During operation, the system obtains the plugin as a native code module and executes the native code module in a secure runtime environment. Next, the system enables communication between the native code module and the web browser by providing an interface bridge between the native code module and the web browser.
US08352966B2	System and method of inter-widget communication A method and apparatus enabling inter-widget communication and control uses a central server to receive selected widgets and settings associated with at least one widget, wherein the received settings are used to at least partly determine the settings of the other selected widgets according to a pre-defined relationship between or among the widgets.
US08352961B2	System and method for optimizing under notifications for small computer devices A system and method for notifying users in a manner that is appropriate for the event and the environment for the user. The method of the present invention relates to determining the desired properties of an event and assigning varying notification characteristics to that event. Profiles are created of the various events, wherein each profile relates to a different mode or situational environment, such as a meeting environment, an office or normal environment, a louder outside-type environment, etc. The invention further relates to placing the small computer device in a particular mode, either automatically or manually. Once in a particular mode the device provides notifications according to that mode.
US08352958B2	Systems and methods for providing a generic audit trail service Systems, methods, and computer readable media are disclosed for providing a generic audit trail service for a plurality of business objects, at least two of the plurality of business objects being of different business object types. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided that comprises receiving, at an application server, a notification of a change associated with at least one of the plurality of business objects, and requesting, in response to receiving the notification, auditing data from the at least one business object, the at least one business object implementing an auditable function set to interface with the application server. Further, the method includes receiving, through a called method of the auditable function set, the requested auditing data, and storing the received auditing data in a repository.
US08352953B2	Dynamically provisioning virtual machines Virtual machines are managed on the basis of data obtained from a management information database of a network switch having a plurality of Ethernet links coupled to compute nodes running a plurality of virtual machines. A management entity, such as a provisioning manager, determines the amount of network bandwidth being utilized through each of the first and second Ethernet links and the amount of network bandwidth being utilized by the Internet Protocol addresses attributable to each of the virtual machines. Accordingly, one of the virtual machines may be migrated from one compute node to another compute node coupled to an Ethernet link having a greater amount of unutilized network bandwidth. Virtual machines may be dynamically migrated in order to provide each virtual machine with a required amount of network bandwidth.
US08352949B1	Communication between integrated device and mobile application client on mobile personal communication device Communication between an integrated device and a mobile application client on a mobile personal communication device involves a command generated using a mobile application client implemented by non-managed code. The command is received by an operating system, is socket based and conforms with a standard network communications protocol. The command is forwarded to an intermediate module implemented by code executed on the mobile personal communication device and configured for socket based communication according to the standard network communications protocol. After receiving the command, the intermediate module generates a command communication, for receipt by the peripheral device, according to a protocol specific to the peripheral device. The command communication instructing the peripheral device to perform an operation corresponding to the command. The operation is performed using the peripheral device upon receiving the command communication.
US08352942B2	Virtual-machine control apparatus and virtual-machine moving method A virtual-machine control program includes an operational-status inquiry unit that inquires of another machine about a memory usage status of virtual machines realized on another machine; a swapping-target selecting unit that selects a virtual machine capable of being swapped for a virtual machine realized on a machine from among the virtual machines realized on another machine based on information obtained by the operational-status inquiry unit; and a swapping performing unit that swaps the virtual machine realized on the machine for the virtual machine selected by the swapping-target selecting unit. The virtual-machine control program enables to move the virtual machine to another machine without preparing a free space in advance.
US08352940B2	Virtual cluster proxy to virtual I/O server manager interface An interface is provided between a virtual cluster proxy and a virtual I/O server on a logical partitioned platform. The virtual I/O server is configured to support virtual real memory. A command is received from a virtual cluster proxy. The virtual cluster proxy identifies whether the command is a virtual real memory command or a virtualization command. Virtual real memory commands and virtualization commands are marked by the virtual cluster proxy with a virtualization marker. The virtualization marker indicates that the command is a virtual real memory command or a virtualization command. The command is then forwarded to a logical partitioned platform. A virtual memory manager intercepts the command and identifies whether the command has been marked with the virtualization marker. If the command is marked with the virtualization marker, the virtual memory manager reroutes the command to the virtual I/O server.
US08352938B2	System, method and program to migrate a virtual machine A system, method and program product for migrating a first virtual machine from a first real computer to a second real computer or from a first LPAR to a second LPAR in a same real computer. Before migration, the first virtual machine comprises an operating system and an application in a first private memory private to the first virtual machine. A communication queue of the first virtual machine resides in a shared memory shared by the first and second computers or the first and second LPARs. The operating system and application are copied from the first private memory to the shared memory. The operating system and application are copied from the shared memory to a second private memory private to the first virtual machine in the second computer or second LPAR. Then, the first virtual machine is resumed in the second computer or second LPAR.
US08352933B2	Concurrent patching of operating systems Replacing a computer program with a replacement version concurrently with its execution by a first instance of an operating system in a computer system, wherein a persistent memory area in the computer system is used to store selected data from the first instance. A snapshot image of a second instance of the operating system, wherein in the second instance the replacement version was executed instead of the computer program, is provided to the computer system. The execution of the first instance is suspended and the first instance is replaced with data from the snapshot image while preserving the persistent memory area. The execution of the first instance is resumed and data from the persistent memory area is restored in the first instance.
US08352930B1	Software modification by group to minimize breakage A method is employed to group computers to facilitate application of a software modification to the computers. The method includes identifying a global set of computers to which it is desired to apply the software modification. Based on characteristics of software configurations of the computers of the identified global set, the computers of the identified global set are grouped into a plurality of clusters. Grouping the computers into a plurality of clusters includes processing syntactic information about the computers to identify the plurality of clusters and applying the software modification to the computers of the clusters. The software modification is applied with an adjustment for each cluster in an attempt to avoid software breakage of the computers of that cluster.
US08352927B2	Computer method and apparatus for automating translation to a modeling language Method and apparatus for automating translation of language specific constructs to UML (Unified Modeling Language) during wizard workflow. The invention provides an integration of UML mapping within the wizards that are available within integrated development environments (IDE's). As the user specifies the language specific details within a wizard, the appropriate corresponding UML element (depiction) is drawn and displayed within the wizard. This provides a user with an automated visual depiction of his work utilizing UML and yet allows him to work in the programming language of the wizard. Further, this allows the user to learn UML. Other modeling languages may be applied.
US08352921B2	Static analysis defect detection in the presence of virtual function calls A computer-implemented error detection mechanism for detecting programming errors in a computer program. The computer-implemented error detection method described herein can make use of a Function Behavior Knowledge Base (FBKB) to approximate how a virtual function changes state of the program execution for all methods that can be called at each specific invocation point. The FBKB is used to select what implementation of a virtual function should be called in order to give rise to a programming defect. By dropping implementations that do not lead to a programming defect, the set of possible object runtime types is reduced. If this set is empty by the end of the analysis, then a defect is not possible, otherwise the set of object runtime types will contain types that may cause a defect.
US08352920B2	Testing and debugging framework for application builders An application builder system and methodology enables a user to create an application using a builder (“builder application”); interactively edit the builder application by adding and removing application objects; interactively edit the properties of the application objects, including a new property called “debug level”; interactively set values of parameters for a code generator, including the value of a new parameter called “debug level”; invoking the code generator to automatically generate application code; and running the resulting generated application.
US08352914B2	Impact analysis of software change requests In one example, a system is provided to determine the impact of implementing a change request on a software program. The system may include an architecture model of the software program that includes components. Each of the components may have attributes that may be used by the system to determine a degree of effort to modify each respective one of the components. Components may be associated with keywords. The system may search the change request for the keywords to identify components that may be impacted by the change request. The system may determine the degree of effort to modify any impacted component based on the architecture model. The system may determine the overall impact on the software program based on the degree of effort determined for the impacted components.
