| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07828796B2 |
Method for creating a channel through an occlusion and apparatus therefor
A method for creating a channel through an occlusion located in a substantially elongated body vessel of a patient, The method uses a channel creating apparatus defining an apparatus distal end portion insertable into the body vessel, the channel creating apparatus including an energy delivery component operatively coupled to the apparatus distal end portion for delivering energy substantially adjacent the apparatus distal end portion. The method includes: inserting the apparatus distal end portion into the body vessel; creating a channel first portion through the occlusion harder section using, at least in part, a delivery of energy into the occlusion harder portion; and creating a channel second portion through the occlusion softer portion by pushing the apparatus distal end portion through at least a portion of the occlusion softer portion substantially without delivering energy into the occlusion softer portion. |
| US07828795B2 |
Surgical ablation and pacing device
A surgical device has an integral first tip having pair of electrodes configured to ablate tissue using electric energy. A second tip has a pair of electrodes configured to provide pacing signals to a heart and/or to sense electrical signals passing through heart tissue. The second tip is configured to snap onto the first tip, such that the same device may be used for ablation, pacing, and sensing. Alternatively, the second tip may be integral with the device and the first tip configured to snap onto the second tip. Alternatively, a single integral tip of the surgical device may be used for ablation, pacing, and sensing. Such a multipurpose tip may comprise a plurality of electrode pairs or an array of electrodes. A user interface on the device or elsewhere may be operable to provide selectable modes for selectively varying properties of signals communicated to the electrodes. |
| US07828793B2 |
Methods for treating a hollow anatomical structure
A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments. |
| US07828792B2 |
MRI compatible programmable valve pump
An implantable drug delivery system utilizing a non-magnetic valve/accumulator metering assembly is disclosed. The solenoids of the prior art, which respond to magnetic fields, are replaced by Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires and associated control electronics. By exploiting the inherent characteristics of SMA wires, which can expand and contract based on their temperature, the movements required to actuate the metering assembly can be achieved. This configuration retains the benefits associated with the prior art, while eliminating the major drawback. |
| US07828783B2 |
Absorbent article having an umbilical notch cut
A disposable absorbent article having a non-linear notch cut without the presence of a significantly laterally extending resulting piece. The resulting absorbent article having a front end edge and a back end edge which are complementary. The front end edge having at least three tangential points (a1, a2, b). Tangential point b is longitudinally inboard of a1 and a2. The back end edge having at least three tangential points (x1, x2, y), wherein y is longitudinally outboard of x1 and x2. The absorbent article being longitudinally folded about a first fold line. The first fold line may be drawn between points a2 and x2. The absorbent article being longitudinally folded about a second fold line, said second fold line may be drawn between points a1 and x1. |
| US07828782B2 |
Closed cell culture system
An object of the present invention is to provide a tissue cell culture system whereby a call tissue can be efficiently and quickly proliferated in vivo and the onset bacterial infection in an injured part can be avoided in the course of a treatment. More specifically, a closed cell culture system (1) characterized in that a defection (2) of a tissue on the body surface or inside the body is tightly sealed to form a closed environment free from the invasion of bacteria, etc. and then a solution appropriate for cell culture is circulated in the tissue defection thus sealed to thereby regenerate the defective tissue; and a method of administering a drug which comprises dissolving a remedy in the perfusion with the use of the above system and thus promoting the treatment of the defection. |
| US07828781B2 |
Implantable dialysis access port
An implantable access post having a port casing core with an aperture therethrough, a patch associated with the port casing core, the patch adapted to be sewn to a vessel to connect the port casing core to the vessel to permit fluid communication from the vessel through the aperture of the port casing core, and an insert disposed within the aperture of the port casing core, the insert adapted to prevent fluid flow through the aperture. The insert may be self-sealing and may include a valve. The port may also include a port outer casing at least partially surrounding the port casing core and further including an anti-vessel-compression mechanism. |
| US07828780B2 |
Low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter
Low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter, such as a gastrostomy feeding tube. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptor comprises a body having a lower portion and an upper portion. A first channel is provided in the lower portion, and a second channel is provided in the upper portion, the first and second channels being perpendicular to and in fluid communication with one another. A generally cylindrical stem is coaxially positioned within the second channel, the stem being rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis. The stem is hollow and has an open front end, a closed rear end and a hole in its side wall, the hole being rotatably alignable with the first channel. To facilitate rotational alignment of the hole with the first channel, a stop is formed on the exterior of the stem, the stop being engageable with a surface positioned within the second channel. The front end of the stem is recessed relative to the front end of the second channel to prevent unwanted rotation of the stem. Rotation of the stem from a closed position to an open position is achieved by screwing a syringe onto the front end of the stem. The proximal end of the gastrostomy feeding tube is inserted over the lower portion of the body and is secured thereto with a nut. |
| US07828778B2 |
Medical injector handling device
A handling device for use with a medical injector (11) including a protective sheath (17) for a needle (14) has a carrier (20) with an outer cylindrical wall (21) and a coaxial inner tube (33) which is a close sliding fit over the protective sheath (17). A cylindrical sleeve (24) is slidably mounted within the outer cylindrical wall (21) and is adapted to receive the cylindrical body (12) of the injector (11). A bushing (25) is slidably retained within the cylindrical sleeve (24) and is configured to receive a boss (13, 15) supporting the needle (14) at the forward end of the injector body, a spring (29) urging the bushing (25) towards the rear of the sleeve. A plug (35) is mounted on the carrier (20) and is engaged by the forward end of the protective sheath (17) when the injector is received within the cylindrical sleeve, so that the plug is projected forwardly from the carrier when the injector is fully engaged. On removing the carrier (20) from the injector (11), the plug (35) remains projecting therefrom and the sheath (17) is removed together with the carrier. |
| US07828775B2 |
Telescoping cannula
An apparatus may serve as a surgical portal for the reception of surgical instruments for use in laparoscopic or similar surgery. The apparatus may include inner and outer tubular elongate members adapted for a longitudinal translation relative to one another to effect a length adjustment of the apparatus. An interface between the two elongate members includes a helical thread providing a mechanism for the translation of the elongate members, and indentations in one of the members provides a locking mechanism for affixing the length. |
| US07828774B2 |
Sleeved clip safety
The present invention relates to a safety clip device for shielding and retaining a tip of an introducer needle following insertion of a vascular catheter. The safety clip device includes a sleeve having an interlock system for locking together the sleeve and the catheter adapter. The sleeve houses a safety clip wherein a portion of the introducer needle extends through the safety clip and is pinched between arm portions of the safety clip. As the tip of the introducer needle is withdrawn from the catheter adapter, the tip of the introducer needle is retained in the safety clip, whereafter the safety clip is retained within the sleeve and the sleeve is released from the catheter adapter for safe disposal. |
| US07828772B2 |
Fluid dispensing device
A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from collapsible containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a novel stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable member that functions to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the device reservoir to the patient. |
| US07828770B2 |
Fluid delivery device with variable force spring
A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from collapsible containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a novel stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable member that functions to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the apparatus reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the apparatus reservoir to the patient. |
| US07828763B2 |
Microdialysis probe with a spiral line
A microdialysis probe with a probe body, a probe needle for introduction into a tissue, an inlet line and an outlet line for a perfusion solution and a dialysis membrane, wherein at least one hollow channel forms the outlet line and extends at least partly spirally about the probe needle on an external surface of the probe needle. The inlet for the perfusion solution may also be in the form of spiral about the external surface of the probe needle. |
| US07828757B2 |
Air flow sleeve system and cast structure incorporating air flow sleeve system
An air flow sleeve system for injecting air flow from an air producing mechanism into a cast system preferably includes an air flow sleeve having at least one aperture through which air may flow. A separator is preferably positioned within the air flow sleeve such that it is at least partially longitudinally coextensive with the air flow sleeve. The air flow sleeve may be used with a coupler that may be integrated with the cast system. Preferred embodiments of the cast system include casting material, a comfort layer, and a backing/padding layer. When air from the air producing mechanism flows into the air flow sleeve, the air flow sleeve expands. The backing/padding layer compacts to allow the expansion of the air flow sleeve. The present invention also includes a method for creating a cast structure including the air flow sleeve. |
| US07828748B2 |
Vacuum syringe assisted biopsy device
A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable handpiece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. The reusable handpiece incorporates a probe oscillation mode to assist when inserting the distal piercing tip into tissue. The motor also actuates a vacuum syringe in coordination with movement of the cutter tube to provide vacuum assistance in prolapsing tissue and retracting tissue samples. |
| US07828743B2 |
Medical body core thermometer
A temperature sensing device accurately determines the core temperature of a warm blooded animal or human based on at least one measurement of the temperature of the skin of the warm blooded animal or human. The device includes a housing, and a first contact type temperature sensing element coupled to the housing. The first contact type temperature sensing element includes a first temperature sensor that is operative to measure the temperature of the skin when the first contact type temperature sensing element is in contact with the skin. The first temperature sensor produces at least a first signal representative of the measured skin temperature. An electronic circuit uses the first signal to determine the core temperature of the warm blooded animal or human. An electronic communication device, such as a display, is coupled to the electronic circuit for communicating the core temperature to a user. |
| US07828738B2 |
Steered continuous wave doppler methods and systems for two-dimensional ultrasound transducer arrays
Methods and systems for acquiring spectral and velocity information with a multi-dimensional array are provided. For example, a dedicated receive aperture is formed at a multi-dimensional array for steered continuous wave imaging. Other elements not within the dedicated receive aperture are used for transmitting continuous waves or transmitting and receiving pulsed waveforms in other modes of imaging. As another example, switches or other structures are provided for selecting between a plurality of possible apertures for a steered continuous wave aperture. The selection is performed in response to a configuration of an ultrasound system, such as selection of a focal location or steer direction. The aperture is then used for either transmit or receive operations of steered continuous wave imaging. As yet another example, at least part of the steered continuous wave beamformer is provided within a transducer assembly. The transducer assembly includes a probe housing and a connector housing electrically connected by a cable. In yet another example, at least one angle of a three-dimensional indication of flow direction is input from a user. Velocity values in either steered continuous wave imaging or pulsed wave imaging are corrected as a function of a three-dimensional indication of flow direction. |
| US07828734B2 |
Device for ultrasound monitored tissue treatment
Apparatus is provided, including a housing, adapted for placement on tissue of a subject, and a plurality of transducers, disposed at respective locations with respect to the housing, and configured to transmit energy towards each other, in a plane defined by the housing. |
| US07828733B2 |
Coronal and axial thick-slice ultrasound images derived from ultrasonic scans of a chestwardly-compressed breast
Displaying breast ultrasound information on an interactive user interface is described, the user interface being useful in adjunctive ultrasound mammography environments and/or ultrasound-only mammography environments. Bilateral comparison is facilitated by a pairwise display of thick-slice images corresponding to analogous slab-like subvolumes in the left and right breasts. Coronal thick-slice imaging and convenient navigation on and among coronal thick-slice images is described. In one preferred embodiment, a nipple marker is displayed the coronal thick-slice image representing a projection of a nipple location thereupon. A convenient breast icon is also displayed including a cursor position indicator variably disposed thereon in a manner that reflects a relative position between the cursor and the nipple marker. Preferably, the breast icon is configured to at least roughly resemble a clock face, the center of the clock face representing the nipple marker location. Bookmark-centric and CAD-marker-centric navigation within and among thick-slice images is also described. |
| US07828730B2 |
Device for hemorrhage detection
A device for hemorrhage detection comprising a detector for detecting the presence of blood, the detector being connected to a fixing, apparatus. The fixing apparatus is fixed to the inner wall of a hollow organ. The device further has a transmitting unit by which data transmitted by the detector are adapted to be transmitted to a receiving unit disposed outside the body. |
| US07828728B2 |
Analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to membranes utilized with implantable devices, such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to novel silicone-hydrophilic polymer blend membranes, and to devices and implantable devices including these membranes. |
| US07828726B2 |
Endoscope light source unit
An endoscope light source unit including a light source, for making illumination light incident on a light guide of an endoscope which is disconnectably connected to the endoscope light source unit, the endoscope light source unit includes an aperture device including aperture openings of different opening ratios which are selectively positioned between the incident end face of the light guide and the light source; a reading device for reading endoscope-type information from a memory provided in the endoscope; and a controller for selecting one aperture opening, an opening ratio of which corresponds to the endoscope-type information, for making the selected one aperture opening positioned between the incident end face of the light guide and the light source, and for allowing the light source to be turned ON. The controller prohibits the light source from being turned ON if the reading device cannot read the endoscope-type information. |
| US07828720B2 |
Surgical adapter
A surgical system is provided that includes a device body that has a working channel providing a pathway for an instrument, an extension adjuster engaged with the device body, the extension adjuster also including a stop. The stop is disposed a predetermined distance from the working channel such that the stop and the distal end of the working channel cooperate to define an effective working channel length. The instrument may be inserted through the working channel and protrude outwardly from the distal end of the working channel. The extent of the protrusion is limited by the effective working channel length whereby the stop prevents further insertion of the instrument. |
| US07828719B2 |
Constriction device for male organ to obviate erectile dysfunction
A constriction device (100) for a male organ (170) of a user comprising: a substantially portable base (110); at least two bands (140, 150), each comprising of an elastic central ring (141, 151) tightly adjustable onto said base; each elastic central ring (141, 151) tightly encircling male organ (170) upon releasing the corresponding band (140, 150) from base (110), thereby substantially avoiding back-flow of blood out of the male organ (170) and therefore improving erection of male organ (170). |
| US07828716B2 |
Implantable device and method for adjustably restricting a body lumen
An implantable device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as the urethra of a patient to treat urinary incontinence. The device includes an expandable element or membrane such as a balloon attached pressure-tightly to a flexible conduit at its forward end and includes a rear port portion containing an elastic septum and flow connected to the expandable element by a first passageway. The conduit contains a second passageway which allows it to be slid along an elongated guide probe initially inserted surgically into a patient's body adjacent the body lumen which is to be adjustably restricted. A suitable flowable material is injected from a syringe source into the device rear port sufficient to expand the membrane element and restrict the body lumen to the desired degree. The syringe and guide probe are removed and the skin incision is closed over the rear port end of the implanted device. The rear port septum is located under but near the patient's skin so that if it becomes necessary to post-operatively increase or decrease the degree of body lumen restriction it may be easily accessed with the needle of the syringe. |
| US07828710B2 |
Apparatus comprising a drive cable for a medical device
An article comprising a drive cable suitable for high-speed operation in an anatomy having small-radii bends is disclosed. The drive cables disclosed herein include one or more physical adaptations that enable them to be “tuned” to avoid large amplitude vibrations during operation. |
| US07828705B2 |
Oscillation-type exercise device
An oscillation-type exercise device is provided with a pair of reins on the right and on the left disposed in front of a user seated on a seat portion. Base ends of the pair of the reins are coupled to a pair of extensible mechanisms housed inside the seat portion. Handle portions to be gripped by the user are attached to tip ends of the pair of reins. Each extensible mechanism is configured to change the length of the reins, that is, each extensible mechanism causes the reins to generally extend and retract. |
| US07828704B1 |
Combination limb and abdominal exerciser
The combination limb and abdominal exerciser of the present invention has a first torsional spring coupled between two rods of a set of pivotally connected rod members, such that the expansion or compression of the first torsional spring provides an exercise resistance when the two rods are moved outward away from or moved inward closer to each other by an external force, and the two rods return by the resilience of the first torsional spring when the external force is released, so as to help a user to exercise the upper limbs or exercise the lower limbs. Furthermore, a handle can be axially disposed at the end of each of the two rods, and a second torsional spring is disposed between each handle and the corresponding rod. The user can hold the handles and make the rods to rotate with respect to each other for wrist exercise. |
| US07828696B2 |
Method for controlling engine torque of hybrid electric vehicle with electronic throttle control
A method for controlling engine torque of a hybrid electric vehicle with an electronic throttle control when an engine is restarted after an idle-stop state includes: transmitting torque restriction information to an engine control unit, outputting a restricted torque from the engine control unit using the torque restriction information, transmitting an input torque of the engine to a continuously variable transmission by a clutch operation according to a control of the engine control unit, and supplying a clutch control hydraulic pressure based on the input torque. |
| US07828690B2 |
Ten-speed transmissions
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. |
| US07828689B2 |
8-speed transmission
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, a split sun gear, two fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. |
| US07828682B2 |
Gearbox for a wind turbine
A gearbox for a wind turbine includes a ring wheel unit provided in a housing; a driving shaft designed to be coupled to the rotor of the wind turbine and a single main bearing or a pair of main bearings which rotatably support the driving shaft in the housing. The ring wheel unit is formed of a sun wheel, a planet wheel, ring wheel which is fixed to the housing in a non-rotating manner and a planet carrier which is rigidly connected to the driving shaft. An additional bearing rotatably supports the planet carrier or the driving shaft relative to the housing. Between the part of the housing having the main bearing or the main bearings and the part of the housing with the additional bearing and the ring wheel, an elastic part is provided with relative torsional stiffness, yet relatively flexible to loads in the axial and/or radial direction. |
| US07828674B2 |
Iron golf club head
An iron golf club head includes: a block that is made by a magnesium alloy; and a metal head main body, wherein the block is embedded into the metal head main body. |
| US07828672B2 |
Ball flight adjustment apparatus for a golf club head
A metal golf club head that allows a user to customize the location of the center of gravity. The metal golf club head comprises a hollow body with a weighting port. The weighting port allows a user to place weighting material inside the hollow body, customizing the location of the center of gravity, the swing weight, the total weight, and the balance of the golf club. |
| US07828668B1 |
System for assembly and leveling of playing surface for billiards
A system to allow quick setup of a support structure and connected playing surface with rapid leveling of the playing surface for playing billiards. One embodiment of the invention allows the playing surface to be mounted to a support structure that can be converted to a couch. This embodiment can be placed in residential housing in rooms such as dens, family rooms, or living rooms. Another embodiment of the invention allows the playing surface when mounted to legs rigidly connected to a floor to be used on a concrete patio, a garage with a concrete floor or on a wooden deck. |
| US07828667B2 |
Methods and systems for active filtration of portions of self-contained floating marine parks
A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, a floating water park positioned in a body of water is described, as well as, a floating marine park. A floating marine/water park may include one or more floating containers positioned in a body of a first fluid. One or more of the floating containers may function to hold a second fluid, marine life, and/or participants in water amusement activities. A floating container may include an access point functioning to allow participants to enter/exit one or more of the floating containers. The access point may include a gradually sloping beach portion. |
| US07828665B2 |
Rodeo or riding device
A riding device includes a crank device rotatably attached to a base, and a rider support supported on a carrier and movable relative to the base for supporting a rider, the carrier has a front portion pivotally coupled to the base and a rear portion coupled to the cranks for moving cyclically relative to the base and for allowing the carrier to be moved in an elliptical and reciprocating action relative to the base by the crank device, and a motor or motorized rotating device for rotating the crank device relative to the base in the cyclic and reciprocating action to actuate the carrier and the rider support to move relative to the base in an elliptical and reciprocating action. |
| US07828662B2 |
Plastic slip clutch
A plastic slip clutch for an adjustable drive in an automobile includes a hub (3) which exhibits an inner profile (4), and a shaft (1) which exhibits an outer profile (2). For the purpose of transmitting torque, the shaft with the outer profile is introduced into the inner profile of the hub in form-fitting and force-fitting fashion. The inner profile (4) of the hub (3) exhibits plastic elements (5) for the transmission of force, such that the plastic elements (5) become elastically deformed under the effect of a force exceeding a given threshold force and thereby permit the outer profile (2) of the shaft (1) to slip through inside of the hub (3). |
| US07828660B2 |
Storage medium having game program stored thereon and game apparatus
In a coordinate detection step, a series of coordinate values each of which indicates a position which is on a display screen and is inputted through a pointing device, are detected at intervals of a unit time. Further, an operation state determination step determines whether or not a player is controlling a first object with the pointing device. When the operation state determination step determines that the player is controlling the first object, the selection determination step determines whether or not an input track of the pointing device forms an enclosed area for enclosing a second object based on the series of coordinate values. When the enclosed area has been formed, the first object and the second object are caused to perform predetermined actions. |
| US07828657B2 |
System and method for enhancing the experience of participant in a massively multiplayer game
Methods and systems are provided for transforming music played by characters, objects and non-player characters in order to produce an enhanced audio experience for players within a massively multiplayer game. |
| US07828654B2 |
Location based gaming system
A system for providing access to casino gaming and sports booking is provided which permits a gambler to place wagers using a location based mobile gaming unit. The gambler may access the system through a wireless network. Further, the gambler may be positioned anywhere there is an established local gaming server. A gambler profile may be provided wireless access to the local server along with the games available in the local server jurisdiction based on a global positioning of the mobile gaming unit. |
| US07828653B2 |
Gaming software authentication
A method of preparing memory contents of a gaming machine for subsequent authentication and a method of authenticating the prepared memory contents are disclosed. A first memory stores a game data set and a first authentication code generated from the game data set. The game data set includes game data files and second authentication codes generated from the respective data files. A second memory stores an authentication program for authenticating the first memory's contents, as well as a third authentication code generated from the second memory's contents. To authenticate the memory contents, the second memory's contents are first authenticated and, if deemed authentic, the game data set as a whole and each data file in the first memory are authenticated. The authentication process involves generating fresh authentication codes using the authentication program and comparing the fresh codes with appropriate ones of the stored authentication codes. |
| US07828649B2 |
Gaming system and method for providing group play with divided bonus features
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. Upon a suitable triggering event at a triggering gaming device in the gaming system a bonus event occurs. When the bonus event occurs, the players actively playing each auxiliary gaming device in the gaming system are each provided a chance to participate in the bonus event as well. Each remaining gaming device's chance of participating in the bonus event is based on the individual accumulated bonus event pool for that gaming device. |
| US07828643B2 |
Gaming device having odds of winning which increase as a player's wager increases