US08352911B2	Techniques for constructing and using run-time JAVA archives (JAR) for JAVA Stored Procedures (JSPS) Techniques for constructing and using run-time JAVA Archive (JAR) files for JAVA Stored Procedures (JSPs) are provided. JSP methods referenced by an application via a plurality of different JAR files are extracted and packed into a single packed JAR file. When the application tries to execute a JSP, the attempt to process the JSP methods is redirected to a new JSP that calls the single packed JAR file.
US08352904B2	Early defect removal model A method and a computer program product for modeling early defect removal are provided. The method includes selecting a first set of software development practices to model as a baseline plan, where each of the software development practices has an associated defect removal efficiency (DRE) and is associated with a development phase of a software development cycle. The method also includes selecting a second set of the software development practices to model as a to be plan, where each of the software development practices has a configurable DRE for the to be plan. The method further includes calculating defect removal in each of the development phases as a function of the DRE values, adjusting configuration settings for the to be plan to shift an amount of the defect removal earlier in the development phases of the to be plan as compared to the baseline plan, and outputting a graphical representation.
US08352903B1	Interaction with partially constructed mobile device applications Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for creating mobile device applications. In one aspect, a method includes determining that a user has entered one or more user inputs into an integrated development environment, to select or arrange a component that defines a portion of an application, and transmitting interpreter code that corresponds to the component to a mobile device, where the interpreter code, when interpreted by a command interpreter on the mobile device, causes the mobile device to generate a mock-up of the portion of the application defined by the component.
US08352898B1	Configurations for circuit designs A method is provided for preparing a plurality of systems that include respective programmable integrated circuits (ICs) of the same type. A plurality of circuit designs is partitioned into a base design and respective supplemental designs. The base design includes a set of input/output pins utilized by any of the plurality of circuit designs. A supplemental bitstream is generated for each of the supplemental designs. A first bitstream is generated for implementing the base circuit design, a communication module, and a reconfiguration module in a first portion of programmable resources of the programmable IC. The reconfiguration module is configured to program, in response to each respective one of the supplemental bitstreams received via the communication module, a second portion of the programmable resources with the supplemental bitstream to implement a corresponding one of the plurality of circuit designs.
US08352891B2	Layout decomposition based on partial intensity distribution Layout design data are decomposed for double dipole lithography based on partial intensity distribution information. The partial intensity distribution information is generated by performing optical simulations on the layout design data. The layout decomposition may further be adjusted during an optical proximity correction process. The adjustment may utilize the partial intensity distribution information.
US08352890B2	Method for reading polygon data into an integrated circuit router An approach is provided for converting a polygon described as an ordered list of perimeter points into a set of connected quadrilaterals suitable for use in an advanced integrated circuit router. Edges are constructed between the points of the polygon. Then, one or more edges are selected as starting locations. Pairs of edges or portions of pairs of edges are matched to form sequences of quadrilaterals. Methods are provided to determine when edges should be split or skipped to ensure that all quadrilaterals are convex or meet other criteria. Other methods are provided to determine when the matching process should be terminated and restarted at another location. Finally, the sequences of quadrilaterals are joined together to form a data structure suitable for use within an integrated circuit router.
US08352887B2	High performance design rule checking technique Roughly described, a design rule data set is developed offline from the design rules of a target fabrication process. A design rule checking method involves traversing the corners of shapes in a layout region, and for each corner, populating a layout topology database with values that depend on respective corner locations. After the layout topology database is populated, the values are compared to values in the design rule data set to detect any design rule violations. Violations can be reported in real time, while the user is manually editing the layout. Preferably corner traversal is performed using scan lines oriented perpendicularly to edge orientations, and scanning in the direction of the edge orientations. Scans stop only at corner positions and populate the layout topology database with what information can be gleaned based on the current scan line. The different scans need not reach each corner simultaneously.
US08352886B2	Method for the reproducible determination of the position of structures on a mask with a pellicle frame A method for the reproducible determination of the positions of structures (3) on a mask (2) is disclosed. A pellicle frame (30) is firmly attached to the mask (2). A theoretical model of the bending of the mask (2) with the firmly attached pellicle frame (30) is calculated, wherein material properties of the mask (2), of the pellicle frame (30), and of the attaching means between the pellicle frame (30) and the mask (2) are taken into account in the calculation of the bending of the mask (2). For the calculation of the bending of the mask (2) its contact with three support points is considered. The positions of the structures (3) on the mask (2) are measured with a metrology tool (1). The measured positions of each structure are corrected with the theoretical model of the bending of the mask at the position of the respectively measured structure.
US08352884B2	Dynamic reconfiguration of GUI display decomposition based on predictive model A hand-held electronic device, method of operation and computer readable medium are disclosed. The device may include a case having one or more major surfaces. A visual display and a touch interface are disposed on at least one of the major surfaces. A processor is operably coupled to the visual display and touch screen. Instructions executable by the processor may be configured to a) present an image on the visual display containing one or more active elements; b) perform a tessellation that divides the image into one or more regions that fill the display, wherein each region corresponds to a different active element, wherein a size of each region depends on a corresponding probability that a user will use the corresponding active element within a given time frame; and c) correlating one or more active portions of the touch interface to one or more corresponding active elements.
US08352883B2	Analysis of complex data objects and multiple parameter systems A computer facilitates multiple parameters data analysis by special visualization and navigation methods. Data to be analyzed is loaded from an external source the computer displays the data in response to user input using a variety of methods including data tables, slices of data spaces, hierarchically navigated data spaces, dynamic slice tables, filters, sorting, color-mapping, numerical operations, and other methods.
US08352882B2	System for managing data objects A device for managing image and audio files displays thumbnails, which are representative of the files, on a screen in different arrangements, depending on the selected layout and order. When the user enters input to indicates that he or she wishes to browse through the thumbnails, the thumbnails move across the screen in sequence, following a path through a focus outline in the center of the screen. The path followed by the thumbnails depends on the selected layout.
US08352881B2	Method, apparatus and program storage device for providing customizable, immediate and radiating menus for accessing applications and actions A method, apparatus and program storage device for providing customizable, immediate and radiating menus for accessing applications and actions. Upon initiation of a predetermined user action, such as a right-click operation, a primary menu is displayed and a second radial menu is displayed proximate the primary menu with the cursor position at a predetermined location for minimizing cursor manipulation for selecting a menu item from the second radial menu.
US08352879B2	Method for swapping display contents between multiple screens A method for swapping display contents between a first and a second screen. The first screen is a primary screen. A window is displayed on one of the first and the second screen. The method includes: calculating a window movement distance according to a relative position between the first and the second screen; performing swapping to set the second screen as the primary screen; obtaining a coordinate of the window after swapping; obtaining a first coordinate by adding the window movement distance to the coordinate of the window after swapping if the window is located in the first screen before swapping; obtaining a second coordinate by subtracting the window movement distance from the coordinate of the window after swapping if the window is located in the second screen before swapping; moving the window from one of the first and the second screen to the other.
US08352877B2	Adjustment of range of content displayed on graphical user interface Various embodiments related to the adjustment of a displayed range of a portion of a content selection are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computing device with an interactive display is configured to display a portion of a content selection and a control associated with the content selection. The control comprises a track and an indicator that indicates a location and a range of the portion of the content selection within the content selection as a whole. A first type of input associated with the control alters the range of the portion of the content selection displayed relative to the content selection as a whole and adjusts an appearance of the indicator, while a second type of touch input associated with the control alters a portion of the content selection displayed and moves the indicator on the track.
US08352874B2	Visual group interface for group connectivity A communication icon represents a shared connection allowing members of an online group to interact with each other and participate in different activities together. The icon through which the group interacts resides on each group member's desktop and has many attributes including click activation modes and drag and drop functionality. The icon provides each group member with a representation of the group's shared relationship. Any group member can change the group icon and have that change propagated to the computers of the other members of the group. The icon can be activated for both non-verbal and verbal communications as well as activity sharing. Online members of the group are kept apprised of the group's status and activities via a displayed status bar.