A gaming device having a game which requires the same average investment from a player to win an award, including a jackpot award, regardless of the amount that the player bets at any one time. The award can be unchanging, e.g., $10,000, each time a player plays the gaming device. The award can also vary such as with a progressive jackpot, i.e., the jackpot builds until a player “hits” the jackpot. The game enables the average investment necessary to win the jackpot to be uniform by varying the odds of winning the jackpot as the players bet varies. That is, a player betting less money needs to play the game more times, on average, to win the jackpot. Likewise, a player betting more money needs to play the game less times, on average, to win the jackpot. The average overall bet or investment thus remains constant despite the player's betting habits or betting ability. |
| US07828641B2 |
Program for controlling execution of a game, and a game machine for executing the program
Provided are a program and an information processing apparatus for controlling execution of a ball sports simulation game that can provide for a player sensations similar to those experienced when actually playing the sports. The program executed in the information processing apparatus includes the steps of detecting a ball striking strength and a ball operating angle for hitting a golf ball, which are set by a player using an input device; detecting a ball striking operation value and a ball striking angle for said golf ball at the time of hitting said golf ball, which are set by said player using the input device; performing a correction of a specific distance in accordance with said ball striking operation value at the time of hitting said ball to a traveling distance of said ball corresponding to said detected ball striking strength; and determining a flight mode of said ball based on said ball operating angle and said ball striking angle at the time of hitting said ball, which are set by said player using the input device. |
| US07828637B2 |
Method for making a steamship leg of pork cut and the resultant product
The present invention is a method for cutting a pork leg to create a meat cut which includes an exposed bone feature and a squared face. The method for making the exposed bone feature involves trimming shank meat bare from a fibula bone and removing a tibia bone above a knee cap joint leaving a stifle joint intact. The method for making the squared face involves removing light and dark butt trim and a rump point to form a generally flat surface. When oriented downward, the flat surface aligns with any flat support surface and holds the meat cut in a standing position. The standing position directs the exposed bone feature generally upward in a unique and attractive presentation. Additionally, the present invention relates to the resultant product formed by the same method where the meat cut allows for improved roasting, braising, slow-cooking, and carving of a ham roast. |
| US07828635B2 |
Tool, device, and method for gutting fish opened at the stomach cavity
The invention concerns a tool for gutting fish (12) which have been opened at the stomach cavity (11), the tool (13) being designed as a suction element (23) for extraction of the entrails by suction, which is distinguished in that the suction element (23) is allocated an element (35) for clamping and/or squeezing the entrails to be removed. Furthermore the invention concerns an apparatus for gutting fish (12) which have been opened at the stomach cavity (11), including a tool (13) for extraction of the entrails by suction, a measuring instrument (14) which is configured so as to detect specific fish data, and at least one control unit for controlling the tool (13) depending on the specific fish data detected by the measuring instrument (14), which is distinguished in that the tool (13) is designed as mentioned above. The invention further concerns a corresponding method for gutting fish (12). |
| US07828634B2 |
Interconnected-multi-element-lattice polishing pad
The polishing pad (104) is useful for polishing at least one of magnetic, optical and semiconductor substrates (112) in the presence of a polishing medium (120). The polishing pad (104) includes a plurality of polishing elements (402, 502, 602, 702). The polishing elements (402, 502, 602, 702) are aligned in a vertical direction and having a first and a second end. A plurality of junctions (404, 510, 610, 710) connects the first and second ends of the polishing elements (402, 502, 602, 702) with at least three polishing elements at each of the plurality of junctions (404, 510, 610, 710) for forming a tier. Each tier representing a thickness in the vertical direction between the first and second ends of the polishing elements (402, 502, 602, 702). And an interconnected lattice structure (400, 600) forms from connecting sequential tiers of the plurality of junctions (404, 504) that connect the polishing elements (402, 502, 602, 702). |
| US07828632B2 |
Floor finishing machine
A power sanding machine (10) has three circumferentially spaced cogged belts (40) to drive three discs (52) rotatably mounted to an inner bowl (30) which is rotatably mounted to a housing (12), which in turn is connected to an operating handle (14). Mechanical lock can rotationally affix the inner bowl (30) to the housing to circumferentially position a pulley at the left or right edge (326, 322) of the sanding machine or at the front end (330) of the sanding machine. Power cleaning and sanding machines (412, 500, 600) incorporate the three disc (52) arrangement or a direct-drive one disc arrangement (572, 672). The machines (412, 500, 600) include multiple floor finishing units (420, 514, 614) ganged together in unique arrangements. |
| US07828630B2 |
Tool body
A power tool (2) includes a motor (22) pivotally mounted within the housing of the tool. The tool is able to accept any one of a plurality of attachment members (44, 46, 48). |
| US07828613B2 |
Cable terminal connector
This invention is a cable terminal connector, primarily comprising of a U-shaped contact body at the front end of the connector, with a compressible slot located between its upper and lower faces, forming upper and lower resilient clamping faces above and below the compressible slot. When the cable terminal connector's U-shaped contact body is held in place by the cap, the resilient clamping faces on the U-shaped contact body spring back to hold the cap in place, preventing it loosening and increasing the stability of conduction, thereby making it a more effective cable terminal connector. |
| US07828610B2 |
Connector for use with light-weight metal conductors
Connecting elements and methods for the electrical connection between a light-weight metal conductor and an electrical contact, in particular for use in motor vehicles are disclosed. A metal sleeve is cold welded to the conductor. A contact element is connected to the metal sleeve in an electrically conductive manner and can be connected to the contact. A hardenable liquid seals, in a gas-tight manner, a contact element-side opening in the metal sleeve cold welded to the light-weight metal conductor. |
| US07828608B2 |
Connector having terminal holding portion that contacts a mating terminal
A connector (10) has a terminal fitting (17) press-fit into a terminal holding portion (18). The terminal fitting (17) has a wide rectangular cross-sectional shape and includes a lower surface (17A), two side surfaces (17B) standing upward from the opposite lateral edges of the lower surface (17A) and an upper surface (17C) connecting the upper edges of the side surfaces (17B). The terminal holding portion (18) includes two side walls (18B) that interfere with the side surfaces (17B), a bottom wall (18A) formed with lower interfering portions (18E) that interfere with non-touching parts (17D) of the lower surface portion (17A) not to be held in contact with a mating terminal fitting (21) and a ceiling wall (18C) formed with upper interfering portions (18D) that interfere with non-touching parts (17D) of the upper surface (17C) not to be held in contact with the mating terminal fitting (21). |
| US07828607B2 |
Connector
A connector is provided with a housing 10 fittable into a receptacle 52 of a mating connector 50 and a retainer 20 to be inserted into the housing 10 sideways. Cavities 12A, 12B for accommodating terminals are arranged side by side in the housing. The retainer 20 includes a main body 21 with side by side engaging portions 26A, 26B for engaging the terminals. Side walls 31 are provided at the opposite ends in an arrangement direction of the engaging portions 26A, 26B and projecting forward from the main body 21 in a connecting direction with the mating connector 50. Reinforcements 34 project in from front end portions of the side walls 31 in the connecting direction with the mating connector 50 and are at the rear ends of the side walls 31 in an inserting direction of the retainer 20 into the housing 10. |
| US07828604B1 |
Connector assembly
A connector assembly includes a plug connector having a base body and at least one inserting portion extended from a front of the base body. The inserting portion has a substantially circular plug groove of which an inner wall has a portion formed with an anti-mismating portion of plane shape. The anti-mismating portion has a null terminal recess for receiving a null terminal. A socket connector coupled with the plug connector defines an insulating housing having at least one receiving groove at a front surface thereof and a substantially circular receiving portion surrounded by the receiving groove. The receiving portion has a portion formed with an anti-mismating face of plane shape, corresponding to the anti-mismating portion, with a null pin recess formed thereon. A null pin is received in the null pin recess for electrically connecting with the null terminal of the plug connector. |
| US07828602B2 |
Electrical connector with improved contact facilitating low insertion force
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a receiving cavity (110) and a passageway (1130) in communication with the receiving cavity therein, and an electric contact (3) received in the passageway and extending into the receiving cavity for contacting with a complementary connector. The receiving cavity has a pair of surfaces opposite to each other, with one of said surfaces attached to said passageway and the other one standing far away from the passage. The contact has first and second elastic contact engaging portions (311, 313) for physically and electrically connecting with the complementary connector, and the first contact engaging portion is closer to said the other surface of the receiving cavity than the second contact engaging portion. |
| US07828597B1 |
Electrical connector with terminal grooves in communication with each other
Provided is an electrical connector including an insulative housing defining a plurality of terminal grooves therein and extending along a mating direction. A plurality of terminals are designated as signal terminals and grounding terminals and respectively received in said terminal grooves in a manner of two neighboring signal terminals adjacent to one grounding terminal which are designated as a terminal group. The grounding terminal and signal terminals which are in a same terminal group face to each other through a path defined therebetween so as to control impedance of the electrical connector. |
| US07828596B2 |
Microencapsulation seal for coaxial cable connectors and method of use thereof
A coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body, a tubular inner post configured to receive a coaxial cable and a clamping member, whereby at least one surface of the coaxial cable connector is coated with microcapsules creating an adhesive material. An adhesive layer is pre-applied to defined components of the coaxial cable connector in their pre-assembled configuration to avoid increased labor for the connector installer and to ensure a minimal but uniform layer of the microencapsulated adhesive is present on the desired connector components. When the coaxial cable is inserted into and clamped within the coaxial cable connector, the microcapsules are ruptured by the resulting pressure. This results in an adhesive bond forming between the coaxial cable and the connector to create a secure, mechanical bond and moisture seal. |
| US07828592B2 |
Interface module
An interface module includes a housing configured to hold at least one modular jack. The housing is configured to be mounted on a panel. The housing includes an electrically conductive portion. An electrically conductive fastener has a housing interface configured to engage the electrically conductive portion of the housing and a panel interface configured to engage an electrically conductive surface of the panel. The electrically conductive fastener creates an electrical connection between the housing and the panel. |
| US07828586B2 |
High voltage power supply connector system
A connector system is provided for coupling an ionization emitter to an high voltage (HV) supply. The connector system includes one or more contacts for distributing voltage from the HV supply to the emitter. The connector system further includes a detection device that detects an element of an emitter that provides one or more properties of the emitter. The connector system further includes a detection logic device that sets one or more operating parameters of the HV supply according the one or more properties provided by the element of the emitter. |
| US07828582B2 |
Electrical connector having moveable metal latch
An electrical connector (100) for mating with a mating connector (800) along a mating direction includes an insulative housing (1), a pair of latches (7) and a number of terminals (5) received in the insulative housing. The insulative housing has a front face (11), a pair of side walls (13) each defining an opening (131), a pair of receiving spaces (12, 14) defined between the pair of side walls, and a partition (16) disposed between the pair of receiving spaces. The pair of latches are mounted in the openings and each formed with an engaging portion (75). The latch resiliently yields in the opening along a moving direction perpendicular to the mating direction to permit the engaging portion moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. |
| US07828578B1 |
Electrical connector terminal having two contact portions and two leaning portions extending from a base
An electrical connector and a terminal thereof are disclosed. The base portion of the terminal extends upwards to form two flexible arms. Each of the two flexible arms extends towards each other to form a leaning portion. There is a gap between the two leaning portions. Two arm portions extend from two sides of the base portions. The two arm portions respectively have a contact portion. The two contact portions and the two leaning portions are disposed at a front location and a rear location. The two leaning portions and the two contact portions surround to form a receiving space. The present invention can prevent the pins of the chip module from being deformed, improve the usage life of the terminals, and assure that the chip module is electrically connected with the electrical connector. |
| US07828576B2 |
Burn-in test socket having cover with floatable pusher
A test socket comprising an insulative base with a plurality of contacts received in the base and a cover pivotally mounted to one end of the base. The cover comprises a pusher with an opening extending therethrough and a lid aligned with the pusher. The lid has a through hole corresponding to the opening of the pusher. Between the pusher and the lid have a plurality of elastic members for making the lid moveably with respect to the pusher. |
| US07828567B2 |
Carrier and an assembly including a carrier and a telecommunications module
A carrier useful in the field of telecommunications to which a plurality of telecommunications modules are mountable. The carrier includes at least one spacer adapted to create a wire or cable slack by spacing the wires or cables from that part of the carrier on which the spacer is provided. An assembly comprising at least one carrier and at least one telecommunications module is also disclosed. |
| US07828563B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device including an electronic device main body provided with an external device connection terminal and a plurality of manipulation keys, an external device manipulation unit to surround the connection terminal, the external device manipulation unit being movable in at least two positions, and a main control unit to control manipulation signals input from the manipulation keys and the external device manipulation unit is provided. |
| US07828562B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a base having a plurality of through holes, and a plurality of conducting pins respectively located in the through holes. There is a convex block located at the side wall of the base for each of the through holes. Each of the conducting pins has an arm portion. The arm portion and the convex block are located at the same side. The arm portion has a through opening, and one end of the arm portion is bent and extended to form a contacting portion. The contacting portion has an opening that links with the through opening to form a channel that makes the convex block pass through the channel without interference. Because of the lack of interference, the conducting pin will not be damaged due to contact with the convex block when the conducting pin is installed into the through hole. |
| US07828561B2 |
Pin for insertion into a receiving opening in a printed circuit board and method for inserting a pin into a receiving opening in a printed circuit board
A pin having a contact part may be inserted into a receiving opening in a printed circuit board and anchored in the receiving opening with a press fit. Also, a method provides for inserting a pin into a receiving opening in a printed circuit board, in which the pin is inserted into the receiving opening from one side of the printed circuit board, and a contact part of the pin is anchored in the receiving opening with a press fit. The contact part is inserted into the receiving opening in a contactless manner or with a sliding fit and is subsequently deformed within the receiving opening by expansion transversally to the insertion direction in order to anchor the contact part in the receiving opening with a press fit. |
| US07828558B2 |
Electrical connector and electrical system using the same
The present invention provides an electrical connector system comprising an IC package and an electrical connector. The electrical connector comprises a base defining a plurality of passageways, a plurality of contacts received in the passageways, and a cover moveable relative to the base from a first position to a second position. The contacts each have a resilient arm extending out of the passageway and extending in a space defined by a lower surface of the cover and a mating surface of the base. The IC package is mounted on an upper surface of the cover, defining a plurality of pins through a plurality of through holes of the cover. During movement of the cover from the first position to the second position, the pins press on a surface of the resilient arm of the contact in a vertical direction and the resilient arms deflect toward an adjacent passageway. |
| US07828550B2 |
Activating endodontic points and dental tools for initiating polymerization of dental compositions
Activating endodontic points and dental tools are sized and configured to be placed in the root canal of a tooth. The activating endodontic points or dental tools are coated or impregnated with a curing agent that initiates or accelerates polymerization of a sealer or filling composition when placed in contact with the sealer or filler material. Curing agents can include amines that can destabilize a peroxide in the sealer or filler material to initiate or accelerate polymerization. Kits are also disclosed that include a plurality of endodontic points or dental tools that have different concentrations of curing agent coated on or impregnated within the endodontic points or dental tools such that the endodontic points or dental tools have different cure times. In another kit, a plurality of curing agent compositions are provided for dipping a substrate to coat or impregnate substrates having different concentrations of curing agent. |
| US07828545B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing structures with multiple undercut stems
A method is disclosed for producing structures having a plurality of stems extending away from a fenestrated base to undercut ends. Such structures include slidingly-engaging fastener portions, hook-and-loop hook portions, self-engaging fastener portions, and other structures with similar aspects. The method includes providing a set of partially bypassing dies to define a fenestrated common cavity contiguous with pluralities of undercut stem chambers, filling the cavity with a moldable material, and ejecting the resultant product. The resultant product includes a plurality of undercut stems spaced away from a base with undersides projecting over fenestrations in the base. |
| US07828544B2 |
Concrete panel construction system and method of making panels
A concrete building panel has a slab and a plurality of ribs and beams. A series of horizontal holes in the end ribs are spaced at a selected constant spacing such that adjacent panels may be fastened together through them. In one type of panel, the slab is separated from the ribs to provide an air gap. Connections between holes in two adjacent concrete wall panels are made by a hollow conduit having an abutment at either end to engage the concrete wall panels. Other connections between adjacent panels involve a stitch with legs which extend through holes in the beams. Other connections involve a space made by vertical channels of horizontally adjacent panels. A plate fitted into the space aligns the adjacent panels and may extend upwards to align upper panels. Load bearing horizontal holes through the ribs are reinforced with reinforcing bar in the concrete arranged in generally triangular shapes. The concrete panels are formed vertically in a gang form. Connections between a roof panel and another roof panel or a wall panel are described. |
| US07828539B1 |
Fabrication of three dimensional aligned nanofiber array
Disclosed are methods of forming three dimensional arrays of aligned nanofibers in an open, loose structure of any desired depth. The arrays are formed according to an electrospinning process utilizing two parallel conducting plates to align the fibers and rotating tracks to distribute the fibers throughout the array. Arrays can be used as formed, for instance in tissue engineering applications as three dimensional scaffolding constructs. As-formed arrays can be combined with other materials to form a composite 3-D structure. For instance, composite polymeric materials can be electrospun to form composite nanofibers within the array. Multiple polymeric materials can be electrospun at different areas of the array to form a composite array including materially different nanofibers throughout the array. The arrays can be loaded with other fibrous or non-fibrous materials to form a composite array. Arrays can also be rolled to form a uniaxial fiber bundle. |
| US07828535B2 |
Pressure sealed tapered screw pump/motor
A fluid pump (10) or motor (100) includes a pair of enmeshed tapered rotors (22,24,122,124) having intersecting axes of rotation. The first rotor (22,122) includes a small low pressure end (34,54,134,154) and a larger high pressure end (32,52,132,152) and a spiral thread (36,56,136,156) that increases in width and depth as it progresses from the high pressure end (28,128) to the low pressure end (26,126). The second rotor (24,124) enmeshes with the first rotor (22,122), and has an identical structure, except that its threads (36,56,136,156) progress in the opposite direction. Both rotors (22,24,122,124) are mounted on sliding splines (42,62,142,162) which permit them to move, to a limited extent, into and out of their respective receiving cavities. The pressure on the high side (28,128) of the pump (10) or motor (100) tends to urge the rotors (22,122,24,124) against the walls (16,20,116,120) of the receiving cavities thereby improving their sealing capabilities and the overall efficiency of the pump (10) or motor (100) as a whole. |
| US07828533B2 |
Positive displacement motor/progressive cavity pump
Disclosed is a progressive cavity device. In some embodiments, the device includes a stator with an inner surface having a number of lobes and a rotor disposed within the stator and having a different number of lobes. The stator lobes define a major diameter and a minor diameter, where the major diameter circumscribes the stator lobes and the minor diameter inscribes the stator lobes. A rotor-stator, defined as the major diameter divided by the minor diameter, is selected from the group consisting of 1.350 or less for a progressive cavity device with a stator having two lobes, 1.263 or less for three lobes, 1.300 or less for four lobes, 1.250 or less for five lobes, 1.180 or less for six lobes, 1.175 or less for seven lobes, 1.150 or for eight lobes, 1.125 or less for nine lobes, and 1.120 or less for ten lobes. |
| US07828524B2 |
Necklace style portable cooling device
A personal cooling device especially adapted to be worn around the neck of the user formed by an enclosure, a power source carried in the enclosure, a centrifugal flow impeller carried within the enclosure, a motor carried within the enclosure for powering the impeller and an air duct formed around the impeller. The enclosure is provided with an air inlet and an air discharge opening adaped to direct an air stream toward the user when hung around the user's neck. |
| US07828523B2 |
Rotor blade for a wind turbine having a variable dimension
A rotor blade 1 includes a main blade section 10, and an extension flap 20. The extension flap 20 is moveable relative to the main blade section 10. At least the main blade section 10 and the extension flap 20 form an airfoil lifting surface of the blade. A dimension of the airfoil lifting surface is variable by moving the extension flap 20 relative to the main blade section 10. |
| US07828520B2 |
Fan
A fan includes a fan blade wheel and a fan frame. A fan wheel seat is disposed at the center of the air outlet of the fan frame and the air outlet faces a heat generating component. An air inlet of the fan frame is disposed opposite to the air outlet. The fan wheel has a hub with first blades and projections extending radially from the circumferential side of the hub. The projections are disposed between every two of the first blades alternately such that it is auxiliary for guiding airflow outward the fan smoothly. Hence, air pressure at the air outlet increases greatly for enhancing effect of heat dissipation effectively. |
| US07828519B2 |
Axial flow fan
The present invention provides an axial flow fan capable of increasing an air volume and a static pressure more than conventional axial flow fans, and also capable of reducing generation of noise. A guide wall portion 33 is provided to form a guide groove 31 between the guide wall portion 33 and one stationary blade 11. The one stationary blade 11 is disposed in the vicinity of a lead wire engaging portion 25 provided at a housing 3. The guide groove 31 receives a plurality of lead wires 10 and guides the lead wires 10 to the lead wire engaging portion 25. When the guide wall portion 33 is provided and the lead wires 10 are received in the guide groove 31, presence of the lead wires 10 may have less adverse effect on the air volume and the static pressure, and may generate less noise. |
| US07828517B2 |
Variable-geometry turbocharger with asymmetric divided volute for engine exhaust gas pulse optimization
A turbine assembly for a variable-geometry turbocharger includes a turbine housing defining a divided volute having first and second scrolls, wherein the first scroll has a substantially smaller volume than the second scroll. The first scroll feeds exhaust gas to a first portion of a turbine wheel upstream of the throat of the wheel, while the second scroll feeds gas to a second portion of the wheel at least part of which is downstream of the throat. Flow from the second scroll is regulated by a sliding piston. The first scroll can be optimized for low-flow conditions such that the turbocharger can operate effectively like a small fixed-geometry turbocharger when the piston is closed. The turbine housing defines an inlet that is divided by a dividing wall into two portions respectively feeding gas to the two scrolls, a leading edge of the dividing wall being downstream of the inlet mouth. |
| US07828516B2 |
Device for support of an adjusting ring which encompasses at a distance a circular blade carrier
The invention relates to a device for support of an adjusting ring which encompasses at a distance a basically circular blade carrier, which adjusting ring is rotatable in the circumferential direction around a center axis which is identical with the blade carrier, in order to adjust radially extending blades of a ring of a turbo-engine, wherein a plurality of levers are provided between the blade carrier and the adjusting ring, which levers are distributed over the circumference, extend tangentially in each case, and which on their free ends have a rotatable roller in each case, which are rollable in the circumferential direction on the adjusting ring or on the blade carrier. According to the invention, the lever is tightly clamped on one side to disclose a wear-free and reliable device for support of an adjusting ring which encompasses at a distance a circular blade carrier. |
| US07828513B2 |
Air seal arrangement for a gas turbine engine
The air seal arrangement is for a disc wheel in a gas turbine engine. The disc wheel comprises a sleeve portion having an outer surface. The arrangement comprises a static knife edge seal in registry with the outer surface. The static knife edge seal has a free end adjacent to the outer surface. |
| US07828512B2 |
Arrangement for supporting a shaft of a vacuum pump and a vacuum pump with such an arrangement
An arrangement for supporting a shaft of a vacuum pump includes a first bearing for supporting the shaft at one of its end, a second bearing for supporting the shaft at another of its ends and formed as a rolling bearing, a holder for receiving the second bearing and including an oscillating base, a fixation member secured in the vacuum pump housing, metallic connection members for connecting the oscillating base with the fixation member and axial springs arranged between the oscillating base and the fixation member and providing for the axial stiffness of the holder which is greater than its radial stiffness thereof and greater than the axial stiffness of the first bearing. |