US08352873B2	Media content and chat integration In various embodiments, a method includes receiving a request to initiate recording of media content of an event. The method also includes controlling capturing of the media content by a capture machine in response to the received request. The method includes opening a chat session among one or more persons that are listeners or viewers of the event being captured, wherein the opening is in response to the request to initiate recording of the media content. The chat session comprises one or more entries that include a chat input from the one or more persons and a timecode of the chat input. The method includes receiving a request to stop recording of the media content of the event. The method also includes combining at least a subset of the one or more entries of the chat session with the media content using the time code of the one or more entries.
US08352872B2	Geographic location notification based on identity linking A user maintains notification setting information having temporal periods capable of controlling, at least in part, the dissemination of information describing the on-line presence of the user within an instant messaging system or the geographic location of one or more mobile communications devices used by the user. The user may use multiple identities to communicate within the instant messaging system and/or with the mobile communications device or devices. The user can maintain sets of temporal periods for each of the multiple identities. Only one identity may be used at a specific time to communicate to a specific other identity, but the multiple identities of the user may be linked such that on-line presence and/or geographic location associated with one of the identities is disseminated based on the temporal periods set for one or more of the multiple identities.
US08352867B2	Predictive monitoring dashboard A device receives information associated with a job implemented in a network, calculates a statistic based on the information associated with the job, calculates a score for the statistic, calculates health check information based on the information associated with the job, receives information associated with an executing job, and provides for display the calculated statistic, the statistic score, the calculated health check information, and a snapshot of the information associated with the executing job.
US08352866B2	Adapting a network topology A mechanism is provided for adapting a network topology, in which the network topology comprises a plurality of points, a plurality of connections, each connection connecting a pair of points, and a zoneset comprising a plurality of zones, each zone defining a series of points that are connected. The mechanism performs operations of receiving one or more user inputs, each user input comprising a change to a zone, performing an analysis of the or each user input, to determine one or more consistent universal changes to the zoneset, presenting an output to the user comprising one or more of the determined consistent universal changes to the zoneset, receiving a selection user input selecting a presented consistent universal change to the zoneset, and changing the zoneset according to the selected consistent universal change to the zoneset.
US08352865B2	Action representation during slide generation Techniques for displaying object animations on a slide are disclosed. In accordance with these techniques, objects on a slide may be assigned actions when generating or editing the slide. The effects of the actions on the slide are depicted using one or more respective representations which represent the slide as it will appear after implementation of one or more corresponding actions.
US08352863B2	Electronic product design using layered images A system and method for online product design. An electronic product template having a number of pre-defined text fields and template editing tools for allowing the user to incorporate user text into the text fields are downloaded to a user computer. The current state of the product design is retained at the user computer. When the user has entered text for incorporation into a text field, the text for that text field and the associated font information are uploaded to the server. The server creates an image of the text field and downloads the text image to the user computer for incorporation into the displayed product design according to text positioning information retained at the user computer. Each text field in the design is a separate image that can be individually and independently edited and positioned within the product design.
US08352862B2	Information processing apparatus and method allowing flexible output settings for individual pieces of output data In order to allow flexible output settings for individual pieces of output data, in a hot folder, names relating to pieces of output data (e.g., subfolder names or print data names) and pieces of output setting information are set in association with each other. Thus, a job ticket is generated using a piece of output setting information associated with a name relating to a piece of output data input to the hot folder.
US08352859B2	Dynamically providing a feed of stories about a user of a social networking system To display a news feed in a social network environment, a social networking system generates news items regarding activities associated with a user of a social network environment. The social networking system may also attach an informational link associated with at least one of the activities to at least one of the news items, limit access to the news items to a predetermined set of viewers, and assign an order to the news items. The news items may be displayed in the assigned order to at least one viewing user of the predetermined set of viewers, and the number of news items displayed may be dynamically limited.
US08352857B2	Methods and apparatuses for intra-document reference identification and resolution Reference identification and resolution identifies reference text fragments in a document and associates referenced object text fragments in the document with the identified reference text fragments. Reference profiles are abstracted from the document. Each reference profile specifies at least a reference number and an object type identifier. A reference profile is paired with an object text fragment of the document containing the reference number of the reference profile. The pairing is repeated to associate reference profiles with object text fragments. A reference text fragment of the document satisfying one of the reference profiles is associated with the object text fragment paired with the satisfied reference profile. The associating is repeated to associate reference text fragments of the document with object text fragments.
US08352856B2	Systems and methods to resize document content A system resizes content within a document that includes a document segmenter that receives a document that contains content. The document segmenter analyzes the content within the document and segments the content into a plurality of object types. An object priority applicator determines a class value associated with each object type. A location scaler identifies a datum point for each object type within the document, wherein each datum point maintains a relative location to one another regardless of document resizing. An object sizing component resizes each object based at least in part upon the class value.
US08352852B2	Portal replay and foresee Some embodiments of a system and a method to allow users to review prior and future versions of a website have been presented. In one embodiment, a processing module running on a web portal server tracks changes to a website hosted on the web portal server by recording the changes in a content repository of the web portal server. A graphical user interface (GUI) module running on the web portal server may generate user interface control to allow a user to review, depending on rights granted to the user, prior versions of the website and future versions of the website, which may be constructed using the changes tracked.
US08352848B2	Method of generating and processing ranging response message in wireless communication system The present invention relates to ranging response message generating and processing methods that can reduce overhead in a wireless portable Internet system. A method of generating a ranging response message according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: adding to the ranging response message a first field indicating the number of responses for CDMA codes included in the ranging response message and received from terminals; adding to the ranging response message second fields indicating ranging code attributes as the responses for the CDMA codes by a value of the first field; and adding to the ranging response message a plurality of third fields indicating transmission parameter adjustment values corresponding to the individual second fields.
US08352845B2	Method and apparatus for data transmission using multiple transmit antennas A method and apparatus for increasing the data rate and providing antenna diversity using multiple transmit antennas is disclosed. A set of bits of a digital signal are used to generate a codeword. Codewords are provided according to a channel code. Delay elements may be provided in antenna output channels, or with suitable code construction delay may be omitted. n signals represent n symbols of a codeword are transmitted with n different transmit antennas. At the receiver MSLE or other decoding is used to decode the noisy received sequence. The parallel transmission and channel coding enables an increase the data rate over previous techniques, and recovery even under fading conditions. The channel coding may be concatenated with error correction codes under appropriate conditions.
US08352844B2	Method for encoding control information in a wireless communication system using low density parity check code, and method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving the control information A method and apparatus for transmitting control information in a wireless communication system using a Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) code is provided. The number of LDPC blocks, through which L1 post-signaling information is to be transmitted, is determined according to the total number of bits of the L1 post-signaling information. The number of input information bits of each LDPC block is calculated when the determined number of LDPC blocks is plural. The number of puncturing bits among parity bits of each LDPC block is determined considering a modulation order. A frame including one or multiple LDPC blocks generated through the preceding steps is transmitted.
US08352838B2	Cipher processing device, cipher processing method, and cipher processing program A cipher processing device includes: a MAC loss detecting/estimating section which estimates the radio bearer of the lost protocol data unit and a data amount of the lost protocol data unit out of protocol data units produced by division according to the logical channel information included in a packet combining data unit received by a base station of a mobile communication system; an RLC loss detecting/estimating section which detects occurrence of loss in the protocol data units when the protocol data units are put together into a service data unit, and estimates a lost amount of the protocol data units when the protocol data units are put together into the service data unit according to the estimated data amount; and a correction section which corrects a frame number of the service data unit based on the estimated data amount estimated by the detecting/estimating section.
US08352829B1	Regeneration of a packet CRC Techniques relate to the regeneration of a cyclical redundancy check (CRC) value of a data packet in a manner that avoids a complete CRC recomputation based on the entire packet after only a portion of a packet has been modified. When modifying and forwarding a packet, a network device identifies only the changed portions of a packet and computes an updated CRC for the packet based on the original CRC, the modified portions, and the length from the modified field to end of packet.