| US07828510B2 |
Fan
This is related to a fan including a casing, a first impeller structure, a second impeller structure, and at least one driving device. The casing has an outlet and an air-containing portion having an entrance and an exit provided inside the casing. The first impeller structure and the second impeller structure are installed inside the casing, and include a first blade set and a second blade set, respectively. The first blade set is located corresponding to the entrance of the air-containing portion. The second blade set is located corresponding to the exit of the air-containing portion. The driving device drives the first and second impeller structures. |
| US07828509B2 |
Fuel pump for engine
A fuel pump includes a bearing element disposed in proximity to an impeller. The bearing element is configured to form a fuel seal with the impeller and to drain fuel leaked from the pump chamber back into the pump chamber. The bearing element minimizes leakage of fuel from the pump chamber into an engine coupled to the impeller. The fuel pump also includes redundant lip seals configured to provide redundant sealing relative to a shaft of the impeller within the fuel pump in order to minimize engine oil from entering the pump chamber and to minimize fuel from entering the engine. Integration of both the bearing element and the redundant lip seals as part of the fuel pump results in the fuel pump having a relatively compact size. |
| US07828508B2 |
Fuel pump
A fuel pump includes an outer partitioning wall formed with an intake port; an inner partitioning wall formed with a discharge port; and an impeller housed between the outer partitioning wall and the inner partitioning wall, wherein each of the outer partitioning wall and the inner partitioning wall is formed with a fuel flow path that communicates with the intake port and the discharge port in a portion opposing a blade body provided on a periphery of the impeller, and the intake port is provided with an eddy current prevention section that prevents inflowing fuel from forming an eddy current. |
| US07828507B2 |
Stack turning apparatus with multiple drive means to straighten and eject stack from turntable
An apparatus for forming stacks of flat objects 12, in particular printed products, comprises a compartment 10 which is mounted for selective rotation about a vertical axis and whose compartment space 10′ is bounded on two mutually opposite sides by bounding elements 68, 72. In the ejection direction A, the compartment is bounded by upstream guide elements 66 and downstream guide elements 70. The flat objects 12 are fed to the compartment 10 from above and come to lie in a stack formed on the compartment base 28. The upstream guide elements 66 and downstream guide elements 70 can be moved independently of one another in order, firstly, to permit the ejection of the stack formed and, secondly, to permit the stacked objects 12 to be held firmly during the rotation of the compartment 10. |
| US07828506B1 |
Dual drive drywall lift system
A dual drive drywall lift system for efficiently lifting a panel either manually or through an external motor. The dual drive drywall lift system generally includes a lifting unit including at least one telescoping member, a first drive unit mechanically connected to the lifting unit, wherein the first drive unit selectively extends and retracts the telescoping member(s) outwardly via a manual force input member and a second drive unit mechanically connected to the lifting unit, wherein the second drive unit selectively extends and retracts the telescoping member(s) outwardly via a powered force applied to the second drive unit. |
| US07828504B2 |
Combination load lock for handling workpieces
A combination load lock apparatus is provided, wherein a chamber is coupled to two or more valves in selective fluid communication with two or more respective volumes. A support member for supporting a workpiece is disposed within an interior portion of the chamber, wherein a translation apparatus is operably coupled thereto. The translation apparatus is operable to rotate and/or translate the workpiece on the support member about and/or along a first axis, wherein a detection apparatus associated with the chamber is operable to detect one or more characteristics of the workpiece during the rotation and/or translation thereof. The workpiece may be further rotated in a predetermined manner based on the one or more detected characteristics. A recess is further defined in the interior portion of the chamber, wherein the translation apparatus is operable to translate the workpiece into and out of the recess to reduce particulate contamination thereon. |
| US07828503B2 |
Bookbinding coil end cutting and crimping machine
A machine for cutting and crimping the ends of a helical coil inserted into holes at an edge of a book to hold the coil in place is adjustable to accommodate different diameters of coil. A guide member for centering the axis of the coil in a centering direction is adjustable to accommodate different diameter coils and for adjusting the location of the axis in an adjustment direction at right angles to the centering direction depending upon the diameter of the coil. A cutting device has a blade movable in a slot of an anvil to shear on one side and to bend on the other side to form a crimped end portion. The adjustment of the axis causes the cutting device to cut the end portion longer for larger coils. The cutting device is adjustable to rotate the anvil relative to the axis to accommodate different helix angles. |
| US07828502B2 |
Mounting unit for the fastening eyelet of a belt buckle
A mounting unit (1) serves to rotatably and captively fasten a screw (2) to a mounting part (3), especially the fastening eyelet (4) of a belt buckle of an automobile, a truck or a different commercial vehicle. The mounting unit (1) includes a screw (2) including a head (5), a shank portion (6) and a threaded portion (7) including a thread (8), the shank portion (6) being arranged in a region between the head (2) and the threaded portion (7). The mounting unit (1) furthermore includes a mounting ring (10), the mounting ring (10) being arranged on the shank portion (6) not to be movable in a direction of the screw axis (11), the mounting ring (10) including at least one retaining element (13) being designed and arranged such that a mounting part (3) can be pushed over and beyond the retaining element (13) in a way that the mounting part (3) can be fastened by the retaining element (13) such that the screw (2) is arranged to be rotatable with respect to the mounting part (3) and not to be movable in the direction of the screw axis (11). |
| US07828500B2 |
Threaded engagement element with self-locking threads
A threaded engagement element comprising a body having a longitudinal axis and a thread adapted to be received by a corresponding thread of a second element. The threads are characterized by a thread parameter. The body has first and second portions that each has a different value for the thread parameter. The body may have more than one thread count or more than one geometry. This configuration creates a threaded engagement element with self-locking threads, which prevents unintentional loosening. |
| US07828499B2 |
Erosion control system
An erosion control system for reducing erosion under effluent flow conditions. The system includes an erosion control mat anchored over an erosion susceptible area. The anchoring system uses an anchor positioned below the soil, connected to the mat by a flexible strap. Due to its high shear resistance, the system may be used in high effluent flow areas, such as drainage ditches and creeks. |
| US07828497B2 |
Construction and design method
A retaining wall for supporting and stabilizing cut or fill areas of excavation and a method of constructing a retaining wall. The wall is preferably constructed by applying the concrete pneumatically. The method comprises installing a backing board while the vertical wall is pneumatically constructed. The backing board may be selectively removed after application of concrete. The footing and vertical wall can be constructed monolithically utilizing this method. This method of construction yields a high strength wall with very few construction steps and uses materials efficiently. The flexibility in the design and advantages regarding accessibility, along with needing fewer workers for construction, are also a large benefit. |
| US07828495B2 |
System and method of chemical injection using an adjustable depth air sparging system
A supplemental fluid adjustable depth air sparging system which is used to remediate contaminants from groundwater within the soil. An adjustable depth air injection point injects compressed air mixed with a chemical oxidizer or nutrient into saturated or groundwater regions of the soil's subsurface to remove contaminants including chlorinated solvents from the soil's subsurface. |
| US07828494B1 |
Buoy assembly
A buoy assembly for at least partially containing a floating material on a surface of a body of water in a selected area thereon. The buoy assembly includes a roll subassembly with a core element defined by a central axis thereof and a concentric roll of a predetermined length of a barrier material wrapped around the core element, the barrier material extending between a fixed end attached to the core element and a free end thereof, and a body defining a cavity therein, the body including a mounting subassembly for locating the roll subassembly in a predetermined position therein. The body includes an aperture through which a deployed length of the barrier material passes as the deployed length exits the body, the aperture being formed for twisting the deployed length into an at least partially helical configuration. |
| US07828491B2 |
Travel bar for use with a ring mechanism
A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages has supporting hinge plates for pivoting motion relative to a housing to open and close ring members. The mechanism further includes a thin, flat travel bar between the housing and the hinge plates. The travel bar moves relative to the hinge plates between a position blocking the hinge plates against pivoting when the ring members are closed and a position allowing the hinge plates to pivot when it is desired to open the ring members. The travel bar is supported in a generally vertical orientation by the hinge plates within a guide in the housing. The guide controls movement of the travel bar lengthwise of the housing. |
| US07828489B1 |
Keyboard with a pair of pivotable keying modules
A computer keyboard incorporates a base member, a keying module and a spacing member coupled therebetween. The spacing member is pivotable over a range of angles to allow the keying module to be retained at a range of discrete, desired angles above a support structure such as a desktop. An embodiment incorporates two such assemblies linked together by a sliding member, further allowing the keying modules to be spaced apart laterally from each other by a desired distance. Another embodiment incorporates a hinged linking member, allowing the keying modules to also be angled with respect to each other about an axis normal to the support plane. |
| US07828488B2 |
Developing apparatus, developing method, coating and developing system and storage medium
A developing apparatus includes two rotating members respectively having parallel horizontal axes of rotation and disposed longitudinally opposite to each other, a carrying passage forming mechanism extended between the rotating members to form a carrying passage, and capable of moving along an orbital path to carry a wafer supported thereon along the carrying passage, a sending-in transfer unit disposed at the upstream end of the carrying passage, a sending-out transfer unit disposed at the downstream end of the carrying passage, a developer pouring nozzle for pouring a developer onto the wafer, a cleaning nozzle for pouring a cleaning liquid onto the wafer, and a gas nozzle for blowing a gas against the wafer. The developer pouring nozzle, the cleaning nozzle and the gas nozzle are arranged in that order in a direction in which the wafer is carried along the carrying passage. |
| US07828485B2 |
Roller bearing
The clearance between the outer peripheral surface of an annular portion of a cage and the inner peripheral surface of each of rib portions of outer-ring split pieces is set to be smaller than the clearance between the radial end surface of a projection portion of the cage and the inner peripheral surface of each of body portions of the outer-ring split pieces. When a centrifugal force due to engine rotation acts upon the cage, the inner peripheral surface of each of the rib portions of the outer-ring split pieces touches the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion of the cage before the inner peripheral surface of each of the body portions of the outer-ring split pieces touches the radial end surface of the projection portion of the cage. Thus, the radial displacement of the cage can be prevented in good time. |
| US07828483B2 |
Angular contact ball bearing
An upper surface of an outer ring is disposed axially inwardly of an end surface of a larger-diameter annular portion of a cage, and an outer diameter of the end surface of the larger-diameter annular portion of the cage is larger than an inner diameter of a lower surface of the outer ring. Chamfered portions for facilitating the taking-out of an outer ring assembly from the lower side of a stack of outer ring assemblies are formed respectively at the end surface of the larger-diameter annular portion of the cage and the lower surface of the outer ring. |
| US07828482B2 |
Tungsten carbide enhanced bearing
A plain bearing has two components, each having a bearing surface; the bearing surfaces being in sliding engagement with each other. The bearing may be a spherical plain bearing having an outer ring that has a concave bearing surface and an inner ring that has a convex bearing surface. One of the bearing surfaces comprises a layer comprising tungsten carbide. One component may have spaced-apart seating surfaces for engaging a moving structure and a generally concave interior that includes an internal rib between the seating surfaces. A spherical plain bearing can be made by providing an outer ring and an inner ring includes an internal rib, and disposing the outer ring around the inner ring with the convex bearing surface engaging the concave bearing surface. The bearing may be used in a swashplate assembly. |
| US07828477B2 |
Aspirated enhanced total air temperature probe
A total air temperature probe includes an inlet through which airflow enters a primary airflow passage through the probe. A sensor flow passage is connected to the primary flow passage. Bleed ports extend between the primary airflow passage and a cross-port which extends laterally across the probe. An aspiration aperture in the cross-port couples the cross-port to an internal cavity of a strut of the probe. The aspiration aperture can be centered within the cross-port to provide symmetrical deicing heater error behavior of the probe during changes in angle of attack. An aspiration tube couples the internal cavity of the probe to a pressure source. |
| US07828475B2 |
Motorcycle engine blender station
A blended drink concession apparatus has a motorcycle engine, mounted in a motorcycle engine display area. The motorcycle belt is powered by the motorcycle engine and the motorcycle pulley is also powered by the motorcycle engine. The motorcycle pulley operates a shaft and the shaft operates a belt. The belt operates the blender shaft. The blender connector is powered by the blender shaft. A variety of hundred jars each having a blender blade is powered by the blender shaft connector. Thus, users can have blended drinks from the power of a motorcycle engine. Optionally, propane can be injected into the exhaust and ignited for visual effect. Optionally, handlebars mounted in front of the engine provide additional decoration. The motorcycle handlebars may have gearshift control, start and kill switch or other controls. The blended drink concession apparatus is mounted on a trailer that can be pulled around from event to event. |
| US07828473B2 |
Illuminating apparatus and display apparatus using the same
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel with a backlight module including a light-emitting diode (LED)-based illumination device is disclosed. The illumination device includes more than one LED of the waveguide type for use as a light source of the backlight. The LCD panel includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal (LC) layer interposed between these substrates, and a polarization plate. Output light of the LED is linearly polarized in advance. A waveguide is arranged for giving off polarized light components from the LED only in a chosen direction to thereby permit incidence in parallel with a polarized light transmission direction of the LCD polarizer plate. The LED is amounted and arranged so that the polarized light transmission direction of the polarizer plate is the same as the polarization direction through an optical system associated therewith. |
| US07828465B2 |
LED-based fixtures and related methods for thermal management
LED-based lighting fixtures suitable for general illumination in surface-mount or suspended installations, in which heat dissipation properties of the fixtures are significantly improved by decreasing thermal resistance between LED junctions and the ambient air. In various examples, improved heat dissipation is accomplished by increasing a surface area of one or more heat-dissipating elements proximate a trajectory of air flow through the fixture. In one aspect, various structural components of the fixtures are particularly configured to create and maintain a “chimney effect” within the fixture, resulting in a high air-flow rate, natural convection cooling system capable of efficiently dissipating the waste heat from the fixture without active cooling. |
| US07828463B1 |
Lunar resonant lighting
A method and apparatus to control a lighting source such as a streetlight and modulate the output of the lighting source so that artificial illumination is reduced when moonlight is available to illuminate the area. The apparatus includes a sensor assembly for detecting moonlight in the night sky, an electronic circuit for processing the sensor signals in combination with moonrise and moonset data, and modulating the power applied to the lighting source in response to the intensity of the incident moonlight. |
| US07828461B2 |
LED luminaire for generating substantially uniform illumination on a target plane
A luminaire that can provide a beam pattern having a substantially uniform illuminance across a target plane includes a plurality of LEDs mounted on a support and at least one reflector fixed with respect to the support and cooperating with the plurality of LEDs. |
| US07828448B2 |
Illumination unit and image projection apparatus employing the same
An illumination unit and an image projection apparatus employing the same. The illumination unit includes: a first reflective surface reflecting light incident thereon; a light-emitting device generating and emitting illuminating light; and a second reflective surface reflecting light emitted from the light-emitting device to a light source surface that includes the light-emitting device. |
| US07828446B2 |
Video projector
An angle adjusting mechanism (3) of a video projector (1) comprises a support (31) which can be pulled out downward from a bottom (2e) of a lower housing member (2b) to protrude a desired height, a lock member (32) to lock movement of the support (31), a link lever (33) to release locking of the support (31) by the lock member (32) when it is moved, and an operation button (35) having a top end portion (35e) inserted into a button hole (2c) of a upper housing member (2a) and movably held on a mounting base (33b) of the link lever (33) in a direction substantially parallel to the top face (2d) on which the button hole (2c) is formed. |
| US07828444B2 |
Projection apparatus
A projection apparatus including an illumination system, a light valve, a first optical element, a first projection lens, and a second projection lens is provided. The illumination system is suitable to provide an illumination beam, and the light valve is disposed on a transmission path of the illumination beam. The light valve is suitable to convert the illumination beam into an image beam. The first optical element is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam. A portion of the image beam is reflected by the first optical element, and a remaining portion of the image beam passes through the first optical element. The first projection lens is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam passing through the first optical element, and the second projection lens is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam reflected by the first optical element. |
| US07828443B2 |
Projector
A projector includes an integrator illumination optical system. The integrator illumination optical system includes: a first lens array having a plurality of first small lenses, a second lens having a plurality of second small lenses, and a polarization converter including: polarization separating layers. The second small lenses of the second lens array are each arranged with its convex surface oriented to the light-irradiation side. A light shield section is provided on a portion on an incident-side surface of the polarization converter, the portion excluding a light-incident surface corresponding to the polarization separating layers. An extending portion is formed on one of the second lens array and the polarization converter in a manner extending toward the other one of the second lens array and the polarization converter, the second lens array and the polarization converter bonded and fixed to each other by bonding and fixing the extending portion to the other one. |
| US07828442B2 |
Film-feeding mechanism
A film-feeding mechanism is provided having at least one conveying claw for intermittently transporting a motion picture film that is provided with perforations which extend parallel to the lateral edges thereof. Said film-feeding mechanism further includes at least one locking claw whose tips engage into a perforation in order to ensure picture steadiness, and a film-guiding device that aligns the motion picture film. Lateral film-guiding elements of the film-guiding device are disposed so as to be at least partly movable relative to the lateral edges of the motion picture film. |
| US07828438B1 |
Method and apparatus for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's using non-invasive eye tomography by Terahertz
The objective of the present method and apparatus is to provide a portable diagnosis system for a quick and reliable method to examine the conditions of a human eye-lens. The method provides precise and safe technique for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) which is not involved brain surgery or biopsy. The detection of deposited layers of amyloid plaque in the eyes of the patient has been discovered to be a possible diagnosis solution. The disclosed method uses terahertz waves instead of laser for scanning the eye of the AD patient to precisely image the amyloid layer non-evasively in real time and to map the deposited plaque with high resolution which can easily distinguish the abnormality of an AD patient with the comparison of the patient eye-lens test to the available signature of a normal person and the signature of a person with common age-related cataracts. |
| US07828437B2 |
Fundus oculi observation device and fundus oculi image processing device
A fundus oculi observation device comprises: an image forming part configured to optically acquire data and form a tomographic image of a fundus oculi of an eye; a storage configured to store optical information representing a state of an ocular optical system of the eye; a calculator configured to calculate a magnification of the ocular optical system, based on the optical information; and an analyzer configured to analyze the tomographic image, based on the magnification. |
| US07828436B2 |
Ocular imaging
A system for performing quasi-elastic light scattering and fluorescent ligand scanning on a subject's eye includes a light source configured to transmit light toward the subject's eye, a lens configured to focus light sent from the source and scattered by the subject's eye, a measurement reflector disposed to receive at least a portion of the focused light and configured to reflect a first portion of the received light, a camera configured and disposed to receive the first portion of the received light and configured to provide indicia of an image corresponding to the first portion of the received light, and a processor coupled to the camera and configured to analyze intensities of light in the image to determine a location of a reference point corresponding to an interface of a portion of the eye. |
| US07828430B2 |
Transparent optical component with cells separated by walls
A transparent optical component comprises a set of cells (15) juxtaposed on a surface of the component. Each cell encloses a determined substance so as to endow the component with particular optical characteristics, and two neighbouring cells are separated by a wall (18). Some walls are not straight at the surface of the component, so that the light diffracted by the walls does not form any luminous glint or any flashing. In particular, the walls can be curved or made up of straight segments disposed end-to-end. |
| US07828429B2 |
Eyeglass retainer device
An eyeglass retainer device attachable to an eyeglass frame includes a plurality of flexible tubular segments which are interconnected to form a string of flexible tubular supports and adjustable to change the length of the string. One or more clamps are employed to lock the flexible tubular segments against movement once adjusted. |
| US07828427B2 |
Glasses with reflective frame
A structure of reflective glasses includes a frame having a main front section with opposed side ends for supporting at least one lens, the frame further including a pair of side sections extending rearwardly from the respective opposed side ends of the main front section and at least one retroreflective element attached to each of the side sections to be visible by others in low-light conditions. |
| US07828425B2 |
Ink circulation system, inkjet recording apparatus, and ink circulation method thereof
An ink circulation system, an inkjet recording apparatus having the ink circulation system, and an ink circulating method thereof. The ink circulation system includes an ink tank including an ink outlet and an ink inlet, a head assembly including a head chip through which an ink is discharged, and a filter, a supply path which supplies the ink of the ink tank to the head assembly, a first feed line through which ink of the head assembly at the upstream of the filter is conveyed into the ink tank, a second feed line through which the ink of the head assembly at the downstream of the filter is conveyed to the ink tank, and a pump which is provided at the ink inlet of the ink tank to provide the first and the second feed lines with a negative pressure to circulate the ink. |
| US07828423B2 |
Ink-jet printer using phase-change ink printing on a continuous web
A printing apparatus includes a printing station, including at least one printhead for applying phase-change ink to the substrate, and a backing member disposed on an opposite side of the substrate substantially opposite the printhead, the backing member causing the substrate to reach a predetermined ink-receiving temperature. |
| US07828419B2 |
Ink jet recording head and method of manufacturing the same
An ink jet recording head includes a substrate having a plurality of energy-generating elements that generate energy for discharging ink droplets and an ink supply port extending in a direction in which the energy-generating elements are arranged, a plurality of discharge ports that are provided correspondingly to the energy-generating elements, a discharge-port-forming member provided on the substrate and including a plurality of ink passages that include the energy-generating elements and connect the supply port and each of the discharge ports, and a rib provided on a surface of the discharge-port-forming member opposite the supply port and extending in a direction in which the energy-generating elements are arranged. A surface of the rib opposite the supply port has a protective layer. |
| US07828412B2 |
Ink jet printer
An ink jet printer for printing on a substrate comprising a first print head outputting ink and defining an ink meniscus; a platen operable to carry the substrate; a support structure; and a print head mechanism coupled to the support structure and carrying the first print head. The print head mechanism moving the first print head relative to the platen. A controller controls the print head mechanism such that at least one of a predetermined acceleration and predetermined deceleration of the print head mechanism is achieved such that the ink meniscus is operably maintained. |
| US07828411B2 |
Liquid ejection method, liquid ejection apparatus, double-side printing method and image recording apparatus for double-side printing
A print unit includes, a first ejection head which ejects a first liquid, a second ejection head which ejects a second liquid and disposed on an upstream side of the first ejection head in terms of a first direction; a conveyance device which conveys a recording medium relatively with respect to the print unit; and a switch-back unit which reverses a conveyance direction of the recording medium, from the first direction, to a second direction opposite to the first direction. Only the first ejection head ejects the first liquid toward the recording medium when the recording medium is conveyed in the first direction; the switch-back unit reverses the direction from the first direction to the second direction; and only the second ejection head ejects the second liquid toward the recording medium when the recording medium is conveyed in the second direction. |