US08352828B2	Techniques to perform forward error correction for an electrical backplane Techniques to perform forward error correction for an electrical backplane are described. An apparatus may include a physical layer unit having a forward error correction sublayer to perform forward error correction.
US08352827B2	LDPC hard decision decoder for high-speed wireless data communications A method for low-density parity-check hard decision decoding includes computing, for every decoding iteration, a discrepancy of extrinsic messages responsive to channel inputs of a receiver, performing a flipping of the channel inputs responsive to a comparison of the discrepancy of extrinsic messages to a flipping threshold, the flipping threshold for each decoding iteration being determined based on a threshold computation responsive to a channel error probability estimation in a first iteration of a decoding of the channel inputs, and check node decoding responsive to the flipping of channel inputs.
US08352818B2	Method for generating test patterns for small delay defects A method for generating a test pattern set for detecting small delay defects of an IC is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) generating a traditional delay fault pattern, (2) fault grading the traditional delay fault pattern for small delay defect coverage, (3) reporting faults detected by the fault grading and delay information associated with the detected faults, (4) determining which of the detected faults are timing-aware target faults employing the delay information and (5) generating timing-aware delay fault patterns for the timing-aware target faults.
US08352816B2	Adapter leads connected to test circuitry and third leads set A system and method for sharing a communications link between multiple protocols is described. A system includes a communications interface configured to exchange information with other systems using at least one of a plurality of protocols; a protocol select register that stores a value that selects a protocol from among the plurality of protocols to become an active protocol; and a state machine accessible to the communications interface, the state machine used to control the exchange of information through the communications interface according to the active protocol. The active protocol is used by the communications interface to exchange information while the remaining protocols of the plurality of protocols remain inactive. The state machine sequences through a series of states that cause the communications interface to operate according to the active protocol, and that are designated as inert sequences under the remaining protocols.
US08352812B2	Protecting data storage structures from intermittent errors Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for protecting data storage structures from intermittent errors are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of data storage locations, execution logic, error detection logic, and control logic. The execution logic is to execute an instruction to generate a data value to store in one of the data storage locations. The error detection logic is to detect an error in the data value stored in the data storage location. The control logic is to respond to the detection of the error by causing the execution logic to re-execute the instruction to regenerate the data value to store in the data storage location, causing the error detection logic to check the data value read from the data storage location, and deactivating the data storage location if another error is detected.
US08352811B2	Method and apparatus for reducing positron emission tomography (PET) event losses by effective bandwidth utilization An event data transmission scheme is provided for reducing positron emission tomography event losses. The event data transmission scheme employs a more effective use of available data bandwidth. Each of a plurality of detector data slots is connected directly to a data aggregation control interface, and the control interface is connected to a coincidence processor.
US08352808B2	Data storage system and device with randomizer/de-randomizer A data storage device receives write data and includes a controller configured to determine a characteristic of the write data and provide a first control signal in response to the determined characteristic, a randomizer configured to selectively randomize or not randomize the write data in response to the first control signal to thereby generate randomized write data, and a data storage unit configured to store the randomized write data.
US08352799B2	Data corruption prevention during application restart and recovery Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for draining or aborting IO requests of a failed system prior to restarting or recovering an application in virtual environments. The method includes detecting, within an electronic system, an application error condition of an application executing on a virtual machine and determining an application restart target. The method further includes sending an input/output (IO) request drain command to a virtual IO server operable to provide storage to the virtual machine and receiving a signal that the IO requests have been drained. The drain command is operable to drain IO requests issued from the application. The application can then be restarted or recovered.
US08352796B2	Selective logging based on set parameter Providing asset-based logging by setting a flag for an identified asset and a transaction includes generating a first detailed log for logging activity related to the identified asset and the transaction by a first application implemented on a first node. A transaction identifier, the flag, and any of the identified asset, information generated by the first application implemented on the first node, information provided to the first application implemented on the first node and a representation of the identified asset is passed to at least one downstream application implemented on at least one second node. Detailed logs generated by the at least one downstream application are correlated with the first detailed log.
US08352794B2	Control of clock gating Clock signal control circuitry is disclosed along with a method for switching a clock between modes and a computer program product. The clock signal control circuitry is for receiving a clock signal from a clock signal generator and for outputting said clock signal to synchronous circuitry that is to be clocked by said clock signal. It comprises: an input for receiving mode switching signals indicating said synchronous circuitry is to switch between modes, said mode switching signals comprising a clock gating request signal indicating said synchronous circuitry is to enter a sleep mode during which said circuitry is not clocked and a wake up request signal indicating said synchronous circuitry is to enter an operational mode during which said circuitry is clocked; and is responsive to said clock gating request signal to gate said clock signal such that no clock signal is output to said synchronous circuitry and being responsive to said wake up request signal to output said clock signal to said synchronous circuitry. The clock signal control circuitry further comprises: a data store for storing a delay value; and delay circuitry for delaying switching of said clock signal between modes in response to at least one of said mode switching signals, said delay circuitry delaying said switching by an amount dependent upon said stored delay value.
US08352793B2	Device testing method and architecture The same testing equipment can be used to test devices operating under different protocols. Where the testing protocol is slower than the native serial protocol of the high-speed serial link connecting the device processor to the component to be tested, the link may be adapted to carry the lower speed testing protocol. This may be accomplished by adding low-speed buffers to the circuits of the serial link, or the serial link may have a native low-speed protocol in addition to its high-speed protocol connections may be made to the pathways for the native low-speed protocol, or the testing protocol may be impressed on top of native low-speed protocol. Where the driver of the device being tested has limited number of pins, the test mode can be controlled by applying power to different power supply input pins.
US08352792B2	TAM with scan frame copy register coupled with serial output Testing of an electrical device is achieved by providing a test access mechanism within the device that can receive scan frames from an external tester. The received scan frames contain stimulus data to be applied to circuitry within the device to be tested, a command for enabling a test control operation, and a frame marker bit to indicate the end of the scan frame pattern. The inputting of scan frames can occur continuously and simultaneous with a commanded test control operation.
US08352783B2	Information system and I/O processing method An information system including: a first and second storage apparatus including a first and second volume; a failure detection storage apparatus including a third volume; wherein, for backup purposes, the first and second volumes form a remote copy pair, and, for I/O request purposes, are recognized as a single volume labeled with a same volume identifier, but accessible by alternative access paths designated with differing priorities; wherein, if one apparatus detects a failure in the other or a connection failure, the apparatus detecting the failure stores, in the third volume, a failure information flag showing failure; wherein, upon receiving the I/O request through the second access path, the second storage apparatus determines whether the failure information flag is stored in the third volume, and sends an error reply of the I/O request to the host computer if the failure information flag is stored in the third volume.
US08352782B2	Range based rebuilder for use with a dispersed data storage network A message is generated by a computer operating on a dispersed data storage network indicating the inaccessibility of a plurality of data slices. A rebuilder application operates on the dispersed data storage grid and rebuilds inaccessible data slices, including those identified by the message.
US08352779B2	Performing redundant memory hopping In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving an indication of a loss of redundancy with respect to a pair of mirrored memory regions of a partially redundant memory system, determining new mirrored memory regions, and dynamically migrating information stored in the original mirrored memory regions to the new mirrored memory regions. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08352777B2	Replaying captured network traffic Systems, methods, and machine readable and executable instructions are provided for replaying captured network traffic. A method for replaying captured network traffic can include replaying multiple captured network traffic files simultaneously on the same network device, the captured network traffic files including original network traffic captured from N original connections between C original clients and S original servers. During replaying, rewriting IP addresses and/or port number information of data packets comprising the original network traffic to reflect test network traffic from M test connections between X test clients and Y test servers, where at least X is different than C or Y is different than S. The method further includes modifying checksums, during replaying, to correct values corresponding to the rewritten IP addresses and port number information. N, C, S, M, X, and Y are positive integers.