| US07828408B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus having a liquid ejection head, a maintenance portion that maintains the liquid ejection head, a pressure source that applies pressure to the maintenance portion, and a valve unit that controls the pressure applied from the pressure source to the maintenance portion. The valve unit includes a valve body, a first passage defining member, a second passage defining member, a first passage, and a second passage. The first passage defining member and the second passage defining member are located at opposite sides of the valve body. The first passage is defined between the valve body and the first passage defining member. The second passage is defined between the valve body and the second passage defining member. The valve body has a first passage valve that closes the first passage when the valve body moves in the first direction and a second passage valve that closes the second passage when the valve body moves in the second direction. The first passage valve and the second passage valve are provided at opposite sides of the valve body and associated commonly with the valve body. The first passage valve is capable of selectively opening and closing a pressure line defining a portion of a passage extending between the maintenance portion and the pressure source. The second passage valve is capable of selectively opening and closing an atmospheric air passage that exposes the maintenance portion to the atmospheric air. |
| US07828407B2 |
Printhead spittoon
A printing system includes a printhead; a print drum for transporting print media in the printing system including to the printhead; and a spittoon disposed on the print drum for receiving ink from a spitting operation of the printhead. A method of performing a spitting operation for a printhead includes rotating a print drum with respect to the printhead, where the drum comprises a spittoon disposed on the drum for receiving ink ejected from the printhead during the spitting operation; aligning the spittoon on the drum with the printhead; and spitting ink with the printhead to the spittoon. |
| US07828405B2 |
Correction table generation method and method of controlling correction table generation apparatus
In a multi-valued printer that uses discontinuous index patterns, if a tone correction table is generated using sampled density patches, a table which is different from a table to be obtained and has no inflection point is obtained, and the print density characteristics after tone correction suffer discontinuity. To solve this problem, an output gamma table used to output measurement patches is set to linearly correct the printer print characteristics. Patches are output and their densities are measured. A reverse table of a “signal value—density” table is generated, and is smoothed using a recursive curve. The smoothed reverse table is finely adjusted to generate an intermediate output gamma table. The generated table undergoes index component correction, thus generating a tone correction table. |
| US07828397B2 |
Tension member structure of crawler
The present invention relates to a crawler used for transporting continuous-track vehicles for construction, civil engineering, agricultural use or the like. More particularly this invention relates to a structure of a tension member of the crawler, in which a plurality of tension members concentrically wound are juxtaposedly inserted in the transverse direction of the crawler, and therefore the tension member is prevented from being delaminated and the durability and the workability and productivity can be more improved. The present invention is characterized in that each of the tension members is concentrically wound several times, and the wound members are arranged juxtaposedly in the transverse direction of the crawler, thereby forming the tension members in the form of plural layers. |
| US07828396B2 |
Crawler track
In a crawler track comprising at least one guide wheel and caster wheels at a track carrier, at least one driving wheel for the track, and a guide wheel tensioning device including at least one tensioning member which acts on the guide wheel via a tensioning lever supported at the track carrier, the guide wheel is provided in a guide part which is exclusively linearly moveable and is laterally supported in the track carrier with a slide block arranged between the guide part and the tensioning lever, which slide block can slide crosswise and relatively to the linear direction of movement of the guide part while transmitting the tensioning force substantially parallel to the linear direction of movement of the guide part. |
| US07828388B2 |
Crushable armrest assembly
An armrest for use with a motorized vehicle is provided comprising first and second substantially opposing surfaces elongated longitudinally along the vehicle's interior surface and extending laterally inward therefrom. The armrest also includes a substantially vertical wall portion extending from the inner periphery of the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces define a plurality of channels oriented substantially parallel to one another and elongated longitudinally relative to the vehicle, in either a parallel or oblique fashion relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The plurality of channels is configured to sustain substantial vertical loading and controllably deform under a predetermined threshold lateral crush load. In addition, the plurality of channels preferably includes one or more partitions within each of the channels that are oriented relative to one another to thereby create a load path for lateral loads imparted to the armrest assembly. |
| US07828384B2 |
Device for adjusting height of automobile seat
A height adjusting device for an automobile seat is disclosed. The height adjusting device includes a sector gear (13) arranged between a side frame section (1) of a seat cushion frame of the seat and a linkage arm (2) and supported to a fixing pin (2a) of the linkage arm (2), a plating pin (16) for interconnecting the linkage arm (2) and a linkage rod (4), the planting pin (16) being provided at the sector gear (13), and a spiral spring (14) stretched between the fixing pin (2a) projected from the linkage arm (2) and the planting pin (16) with an innermost end portion (14a) thereof being retained around an end of the fixing pin (2a), and with an outermost end portion (14b) thereof being retained around an end of the planting pin (16). |
| US07828380B2 |
Pew style seating assembly
A pew style seating assembly includes a plurality of seat members, each of which is pivotable, independently from all others of the plurality of seat members, between an occupied position and an unoccupied position. Each seat member, when in the occupied position, defines a seating area above a top surface thereof, with the seating areas defined by the plurality of seat members defining a continuous and uninterrupted pew seating area spanning the plurality of seat members. The seating assembly further includes a single, continuous seat back attached to each of the seat support members and spanning the entire pew seating area, such that the plurality of seat members are associated with the single, continuous seat back. |
| US07828379B2 |
Vehicle seat with system for facilitating relieving of fatigue of person sitting on the seat
There is disclosed a vehicle seat provided with a system for facilitating relieving of fatigue of an occupant on the vehicle seat, the vehicle seat including a seat back, the system comprising an occupant's body-motion promoting means 6 provided in an interior of the seat back 1 for repeatedly locally pressing the occupant on the vehicle seat, to thereby promote blood circulation of the occupant, a lateral acceleration sensor 8 provided in the interior of the seat back 1 for detecting accelerations that are applied in right and left lateral directions relative to a vehicle, and an acceleration-distinction control circuit provided in the interior of the seat back 1 for causing the body-motion promoting means 6 to be maintained in a drivable state according when an acceleration detected by the lateral acceleration sensor 8 is in a predetermined value range, for causing drive of the body-motion promoting means to be once stopped when the lateral acceleration becomes an excessive value exceeding an upper limit of the predetermined value range during the drive of the body-motion promoting means, and for returning the body-motion promoting means to the drivable state when the lateral acceleration drops toward the predetermined value range from the excessive value. |
| US07828377B2 |
Collapsible articles of furniture
Articles of furniture having a collapsible frame including a support assembly having a pair of collapsible longitudinally extending members coupled for angular movement about a pivot axis between open and closed positions and movable transversely of and through the axis between extended and retracted positions. Also includes mechanism for releasably securing each of the members in extended position and for preventing angular movement of the members from the closed to the open position when either and both of the members are out of extended position. |
| US07828376B2 |
Open roof construction for a vehicle
An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening defined in a roof part of the vehicle includes a roof assembly having at least one panel that is movable between a closed position in which it closes the roof opening and an open position in which it opens the roof opening and is positioned at least partially above an adjoining roof part. A first device moves the rear edge of the panel towards a raised position relative to the closed position and above the adjoining roof part. A second device includes a lever for moving the front edge of the panel in a vertical direction. The lever has a lower pivoting axis, an upper pivotal connection to the panel and an intermediate guide connection, connecting the lever to a guiding slide. A guide mechanism is provided for guiding the panel towards the open position when the rear edge thereof is in the raised position. The lever of the second device is arranged such that the guide connection is closer to the upper pivotal connection than to the lower pivoting axis. |
| US07828374B2 |
Structure of the front part of a motor vehicle
The front end structure of a motor vehicle includes a fender support and a fender for attachment to the fender support and an absorber, which is mounted between the fender support and the fender, and wherein the absorber is constructed as a profiled deformation element to which a number of add-on pieces can also be attached. |
| US07828373B2 |
Polycarbonate panel assembly for a vehicle
A vehicle glazing panel assembly has a polycarbonate panel supported by a vehicle body, and has a plurality of peripheral regions. A reinforcement member is mounted to the polycarbonate panel proximate at least one of the plurality of peripheral regions to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing panel assembly thermoforms a polycarbonate panel. A reinforcement member is injection molded. The reinforcement member is joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A vehicle glazing panel assembly is manufactured by a method of thermoforming. A reinforcement member is formed and joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. |
| US07828371B2 |
Mounting structure of drivers cab to base frame and construction machine therewith
A restraining means includes a shaft member projecting laterally from a frame member, and a plate which is fixed to a base frame and in which an insertion hole capable of inserting the shaft member therethrough is formed. The restraining means is configured so that an inner surface of the insertion hole and the shaft member are not in contact with each other within a moving range of a drivers cab allowable by an installation mount, and so that the inner surface of the insertion hole is in contact with an upper surface of the shaft member when the drivers cab is lifted from the base frame beyond the moving range. |
| US07828366B2 |
Motor vehicle door
The rear unit comprises first and second doors for a motor vehicle. The first and second doors respectively comprise first and second tailgates, the second door carrying the first tailgate. The first rear door has hinge means for hinging the first tailgate relative to the body of the motor vehicle, which means are fastened to the first tailgate. The first tailgate is pivotally movable relative to the body about a main pivot axis of the hinge means. The main axis is also suitable for moving in at least one guide slideway for guiding the main pivot axis in translation relative to the body in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. |
| US07828358B2 |
Storable seat for vehicle
One aspect of the invention includes a seat movable in a front-rear direction between an in-use position and a stored position. The seat is moved in the front-rear direction via a link. The link is coupled pivotally in the front-rear direction. One end of the link is coupled to a coupling member fixed to the seat. The other end of the link is coupled to a coupling member fixed to the floor. The link and the respective coupling members are coupled to each other using an axial member. The insertion hole is formed in a shape that inhibits the axial member from undergoing positional displacement in the front-rear direction within the insertion hole when the seat is at the in-use position and allows the axial member to undergo positional displacement in the front-rear direction within the insertion hole as the seat is moved from the in-use position to the stored position. |
| US07828353B2 |
Refuse tipper latching device and method
Slidably mounted within the cylinder 108 of the accumulator 46 is a piston 48. A spring 50 is positioned behind the piston 48, which biases the piston 48 toward port 56. The portion of the cylinder 108 occupied by spring 50 is vented to the atmosphere by breather 52, which allows air to pass in and out of cylinder 108. As a result of the spring 50 acting on the piston 48, fluid is collected, stored, and released from the cylinder 108 under pressure. It should be understood that the accumulator could collect, store and release fluid under pressure using energy storage devices other than spring 50. For example, the accumulator 46 could be gas. |
| US07828349B2 |
Resilient device for door handle and knob
The resilient device contains two intermediate plates stacked and sandwiched between two outer plates. The intermediate plates have a center opening for accommodating a rotational seat and a spiral spring in the gap between the rotational seat and the intermediate plates. The ends of the spiral spring are attached to the rotational seat and the intermediate plates, respectively. An axle of a door knob or a door handle runs through the outer plates and engages a saw-toothed center opening of the rotational seat. When the door handle or door knob is turned, the spiral spring is tightened as the rotational seat is turned along with the door handle or door knob. When the door handle or door knob is released later, the spiral spring expands and therefore restores the door handle or door knob back to its original, un-turned state. |
| US07828346B2 |
Securing shipping container for transport
The method described here is for securing a shipping container for transport, and includes the steps of: providing a shipping container having a bolt-type seal lock module, a sensor module mounted to an interior surface of the shipping container configured to wirelessly communicate data to the bolt-type seal lock module, and an RF device mounted on an inside surface of a door of the shipping container; providing a bolt; associating the sensor module with the RF device such that the RF device is specifically coded with a sensor module to deter spoofing the short-range communication link formed between the RF device and the sensor module; associating the sensor module with the bolt-type seal lock such that the bolt-type seal lock is specifically coded with the sensor module to deter spoofing communications between the bolt-type seal lock and the sensor module; and sealing the shipping container. |
| US07828344B2 |
Bolt-type seal lock having separate housing, connected to locking body, with electronics for detecting and wireless communicating cutting of bolt
The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions, a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft, and a microchip containing a unique serial number of the bolt; a locking body having a passageway with an open end for receiving and retaining the distal portion of the shaft of the bolt in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the open end of the passageway; and a housing connected to, and movable relative to, the locking body, having electronics and a power source therein. The electronics and the housing are configured to read the unique serial number of the bolt from the microchip. |
| US07828342B2 |
Reusable locking body, of bolt-type seal lock, having open-ended passageway and U-shaped bolt
The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a U-shaped shaft with first and second end portions; and a locking body having a passageway therethrough with first and second open ends on opposite sides of the locking body for receiving the first end portion of the shaft of the bolt, and an opening for receiving the second end portion of the shaft of the bolt. The locking body is configured to receive and retain the shaft in locking engagement; and the locking body is configured to permit passage of the first end portion of the shaft through and out of the second open end of the passageway, and withdrawal of the second end portion of the shaft from the opening. |
| US07828341B2 |
Storage container
To provide a storage container which can inhibit and prevent generation of dust due to the motions of an advancing and retracting element, whose door element can be formed with a reduced space and thickness and which can prevent contamination of the articles accommodated therein, the storage container includes a container body 1 for storing precision substrates, a door element 10 that opens and closes the front of container body 1 and a locking mechanism 20 for locking and unlocking door element 10 that covers container body 1. Locking mechanism 20 is constructed of a rotary plate 21 that is supported by door element 10, a first advancing and retracting plate 26 that, in accordance with the rotation of rotary plate 21, advances toward the peripheral wall of door element 10 when door element 10 is locked and retracts to the reference position inside door element 10 when door element 10 is unlocked; a second advancing and retracting plate 32 which is supported by the front end part of first advancing and retracting plate 26, and projects out from the peripheral wall of door element 10 and fits into an engaging recess 3 of container body 1 when door element 10 is locked and returns from engaging recess 3 of container body 1 toward the door element when door element 10 is unlocked; a guide rib 37 which makes the second advancing and retracting plate 32 incline in the thickness direction of the door element 10 as the plate is being projected. |
| US07828335B2 |
Interchangeable pipe coupling
A coupling to connect pipe, including lengths of pipe, valves, hoses, and pipe and hose fittings, includes a body having an opening to closely receive the end portion of the pipe to be coupled. One embodiment of the coupling includes an end having a grooved end portion extending partially around the receiving opening with an internal groove therein and a recessed end portion extending partially around the opening and interrupting the internal groove, the end face of the coupling body being stepped and defined by both the grooved end portion and the recessed end portion. Jaw members move between a position to allow the pipe to move into or out of the coupling body and a position securing the pipe in the coupling body. An insert may be provided to lock the jaw members in position. |
| US07828331B2 |
Variable load limiting device for seatbelt retractor to reduce occupant injury
A variable load limiting device for a vehicle safety belt assembly is provided for controllably restraining a vehicle occupant by the vehicle safety belt assembly during deceleration of a vehicle. The device includes a body including a fluid chamber for containing a free-flowing fluid therein. A wiper assembly is operably disposed in the fluid chamber and selectively coupled to the vehicle safety belt assembly. The wiper assembly creates a pressure differential within the fluid chamber when a force in excess of a predetermined value is applied to the vehicle safety belt assembly. A throttle valve is operably connected to the body for controlling fluid pressure in the fluid chamber. |
| US07828330B2 |
Vehicle front body structure
Vehicle front body structure includes, in each of its left and right sections, a damper housing having mounted thereon an upper portion of a suspension damper; a front side frame having the housing attached thereto; a damper housing connection bracket inserted in an opening of the frame; a welding section formed on the housing and fixed to the bracket; a lid fitted in the opening to form the frame as a closed-sectional-shape structure. The body structure also includes a collar nut provided within the side frame and supporting a sub frame, and each of the housings has a lower section connected to the collar nut. |
| US07828327B2 |
Airbag apparatus
An airbag apparatus includes a tether interconnecting a front fabric of an airbag and an inflator to retain the airbag in an occupant restraining deployed configuration. Back fabric of the airbag has an opening portion for discharging gas, ejected from the inflator into the airbag, to outside the airbag. A fabric member that has an outward peripheral portion greater in size than the opening portion of the back fabric is mounted to the inflator, and the fabric member is disposed within the airbag. |
| US07828321B2 |
Inflatable side curtain that moves occupant's head away from vehicle side structure
Apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant (152) of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The apparatus (10) includes a vehicle occupant protection device (14) deployable away from the vehicle roof (18) into engagement with the occupant's head (150) positioned against the side structure (16) to move the occupant's head laterally away from the side structure. |
| US07828318B2 |
Airbag system for vehicles
The airbag system for vehicles includes an airbag housing, a sliding door and a connection member. The airbag housing has a gas injection hole, through which inflation gas is injected into an airbag cushion when a vehicle collision occurs. The sliding door moves over the gas injection hole to control the amount of inflation gas injected into the airbag cushion. The connection member is connected between the airbag cushion and the sliding door such that the sliding door is moved by the inflation of the airbag cushion. |
| US07828316B1 |
Display enclosure trailer for boats
A boat trailer that has a retractable display cover and support structure to fully enclose a sport boat during transport and provide multiple display surfaces for commercial endorsement indicia thereon. The trailer incorporates enclosure trailer frame panels with removable undercovers and selectively retractable cover frame with stressed flexible material panels and a storage access enclosure on an integrated boat support and launching frame. |
| US07828314B2 |
Vehicle suspension systems
A wheel suspension system having under powered acceleration a squat response that begins in the realm of anti squat and passes through a point of lessened anti squat at a further point in the travel. |
| US07828311B1 |
Wheelchair
A wheelchair includes a wheelchair frame, a pair of rear wheels and a pair of front wheels carried by the wheelchair frame, a drive motor drivingly engaging at least one of the pair of rear wheels and the pair of front wheels, a pair of wheelchair tracks detachably carried by the wheelchair frame and a locomotion assist assembly carried by the wheelchair frame. |
| US07828310B2 |
Chassis structure for mid-wheel drive power wheelchair
A chassis structure for a mid-wheel drive power wheelchair includes a pair of restricting racks each having a first restricting plate and a second restricting plate. Each restricting plate has a slot at a central portion thereof. A first fixing member is inserted through one end of the first restricting plate and the slot of the second restricting plate, and a second fixing member is inserted through one end of the second restricting plate and the slot of the first restricting plate, so that the two restricting plates overlap to extend and restrict with each other for maintaining a steady and balancing ride. |
| US07828308B2 |
Stabiliser bar for a vehicle
A stabilizer bar assembly for a suspension arrangement in a vehicle has a first diameter D1. The stabilizer bar assembly includes a first housing with a resilient first bushing and a second housing with a resilient second bushing allowing pivotal movement of the stabilizer bar about the first and second housings. The stabilizer bar include a receiving arrangement for the first bushing, the receiving arrangement including a pair of bulges each having at their apexes a second diameter D2 exceeding the first diameter D1. The receiving arrangement includes two peripheral surfaces inclining towards a midsection with a decreasing cross-sectional area from the apex of the bulges to the midsection. The first bushing and the second bushing are the same. A stabilizer bar with or without the receiving means can be mounted with the same bushings. |
| US07828303B2 |
Gliding board assembly and a device for retaining an article of footwear on the board
An assembly for affixing footwear to a gliding board, such as fixing a boot to a cross-country ski, such assembly including a retention device, or binding, an interface to be positioned between the retention device and the gliding board, the interface having a receiving surface for receiving the retention device and the retention device having a support surface to be supported on the interface, the receiving surface of the interface and the support surface of the retention device being mechanically non-compatible. The assembly further includes an adapter to couple the interface to the retention device, the adapter having a support surface mechanically compatible with the receiving surface of the interface, as well as a receiving surface mechanically compatible with the support surface of the retention device, the support and receiving surfaces of the adapter being opposite with respect to one another. |
| US07828301B2 |
Self-energized backup ring for annular seals
An apparatus is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an annular seal (e.g., an o-ring) and a backup ring to provide support to the annular seal. A gland is provided to accommodate the backup ring and the annular seal. The gland has a contact surface which is adapted to contact a corresponding contact surface of the backup ring upon inserting the backup ring into the gland. The diameters of the contact surfaces of the backup ring and gland are sized such that the contact surface of the backup ring radially interferes with the contact surface of the gland, thereby urging the backup ring out of the gland. A retention mechanism, such as interlocking grooves, protrusions, ridges, notches, slots, or the like may be provided in the backup ring and gland respectively to prevent the backup ring from completely exiting the gland. |
| US07828297B2 |
Leaf seal, in particular for a gas turbine
A leaf seal for sealing a shaft rotating about an axis, in particular in a gas turbine, includes a plurality of spaced-apart leaves disposed in a concentric circle around the axis and fixed in position. Each of the leaves includes a surface oriented essentially parallel to the axis and an integrally formed element configured to position and retain the leaves in the leaf seal. |
| US07828292B2 |
Sheet conveying device and image forming apparatus
A spring is bridged between a pair of press levers, and a pair of driven rollers is pressurized uniformly, so that clamping and conveying force of the sheet of paper P on the front side and rear side by conveying rollers and the driven rollers is made equal such as Pf=Pr, the sheet of paper P are prevented from being skewed, while the sheet of paper P are clamped and conveyed by a conveying device, and the good conveying of the sheet of paper P is improved, thus the image quality is improved. |
| US07828291B2 |
Mechanism for conveying sheet
In a sheet conveying mechanism, a first bulging space and a second bulging space are provided on a downstream side and an upstream side, respectively, of a conveying path. The second bulging space has a length L1 along the conveying path. The conveying path between the first and second bunging spaces is defined to have a length L2. The lengths L1 and L2 are set to satisfy a predetermined relationship with a frequency of noise propagating through the conveying path. The sheet conveying mechanism can inexpensively reduce noise generated inside the conveying path during sheet conveyance without hindering the conveyance of the sheet. |
| US07828289B2 |
Stacker tray assembly for a photocopier
A stacker tray assembly for a photocopier is easily mounted or removed from the copier, and permits facile handling of large copies. The stacker tray assembly for a photocopier for producing large copies has a main plate which has a copy side for insertion into the copier and a copy receiving end for receiving copies oppositely disposed therefrom. The stacker tray assembly also has a tilt plate at the copy receiving end to support the copies, as they exit the copier. |
| US07828288B2 |
Multi-functional peripheral device and adjustable paper output holder
A multi-functional peripheral device is provided. The multi-functional peripheral device includes a bottom frame and a top frame that is installed so as to be movable with respect to the bottom frame. The height of a paper stacker, to which paper is delivered and stacked, is controllable, since the top frame is movable with respect to the bottom frame. |
| US07828286B2 |
Automatic document scanner with upright visible document images