US08352771B2	Network system Power consumption on GMPLS controlled networks can be reduced by cutting power consumption on spare paths that are not normally used. To achieve power consumption reduction, in the path setting process, a path is calculated while taking the power saving capability of each interface into account, and the applicable interface is set to the power-saving state when setting the spare path. When the spare path was set to the operating state, then the power-saving state on the applicable interface was canceled so that interface could operate normally.
US08352766B2	Power control of target secondary copy storage based on journal storage usage and accumulation speed rate Arrangements having multiple second storage systems which each include a restore control unit for controlling restoration processing, in which a data element in a journal stored in a journal storage area is written into a secondary logical volume, and a storage device control unit for controlling a storage device in the second storage system. The restore control unit is provided with a function for suspending the restoration processing. A first value indicating the usage condition of the journal storage area in the second storage system is obtained, and the restore control unit suspends the restoration processing in accordance with the obtained first value. The storage device control unit then executes power saving on a storage device relating to the secondary logical volume.
US08352765B2	Dark wake Exemplary embodiments of methods, apparatuses, and systems for powering up select components of a computer from a sleep state, maintaining a network state, and powering down the select components of the computer to return the computer to the sleep state are described. For one embodiment, a network interface and a fan controller receive power during the network state maintenance but a display or audio components do not receive power during the network state maintenance.
US08352759B2	System and method of monitoring a central processing unit in real time A method of monitoring one or more central processing units in real time is disclosed. The method may include monitoring state data associated with the one or more CPUs in real-time, filtering the state data, and at least partially based on filtered state data, selectively altering one or more system settings.
US08352756B2	Image processing apparatus An image processing apparatus includes a volatile storing unit, a nonvolatile storing unit, a processing control unit, a transfer unit and a power controlling unit. The processing control unit controls image processing and writes a result of the control as history information into the volatile storing unit. The transferring unit transfers the history information from the volatile storing unit to the nonvolatile storing unit. The power controlling unit transfers the history information to the transferring unit transfer when detecting an abnormality of the processing control unit based on a communication with the processing control unit, and stops a supply of a power after a passage of a certain time since the detection of the abnormality.
US08352751B2	Encryption program operation management system and program According to one embodiment, an encryption program operation management system includes an encryption key table creation module which creates encryption keys and creates an encryption key table including encrypted versions of the encryption keys and items of plaintext index information for recognizing the encryption keys, and an installation package creation module which creates an installation package including an encryption program, the encryption key table, and an installation program for installing the encryption program into a computer. The installation program causes the computer to carry out an operation of selecting one of the encrypted versions of encryption keys and an operation of creating and storing encryption key information including the selected one of the encrypted versions of encryption key and one of the items of plaintext index information associated with the selected one of the encrypted versions of encryption keys.
US08352750B2	Encryption based storage lock In one embodiment an encryption based storage lock comprises at least one storage media, at least one processor, at least one drive controller, and logic to; store at least a first encryption key in a persistent memory location, establish a logical association between the first encryption key and a first drive, receive a write operation in a drive controller, wherein the write operation is associated with the first drive in the network attached storage device, encrypt data associated with the write operation using the first encryption key, and store the encrypted data in the first drive in the network attached storage device.
US08352749B2	Local trusted services manager for a contactless smart card Systems, methods, computer programs, and devices are disclosed herein for deploying a local trusted service manager within a secure element of a contactless smart card device. The secure element is a component of a contactless smart card incorporated into a contactless smart card device. An asymmetric cryptography algorithm is used to generate public-private key pairs. The private keys are stored in the secure element and are accessible by a trusted service manager (TSM) software application or a control software application in the secure element. A non-TSM computer with access to the public key encrypts and then transmits encrypted application data or software applications to the secure element, where the TSM software application decrypts and installs the software application to the secure element for transaction purposes.
US08352748B2	Security protocols for processor-based systems A processor-based system such as a wireless communication module may implement security functions in a cost effective fashion by providing a virtual memory space whose addresses may be recognized. The memory is integrated with an application processor. When those addresses are recognized, access to special security protocols may be allowed. In another embodiment, a variety of dedicated hardware cryptographic accelerators may be provided to implement security protocols in accordance with a variety of different standards. By optimizing the hardware for specific standards, greater performance may be achieved.
US08352744B2	Product authentication method The invention relates to a method that allows a third party to authenticate a manufacturer's individual product. According to said method, at least one first code that is specific for said individual product is generated and is applied to the product or the packaging thereof by the manufacturer, said first code is stored in a publicly accessible database, the first code is read by the third party and is entered into the database, and the database generates an output based on a comparison between the entered first code and the first codes of all products stored in the database, said output indicating whether the first code is identical to a stored first code and/or whether the first code has been retrieved at an earlier time. Previously known methods of this type offer no sufficiently sure possibility to verify whether the product is an original product or a counterfeit product. The aim of the invention is to further develop said method so as to make it possible to distinguish with adequate reliability between originals and counterfeit products. Said aim is achieved by the fact that the first code is provided with a removable cover once the first code has been applied, said cover concealing the code and being removed by the third party before he/she reads and enters the first code.
US08352743B2	Client device, key device, service providing apparatus, user authentication system, user authentication method, program, and recording medium At user registration, a client device obtains a signature for a user ID, a password, and a public key by using a private key, and sends user information that includes the signature and the above-described information items to a service providing apparatus. The service providing apparatus verifies the signature by using the public key and stores the user information by which the password and the public key are associated with each other. When a request for a service is made, the client device allows authentication processing by sending to the service providing apparatus an authentication response that includes the user ID together with password authentication information, a signature for a challenge sent from the service providing apparatus, or a signature for the password and the challenge, irrespective of whether the authentication method for the service is password authentication, public key authentication, or public-key-and-password combination authentication.
US08352739B2	Two-factor authenticated key exchange method and authentication method using the same, and recording medium storing program including the same A two-factor authenticated key exchange method. A subscriber station transmits a value generated by using an identifier and an authentication server's public key to the authentication server through an access point. The authentication server uses the value to detect the subscriber's password, a key stored in a token, and the authentication server's secret key, generate a random number. The subscriber station uses the random number, password, and the key to transmit an encrypted value and the subscriber's authenticator to the authentication server. The authentication server establishes a second value generated by using the password, key, and random number to be a decrypted key to decrypt the encrypted value, authenticate the subscriber's authenticator, and transmits the authentication server's authenticator to the subscriber station. The subscriber station authenticates the authentication server's authenticator by using the key and password.
US08352734B2	Method for updating the firmware of a security module A method for updating the firmware of a security module allowing it to “jump” towards a dedicated separate patch message stream thanks to a trigger messages stream broadcasted in a main stream of management messages. The trigger messages comprise version information allowing establishing whether the security module is up-to-date, and an identifier indicating to the security module the suitable patch stream. If the current version of the firmware of the security module is inferior to the patch version, the security module is directed towards the stream of patch messages designated by the identifier included in the trigger messages. Once the update of the firmware is complete, the security module is again directed towards the main stream. This return can be carried out automatically, namely with a switch message comprising an identifier of the first stream.
US08352729B2	Secure application routing Disclosed is a computer implemented method and apparatus to secure a routing path. A local node receives a request for secure route identification from an upstream node. Responsive to receiving a request for secure route identification, the local node transmits a local node security level and an authentication key to the upstream node. The local node determines whether at least one downstream node is authentic and has sufficient security level from a second-level downstream node. The local node may then establish a socket to the upstream node.
US08352728B2	Systems and methods for bulk encryption and decryption of transmitted data A method for using a network appliance to efficiently buffer and encrypt data for transmission includes: receiving, by an appliance via a connection, two or more SSL records comprising encrypted messages; decrypting the two or more messages; buffering, by the appliance, the two ore more decrypted messages; determining, by the appliance, that a transmittal condition has been satisfied; encrypting, by the appliance in response to the determination, the first decrypted message and a portion of the second decrypted message to produce a third SSL record; and transmitting, by the appliance via a second connection, the third record. Corresponding systems are also described.