Digital scanning of document sheets with a substantially vertical scanning system is provided by sequentially feeding the uppermost document from an upright input loading and image viewing area to a scanning head, and then to an output, along a sheet feeding path which is substantially linear, planar and vertical, but also somewhat rearwardly inclined, defined by a correspondingly rearwardly inclined document rear supporting surface and a substantially horizontal bottom edge supporting surface providing a lateral movement guide and at least initial gravitational registration and support of the bottom edges of the loaded documents. The scanned documents can be automatically ejected to stack in the collated order in which they were fed to be scanned by automatically deflecting them forwardly (outwardly) from their substantially vertical rearwardly inclined lateral movement path onto a forwardly inclined stacking area. |
| US07828284B2 |
Mailpiece selector device having an adjustable guide
A mailpiece selector device including at least one guide co-operating with a plurality of opposite selector rollers passing through a deck for receiving a stack of mailpieces. The guide co-operating with the rollers to select the mailpieces one-by-one and to transport them downstream. The guide presenting a predetermined inclination at an angle θ relative to a horizontal plane defined by the deck, with a distance between the deck and a low end portion of the guide that is larger at the portion of the guide that is closer to a referencing wall than at the portion of the guide that is further away from the referencing wall. |
| US07828283B2 |
Sheet feed method and apparatus including pivotally mounted pick arm
Various embodiments of a sheet feed apparatus for an electronic device are disclosed. The sheet feed apparatus includes a mount pick arm that pivotally moves closer to a stack of media as the media is picked from the stack of media. A pick arm is pivotally connected to the mount pick arm and picks media from the stack of media. |
| US07828282B2 |
Pick-arm member to detect media amount
An imaging system includes a media holder configured to hold a plurality of sheets of media. A pick arm, including a pick roller, is positioned to contact an individual sheet of the plurality of sheets of media in the media holder. A member has a measurable property that is sensed by a sensor in correlation with a position of the individual sheet of the media in the media holder. The member or the sensor is movable by the pick arm along a path such that the measurable property is sensed by the sensor in order to provide a signal indicative of the position of the individual sheet of media in the media holder. The member produces zero drag upon the individual sheet of media. |
| US07828281B2 |
Sheet post-processing apparatus and sheet post-processing method
When a sheet is conveyed from a processing tray to a stacking tray, a bar-like pushing member is moved in a direction of the stacking tray in synchronization with an ejector. Consequently, simultaneously with the movement of the sheet by the ejector, a lower surface of a leading end of the sheet is pushed to relax and reduce a contact force between the lower surface of the leading end of the sheet and the stacking tray (or an upper surface of a sheet already stacked on the stacking tray). As a result, static friction at the leading end of the sheet is changed to dynamic friction and the entire sheet is conveyed to the stacking tray without bending. |
| US07828279B2 |
Document transport apparatus
A method of scanning documents obtains the document that is to be scanned from an input tray, transports the document at a transport velocity past a scanner to obtain image data therefrom, and stacks each scanned document aligned with trailing-edge registration in a sloped output tray, in the order of scanning, by a sequence that detects the trailing edge of the scanned document, feeds the leading edge of the scanned document from an exit nip in a forward direction and above the sloped output tray at a transport velocity, then changes the speed at the exit nip to an exit velocity, different from the transport velocity, according to the timing of the trailing edge detection. The trailing edge of the scanned document is ejected at the exit velocity. The exit nip speed is restored to the transport velocity for feeding the leading edge of a subsequent document. |
| US07828275B2 |
Humidifier for use with heated air source
A humidifier utilizes a plurality of disposable filters and air from a source of heated air flow emanating from a floor, wall, or ceiling. The humidifier provides an energy efficient device comprising a container having a water reservoir formed from an inner support portion, a plurality of tunnels for transporting heated air throughout the container, and a plurality of evaporation filters. The evaporation filters extend into the water reservoir so that water is absorbed onto the filters by way of capillary action. The humidifier is appointed to be placed proximate to a source of heated air so that water absorbed by the evaporation filters evaporates into the heated air and is diffused into a room. |
| US07828273B2 |
Method and apparatus for humidifying gas and for condensing steam on condensation nuclet
For the reliable condensation of steam on condensation nuclei in an aerosol flow and therefore for enlarging the particles in the aerosol, the invention provides a method which is characterized in that condensation nuclei are passed through an inner area of an evaporating zone forming a flow area, the liquid to be evaporated is contacted with the flow area and evaporated therein and the thus produced steam is condensed on the condensation nuclei. The invention also provides an apparatus for condensing steam on condensation nuclei with an inlet for condensation nuclei and an evaporating zone constructed in such a way that a flow area for the condensation nuclei has a heated liquid duct open thereto and that a condensation flue is connected to the flow area. The invention also provides methods and apparatuses for counting particles, for producing monodisperse aerosols using the aforementioned method or the aforementioned apparatus. |
| US07828272B2 |
Carburettor
The carburetor (1) includes a flow duct including rich (60) and lean (50) flow passage in parallel, through which, in use, air flows in a flow direction and which are separated by a substantially planar partition (30), at least one fuel jet 5 communicating with the rich passage (60), the partition (30) including an aperture (40) towards which the fuel jet (5) is directed, and a substantially planar butterfly valve (20) being received in the aperture (40) so as to be pivotable between a first position, in which the flow duct is substantially closed and the aperture (40) is substantially open, and a second position, in which the flow duct is substantially open and the aperture (40) is substantially closed, the upstream half of the aperture (40) being defined by an upstream semi-annular seating ledge (48) affording an upstream seating surface which is engaged by one of the surfaces of the butterfly valve (20) when it is in the second position and a first end surface which extends between the upstream seating surface and that surface of the partition (30) which is directed towards the lean passage (50), the downstream half of the aperture (40) being defined by a down-stream semi-annular seating ledge (49) affording a downstream seating surface which is engaged by the other surface of the butterfly valve (20) when it is in the second position and a second end surface, which extends between the downstream seating surface and that surface of the partition (30) which is directed towards the rich passage. |
| US07828269B2 |
Disposable valve unit for regulating a flow of urine
A valve unit for regulating a flow and a disposable urine bag are provided. The valve unit includes an inlet portion and an outlet portion separated from each other by a slide valve. The slide valve includes a female part in direct communication with the inlet portion and the outlet portion and a male part axially displaceable in liquid-proof contact with the female part. The male part includes a closing position wherein a portion of the male part is outside the female part and an open position wherein the male part allows liquid passage between the inlet portion and the outlet portion by means of a communication part. The female part includes a tubular member open at both ends and having a tubular wall extending along the entire length of the male part in the open position for deterring displacement of the male part to the closed position. |
| US07828268B2 |
Condensate free valve handle
The present invention provides a valve actuator for a valve that includes a cylindrical body that is thermally nonconductive and configured to engage a valve stem. A cylindrical adjuster is positioned coaxially with the body. A shaft extends through the adjuster and the adjuster is axially movable between a first position and a second position such that when the adjuster is in the first position a first engaging means engages a second engaging means thereby fixing the position of the adjuster relative to the body. When the adjuster is in the second position the adjuster is radially movable relative to the body. A spring is aligned with the shaft and configured to bias the adjuster toward the first position such that the first engaging means engages the second engaging means thereby fixing the position of the adjuster relative to the body. |
| US07828266B2 |
Compressed air taking out apparatus
A valve body of each of low and high-pressure couplers is urged in a close direction in to a supply side of a partition. A stem that penetrates through an opening portion and projects into the receive side is connected to the valve body. A cylinder portion is formed on the receive side of the partition. A locking mechanism is provided in a vicinity of an end portion of the cylinder portion. A movable sleeve having an annular projecting portion is provided on an inside of the cylinder portion. Each of low and high-pressure plugs has an annular projecting surface that can engage with the annular projecting portion, a flange that engages with an end portion of the cylinder portion, and an engaging portion that can engage with the locking mechanism. |
| US07828265B2 |
Solenoid valve
A valve is provided that includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat therebetween. The valve includes a valve member movable towards the valve seat towards engagement with a stop, and away from the valve seat when the solenoid is energized. The valve member has an opening in which a valve element is received. A spring urges the valve member and valve element towards the valve seat, and a solenoid moves the valve member away from the valve seat. The spring biases the valve member to a closed position, in which the valve element engages the valve seat, and the valve member engages a stop that prevents the valve member from impacting against the valve element that is seated against the valve seat. The solenoid when energized causes the valve member to move upward and pull the valve element away from the valve seat. |
| US07828258B2 |
Personal accessory hanger
A cantilever, gravity hanger for holding by hanging a personal accessory, operatively attachable to, or integrated with, such an accessory. The hanger, in an operative condition poised for holding such an accessory, includes (a) an elongate central body, (b) a pair of spaced, elongate arms joined to opposite ends of the body, and extending laterally outwardly from a common side of the body in diverging relation to one another, and (c) accessory-connection traveler structure including a traveler carried captively on, and shiftable freely and reversibly along the length of, one of the arms. |
| US07828257B2 |
Anesthesia equipment lift system
An anesthesia equipment lift which couples to a table to provide an anesthesia equipment mount surface coupled to a lift element which travels from a first location to a second location to position mounted inhalation anesthesia equipment proximate to a patient located on the table surface to perform inhalation anesthesia. |
| US07828255B2 |
Supporting rack having compensating mechanism
A supporting rack having a compensating mechanism includes a rack body, an action force compensating assembly, a transmission element and a supporting plate. The rack body has a base and support arms. The action force compensating assembly is provided in the rack body. The elastic element is firmly connected to the base. One end of the dragging piece is connected to the hooking plate. The rotating piece is provided on a distal end of the support arm. The other end of the dragging piece is connected to the rotating piece. One end of the transmission element is firmly connected to the rotating piece and pivoted on the support arm. Via the above arrangement, an appropriate force can be applied to the supporting plate. When the user intends to adjust the supporting plate, the elastic element can generate an effect for compensating the action force, thereby providing a better operation feeling. |
| US07828254B2 |
Hair accessory holder and organizer
A hair accessory organizer for holding many different types of hair accessories. The hair accessory organizer is magnetized to hold hair accessories either wholly or partially made of metal. In addition, the hair accessory organizer holds non-metal hair bands and hair accessories. The hair accessory organizer is capable of resting on a countertop, in a drawer or hung on a wall or door. The hair accessory organizer has a curved top member that holds substantially “U” shaped hair bands both on its top surface, and on its bottom surface. Two rings allow for attachment sites of hair clips and hooks. The hooks provide attachment sites for elastic hair bands and the like. |
| US07828253B2 |
Secure shelf for technology workstand
A portable laptop computer stand comprises a support assembly mounted atop a pedestal. The pedestal includes a base assembly having a post extending upwardly therefrom. The base assembly is supported by a plurality of radially outwardly extending spokes having castors mounted on free ends thereof. The post may include a telescopic mechanism to allow for vertical height adjustment of the support assembly. The support assembly includes a support panel atop of which is mounted the laptop computer in a secured manner via a pair security devices mounted on opposing sides thereof. The support assembly may further include a pull-out drawer, pull-out keyboard tray having a pull-out mouse panel. |
| US07828248B2 |
Aircraft walkway
An aircraft 1 comprises a walkway 11 moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The aircraft may be arranged such that the walkway, in the deployed position, defines a path, at least a portion of which extends from the fuselage at an angle, when viewed from above, of less than 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The walkway 11, in the stowed position, may be located at an angle, when viewed from above, of less than 80 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The opening 9 may be located in a region extending from 20% to 80% of the total cabin length. The walkway may be further moveable to a second deployed position. A longitudinal portion of the walkway 13, in the first deployed position, may define a stepped surface having a first step height, whereas that longitudinal portion of the walkway 13, in the second deployed position, may define either (a) a substantially even surface, or (b) a stepped surface having a second step height, the second step height being less than the first step height. |
| US07828245B2 |
Dual motor dual concentric valve
An actuator control system has a dual concentric servo valve having a spool and at least one motor adapted to selectively displace the spool. |
| US07828243B2 |
SCRAMjet arrangement for hypersonic aircraft
Hypersonic aircraft having a lateral arrangement of turbojet and SCRAMjet engines are disclosed. The SCRAMjet engines may be positioned laterally outboard of the turbojet engines. In one embodiment, the turbojet inlet and outlet openings may be covered during use of the SCRAMjets in order to provide compression and expansion ramps for the laterally adjacent SCRAMjet engines. The side-by-side arrangement of the turbojet and SCRAMjet engines reduces the vertical thickness of the aircraft, thereby reducing drag and potentially increasing performance. |
| US07828242B2 |
Reusable take-apart spool and methods
A reusable take-apart washable spool includes a first flange having a first flange wall with inner and outer opposite sides. The inner side of the first flange wall is convex. The spool has a second flange having a second flange wall. The second flange wall has inner and outer opposite sides. The second flange wall inner side is convex. A barrel having a loading surface connects the first flange and the second flange so that the first flange inner side faces the second flange inner side. The barrel is removably connected to each of the first flange and second flange. A kit for assembling a reusable take-apart spool includes a pair of flanges and a barrel. The barrel has a first end that is constructed and arranged to be removably connected to a hub on one of the flanges. The barrel has a second end that is constructed and arranged to be removably connected to a hub on the other of the flanges. A method of using a spool includes orienting a projection arrangement of a first end of a barrel into a recess arrangement of a hub of a first flange; orienting a first cord through the projection arrangement and recess arrangement to lock the first flange to the barrel; orienting a projection arrangement of a second end of the barrel into a recess arrangement of a hub of a second flange; orienting a second cord through the projection arrangement of the second end of the barrel and recess arrangement of the second flange to lock the second flange to the barrel; and winding material onto the barrel. |
| US07828233B2 |
Fuel injector and method for its adjustment
A fuel injector for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, in particular for direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine, including an actuator, a valve needle which is mechanically linked to the actuator and is acted upon by a restoring spring in a closing direction, for actuation of a valve closing body, which together with a valve seat face forms a sealing seat, and including a sleeve which pre-stresses the restoring spring. An adjusting body is situated adjustably in the sleeve so that a fuel amount flowing through the fuel injector per unit of time is a function of the position of the adjusting body in the sleeve. |
| US07828232B2 |
Injection valve having nozzle hole
A fuel injection valve includes a valve body having a valve seat, a nozzle plate arranged on an injection side of the valve body, a valve plug for intermitting fuel injection through the nozzle hole, and a sleeve. The nozzle plate has a nozzle hole through which fuel is injected from the injection side of the valve body. The sleeve makes contact with an end surface of the nozzle plate on an opposite side of the valve body with respect to the nozzle plate to partially cover the nozzle plate. Fuel is injected to an outside of the sleeve through the nozzle hole of the nozzle plate and an opening of the sleeve. The end surface of the nozzle plate makes contact with the sleeve in a contact portion. The contact portion has at least one groove that extends from the opening outwardly with respect to a substantially radial direction of the sleeve. |
| US07828230B1 |
Axially displacing slip-clutch for rotor-type sprinkler
A sprinkler includes a riser, an impeller mounted in the riser, and a nozzle rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly including a reduction gear train couples the impeller and the nozzle. A clutch in the drive assembly includes a clutch member having an axis of rotation that provides a positive drive connection under a normal load and axially displaces and slips under an excessive load. |
| US07828229B2 |
Closed case oscillating sprinkler
An oscillating sprinkler head transmission for alternately driving an output shaft and sprinkler head nozzle to oscillate it with spring bias being provided to prevent the transmission from being placed in an inoperative position, where the sprinkler head is not oscillated. |
| US07828227B2 |
Fuel oil atomizer
There is provided a fuel oil atomizer comprised of an elongated outer member, an elongated inner member and an atomizing head. The inner member is a fuel supply conduit which coaxially received within the central opening of the outer member defining therebetween a generally annular atomizing fluid supply conduit. The atomizing head includes a fuel chamber, an atomizing fluid chamber and a mixing chamber. The fuel supply conduit communicates with the fuel chamber. The atomizing fluid supply conduit communicates with the atomizing fluid chamber. The fuel chamber has a first end and a second end. The atomizing fluid chamber is circumambient to the first end of the fuel chamber and the fuel chamber has a portion that extends axially from the atomizing fluid chamber. The mixing chamber is circumambient to the second end of the fuel chamber. |
| US07828226B2 |
Handheld device and method for clearing obstructions from spray nozzles
A handheld device and method for clearing obstructions from spray nozzles includes a housing, a gas valve system contained within the housing, and a nozzle body attachment structure. A trigger associated with the gas valve system is operable to release a blast of compressed gas through the attachment structure. A spray nozzle placed in contact with the attachment structure receives a blast of compressed gas to clear obstructions. The attachment structure interfaces with both the normal discharge side and the normal inlet side of the spray nozzle to allow compressed gas to be blown through the spray nozzle in both directions. A backup tool is provided to engage a backside of the spray nozzle to prevent a spray tip within the spray nozzle from blowing backwards out of the spray nozzle. A backup tool cover has a slender projection for removing screen filters associated with the spray nozzle. |
| US07828224B2 |
Air conditioning diffuser having function of automatically changing air supply direction
Disclosed herein is an air conditioning diffuser having a function of changing an air supply direction. The diffuser of the present invention includes a frame (10) and a temperature sensing cylinder (20), which is coupled to the frame (10). A wax (21) is charged in the cylinder (20), and a piston rod (22) is provided in the cylinder (20). The diffuser further includes a blade support body (50), coupled to the cylinder (20), a pushing member (23), coupled to the piston rod in the blade support body, and a vertical movable member (40), which is provided in the blade support body (40) and is pushed downwards by the pushing member (23) when the wax is expanded. The diffuser further includes air guide blade assemblies (30), which are supported by the blade support body (50) and are coupled to the vertical movable member (40) so that, when the vertical movable member is moved upwards or downwards, blades (35) are rotated. An elastic member is provided under the vertical movable member (40). |
| US07828218B1 |
Method and system of communicating devices, and devices therefor, with protected data transfer
A method and a communicating system to enhance the reliability of communication between devices by protecting against failure of a device, e.g. due to power interruption. Additional data is included in communication primitives transmitted between communicating devices. The additional data relates to state data of the device having generated the additional data. The additional data is used to check the state data. The state data may also be derivable from the additional data upon receiving the additional data back from an other device. |
| US07828211B2 |
Electronic inventory tracking system
Systems and methods are disclosed for tracking items in a shopping cart using radio frequency identification. In one embodiment, a first set of items is positioned in a first item zone alongside an aisle. An electronic tag reader is capable of remotely reading identification tags on the items into an electronic record of shopping cart contents when the identification tags are within a readable range from the electronic tag reader. An energy field generator such as an electromagnetic field generator generates a first electromagnetic field extending from a location within the readable range of at least some of the items in the first item zone to a location outside the readable range of any of the items in the first item zone. The tag reader is movable along the aisle into and out of the first electromagnetic field, and is configured to not read the identification tags into the electronic record while the tag reader is within the first electromagnetic field and to selectively read the identification tags into the electronic record when the tag reader is outside the first electromagnetic field. |
| US07828209B2 |
Electronic payment terminal diagnostics
The ‘IP Diagnostics’ software is a new and innovative method of aiding the deployment and troubleshooting of IP enabled POS terminals. Its purpose is to identify where a failure in the IP connection is occurring. The IP Diagnostics application does this by testing major failure points within the IP chain from the POS terminal to the host. |
| US07828204B2 |
Techniques for authorization of usage of a payment device
Techniques for authorization of usage of a payment device include facilitating an issuer of the device obtaining an authorization message for an account number associated with the device, based on desired spending limit parameters established by a merchant and/or an issuer of the device; facilitating obtaining an issuer authorization decision; and responsive to the issuer authorization decision, facilitating setting a spending limit for the account number based on at least an appropriate one of the parameters. |
| US07828201B2 |
Bar-code reading apparatus, bar-code reading method, and library apparatus
The present invention relates to bar-code reading from a carried object such as a cartridge and enables the bar-code reading from a gripped carried object. For a bar-code label attached to a carried object such as a cartridge storing a magnetic tape, a bar-code reading unit is provided in a hand unit, which grips the carried object, at a surface opposite to the carried object; the bar-code reading unit includes a light source (light emitting device) that emits light to the bar-code label and a light receiving unit (light receiving device) that receives reflected light from the bar-code label; the bar-code label is detected by scanning with the light; and therefore, the gripping of the carrier object can be performed concurrently with the reading of the bar-code label. |
| US07828200B2 |
Equine training device
An ergonomically designed timing module is integrated with an equine training whip, normally carried by the equestrian, especially for those needing to improve riding skills in point-to-point timed events such as cross country, stadium jumping, racing, barrel racing. This combination provides for safe operation and convenient viewing while in the saddle. |
| US07828191B2 |
Friction stir welding machine and friction stir welding tool
The present invention is a friction stir welding machine adapted to perform solid phase welding on a welding portion of materials to be welded, by pressing a welding tool against the welding portion of the materials to be welded while rotating the welding tool, and forcing the welding tool to be advanced into a softened portion which is softened by a frictional heat while stirring the softened portion, wherein a coating made of aluminum nitride is formed on at least a region of the welding tool to be in contact with the materials to be welded. |
| US07828185B2 |
Electrical hand power tool with battery pack
The invention relates to a hand power tool (2), having a housing (6), an electric motor accommodated in the housing (6), and a battery pack (4), releasably locked to the housing (6), for supplying the electric motor with electric current. At least one spring/damping element (38), mounted between the battery pack (4) and the housing (6) of the hand power tool (2), is provided, for damping vibration and -or eliminating a locking-dictated play between the battery pack (4) and the housing (6). |
| US07828183B2 |
Device for attaching fasteners
A device for attaching fasteners has a casing having a grip, a lever supported by the casing rotatably about its upper end and urged forward, a link arm actuated by the rotation of the lever, a piston engaged slidably by the upper end of the link arm, a driving rod slidable with the piston, a hollow needle situated at the leading end of the driving rod and having a slit and a guide formed behind the hollow needle for fitting an assembly of plastic fasteners. A guide attachment which can be changed to another is removably held below the assembly fitting guide for guiding a connecting bar in the assembly in the direction of its ejection. |
| US07828180B2 |
Quick-release support strap device
A quick-release support strap device includes a longitudinally extended support strap having a first generally elastic section and a second mounting clip connection section. A releasable strap securement device such as a clip is mounted on the first generally elastic section for releasably connecting the support strap to a securement object, and a mounting clip is mounted on the second mounting clip connection section including a clip body, a clip arm pivotably mounted on the clip body and a releasable latch mounted on the clip body operative to releasably retain at least a portion of the clip arm therein. A cord is housed at least partially within the support strap and is operatively connected to the releasable latch on the mounting clip, the cord operative to disengage the releasable latch to release the portion of the clip arm therefrom to release the clip arm and open the mounting clip. |
| US07828175B2 |
Beverage dispensing system with a head capable of dispensing plural different beverages
A beverage dispensing system with a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners, wherein beverage forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head are independently accountable to regulate the dispensing of the beverage. In one version of the invention, four liquids are supplied to the dispensing head through the conduits, namely two liquid concentrates; carbonated water; and non-carbonated water. By selective opening of the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more of the liquids. A dispensing head for dispensing at least one carbonated fluid includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening. |
| US07828174B2 |