US08352724B2	Microprocessor and grid computing system The present invention improves efficiency in utilizing grid computing and promotes spread of the grid computing by solving problems of security technology and distributed computer resource management technology. The present invention improves security technology and distributed computer resource management technology that are problems in improving in efficiency and spread of grid computing. Based on an idea that a mechanism for supporting these control technology is required in a microprocessor level, an auxiliary system for supporting security technology and distributed computer resource management is provided in a software area in a microprocessor comprising a hardware area and the software area, according to the present invention.
US08352723B2	Automatic maintenance of a computing system in a steady state using correlation An autonomic computing system is automatically maintained in a steady state. The system has parameters, each of which has one or more threshold. The system may further have influencers, adjustment of which affects the parameters. A value of a first variable specifying how the parameters or influencers are changed once a decision has been made to change the parameters or influencers is received. A value of a second variable specifying how the system and the parameters are affected responsive to a change in the parameters is also received. Where influencers are present, a value of a third variable specifying whether the influencers are distinct or common is also received. One or more of the parameters or influencers are adjusted, based on the values of the first, second, and/or third variables, to return the parameters to more-normal (e.g., median) values.
US08352722B2	Method and system for a platform level data model and messages for transferring SMBIOS structures and data A platform may comprise a management controller (MC) and a BIOS that may store SMBIOS information that may comprise metadata. SMBIOS information may be stored in the SMBIOS structure table. SMBIOS information may be transferred to the MC and may be communicated from the MC to an entity external to the platform. The BIOS may be inaccessible to the external entity. The MC may communicate with the external entity when the platform is powered ON or OFF. SMBIOS information may be transferred between the BIOS and the MC via a communication link. The MC and/or the BIOS may determine whether SMBIOS information from the MC is up-to-date. SMBIOS information may be copied from the BIOS to the MC if not up-to-date. SMBIOS information may be transferred via SMBIOS messages based on structure type, instance ID and/or handle.
US08352721B1	Initiating an operating system boot from firmware A computer system firmware stores an operating system boot loader along with accompanying firmware boot driver and a service option ROM. A firmware boot enables the computer system to initiate an operating system boot without necessarily utilizing a hard drive or other peripheral. The service option ROM is installed, indicating to the firmware that a firmware boot is available. When selected the firmware boot copies the operating system boot loader from firmware to main memory and then initiates the operating system boot loader.
US08352720B2	Method for changing booting configuration and computer system capable of booting OS In a computer system in which a server has, in addition to a disk used for booting, an operation transfer destination disk that has the same content as the boot disk, a method for changing the disk used by the server or another server in the computer system for booting to the operation transfer destination disk is realized by changing the content of the operation transfer destination disk to enable the OS and applications installed in the operation transfer destination disk to be booted from the destination disk and by changing the setting of a boot program of the server to enable booting from the operation transfer destination disk.
US08352717B2	Recovery system using selectable and configurable snapshots A recovery system for a computer operating system and applications is described which uses selectable and configurable snapshots. In one example, a start-up sequence of the computer system is initiated, a plurality of snapshots in a hidden section of a mass storage device are identified before loading an operating system for the computer system, each snapshot containing an operating system, applications, and computer system configuration settings. One of the plurality of snapshots is booted including loading the operating system and applications of the one snapshot, and the start-up sequence is completed.
US08352714B2	Executing watchpoint instruction in pipeline stages with temporary registers for storing intermediate values and halting processing before updating permanent registers A processor (e.g., a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) core) rewinds a pipeline of instructions upon a watchpoint event in an instruction being processed. The program execution ceases at the instruction in which the watchpoint event occurred, while the instruction and subsequent instructions are cancelled, keeping the hardware components associated with executing the program in their previous states, prior to the watchpoint. The rewind is such that the program is refetched to enable execution to continue from the instruction in which the watchpoint event occurred. The watchpoint event is executed in a “break before make” manner.
US08352713B2	Debug circuit comparing processor instruction set operating mode A processor is operative to execute two or more instruction sets, each in a different instruction set operating mode. As each instruction is executed, debug circuit comparison the current instruction set operating mode to a target instruction set operating mode sent by a programmer, and outputs an alert or indication in they match. The alert or indication may additionally be dependent upon the instruction address following within a predetermined target address range. The alert or indication may comprise a breakpoint signal that halts execution and/or it is output as an external signal of the processor. The instruction address at which the processor detects a match in the instruction set operating modes may additionally be output. Additionally or alternatively, the alert or indication may comprise starting or stopping a trace operation, causing an exception, or any other known debugger function.
US08352708B2	Parallel read functional unit for microprocessors A functional unit for a microprocessor is provided, which allows for fast, parallel data read, write, and manipulation operations in the microprocessor that are useful for a number of software applications, such as cryptography. The functional unit includes first and second source registers for receiving first and second data items to be processed by the functional unit, first and second banks of memory tables, a combinational logic circuit, and a decoder. The first and second banks of memory tables are in communication with the first source register, and each of the tables is indexed by an index comprising a portion of the first data item received by the first source register. Each index points to a lookup result in a respective one of the memory tables. The combinational logic circuit is in communication with the first and second banks of memory tables and the second source register, receives the lookup results, and processes the lookup results and the second data item in the second source register to produce a result data item. The decoder circuit is in communication with the combinational logic circuit, and extracts an operational code from an instruction supplied to the functional unit, decodes the operational code, and controls the combinational logic circuit in accordance with the operational code.
US08352706B2	Memory system managing address translation table and method of controlling thereof A forward lookup address translation table and a reverse lookup address translation table stored in a nonvolatile second storing unit are transferred as a master table to a volatile first storing unit at a time of start-up. When an event occurs so that the master table needs to be updated, difference information before and after update of any one of the forward lookup address translation table and the reverse lookup address translation table is recorded in the first storing unit as a log, thereby reducing an amount of the log.
US08352703B2	Address mapping of program code and data in memory A system for mapping information addresses in a memory. The system includes a memory wherein each byte is mapped to a plurality of unique addresses and a microprocessor for assigning at least one of the unique addresses to the information. The information can be program code fragments and/or data. Also disclosed is a method for mapping information addresses in a memory utilizing such a system. The method includes mapping each byte of memory into a plurality of unique addresses and assigning at least one of the unique addresses to the information.
US08352702B2	Data processing system memory allocation The present invention provides a data processing system with multiple logical partitions that isolate memory resources for applications contained in the logical partitions. A method is provided for moving a specific memory quantity between two logical partitions by first computing a threshold amount. Then, if the specific memory quantity to be transferred is less than the threshold amount, removing the threshold amount from memory assigned in the first partition and adding the threshold amount to memory assigned in the second partition. However, if the specific memory quantity is greater than the threshold amount, the method provides for removing an amount equal to the threshold from memory assigned in the first partition and adding that threshold amount to memory assigned in the second partition and repeating the removing and adding steps until the specific memory quantity has been transferred.
US08352693B2	Storage control apparatus A method for a storage control apparatus for controlling a plurality of storage units, each of the plurality of storage units having data area for storing data includes receiving a first command for copying data stored in a first data area of the storage units into a second data area of the storage units from an exterior, executing copying in accordance with the first command, receiving a second command for copying data stored in the second data area into the first data area from the exterior, executing copying in accordance with the second command, receiving a third command for cancelling copying corresponding to the first command and a fourth command for cancelling copying corresponding to the second command from the exterior until completion of copying process corresponding to at least one of the first and second command, and invalidating one of the third command and the fourth command.
US08352689B2	Command tag checking in a multi-initiator media controller architecture Described embodiments provide a method of allocating resources of a media controller for a data transfer. A data transfer request is received from at least one host device, and includes a host device ID and a data transfer request ID. The media controller generates a Tag ID of the data transfer request based on the host device ID and the data transfer request ID, and generates a starting memory address of a tag table based on the Tag ID of the data transfer request. A tag count value is read from the starting memory address of the tag table. If the tag count value reaches a threshold, an absence of a tag overlap is determined and the Tag ID of the data transfer request is added to the tag table at the starting memory address.