Packaging assembly for flowable materials
The present invention is directed to a packaging assembly for flowable materials comprising a casing (1) having at least one opening (9), a valve assembly (7) mounted in the opening (9) of the casing (1) and a flexible liner (23) for accommodating the flowable material, said flexible liner (23) being housed in the casing (1) and connected to the valve assembly (7), whereby the valve assembly (7) comprises a dry break extractor valve (17) for closed transfer dispense of the flowable material. |
| US07828173B2 |
Assembly consisting of a dispensing valve and a pouch in fluid-tight connection therewith
Assembly (10) consisting of a dispensing valve (11) for dispensing pressurized fluids, and a pouch (12) of flexible film material in fluid-tight connection therewith, which is placeable in an outer container (15) through an opening (14) therein that is sealable by a cover (13), the dispensing valve (11) having a valve body (18) which is mountable fluid-tightly at the edge (16) of a cover opening (17) formed in the container cover (13), to which valve body (18) an outlet tube (20) extending through a pouch opening (19) is able to make fluid-tight connection. The outlet tube (20) has a disc-shaped, especially cylindrical-cap-shaped, widened portion (21) extending around the pouch opening (19) inside the pouch (12). The pouch (12) is supported against the widened portion (21) of the outlet tube (20), with the intermediate arrangement of an annular disc (22) that bounds the pouch opening (19). |
| US07828172B2 |
Dose indicator for fluid product dispensing device
The invention relates to a dose indicator (A) which is intended for a fluid product dispensing device (B). The inventive indicator consists of at least one rotary counting means (10) which can move in rotation and which comprises indicator means (15), said indicator means indicating the number of doses that have been distributed or that remain to be distributed. Moreover, said at least one counting means is actuated by an actuation member (35) which is in turn actuated by a transmission element (34) that is designed to co-operate with the dispensing device each time the latter is actuated. The dose indicator comprises amplification means which are designed to amplify the movement of the transmission element (34) with each actuation, such that the movement of the actuation member (35) is greater than the movement of the transmission element (34). |
| US07828168B2 |
Vacuum-operated trash receptacle
A vacuum-operated trash receptacle which is characterized by a container fitted with an air blower, vacuum pump or the like, either on the perforated lid, bottom or on the side thereof and having a like-shaped, removable, typically slotted liner inserted therein. In a preferred embodiment, the outer wall or walls and/or bottom of the liner are spaced from the corresponding inside wall or walls and bottom panel of the container, respectively, to define a separate or connected annulus between the bottom and wall or walls of the container and liner. The container is further provided with a top flange which receives a corresponding liner flange on the liner to seal the separate or connected bottom and wall annulus and facilitate development of a vacuum in the bottom annulus and wall annulus or both and in the liner by operation of the air blower. This vacuum operates to deploy a trash bag against the inside wall of the liner, either when the container is open or when a perforated lid is fitted over the container to close the liner. |
| US07828167B2 |
Articulated hinge apparatus and related methods
Apparatus and methods for hinging or otherwise easily engaging and disengaging various members to each other include a spring-actuated pin element to selectively extend and retract a pin from one hinge leaf to engage an adjacent structure. A variety of spring elements may be used, and the hinge may be combined with other hinge elements in a variety of ways, including an articulated hinge. Methods of fabrication and assembly are disclosed. |
| US07828163B2 |
Lattice boom crane for lifting heavy loads
The invention concerns a lattice boom crane, which is composed of at least two individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11), which each comprise a luffing lattice boom (4, 14), whose luffing angle is adjustable by a luffing mechanism (5, 15). The lattice booms (4, 14) of the individual lattice boom cranes (1, 11) are connected with each other and oriented in parallel and adjacent to each other and the luffing mechanisms (5, 15) of the lattice boom cranes (1, 11) are synchronously operated, such that the rigidly-connected lattice booms (4, 14) are synchronously luffable. |
| US07828161B2 |
Bases for storage rack trusses
A reinforced rack truss base to protect against damage to a rack truss storage system is provided. |
| US07828157B2 |
Steering wheel stand for electronic game control
The steering wheel stand for an electronic game control is an apparatus for supporting a game controller having a steering wheel. The stand supports the game controller in a manner that simulates the driving experience. The steering wheel stand includes a frame made of hollow tubing, which rests on a pair of base legs. The base legs bend toward the user at one end, and contact the surface on which the user is seated, at the opposite end. The frame is telescopically adjustable to allow for users of different sizes. The base legs also support a pedal plate for the placement of a video game's pedal controls. The pedal plate may be vertically adjusted to accommodate users of different leg lengths. The steering wheel controls sit on a tray on top of the frame in front of the user. |
| US07828156B2 |
Column network hardware management system
A channel for managing equipment cables that includes opposing first and second members and a third member extending between and connecting the first and second members. Each of the first and second members includes first and second inner and outer surfaces. At least one cable receiving area is defined between the first and second inner surfaces of the first and second members. First and second equipment mounting elements extend from each of the first and second outer surfaces of the first and second members. The first and second equipment mounting elements are connectable to equipment. A base support is coupled to at least one of the first and second members. |
| US07828155B2 |
Thermoplastic injection molding method for capping a tubular filtration medium
A method for over-molding a tubular filter element 16, at least at one end 16b thereof, with a thermoplastic end cap 12. The over-molding method can be used to manufacture easily and cost-effectively a filter cartridge, of good durability, from an unprecedented range of polymeric materials and components. The thermoplastic over-molding method does not require pre-lamination of said end 16b, and can be performed at temperatures and pressures that do not result in undesirable morphological changes in the tubular filtration medium. Exemplary filter cartridges made through the over-molding method comprise a tubular filtration medium interposed between thermoplastic end caps, the thermoplastic material of the end caps infiltrating the tubular filtration medium, thereby creating mechanical interlock zones at the ends thereof. |
| US07828142B2 |
Single patient dose medicament dispenser with applicator
A unit dose package for applying a material with an applicator having a separate material and applicator portion. In one embodiment, a material well is squeezed to dispense the material onto an applicator through a releasable portion between the material well and the edge of the tray. In another embodiment, a plurality of material wells is used to mix different materials to be dispensed with an applicator. In another embodiment a portion of the cover is removable. |
| US07828137B2 |
Packaging for disposable soft contact lenses
The present disclosure provides a contact lens package containing a contact lens in a compressed state. In one exemplary embodiment, the overall internal depth of the package is less than the natural sagittal depth of the contact lens. Different single-use contact lens package shapes and configurations may be used. In some embodiments, a spring disc is included in the packages to help present the contact lens to the user when the package is opened. The contact lens packages may be adhered or clipped to a card or other carrier sheet, and may be housed in a number of different secondary packages. |
| US07828133B2 |
Bill handling device
The present invention provides a bill handling device which can realize a reduction in size, an increase in capacity and a reduction in processing time and improves satisfaction of users. The bill handling device includes a bill discriminating portion for discriminating bills, recycle stores for storing bills and separating the bills again, a loading store for supplying bills to the recycle stores or collecting bills from the recycle stores, a reject store and a loading reject store which store reject bills rejected by the bill discriminating portion, and conveying paths for conveying bills to the respective portions, wherein the conveying paths are formed as an annular conveying path which can convey the bills in two directions, and the recycle stores, the loading store, the reject store, and the loading reject store are arranged around the conveying paths. |
| US07828132B2 |
Dual function holding device operable under a system power loss condition
An electric clutch actuator capable of operating in two power loss conditions. For a condition where a normally engaged clutch is disengaged during a system power loss and the desired action is for the clutch to remain in the disengaged positional state, a holding device moves to a power off activated position to prevent movement of an actuator for the clutch. For a condition where the clutch is disengaged during a system power loss and the desired action is for the clutch to move to an engaged positional state, a motor in the electric clutch actuator is used as a generator to convert the potential energy of a clutch pressure spring into electrical energy to provide energy for powering the holding device to remain deactivated, permitting movement of the clutch actuator to the engaged position. Maintaining the holding device deactivated permits the clutch to move to the engaged position and thereby allows vehicle engine braking to be used during a power loss of the system. |
| US07828129B2 |
Magnetorheological clutch having lamination bands
A magnetorheological clutch comprises a stationary part, a rotating primary part with primary laminated strips and a secondary part with secondary laminated strips, whereby a controllable magnetic field acts upon the magnetorheological fluid. The aim of the invention is to allow transmission of a highest possible torque in a smallest possible space and with minimal power consumption. Said aim is achieved, whereby a number of solenoid coils, each having a first yoke with a substantially radial winding axis, are alternately oppositely polarized; the first yokes have cylindrical front faces, whereby the magnetic field lines radially enter and exit said yokes, the primary laminated strips and secondary laminated strips form closed cylindrical envelopes and second outer and inner yokes are provided radially outside of and radially inside the first yokes, whereby the magnetic field lines radially enter the second yokes and radially exit said yokes in the opposite direction. |
| US07828126B2 |
Magnetorheological (MR) piston, MR piston assembly, and MR damper system
A magnetorheological (MR) piston assembly (10) includes an MR piston (12) and a rod (14). The MR piston (12) includes a central longitudinal axis (16), first and second longitudinal ends (18 and 20), an MR passageway (22), a main electric coil (24), and a valve (26). The MR passageway (22) extends from the first longitudinal end (18) to the second longitudinal end (20). The main electric coil (24) is disposed to magnetically energize the MR passageway (22). The valve (26) is operatively connected to the MR passageway (22). The valve (26) has a first state when electrically activated which is less restrictive of the MR passageway (22) and has a second state when not electrically activated which is more restrictive of the MR passageway (22). The rod (14) is attached to the MR piston (12). A more detailed MR piston (12) and an MR damper system (60) are also described. |
| US07828121B2 |
Reinforced synthetic cable for elevators
An elevator support, such as a cable or a belt connected with an elevator car or counterweight, has load-bearing synthetic material strands, which are reinforced by the introduction of a second phase and have a higher modulus of elasticity than that of the unreinforced strands. |
| US07828120B2 |
Method of modernizing an elevator installation
A method of modernizing an elevator installation that comprises a first elevator car movable in a shaft by a first drive includes installing at least one second drive without changing the first drive. In addition, at least one second elevator car is installed in the shaft and connected with the second drive. Moreover, a control unit is installed or configured in such a manner that it controls the first drive and the second drive. |
| US07828116B2 |
Mobile mount for attachment of a fall arrest system
A mobile mount for attachment of a fall arrest system is provided for example for aircraft and includes a base carried on ground wheels and a support which is adjustable in height upstanding from the base and an arm cantilevered over the base. At least one receptacle is mounted on the arm of the support at a position located over the base for attachment to a personal fall arrest system including a harness for one or more persons, with the receptacle, base and support being designed and arranged to receive a loading from the personal fall arrest system sufficient to accommodate a fall of the person from the elevated structure. |
| US07828114B2 |
Exhaust device for motorcycle engine
A muffler for efficiently reducing noise. Front side exhaust pipes and rear side exhaust pipes extend from front cylinders and rear cylinders, respectively, of a V-type water-cooled 4-cylinder engine and are operatively connected to a catalyst chamber disposed below a crankcase. The catalyst chamber is connected to an exhaust chamber located to the rear thereof in which exhaust gas is expanded. An outlet pipe laterally projects from a lateral surface of a rear end portion of the exhaust chamber and is connected to a front pipe projecting from the lateral surface of the front portion of a muffler. The front pipe is transversely inserted into the muffler to increase a cross-section ratio, thereby efficiently reducing noise. |
| US07828111B2 |
Power steering system
A power steering system, which is disposed in the forward part of a vehicle, allows an electric motor to boost the steering torque applied by a driver, and transmits the steering torque to wheels via a steering transmission mechanism. The power steering system includes an impact detection device that detects the impact of an object on a rack housing that houses a rack bar constituting the steering transmission mechanism to detect the impact on the power steering system more accurately. |
| US07828106B1 |
Vehicle rollover cushioning device
An exterior deployed air bag system or protective system is disclosed for an automotive vehicle. Air bag assemblies are assembled to the roof below the access openings. The access openings are normally covered by a closure element. In the event of a potential rollover incident, an air bag may be deployed from the air bag assembly through the access opening in a weld seam area and expand when inflated outboard of the roof or side assembly of the vehicle. |
| US07828104B2 |
Travel safety device for motor vehicle
A travel safety device for a vehicle comprises: an object detecting unit (114) for detecting an object existing in the traveling direction of the vehicle (100); a correlation calculating unit (39) for calculating a correlation involving the distance between the vehicle (100) and the object on the basis of a detection result of the corresponding object detecting unit (114); an automatic brake unit (120) for automatically decelerating the vehicle (100); a safety device (122) including a seatbelt device (15) for automatically tightening the seatbelt (14) and releasing the tightening thereof; and safety device operation control units (38, 39, 43) for determining a possibility of a contact between the vehicle (100) and the object on the basis of the correlation calculated by the correlation calculating unit (39) and for controlling the operation of the safety device (122) where it is predicted that there is a possibility of a contact; wherein the safety device operation control units (38, 39, 43) simultaneously actuate the automatic brake unit (120) and seatbelt device (15) where it is predicted that there is a possibility of a contact. |
| US07828103B2 |
Vehicle
A motorcycle has an engine, a main frame passing above the engine and extending rearward, and a down tube passing below the engine and extending rearward. An upper part of the engine is overlapped with the main frame without projecting above the main frame, and a lower part of the engine is overlapped with the down tube. |
| US07828093B2 |
Vehicle controller, vehicle and vehicle control method
A controller for a vehicle including at least one motor driving wheels, an inverter driving the motor, and a boosting converter supplying a dc power supply current to the inverter, is provided with a control portion performing rectangular wave control and non-rectangular wave control on the inverter in a switched manner. The control portion has an emergency switching condition for switching control from the rectangular wave control to the non-rectangular wave control, as a determination reference, and when the emergency switching condition is satisfied while the rectangular wave control is being executed (YES at step S5), the control portion instructs the boosting converter to lower target output voltage (S7). Preferably, the control portion determines that the emergency switching condition is satisfied when a q-axis current supplied from the inverter to the motor exceeds a prescribed threshold value. |
| US07828089B2 |
Erosion resistant fluid passageways and flow tubes for earth-boring tools, methods of forming the same and earth-boring tools including the same
Flow tubes for earth-boring tools include hardfacing material for protecting the tubes from erosion due to the flow of fluid through a fluid passageway extending therethrough. Earth-boring tools include an erosion-resistant material covering a surface of a body of the tools for protecting the bodies from erosion due to the flow of fluid through a fluid passageway extending therethrough. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include forming a body having a fluid passageway extending therethrough and covering a surface of the body with a hardfacing material. The surface of the body may be located in a region susceptible to erosion when fluid is caused to flow through the fluid passageway. |
| US07828084B2 |
Use of cuttings tank for slurrification on drilling rig
A system for preparing slurry on a rig including a first cuttings storage vessel, a module, and a fluid supply line in fluid communication with the first cuttings storage vessel, the module including a grinding device configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids, an inlet connection configured to connect to an outlet of the first cuttings storage vessel, and an outlet connection configured to connect to an inlet of the first cuttings storage vessel is disclosed. A method of operating a slurrification system including using a first vessel for cuttings storage and operating the first vessel in a slurrification process is also disclosed. A method of transferring material from a work site to a transport vehicle, the method including transferring a first material from a first cuttings storage vessel disposed at the work site to a cuttings storage assembly disposed on the transport vehicle, and transferring a second material from a second cuttings storage vessel disposed at the work site to the cuttings storage assembly disposed on the transport vehicle, wherein the transferring of the first material and the transferring of the second material occurs contemporaneously, and wherein the first material comprises dry cuttings and the second material comprises a fluid is also disclosed. |
| US07828083B2 |
Method of controlling operation of rock drilling rig, and rock drilling rig
A method of controlling operation of a rock drilling rig, and a rock drilling rig. A rate of flow of a flushing medium of the rock drilling rig is determined, and the operation of the rock drilling rig is controlled on the basis of the determined rate of flow by influencing pressure of the flushing medium. |
| US07828081B2 |
Method of drilling a lossy formation
A method of drilling a bore hole in a fractured formation. A drill pipe is deployed into the borehole, whereby an annular space is formed between the drill pipe and the borehole wall. A drilling fluid is pumped, by means of primary pumps, into the borehole via an internal conduit of the drill pipe and a drill pipe fluid outlet present in the vicinity of a distal end of the drill pipe. The annular space is pressure sealed using a pressure seal such as a rotating head on a BOP. A well control fluid is pumped into the annular space via a well control conduit that fluidly connects the annular space, in a location between the pressure seal and the drill pipe fluid outlet, to a backpressure system. The well control fluid is pressure-balanced against the pressure seal and the backpressure system. |
| US07828078B2 |
System for rapidly boring through materials
The present invention is a self-contained, high-energy liquid rock-boring system that will bore a small-diameter access hole [5] several hundred meters through hard granite and other obstacles within minutes of deployment. It employs a land unit [100] platform subsystem [1000] with an energetic fluid fuel reservoir [1300] and a boring subsystem [3000] having a plurality of pulsejets [3100]. Each pulsejet [3100] repeatedly ignites the energetic fluid [7] causing a plurality of rapidly-expanding gas bubbles [3250] which create and force a plurality liquid slugs [10] ahead of them rapidly out through a nozzle [3260] causing the slugs [10] to impact against materials ahead of the nozzles [3260], boring an access hole [5]. The system also employs an umbilical subsystem [2000] connecting the boring [3000] and the platform subsystems [1000]. The system can be used to rapidly bore an access hole [5] to provide air and resources to trapped miners. Alternatively, the system may also be used to bore an access hole [5] to underground threatening targets to neutralize them. |
| US07828076B1 |
Valve tester suspension assembly
A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described. |
| US07828074B2 |
Hammer drill
A hammer drill includes a motor; a spindle rotatingly driven by the motor and holding an output bit; a motion conversion member for converting rotational movement of the motor to reciprocating movement; a striker reciprocatingly driven by the motion conversion member for applying an axial striking force to the output bit; a striking-motion-releasing mechanism for releasing the striking force applying action exercised by the striker; and a tightening-torque adjusting clutch for interrupting the transfer of the rotational force to the output bit by increasing a load torque. |
| US07828071B2 |
Agricultural implement comprising an improved hitch structure
An agricultural machine including a chassis, an engine, a driver's cabin, a hitch, and at least two working units connected to the hitch by a hitching frame. The at least two working units are configured to be pivoted between a working position in which the working units extend substantially horizontally and transversely to a direction of travel in work and a transport position in which the working units extend substantially over the chassis. The hitch is connected to the chassis via a rigid structure, the rigid structure connected to the chassis by a transverse articulation, at least one actuator being provided between the chassis and the rigid structure to allow the rigid structure to tip about the transverse articulation. |
| US07828070B2 |
Safety locking device
A safety locking device 18 for a quick hitch/coupler 10 of an earth working machine. The safety locking device 18 has a locking element 21 which is biased into a locking position to automatically lock a front pin of an implement when it is engaged in the hook 14 of the coupler 10. The safety locking device 18 has an hydraulic operable mechanism to move the locking element 21 to an unlocking position. The hydraulic supply to the safety locking device 18 is independent of the hydraulic supply to a locking mechanism 16 of the coupler 10. |
| US07828069B2 |
Fire extinguishing roof soaker
The present invention is a spraying system that extinguishes flying embers that may land on a roof from brush fires or forest fires. This includes a submersible pump at the bottom of a well that is attached to a supply pipe that allows water to be pumped into a reservoir. Another submersible pump is inside the reservoir that pumps water thru a supply pipe that is attached to the roof. This area is called a water station that may also be equipped with a generator for a backup power source. The supply pipe has pipe couplings attached at certain intervals and has sprayers installed into the couplings. These sprayers will then give off an adequate amount of water to soak down the entire roof area in the event of an approaching fire. All of this is assembled and placed in specially designed roof fasteners that are installed throughout the entire hip and ridge of the roof. |
| US07828067B2 |
Inflow control device
The present invention generally relates to the control of fluid flow in a wellbore. In one aspect, a flow control device for use in a wellbore is provided. The flow control device includes an inner member having at least one aperture formed therein. The flow control device also includes an outer member disposed around the inner member such that a flow path is defined between the inner member and the outer member. Additionally, the flow control device includes an elastomer member disposed within the outer member adjacent a portion of the flow path, wherein the elastomer member is capable of swelling upon contact with an actuating agent. In another aspect, a method of controlling fluid flow in a wellbore is provided. In yet a further aspect, an apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in a wellbore is provided. |
| US07828066B2 |
Magnetic motor shaft couplings for wellbore applications
An actuator for operating downhole tools includes a tool body and one or more members configured to perform a wellbore task. The tool may include a sealed power and a driven section in pressure communication with the wellbore. A magnetic coupling magnetically connects the power section to the driven section. The power section may include an electric motor; and the driven section may include a speed reducer/torque increaser. In some embodiments, the member may be a positioning member. The positioning member may be manipulated to position a sensor that is configured to measure a parameter of interest. In other embodiments, the member may be an element such as cutting elements that cut wellbore tubulars. In aspects, a method for actuating or operating downhole tools includes using an actuator that utilizes a magnetic coupling to convey energy across a pressure boundary. |
| US07828064B2 |
Downhole swivel apparatus and method
What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel. |
| US07828059B2 |
Dual zone flow choke for downhole motors
A submersible pumping system for use downhole, wherein the system includes a pump, an inlet section for receiving fluid, a pump motor, and an actively controlled flow restriction device for controlling flow to the submersible pump from an upper fluid producing zone. Active flow control proximate to the submersible pump motor protects the pump motor from overheating. |
| US07828055B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlled deployment of shape-conforming materials
An apparatus and method for filling a defined space, such as an annulus around a production tubular within a wellbore, includes a compliant porous material. The compliant porous material can be compressed and maintained in a compressed state by incorporation of a deployment modifier which may be a water-soluble or oil-soluble adhesive or biopolymer, used as an impregnant, a coating, or a casing. The production tubular can be positioned at a desired location and the compliant porous material exposed to a deployment modifier neutralizing agent, which then dissolves or otherwise prevents the deployment modifier from continuing to inhibit the deployment. Thus, deployment can be delayed to an optimum time by controlling exposure of the deployment modifier to the deployment modifier neutralizing agent. |
| US07828050B2 |
Vehicle seat air-conditioner and vehicle temperature controller
A vehicle seat air-conditioner includes a seat on which an occupant sits, a seat temperature adjustment device that adjusts the temperature of a conditioned gas, a blower that supplies the conditioned gas to the seat, a seat covering layer provided on a surface of the seat and facing the seated occupant, and a flow channel provided on an underside of the seat covering layer that pass the conditioned gas that is introduced by the blower. The vehicle seat air-conditioner is adapted to convey heat of the conditioned gas to an occupant side of the seat covering layer by directly blowing out a portion of the introduced conditioned gas to the occupant side of the seat covering layer, and to perform heat exchange with the occupant side of the seat covering layer by circulating a portion of a remainder of the conditioned gas through the flow channel. |
| US07828045B2 |
Heat sink and information processor using heat sink
The present invention relates to a heat sink. More particularly, the present invention relates to a heat sink used for radiating heat from an integrated circuit package such as a micro-processor arranged in a portable type electronic apparatus such as a notebook type personal computer and also used for radiating heat from a hard disk unit used in an electronic apparatus. The heat sink comprises: a heat transmitting member for transmitting heat generated by a heating component; a holding section for holding the heat transmitting member; and a heat sink body having a space in which a cooling fan having at least blades and a drive motor is embedded, wherein a portion of the holding section for holding the heat transmitting member, the portion being located below the space, is cut out. |
| US07828035B2 |
Machine for fitting and removing wheel tires for vehicles
A machine for fitting and removing wheel tires for vehicles includes a bearing structure that supports a clamping and rotating device of the wheel rim for vehicles around a substantially vertical rotation axis, at least one tool supported by the bearing structure and suitable for the fitting/removal of a tire onto/from the rim, and a lifting arrangement adapted to position and remove the wheel onto/from the clamping and rotating device. The lifting arrangement includes a first framework that defines a substantially horizontal support surface for the wheel and is associated with the bearing structure and mobile between a lowered position in which it surrounds the clamping and rotating device at least partially and a raised position in which it is substantially higher than the clamping and rotating device, a second framework with a resting portion for the wheel and which is associated with and rotates along the bearing structure, and a moving device for the first and second frameworks. |
| US07828034B2 |
Temporary plaque manufacturing apparatus
This invention relates to a temporary plaque manufacturing apparatus of the type comprising a plaque support frame having a pair of substantially parallel slots, one of which is a plaque receiving slot and the other is a flexible sheet receiving slot. The plaque receiving slot has a plaque support surface and an elongate flap housed therein and located on opposite sides thereof. Biasing means are provided to urge the flap towards the plaque supporting surface. A temporary plaque comprising a two part plaque, one part being a mounting plate and the other part being a flexible sheet, is inserted through the plaque receiving slot to affix the flexible sheet to the mounting plate. The elongate flaps are provided with wear resistant covers, preferably of a reinforced vinyl material that extend upwardly along the forward face of the elongate flaps. |
| US07828026B2 |
Rotary cutting machine with reversible teeth
A rotary cutting machine is described and includes a circular rotatable element, a plurality of tooth holders disposed on the circular rotatable element at spaced apart locations about its periphery, and at least one reversible cutting tooth removably fastened to each tooth holder such that at least one cutting edge is disposed in a operable cutting position. Each cutting tooth includes opposed first and second cutting faces spaced apart along a central tooth axis extending therebetween. Each of the first and second cutting faces at least partially defines at least four of the cutting edges. The cutting tooth is reversible by 180 degrees about a transverse tooth axis such that it is mountable on the tooth holder in at least eight different positions, each of the positions providing a different selected one of the cutting edges in the operable cutting position. |
| US07828024B1 |
Dovetail jig
A jig to make the pin and tail parts of a dovetail joint in first and second workpieces has a frame with front, bottom, and top walls. A plurality of spaced rails form first guide slots in a first section of the frame front and top walls and a plurality of posts form second guide slots in a second section of the front wall. Fasteners on the frame bottom wall clamp the jig to one face of the first workpiece with an end facing the plurality of first guide slots and clamp the jig to one face of the second workpiece with the second plurality of guide slots facing the plurality of second guide slots. The guide slots guide a router cutter bit when in each of the first and second slots to cut into respective first and second workpieces ends to make the joint pin and tail parts. |
| US07828023B2 |
Device for loading a vessel with solid particles and method using said device
The invention relates to a device for introducing solid particles into a vessel, in particular into a chemical reactor which comprises a pipe, preferably flexible and cylindrical, through which said particles flow from the top downward and is characterised in that it also comprises at least one helicoidal ramp (2) which is placed inside the pipe, wound around a central axis (2) and whose width is such that a distance between the external edge (4) of the ramp (2) and the pipe (1) is less than the size of introducible solid particles. A method using the inventive device is also disclosed. |
| US07828016B2 |
Gas processing apparatus, gas processing method and integrated valve unit for gas processing apparatus
A process gas line (255) for carrying WF6 gas for nucleation, a process gas line (259) for carrying WF6 gas for film deposition after nucleation are joined at a single joint (280) to a carrier gas line (256). A gas line (270) is connected to the joint (280) to carry a mixed gas of the carrier gas and WF6 gas to a processing chamber defined by a processing vessel. Sections of the carrier gas line (256) and the gas line (270) extending on the opposite sides of the joint (280) extend along a straight line, and the process gas lines (255, 259) are perpendicular to the gas line (270). |
| US07828014B2 |
Self-riveting flapper valves
A rivet-type flapper valve assembly for a fluid device has a main body part defining a valve orifice communicating with the fluid device. The main body part includes a pin or shaft of a rivet spaced adjacent to the valve orifice. The main body part is permanently attached to the fluid device, such as by brazing. A flapper valve is then mounted on the rivet shaft to cover the valve orifice, and the rivet shaft is deformed to retain the flapper valve in place. |
| US07828010B2 |
Pressure regulator for a fuel supply unit and method for production of a pressure regulator
Disclosed is a pressure regulator for a fuel supply unit of a motor vehicle and method for production of a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator comprises a valve for producing a joining of a connection to an outlet above a designated pressure in the connection, a movable piston and a membrane, which is held on a fixed annular element, for sealing the piston in relation to the annular element, characterized in that the membrane is welded to the annular element. |
| US07828005B2 |
Freezeless hydrant
A freezeless hydrant includes an operating screw positioned within a head member, an operating coupling mating with the operating screw, an operating rod coupled to the operating coupling and a plug and a valve seat. Movement of the operating rod in one direction disengages the plug from the valve seat permitting water to flow through the casing and an opening of a set screw forcing a ball against an O-ring seal. Movement of the operating rod in an opposite direction causes alignment of a radial opening in the operating coupling with a passageway in the operating screw. The operating rod engages the valve seat preventing water from flowing through the casing and allowing the ball to fall away from the O-ring seal. Air enters a chamber of the operating screw thereby draining water from the chamber and out of the radial opening of the operating coupling. |
| US07828004B2 |
Method and device for storing chemical products in a container
In a method for the storage of chemical products in a container (1), the product is stored in the pertinent device in the liquid state with a temperature above its melting temperature and remains there at a lower environmental temperature, in an at least partly rigidified state until it is removed from storage. The product is evacuated from the device at the end of the storage phase in the following manner: Liquid product, coming from the production phase or conveyed in a cycle, is fed into the container (1) via an essentially vertical feeder line (5) consisting of heat conducting material and is distributed below at least one melting member (3; 8), consisting of heat conducting material, essentially horizontally over the cross-section of container (1), or by the heat content of the liquid product, in combination with the heat conductivities of the feeder line (5) and the melting member (3; 8), is used for melting product located in container (1), and whether product is evacuated by at least one horizontal flow level below the melting member or the melting members (3; 8) and vertically along the feeder line (5). |
| US07828003B2 |
Collapsible hunting blind
A collapsible hunting blind is provided having a primary frame, a panel, an image of a game animal, and a secondary frame. The primary frame has a folded position and an unfolded position. The panel is supported by the primary frame and has a front surface, a rear surface, and an outer periphery. The panel is supported by the primary frame between the folded position and the unfolded position. The image of a game animal is provided on the front surface. The secondary frame communicates with the panel and is configured to hold the primary frame and the panel in the unfolded position. |
| US07828002B2 |
Combined sunshade and heater with light
There is disclosed a combination of a sunshade and a terrace heater with light 1. The combination includes a sunshade/canopy 2 mounted on support rods 4 that may be pivoted between a collapsed and a suspended state. Moreover, the combination includes a light element and a heater element with a lattice cage 9 and a reflector plate 10 disposed above it. The canopy 2 is formed of an annular body with a central aperture where the reflector plate 10 has a size of circumference largely corresponding to the central opening in the canopy. The reflector plate 10 extends over a distance from the lattice cage 9 corresponding to the height of the lattice cage 9. Hereby is formed an interspace 13 for ejecting radiant heat with the canopy in collapsed condition when the support rods 4 are connected with the inner side of the reflector plate 10 via a hinge 5 in a position immediately close to the lattice cage 9. |
| US07828001B2 |
Pad washing system with splash guard
A pad washing system is provided. This system includes a filter device that further includes: a filter component having a textured top surface and at least one baffle formed on the underside thereof; a filter support apparatus adapted to receive the filter device, wherein the filter support apparatus further includes: a base, a plurality of vertical support columns formed integrally with the base, a plurality of caps mounted on top of the vertical columns, and a plurality of biasing members disposed between the caps and the tops of the vertical columns; a bucket for receiving both the filter device and the filter support apparatus; a threaded rim attached to or formed integrally with the top edge the bucket; and a splash guard mountable within the threaded rim. |
| US07827999B2 |
Bobby pin
A bobby pin includes a clamping ribs unit and a hair fork. The clamping rib unit consists of a left and a right clamping rib member interspaced, and the left and the right clamping rib member have a press grip with a shaft hole and a guiding groove. The hair fork has two rods extending from a base member. A shaft stands on the base member, extending in the shaft hole of the press grips with a spring fitted around the shaft. In using, a user presses the two press grips to open the left and the right clamping rib member, with the rods of the hair fork shifted and located in the center of the bobby pin. Then the user inserts the left and the right clamping rib member in hair, with the press grips released to permit the left and the right clamping rib member closed up for clamping hair together with the hair fork. |
| US07827992B2 |
Slip-stop device for continuous passive motion machines
An article and method for preventing a continuous passive motion (CPM) device from moving out of position or alignment that include a holding member adapted to pass around a portion of the CPM device and an anchoring member coupled with the holding member for retaining the CPM device holding member in position. The anchoring member is adapted to be placed under the user of the device and held fast by the weight of the user, thereby assuring secure control of the CPM device position by the user. |
| US07827990B1 |
Sealing lip device for a respiratory mask, respiratory mask and a method and a mould for producing the same
The invention relates to a sealing lip device for a respiratory mask, to a respiratory mask per se and to a method and mould for producing the same. According to the invention, the respiratory mask has an orifice (2) for receiving at least the nose tip of the mask wearer and a sealing lip (3) consisting of an elastomeric material, which surrounds the orifice and crosses the bridge of the nose. Said sealing lip has a supporting zone which lies against the face of a mask wearer. The elastic pliability of the sealing lip (3) is such that the sealing lip zone (a) which seals the area around the bridge of the nose has a greater pliability than the sealing lip zone (b1, b2, c) which lies adjacent to the nostrils and/or the upper lip of the mask wearer, when the mask is applied to the face of the latter. From a production method viewpoint, the synthetic material is introduced in two separate injection-moulding steps, a support structure (4) with thick walls being preferably configured in the first step. |
| US07827987B2 |
Ball joint for providing flexibility to a gas delivery pathway
A system for adjusting a gas delivery mask is provided. The system may include a first housing portion, a first rim flexibly coupled to the first housing portion by a flexible member, a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion, a second rim associated with the second housing portion, and a ball rotatably disposed between the first and second rims and having a gas passageway extending therethrough. The ball may be maintained in contact with both the first and second rims by a resiliency of the flexible member. |
| US07827986B2 |
Methods for treating jaw pain
Apparatus, methods, and kits for treating symptoms associated with common ailments, such as headaches, rhinitis, asthma, epilepsy, nervous disorders and the like, are provided. The apparatus comprises dispensers for carbon dioxide and other therapeutic gases. The methods comprise delivering small volumes of these gases to patients in a manner where the gas infuses into a body region in order to bathe the mucous membranes therein. It has been found that even very short exposure of patients to small volumes and high concentrations of such gases can provide significant relief from symptoms. |
| US07827982B2 |
Ejection liquid and ejection method
There is provided an ejection liquid which can be ejected stably by an inkjet method even in the case of containing at least one of proteins and peptides and is provided a method and device of discharging a liquid containing at least one of proteins and peptides, which use the ejection liquid. The ejection liquid to be ejected from ejection orifice by an inkjet method contains at least one selected from proteins and peptides, a benzalkonium chloride and a liquid medium. |
| US07827977B2 |
Collapsible locking slingshot
The present invention provides for a collapsible locking slingshot having a quick-release interchangeable band replacement safety system. The present invention also includes a self-centering, open-pocket slingshot pouch and a unique dual-tapered band. The slingshot collapses into a lockable case, improving the slingshot's safety, and enhancing the protection and longevity of the slingshot's components. The slingshot incorporates a unique shoot-over design in which the arms generally are parallel to the shooter's arm during operation. |
| US07827976B2 |
Tube unit of ignition spark plug for engine
A tube unit of a spark plug for an engine that is used for mounting the spark plug in a cylinder head, may include a spark plug tube including a hollow tube body inserted in an interior mounting hole of the cylinder head, wherein a lower end of the hollow tube body that a gasket is coupled thereto is mounted at an upper end of a penetration hole formed at a lower deck, and a compression bolt engaged to the interior mounting hole of the cylinder head at an upper end of the hollow tube body so as to apply compression force to the hollow tube body and generate surface pressure to the gasket for sealing a gap disposed between the hollow tube body and the penetration hole while the compression bolt is engaged to the interior mounting hole of the cylinder head. |
| US07827974B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, and device for implementing said method
The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, wherein the nitrogen content in an intake air flow (1) suctioned from the ambient air is reduced before delivering the air flow to at least one combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine (7) in order to produce a nitrogen-reduced combustion air flow whose oxygen content is higher than that of the suctioned air flow. According to the invention, the suctioned air flow (1) is run past or along at least one porous solids body (5) in at least one partial area of the intake air flow path (3), the size of the pores of said solids body being designed in such a way that the quantity of nitrogen molecules drawn off from the intake air flow (1) through the porous solids wall (5) is larger than the quantity of oxygen molecules drawn off from the oxygen or nitrogen molecules of the intake air flowing past the porous solids body (5) in order to form the nitrogen-reducing and oxygen-enriched combustion air flow that is supplied to the at least one combustion chamber (7) as main partial gas flow (8) and at least one nitrogen-enriched and oxygen-reduced secondary partial gas flow (9) which is not delivered to the at least one combustion chamber (7). |
| US07827965B2 |
Techniques for delivering fuel to a piston aircraft engine
A piston aircraft engine assembly includes a piston aircraft engine, a fuel source, and a control system adapted to deliver fuel from the fuel source to the piston aircraft engine. The control system includes a mass airflow sensing apparatus adapted provide a pressure signal, an electronic engine controller coupled to the mass airflow sensing apparatus, and a set of fuel injectors. The electronic engine controller is adapted to (i) receive the pressure signal from the mass airflow sensing apparatus and (ii) generate a set of fuel injector signals based on the pressure signal received from the mass airflow sensing apparatus. The set of fuel injectors is adapted to meter the fuel in response to the set of fuel injector signals generated by the electronic engine controller. |
| US07827960B2 |
Controller of engine
A controller of an engine that can use a blended fuel with alcohol blended therein, the controller includes: an ignition timing controller, operable to control an ignition timing of the engine; an exhaust air-fuel ratio detector, operable to detect an exhaust air-fuel ratio of the engine; a concentration detector, operable to detect concentration of the alcohol in the blended fuel; an operation state detector, operable to detect an operation state of the engine; and a corrector, when the operation state which is detected by the operation state detector is a high-speed, high-load operation state, as the concentration of the alcohol which is detected by the concentration detector is higher, operable to control an injection amount which is injected from a fuel injection valve to correct a target equivalence ratio more in a lean direction, and operable to correct the ignition timing which is controlled by the ignition timing controller more to a spark advance side. |
| US07827959B2 |
Ignition device for internal combustion engine
An ignition device (ECU and a drive circuit) for a spark ignition type internal combustion engine that directs an ignition with generation of a predetermined start signal (i.e., falling of an ignition signal) has a circuit for monitoring generation timing of the start signal and for prohibiting the ignition based on the start signal when the start signal is generated at abnormal timing. In particular, the ignition device has a circuit for determining whether the start signal is generated at predetermined start timing and a circuit for prohibiting the ignition based on the start signal when the above circuit determines that the start signal is not generated at the start timing. Thus, damages to the engine and peripheral devices due to the ignition at the abnormal timing can be reduced. |
| US07827956B2 |
Revolving piston internal combustion engine
A revolving piston engine incorporating revolving pistons for improving fuel efficiency, increasing power output, easy cooling and reduced vibration. One or more of revolving piston pairs, each consisting of one piston and one cylinder head, revolve within a ring cylinder, around a common axis in a same direction, but with different velocities. A revolving piston compressor is also disclosed, incorporating appropriately designed and relocated ports/valves for both of associated intake and outlet components. |
| US07827954B2 |
Plasma-jet spark plug control method and device
There is provided a method for controlling a plasma-jet spark plug in a four-stroke internal combustion engine, including the steps of: causing the spark plug to generate a primary discharge during either a compression stroke or an expansion stroke of the engine in such a manner as to produce a plasma by the primary discharge; and causing the spark plug to generate a secondary discharge during a time after the primary discharge and before the completion of a subsequent intake stroke of the engine. |
| US07827949B2 |
Variable valve timing control apparatus of internal combustion engine
A variable valve timing control apparatus employs a five-blade vane member fixedly connected to a camshaft end and rotatably disposed in a phase-converter housing formed integral with a sprocket driven by an engine crankshaft. Five phase-retard chambers and five phase-advance chambers are defined by five blades of the vane member and the housing, for creating a phase change of the vane member relative to the housing. A circumferential width of each of a first pair of blades, located on both sides of a first blade having a maximum circumferential width, is dimensioned to be less than a circumferential width of each of a second pair of blades, circumferentially spaced apart from the first blade rather than the first pair. The circumferential width of each of the second pair of blades is dimensioned to be less than the maximum circumferential width of the first blade. |
| US07827947B2 |
Variable displacement pump, valve timing control device using the variable displacement pump, and valve timing control system using the variable displacement pump, for use in internal combustion engines
A variable displacement pump including a chamber volume varying mechanism including a moveable member, a first biasing member always biasing the moveable member in such a direction as to increase volumes of the working fluid chambers, and a second biasing member that is disposed with a set load and applies a biasing force to the moveable member in such a direction as to increase the volumes of the working fluid chambers when the moveable member is displaced against a biasing force of the first biasing member by a predetermined amount or more. The biasing force of the first biasing member is set such that before the moveable member is displaced against the biasing force of the first biasing member, the valve timing control device is shifted to a release state in which an open-and-closure timing of an engine valve is variably controlled. |
| US07827943B2 |
Variable compression ratio system
A variable compression ratio system for use in a reciprocating-piston engine. The system allows the compression ratio in a combustion cylinder of the engine to be varied by varying the distance from a combustion chamber facing surface of a piston to the center of pivotal connection of a connecting rod to a crankshaft. The distance is varied responsive to the supply and withdrawal of pressurized hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid is supplied and discharged by a slave pump pivotally connected to the connecting rod at a first end and pivotally connected to a stationary point at a second end. The slave pump supplies and withdraws hydraulic fluid responsive to the rotation of the crankshaft and a hydraulic backpressure controlled using a pressure control valve. |
| US07827939B2 |
Bird cage
A modular bird cage includes a plurality of support posts located at the corners of the cage. The support posts are made up of an internal column and an external post surrounding the internal column. The internal column is internally threaded to rigidly connect a base portion and an upper portion of the bird cage. The internally threaded column engages a vertically extending threaded stud extending from the base portion. Two perpendicular, radially extending lugs are mounted on the base portion spaced from the stud. The internally threaded column, when fully engaged with the externally threaded stud, abuts against the two radially projecting lugs, filling the space between the stud and the lugs. A hollow external post is passed over the column and includes two perpendicularly located arched openings which engage the two lugs mounted on the base portion. |
| US07827936B1 |
Bird feeder
A bird feeder that includes a bird feed holder having open top and bottom ends, a plurality of feeding ports disposed in a sidewall defining the holder, a plurality of perches each associated with an inlet of an associated feeding port and a removable base for engaging with the bottom end of the holder, the removable base having a closed position for sealing the bottom end of the holder so as to retain the bird feed therein and an open position in which the base is removed from the holder to enable access to the bottom end of the holder. One embodiment has a manually operated latch member supported by the base and supported for radial engagement so as to enable releasable securing of the removable base to the holder. In another embodiment a manually operated latch couples to a main body portion, the latch being supported for rotation with respect to the main body portion to releasably secure the base assembly to the housing. Also disclosed is a feeder support apparatus. |
| US07827932B2 |
Vaporizer and processor
A vaporizer vaporizes a force-fed liquid source material in a depressurized atmosphere to generate a source gas and discharging the source gas together with a carrier gas. The vaporizer includes a liquid reservoir chamber for temporarily storing the force-fed liquid source material; and a vaporization chamber communicating with the liquid reservoir chamber via a valve port. Further, the vaporizer includes a valve body adapted to sit on a valve seat surrounding the valve port of the liquid reservoir chamber; an actuator for driving the valve body; a carrier gas injection hole formed at a side of the valve body facing the valve port; and a discharge port for discharging the source gas from the vaporization chamber. By virtue of a specific arrangement of the carrier gas injection hole, the liquid source material is prevented from remaining unvaporized at a downstream side of the valve port. |
| US07827930B2 |
Apparatus for electroless deposition of metals onto semiconductor substrates
An electroless deposition system is provided. The system includes a processing mainframe, at least one substrate cleaning station positioned on the mainframe, and an electroless deposition station positioned on the mainframe. The electroless deposition station includes an environmentally controlled processing enclosure, a first processing station configured to clean and activate a surface of a substrate, a second processing station configured to electrolessly deposit a layer onto the surface of the substrate, and a substrate transfer shuttle positioned to transfer substrates between the first and second processing stations. The system also includes a substrate transfer robot positioned on the mainframe and configured to access an interior of the processing enclosure. The system also includes a substrate a fluid delivery system that is configured to deliver a processing fluid by use of a spraying process to a substrate mounted in the processing enclosure. |
| US07827923B2 |
Sewing machine having automatic thread cutting device
In a sewing machine having an automatic thread cutting mechanism, a situation of a thread cutting operation is detected in power-OFF to continuously carry out a proper operation when a power supply is turned ON again after sudden power-OFF.In a sewing machine having an automatic thread cutting mechanism, there is provided means for detecting an operation situation of the automatic thread cutting mechanism when a power supply is turned ON. Based on a signal for the detection, the automatic thread cutting mechanism is operated to complete a thread cutting operation and to carry out a control to return into an initial state when a stop is performed with the thread cutting mechanism in power-ON executing the thread cutting work. |
| US07827918B2 |
Mounting of drag reducing devices for stacked intermodal rail cars
Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. A first set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto. The attachment frame includes first and second mounting devices configured to be removably mounted to connection openings of the corner fittings of the top container of the first set of containers. The first mounting device(s) may be rotatably locked within the top connection openings, while the second mounting device(s) may be hooks for latching into the bottom connection openings. A method of attaching the aerodynamic drag reducing device is also disclosed. |
| US07827916B2 |
Sensor and apparatus for positioning railroad tie plates along a railroad track