US08352684B2	Optimal cache replacement scheme using a training operation Computer implemented method, system and computer usable program code for cache management. A cache is provided, wherein the cache is viewed as a sorted array of data elements, wherein a top position of the array is a most recently used position of the array and a bottom position of the array is a least recently used position of the array. A memory access sequence is provided, and a training operation is performed with respect to a memory access of the memory access sequence to determine a type of memory access operation to be performed with respect to the memory access. Responsive to a result of the training operation, a cache replacement operation is performed using the determined memory access operation with respect to the memory access.
US08352683B2	Method and system to reduce the power consumption of a memory device A method and system to reduce the power consumption of a memory device. In one embodiment of the invention, the memory device is a N-way set-associative level one (L1) cache memory and there is logic coupled with the data cache memory to facilitate access to only part of the N-ways of the N-way set-associative L1 cache memory in response to a load instruction or a store instruction. By reducing the number of ways to access the N-way set-associative L1 cache memory for each load or store request, the power requirements of the N-way set-associative L1 cache memory is reduced in one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, when a prediction is made that the accesses to cache memory only requires the data arrays of the N-way set-associative L1 cache memory, the access to the fill buffers are deactivated or disabled.
US08352680B2	Method and system for file-system based caching A method and system for file-system based caching can be used to improve efficiency and security at network sites. In one set of embodiments, the delivery of content and storing content component(s) formed during generation of the content may be performed by different software components. Content that changes at a relatively high frequency or is likely to be regenerated between requests may not have some or all of its corresponding files cached. Additionally, extra white space may be removed before storing to reduce the file size. File mapping may be performed to ensure that a directory within the cache will have an optimal number of files. Security at the network site may be increased by using an internally generated filename that is not used or seen by the client computer. Many variations may be used is achieving any one or more of the advantages described herein.
US08352679B2	Selectively securing data and/or erasing secure data caches responsive to security compromising conditions Techniques are generally described for methods, systems, data processing devices and computer readable media configured to decrypt data to be stored in a data cache when a particular condition indicative of user authentication or data security has occurred. The described techniques may also be arranged to terminate the storage of decrypted data in the cache when a particular condition that may compromise the security of the data is detected. The describe techniques may further be arranged to erase the decrypted data stored in the cache when a particular condition that may compromise the security of the data is detected.
US08352674B2	Semiconductor memory information storage apparatus and method of controlling writing A semiconductor memory information storage apparatus includes a storage unit using a nonvolatile memory, a write number manager counting each of numbers of times of writing of all blocks, a list manager classifying the blocks in the nonvolatile memory by in-use/unused, managing in an in-use list a block of the in-use, managing in a first unused list a block with the number of times of writing equal to a maximum value, and managing in a second unused list a block with the number of times of writing less than the maximum value, and a controller writing and erasing information data to and from the storage unit.
US08352670B2	Execute-only memory and mechanism enabling execution from execute-only memory for minivisor In one embodiment, a processor comprises an execution core configured to execute instructions; and a register configured to store an execute-only valid indication indicative of whether or not execution of instructions is permitted in pages that are indicated as execute-only in a set of page tables used by the processor for address translation. The execution core is configured, responsive to a fetch within an execute-only page, to signal a fault responsive to the execute-only valid indication indicating that execution is not permitted in the execute-only page, and wherein the execution core is configured to permit the fetch within the execute-only page responsive to the execute-only valid indication indicating that execution is permitted in the execute-only page.
US08352669B2	Buffered crossbar switch system Described embodiments provide for transfer of data between data modules. At least two crossbar switches are employed, where input nodes and output nodes of each crossbar switch are coupled to corresponding data modules. The ith crossbar switch has an Ni-input by Mi-output switch fabric, wherein Ni and Mi are positive integers greater than one. Each crossbar switch includes an input buffer at each input node, a crosspoint buffer at each crosspoint of the switch fabric, and an output buffer at each output node. The input buffer has an arbiter that reads data packets from the input buffer according to a first scheduling algorithm. An arbiter reads data packets from a crosspoint buffer queue according to a second scheduling algorithm. The output node receives segments of data packets provided from one or more corresponding crosspoint buffers.
US08352666B2	Signal transmission interface and digital broadcast receiving device A signal transmission interface includes: a USB audio format encoding unit adapted to be coupled to a digital broadcast receiving end, for converting a digital audio signal that originates from the digital broadcast receiving end into a USB audio signal; a USB hub coupled to the USB audio format encoding unit and adapted to be coupled to a host end, for transmitting the USB audio signal to the host end and receiving a USB control signal that originates from the host end; and a USB/serial transmission bus bridge unit coupled to the USB hub and adapted to be coupled to the digital broadcast receiving end, for converting the USB control signal that is transmitted from the USB hub into a serial transmission bus control signal, and transmitting the serial transmission bus control signal to the digital broadcast receiving end.
US08352662B2	Apparatus and method for supporting hot plug detect function in portable terminal using high definition multimedia interface An apparatus and method for supporting a Hot Plug Detect (HPD) function in a portable terminal using High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) are provided. The apparatus includes an HPD unit for generating an HPD signal using an operation voltage of a first modem upon connecting to a display apparatus through an HDMI cable, the first modem for enabling a second modem upon detecting the HPD signal, and the second modem for outputting video data upon being enabled by the first modem.
US08352661B1	Data storage systems having seamless software upgrades A data storage system having a pair of CPU modules each one of having a port coupled to a host computer/server and a storage medium for transferring data during an IO transfer. Each one of the modules produces different types of reset signals, one of such types being a software reset signal produced during a software upgrade of the module and other types being produced for events other than during a software upgrade, The other types produced by a first one of the modules disables the port of the first one of the modules; whereas, in response the software reset signal produced by the first one of the modules during an IO transfer, a second one of the modules couples the port of the first one of the modules to the second one of the modules to enable the IO transfer to be processed by the second one of the modules.
US08352660B2	Portable computer capable of connecting discrete graphics card to PCIe controller by combination switch The portable computer includes a PCIe controller, a DisplayPort connector, and a combination switch. The DisplayPort connector includes a hot plug pin. The combination switch is connected between the PCIe controller and the DisplayPort connector. The combination switch includes a selecting pin electronically connected to the hot plug pin. When the DisplayPort connector is electronically coupled to a discrete graphics card using PCIe, the hot plug pin sends a hot plug voltage signal to the selecting pin, and the combination switch electronically connects the DisplayPort connector to the PCIe controller after receiving the signal.
US08352659B1	Segmentation and reassembly of a data value communicated via interrupt transactions Approaches for communicating data from a source device to a target device. In one approach, a communicated data value is segmented into a plurality of data chunks at the source device. A sequence of interrupt transactions is transmitted from the source device to a system bus. The transmitting of each interrupt transaction in the sequence includes transmitting a target identifier on an address bus of the system bus, and the target identifier of each interrupt transaction in the sequence includes a respective one of the data chunks. The sequence of interrupt transactions from the system bus is received at the target device. The communicated data value is reassembled at the target device from the data chunks in the target identifier of the interrupt transactions in the sequence.
US08352658B2	Fabric based lock manager service A replicated finite state machine lock service facilitates resource sharing in a distributed system. A lock request from a client identifies a resource and a lock-mode, and requests a leaseless lock on the resource. The service uses client instance identifiers to categorize requests as duplicate, stale, abandoned, or actionable. A lock may be abandoned when a client holding the lock goes down. After a per-client abandonment timer expires, the lock service may treat any exclusive lock granted to the client as abandoned, and treat any non-exclusive lock granted to the client as unlocked. The service tries to notify a lock-holding client if another client requests the same lock, and treats the lock as abandoned if the notification attempt fails. An abandoned read lock is granted to a different client on request. An abandoned write lock is granted or refused depending on whether the requesting client accepts abandoned write locks.
US08352657B2	Digital device interconnect interface and system A simple data transfer mechanism may be combined with static state bus signaling to replace a USB with a digital serial interconnect bus (DSIB). This may eliminate various pull-up/pull-down resistors required in USB, and enable the DSIB to operate with little or no leakage current when the bus is in an idle state, or data transmission state. All required functionality may be implemented using only two signal pins. The DSIB may also enable silicon solutions for high speed USB that do not require a PLL, since the clock may be provided by the transmission source and may thus not need to be recovered from the serial data stream. The DSIB may provide an easy reuse mechanism for USB silicon by enabling a designer to remove the analog PHY and replace it with a serial digital I/O transfer mechanism, while retaining the IP's USB timers, and other protocol specific features.
US08352654B2	Data reproducing apparatus, content management method, program, and storage medium A data reproducing apparatus comprises: a reproducing unit adapted to read out data from a plurality of recording media; a list generating unit adapted to generate a content list which describes storage location information in association with contents stored in the plurality of recording media; and a communication unit adapted to communicate with an external device and sending the content list to the external device, wherein the list generating unit checks if the contents stored in the plurality of recording media include identical contents, and if the identical contents are detected, the list generating unit generates the content list including information indicating that the storage location information of the identical contents are integrated.
US08352652B2	Using analog signals to communicate through an A/D converter and USB interface Methods and systems for communicating information through a USB device with A/D converters are presented. Active components which provide analog signals to the A/D converters are switched off to cause spikes in the analog signals/channels. The spikes are digitized by the A/D converters and sent to the host through a USB interface. The active components are switched on and off in a pattern corresponding to a message, such that the host can determine the message from the resulting spikes. If multiple active components and A/D converters are used, then multiple ‘bits’ can be transmitted simultaneously using the different channels.
US08352651B2	Devices, systems, and methods regarding programmable logic controller communications Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a signal interface that is adapted to transmit a signal between a programmable logic controller and an Input/Output (I/O) module. The programmable logic controller can be communicatively coupled to the I/O module via an opto-coupler, which can be adapted to electrically isolate the programmable logic controller from the I/O module.
US08352649B2	Storage virtualization subsystem architecture Disclosed is a storage virtualization subsystem (SVS) architecture comprising a plurality of SVSs, each SVS comprising at least one storage virtualization controller (SVC), and, in some cases, a physical storage disk (PSD) array attached to the SVC. A first and a second data access path is configured passing through the SVSs to form the SVS architecture such that when one path is failed, the other can be taken as a substitution. The SVSs in the first path are connected in a first sequence and the SVSs in the second path are connected in a second sequence different from the first one. In another embodiment, each SVS comprises a plurality of redundantly-configured SVCs rather than one SVC. The first path is formed passing through a first set of SVCs and the second path is formed passing through a different second set of SVCs.
US08352646B2	Direct access to cache memory Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for direct access to cache memory. Embodiments include receiving, by a direct access manager that is coupled to a cache controller for a cache memory, a region scope zero command describing a region scope zero operation to be performed on the cache memory; in response to receiving the region scope zero command, generating a direct memory access region scope zero command, the direct memory access region scope zero command having an operation code and an identification of the physical addresses of the cache memory on which the operation is to be performed; sending the direct memory access region scope zero command to the cache controller for the cache memory; and performing, by the cache controller, the direct memory access region scope zero operation in dependence upon the operation code and the identification of the physical addresses of the cache memory.
US08352644B2	Apparatus and methods for USB connection in a multi-processor device Disclosed are apparatus and methods for use in a USB device with multiple processors, allowing shared USB connectivity in the device. The disclosed apparatus and methods allow selective coupling of a first processor to a USB port of the device or to a USB hub operable to route a plurality of USB connections including connection of a second processor to the port. Providing selective coupling of the processors to the port by switching the coupling of the first processor and selectively powering the hub on and off for selective coupling of the second processor, thereby selectively enabling tethered networking such as wireless networking, affords increased power savings in the device. Furthermore, default coupling of the first processor to the port allows for USB battery charger detection, or direct connectivity to USB peripheral devices, as well as providing programming capability via the default coupling of the port to the first processor.
US08352631B2	Method for improving transmission efficiency of physical layer attributes in wireless communication system A method for improving transmission efficiency of physical layer attributes in a wireless communication system is proposed, and the method comprises the following steps of: (a) defining one or more sets of physical layer channel basic attributes that must be supported, and each set being respectively represented by a value of a domain of attributes, that is, a value of Profile; (b) a transmitting apparatus sending a physical layer channel description information, wherein the value of Profile is used to represent the physical layer channel basic attributes supported by the apparatus; (c) after receiving the channel description information, based on the value of Profile within the information, a receiving apparatus judging whether a set of physical layer channel basic attributes corresponding to the value is supported.
US08352625B2	Coded application data unit order recovery in layered multicast Systems and methods are provided which allow receivers to recover the decoding order of network abstraction layer (NAL) units conveyed in different Real Time Protocol (RTP) sessions. An indication of decoding order for application data units (ADUs) in each packet is included in the packet structure of a PACSI NAL unit, when the PACSI NAL unit is a single-time aggregation packet type A (STAP-A) packet and the PACSI NAL unit is the first NAL unit in an aggregation packet (e.g., when a receiver is subscribed to different RTP session that convey NAL units). If the receiver is subscribed to only a base layer RTP session, the CL-DON indication can be ignored.
US08352618B2	Method and system for resolving conflicts between IPsec and IPv6 neighbor solicitation A method of enabling host devices having an IPsec policy to communicate with one another via an IPv6 communication network, which includes the following steps: extracting a Media Access Control identifier (MAC ID) for a target host from a security policy for an IPv6 address for the target host; searching for the MAC ID of the target host in an Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) table on a source host; upon locating the MAC ID of the target host, creating a temporal neighbor cache entry in a neighbor cache table for the target host; and enabling a security association between the source host and the target host based on the temporal neighbor entry in the neighbor cache table, which allows IPv6 communications to be exchanged between the target host and the source host.
US08352617B2	Method and system for data processing A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for protecting data being transferred during a session with an application are presented. In response to receiving a session request that includes an application identifier for an application, a data processing node establishes a session with the application and assigns a session identifier for that session. A session response, which includes the session identifier, to the session request is sent. In response to receiving a first request that includes the session identifier, a first pipe in the session is established. This first pipe enables data related to the first request to be isolated according to an assigned first pipe identifier for the first pipe. A first response to the first request is sent, wherein the first response comprises the session identifier and the first pipe identifier.
US08352616B2	Configuring a network connection A communication system for accessing media items via a display device. A receiver is coupled to the display device and a transmitter is coupled to a computer system. Media items stored locally on the computer system and/or remotely on a remote server may be wirelessly transferred from the transmitter to the receiver for display on the display device. In addition, the transmitter and the receiver may be pre-paired prior to delivery to the user, allowing for the network to be configured without any user input. Advantageously, embodiments provide a user with the ability to conveniently view content stored on a computer or a web server without the user having to perform any wireless network setup procedures.
US08352615B2	Content management A system and method for management and processing of resource requests is provided. A content delivery network service provider determines a class associated with a set of client computing devices and monitors resources requests for the determined class. The content delivery network service provider then identifies at least one cache component for providing additional content, such as advertisement content or other additional content provided in anticipation of future resource requests, to client computing devices as a function of the determined class. In other embodiments, instead of cache components, the content delivery network service provider identifies a second set of client computing devices as a function of the determined class for providing the additional content information.
US08352614B2	Content management A system and method for management and processing of resource requests is provided. A content delivery network service provider determines a class associated with a set of client computing devices and monitors resources requests for the determined class. The content delivery network service provider then identifies at least one cache component for providing additional content, such as advertisement content or other additional content provided in anticipation of future resource requests, to client computing devices as a function of the determined class. In other embodiments, instead of cache components, the content delivery network service provider identifies a second set of client computing devices as a function of the determined class for providing the additional content information.

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