An apparatus for positioning railroad tie plates along a railroad track comprises a carrier vehicle having a carrier conveyor, a roller conveyor formed of frame members and a plurality of idler rollers, the roller conveyor having an upper input end and a lower output end for gravity feeding the plurality of tie plates, the roller conveyor adapted to receive a plurality of tie plates at the input end and feed the tie plates toward the output end, the roller conveyor connected to the carrier vehicle and in feeding communication with the carrier conveyor adjacent an input end of the roller conveyor, the roller conveyor further comprising a rolling support adjacent the output end for movable support of the roller conveyor along the railroad track, an actuator positioned at the output end of roller conveyor, the actuator successively engaging each of the plurality of tie plates during feeding, a sensor adapted to detect an in-service railroad tie plate wherein the sensor signals a controller and the controller actuates the actuator to eject the plurality of tie plates from the roller conveyor in a preselected spaced apart manner. |
| US07827914B2 |
Determining a speed of media
In one embodiment, a method includes applying at least one invisible mark to media, sensing the at least one invisible mark with separate sensors, and determining a speed of the media from signals of the separate sensors. |
| US07827913B2 |
Device with several rollers
The device with a housing and several rollers, circular-cylindrical drums and the like, the axles of which are parallel and which are mounted between two walls, in particular for forming a strip, which can be formed at elevated temperatures, as it passes through on the surface of a rotating drum, is characterized in that one of the walls can be pivoted open in order to expose the rollers, drums and the like and one of the walls is fastened by way of one or more hinges to a component which can be displaced parallel to the axles, and in that a locking element is provided on the other side, which locking element acts on the wall, fixes or releases the latter and is likewise attached to a component which can be displaced parallel to the axles. |
| US07827911B2 |
Method for printing on tablets
Method for printing on a pharmaceutical tablet by etching a printing plate to form a pattern of etchings therein within an area corresponding to an outline of the tablet, varying the ink-retaining volumes of the etchings in a pre-determined manner and in a direction across the etching pattern from one side to an opposite side, placing ink into the etchings, and transferring ink from the etchings in the etched printing plate onto an outer surface of the tablet. Variations in the ink-retaining volumes of the etchings cause a larger amount of ink to be transferred from etchings having a larger ink-retaining volume than from etchings having a smaller ink-retaining volume during the ink transfer stage. This causes different changes in the color of the outer surface of the tablet dependent on the amount of ink being transferred. |
| US07827906B1 |
Deep fryer cooking apparatus
A deep fryer cooking apparatus includes a base that has an upper end and a lower end. A container c has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The container is positioned on the upper end of the base. A plurality of dividing walls is attached to the bottom and perimeter walls and vertically extends from the bottom wall to a position adjacent to a top edge of the perimeter wall. The dividing walls divide the container into a plurality of compartments. A heating assembly is attached to the base to selectively heat the container. A plurality of mesh baskets each has a size and shape approximately conforming to a size and shape of one of the compartments. Each of the mesh baskets includes a grip for removal of the mesh baskets from a respective one of the compartments. |
| US07827894B2 |
Microtome blade
A microtome blade having a safety portion. The safety portion may include a protective portion spaced from a knife edge and a gripping portion extending outwardly from the protective portion. The protective portion and the gripping portion help reduce unintended knife edge cuts. |
| US07827892B2 |
Apparatus for trimming paper rolls or logs and method for treating the logs
An apparatus for trimming paper rolls or logs (2) including: a section for the entry of the logs (2) to be trimmed; a section for the exit of the trimmed logs (2′); a station with a cutting device (6) for trimming the logs (2); a device (3) for moving the logs (2, 2′) between the entry section, the cutting station and the exit section; a device (4), associated with the log-moving device (3), for retaining the logs when subjected to movement. |
| US07827884B2 |
Beverage key
An opening location marker for pop-top cans in combination with an improved opener for both pop-top cans and bottles is formed to include an elongated lever body. A lifting element is positioned on the lever body and is sized shaped to fit underneath the lift tab on a pop-top can. A dent making element comprising an elongated fulcrum element is further formed on the lever body in physical association with the lift element but spaced away from the lift element so as to form a channel between the lift element and the fulcrum element. The channel is sized and shaped such that the lift tab of the pop-top can be sheaved in the channel between the lift element and the fulcrum element for manipulation of the lift tab to open the pop-top can. The opener further includes an edge gripper located on the lever body in physical association with the elongated fulcrum element. For marking the location of the opening on pop-top cans, the edge gripper is positioned on the pop-top can so that it engages the inside edge of the top of the pop-top can at the site of opening such that when the device is rotated the elongated fulcrum element may impact and “dent” the side of the pop top can. For removing bottle caps from capped bottles, the edge gripper is positioned on the opener such that it engages the edge of the bottle cap when the elongated fulcrum element is positioned in the center of the bottle cap. |
| US07827883B1 |
Cutting die and method of forming
A cutting die is formed by scanning a laser beam along a path corresponding to a blade pattern, and introducing a selected powder to build up an integral blade of high grade, and hard-to-wear material on the relatively softer die body. The final blade shape is machined or produced by EDM or milling. Further hardening by heat treatment is optional. Other heat sources and cladding materials could be used. |
| US07827879B2 |
Webbed spiral bevel gear
A webbed spiral bevel gear formed by cold forging includes: gear teeth formed at a peripheral surface of the gear basis to be integral therewith. Each gear tooth includes a tooth top land and a tooth bottom land both in a slanting and curved manner relative to a center axis of the gear basis. The webbed spiral bevel gear includes a web portion formed at radially outer end portions of the gear teeth to be integral therewith and closing the tooth bottom lands at the radially outer end portions of the gear teeth. The web portion is continuous with the radially outer end portions of the tooth top lands. A profile of the radially outer end portion of the tooth top land of each gear tooth has two edges extending at a slant from each other and expanding in a direction of the web portion. |
| US07827876B2 |
Method for controlling, and a control device of, an automated, non-synchromesh multispeed motor vehicle transmission
In a method for controlling, and a control device of, an automated non-synchromesh multi-speed motor vehicle transmission, wherein, upon selection of a target gear, a form-fitting connection is to be established between shift elements of the target gear, wherein, however, with a certain rotational speed difference between the shift elements which causes chattering, no engagement takes place during actuation of the shift actuator for the target gear, when, upon monitoring, a certain chattering of the shift elements is detected, and, as a result, the engagement of the target gear is aborted in order to prevent the transmission from being damaged. |
| US07827868B2 |
Apparatus for a cam-based jack assembly for use in materials, testing machines and an accompanying method for use therewith
A jack assembly, for use in a materials testing system, utilizes both a cam and a resilient push block. The cam, having an progressive eccentric, is situated between the push block and a jaw housing and located partially within a corresponding shallow channel in each such that both channels effectively straddle the cam. The channels accommodate axial rotation of the cam. The push block is formed of a material with an appropriate modulus of elasticity such that bending moments, particularly at ends of the push block and resulting from axial rotation of the eccentric to its top dead-center position, cause the channel in the push block to elastically deform and increasingly and sufficiently deflect against and around the eccentric, thus increasingly pinching the eccentric and securely locking the cam, push block and specimen grip in their proper positions. |
| US07827866B2 |
Pressure transducer and method for monitoring the state of a pressure transducer and pressure sensor
A pressure transducer for a pressure sensor (2) for determining at least one pressure (pa, pb) in a process media (3a, 3b) has a housing (4) with a separating diaphragm (5a, 5b), at least one first pressure-sensing element (6a, 6b), a contact media (7a, 7b), at least one first connection element (8a, 8b) and at least one first seal (9a, 9b). The separating diaphragm (5a, 5b) separates the process media (3a, 3b) from the contact media (7a, 7b), the contact media (7a, 7b) conveys the pressure (pa, pb) of the process media (3a, 3b) determined by the separating diaphragm (5a, 5b) to the first pressure-sensing element (6a, 6b). The first seal (9a, 9b) houses the first connection element (8a, 8b) and the housing (4), the separating diaphragm (5a, 5b) and the first seal (9a, 9b) form a first pressure chamber (10a, 10b). A second pressure chamber (14) is provided on the side of the first pressure chamber (10a, 10b) opposite the first seal (9a, 9b) and a second pressure-sensing element (15) is arranged in the second pressure chamber (14). |
| US07827865B2 |
Semiconductor acceleration sensor
The present invention is to provide a semiconductor acceleration sensor capable of sensing accelerations in two directions parallel to the surface of a diaphragm and orthogonal to each other with respective proper sensitivities. A semiconductor acceleration sensor is constituted of diaphragm pieces extending from the center of the diaphragm surface to a wafer outer-circumferential frame section, respectively, along an X axis direction and a Y axis direction orthogonal to each other. On the upper surface of the diaphragm pieces, there are formed piezo resistors Rx1 to Rx4, Ry1 to Ry4, Rz1 to Rz4. In the diaphragm pieces disposed on a single line along the X axis direction and the diaphragm pieces disposed on a single line along the Y axis direction, the areas of cross section orthogonal to the axis are set according to a maximum value of acceleration, respectively, in the X axis direction or Y axis direction. |
| US07827864B2 |
Microelectromechanical gyroscope with suppression of capacitive coupling spurious signals and control method
A microelectromechanical gyroscope having a microstructure with a first mass, which can oscillate according to a first axis, and a second mass constrained to the first mass so as to oscillate according to a second axis in response to a rotation of the microstructure, and a driving device coupled to the microstructure to maintain the first mass in oscillation at a resonance frequency, the driving device provided with a low-pass filter having a passband such that the resonance frequency is in the passband and a disturbance frequency associated with disturbance signals due to coupling between the first mass and the second mass is not in the passband. |
| US07827860B2 |
Mobile pump testing apparatus
A pump testing apparatus includes a tank mounted on a mobile trailer for testing water pumps associated with fire fighting equipment. Two rotatable draft tubes extend into the tank for drawing water from the lower part of the tank through suction hoses connected to the pump being tested. Two inlet manifolds receive water discharged from the pump being tested and direct the water into respective flow stations that measure the water flow rate. The water is then dispersed back into the tank. The tank has a system of baffles to prevent cavitation of the water circulating through the tank. A cooling system is provided to cool the water within the tank to maintain a desired water temperature during pump testing. The cooling system includes a supply line having a cool water inlet for connecting to a source of cool water, and cool water outlets at spaced locations throughout the tank. |
| US07827859B2 |
Apparatus and methods for obtaining measurements below bottom sealing elements of a straddle tool
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining downhole well pressure during wellbore operations. One method comprises providing a well intervention tool comprising a straddle sealing assembly having upper and lower annulus sealing elements and a fluid injection port positioned therebetween, the well intervention tool comprising a fluid injection bore having positioned therein a pressure measurement tool; placing the tool in straddle position about a wellbore region to be intervened, with the pressure measurement tool fluidly connected to a wellbore region below the lower annulus sealing element; and performing the wellbore intervention operation while communicating fluid from below the lower annulus sealing element to the pressure measurement tool, thus obtaining a pressure measurement below the lower annulus sealing element during the wellbore intervention operation. This abstract will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US07827855B2 |
Method and kit for adsorbent performance evaluation
The present invention generally relates to methods and kits for measuring and analyzing degradation of adsorbent materials, particularly for adsorbent materials used in gas separation processes. The present invention can assess the damage to adsorbent due to contamination including moisture contamination and it can assess damage that is not contaminant-related. The advantage to the present invention is that it can detect degradation of adsorbent directly at the plant site before the degradation affects production. Another advantage is that it can conclusively determine whether the adsorbent is damaged. Because it is so inexpensive to run, the test of the present invention can be conducted to determine adsorbent damage and to confirm whether the damage continues to be an issue. The present invention can test adsorbents in any form, including, but not limited to, bead, pellet or powder form. |
| US07827854B2 |
Method and kit for adsorbent performance evaluation
The present invention generally relates to methods and kits for measuring and analyzing degradation of adsorbent materials, particularly for adsorbent materials used in gas separation processes. The present invention can assess the damage to adsorbent due to moisture contamination and it can assess damage that is not moisture-related. The advantage to the present invention is that it can detect degradation of adsorbent before the degradation affects production. Another advantage is that it can conclusively determine whether the sieve is damaged. Because it is so inexpensive to run, the test of the present invention can be conducted to determine adsorbent damage and to confirm whether the damage continues to be an issue. The present invention can test adsorbents in any form, including, but not limited to, bead, pellet or powder form. |
| US07827853B2 |
Weld testing apparatus and method for nozzles
A weld testing assembly for testing the integrity of weld used to secure a nozzle to a vessel and the like comprises a pair of plates or discs positioned on either end of the nozzle and a generally coaxially extending annular body having a diameter smaller than the nozzle stem. The assembly creates a sealed area with a small volume whereby a weld test can be efficiently conducted. |
| US07827852B2 |
Gas sensor and method of making
A gas sensor is disclosed. The gas sensor includes a gas sensing layer including doped oxygen deficient tungsten oxide and a dopant selected from the group consisting of Re, Ni, Cr, V, W, and a combination thereof, at least one electrode positioned within a layer of titanium, and a response modification layer. The at least one electrode is in communication with the gas sensing layer and the gas sensing layer is capable of detecting at least one gas selected from the group consisting of NO, NO2, SOx O2, H2O, and NH3. A method of fabricating the gas sensor is also disclosed. |
| US07827846B2 |
Monitoring of wearing surface layer thickness
A method of wear level determination and an associated product. Multiple Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tags are distributed within a thickness of a wearing surface layer of a tire. The multiple RFID tags include first RFID tags that have not been worn away, second RFID tags that have been worn away, and a special RFID tag that has not been worn away. A measure of wear of the wearing surface layer of the tire is determined from data received from the first RFID tags and from a table in the special RFID tag. The product includes the wearing surface layer of the tire, the multiple RFID tags, and a mechanism for determining the measure of wear of the wearing surface layer. |
| US07827840B2 |
Multistage superplastic forming apparatus and method
A superplastic forming apparatus and method for forming a sheet of material at an elevated temperatures into a workpiece having a complex geometry. The process takes advantage of a mechanical forming step, which draws material along a major axis to form a first preform. Upon completion of the first mechanical forming step, a second, initial superplastic forming step acts on the first preform to create a second preform having a plurality of channels or grooves located thereon. The grooves or channels function to draw additional material prior to the second or final gas forming step, which completes the forming process by driving the material against a forming surface. Accordingly, the method and apparatus function to reduce forming time and eliminate thinning and wrinkling of the sheet material during the forming process. |
| US07827832B2 |
Suds container made of plastic for a washing machine, with a connection for a vibration absorber
A suds container for a washing machine includes plastic and is disposed so as to vibrate inside the machine housing, and includes first and second joint pieces. The first joint piece has a first bore therethrough and the second joint piece has a second bore therethrough aligned with the first bore. The first and second joint pieces are configured to fasten a vibration absorber with a fastening eye of the vibration absorber disposed between the joint pieces. A fastening element is at least partially received in the first and second bores and configured to fasten the vibration absorber. An S-shaped molded part is disposed on the joint pieces and includes third and fourth aligned bores and a first and a second arched area. The first arched area has a U-shape and is disposed between the joint pieces. The second arched area extends so as to overlap a free end of the first joint piece at an outer portion thereof. |
| US07827824B2 |
Synthetic quartz glass substrate for excimer lasers and making method
A synthetic quartz glass substrate having (i) an OH concentration of 1-100 ppm and a hydrogen molecule concentration of 1×1016-1×1019 molecules/cm3, (ii) an in-plane variation of its internal transmission at wavelength 193.4 nm which is up to 0.2%, and (iii) an internal transmission of at least 99.6% at wavelength 193.4 nm is suited for use with excimer lasers. |
| US07827822B2 |
Method and apparatus for spray-forming melts of glass and glass-ceramic compositions
The invention relates to a process and apparatus for forming a particulate composition, especially a particle glass composition, through the use of shock waves. A nozzle element is utilized having inlets for introduction of cold and heated gas and a delivery tube for introducing molten material. Through the introduction of the cold and heated gases, droplets are formed from a molten stream, a cone-shaped standing shock wave is formed, and shock waves are formed via a modified Hartmann-Sprenger chamber, the shock waves impinging on the droplet stream to break up the larger droplets. |
| US07827820B2 |
Thermodynamic machine and method for absorbing heat
A thermodynamic machine for the absorption and emission of heat at different temperatures has at least one thermodynamic device with at least one membrane separating a gas phase and a liquid phase provided for transport of heat, wherein the at least one membrane is permeable for at least one component contained in the gas and liquid phases. The at least one membrane is a porous membrane or a solution diffusion membrane or a modification of the porous membrane or a modification of the solution diffusion membrane. |
| US07827817B2 |
Absorption heat pump
An absorption heat pump, including: an evaporator which takes in a first heat source and evaporates refrigerant liquid into refrigerant vapor; an absorber which has a heat receiving medium passage and which takes in heat receiving medium liquid through a heat receiving medium inlet of the heat receiving medium passage, heats the heat receiving medium liquid with the heat of absorption generated when the refrigerant vapor generated in the evaporator is absorbed into solution, and discharges the heat receiving medium in the form of vapor or mixture of vapor and liquid through a heat receiving medium outlet of the heat receiving medium passage; a generator which takes in a second heat source and evaporates the refrigerant from the solution having absorbed the refrigerant vapor; and a condenser which takes in a cooling source and the refrigerant vapor generated in the generator to condense the refrigerant vapor. |
| US07827814B2 |
Geothermal water heater
The present invention relates to a geothermal water heater system, and methods of heating water for domestic uses utilizing geothermal energy. More specifically, the present invention provides a geothermal heat pump water heater system includes a hot water tank, a cold water tank and at least one water-to-water heat pump. As contemplated, the water-to-water heat pump includes one or more heat exchangers which control heat transfer from water drawn from an outside water source. The outside water source water is supplied to both the hot water tank and the cold water tanks whereupon heat exchangers which comprise a cold water side heat exchanger and a hot water side heat exchanger, allow water entering the cold water tank to be cooled and returned to the cold water tank while water entering the hot water tank is heated and returned to the hot water tank. |
| US07827812B2 |
Humidity controller
A humidity controller (1) has a configuration composed of a cold/hot water circuit (10) through which cold/hot water circulates, an adsorption heat exchanger (20) that is provided in the cold/hot water circuit (10) and supports an adsorbent on its surface, and an air passage (30) that supplies air that has passed through the adsorption heat exchanger (20) at the time of hot water circulation to the inside of a room. |
| US07827806B2 |
Portable cooled merchandizing unit
A portable cooled merchandising unit including a product container assembly and a thermoelectric assembly. The product container assembly includes an exterior frame and an interior container forming a floor and side panels defining an interior region. Openings to the interior region are defined opposite the floor. Airflow paths are defined at an exterior of the panels and are fluidly connected to the interior region via the opening. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device connected to a heat sink that is fluidly connected to the airflow path away from the opening. A fan is positioned to circulate air from the thermoelectric device and into the interior region via the airflow paths. |
| US07827805B2 |
Seat climate control system
A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly includes activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath a seat covering. A fluid module that includes a fluid supply device and a thermoelectric element is activated to direct heated air from the fluid module to a space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion. After a period of time, the heating element is deactivated. |
| US07827803B1 |
Method and apparatus for an aerodynamic stability management system
A method for using an aerodynamic stability management system is disclosed. The method includes placing at least one pressure sensor in a compressor, the at least one pressure sensor communicating with an aerodynamic stability management system controller and monitoring gas turbine engine performance using the aerodynamic stability management system controller. The controller includes a memory, an input/output interface and a processor. The method also includes defining a correlation threshold value and calculating a correlation measure using a plurality of pressure signals generated by the at least one pressure sensor and comparing the correlation measure with the correlation threshold value. When the correlation measure is less than the correlation threshold value a corrective action is implemented. |
| US07827798B2 |
System for ventilating a combustion chamber wall in a turbomachine
A system for ventilating a combustion chamber wall in a turbomachine is disclosed. The system includes a diffuser mounted at the inlet of the combustion chamber, an annular end-piece that extends downstream to an injection device for injecting ventilation air, and an annular convecting metal sheet being arranged radially between the combustion chamber and the end-piece of the diffuser in order to delimit, with an internal wall of the chamber, an annular stream for the flow of air that is stable and without separation supplying holes in the chamber and the injection device. |
| US07827797B2 |
Injection assembly for a combustor
An injection assembly for use with a combustor is provided. The injection assembly includes an effusion plate that has a plurality of plate openings and a plate sleeve having a sidewall portion that includes a forward edge. The forward edge is coupled to the effusion plate such that the effusion plate is oriented obliquely with respect to a centerline extending through the combustor. The injection assembly also includes a plurality of ring extensions where each of the ring extensions is coupled to one of the plurality of plate openings. Each ring extension extends rearwardly into the plate sleeve. |
| US07827796B2 |
Rotary metering valve arrangement
A rotary metering valve arrangement comprises a rotary metering valve arranged to control the supply of fuel to a Pressure Raising and Shut-Off Valve (PRSOV), the metering valve comprising a valve plate provided with first and second latching ports and an angularly movable valve element provided with a recess registrable, in use, with the first and second latching ports to control communication therebetween, the PRSOV comprising a valve member slidable within a bore provided with third and fourth latching ports the valve member being provided with a recess registrable, in use, with the third and fourth latching ports to control communication therebetween, the second and third latching ports communicating with one another. |
| US07827790B2 |
Controller for internal combustion engine with supercharger
A torque base control unit calculates target torque based on an accelerator position and engine speed. The control unit further executes calculation of target airflow rate, calculation of target intake pressure, and calculation of target boost pressure based on the target torque. Target throttle position is calculated based on the target airflow rate, target intake pressure, target boost pressure, actual boost pressure, and throttle passed intake temperature. An assist control unit calculates target turbine power based on the target airflow rate and the target boost pressure calculated by the torque base control unit and calculates actual turbine power based on exhaust information. Assist power of a motor attached to a turbocharger is calculated based on the power difference between the target turbine power and the actual turbine power. |
| US07827787B2 |
Hydraulic system
A ground engaging vehicle including a movable member, a hydraulically driven actuator, a hydraulic pump, a plurality of valves and at least one hydraulic conduit. The hydraulically driven actuator is coupled to the movable member and the actuator has a first chamber and a second chamber. The plurality of non-proportional valves include a first valve, a second valve, a third valve and a fourth valve. The at least one hydraulic conduit couples the pump with the first valve and the second valve. The first valve is in direct fluid communication with the first chamber. The second valve is in direct fluid communication with the second chamber. The third valve is in direct fluid communication with the first chamber and the fourth valve is in direct fluid communication with the second chamber. The first valve and the second valve each include an open position and a closed position. |
| US07827786B2 |
Seal assembly for reducing fluid loss from transmission pump
An improved seal assembly is provided that minimizes loss of transmission pump pressure by controlling fluid flow past a torque converter hub bushing to meet bushing lubrication requirements without unnecessarily diminishing pump pressure and while also minimizing frictional losses. The seal assembly includes a rigid carrier adapted to fit between a pump body member and the torque converter hub. An elastomeric lip extends from the rigid carrier. A contact layer is connected to the elastomeric lip and configured to sealingly contact the torque converter hub. The contact layer is integral with and harder than the elastomeric lip, therefore minimizing frictional losses. |
| US07827785B2 |
Hydraulic system with warm up circuit
A hydraulic control system in which a pump for pressurized hydraulic fluid connects with a valve assembly having a valve element displaceable in a chamber to selectively direct fluid to a load driven by the hydraulic system. Surfaces on the end faces of the valve element are exposed to hydraulic pressure from a controller via electro-hydraulic solenoid valves. The surfaces of the valve element adjacent the end faces are undercut to establish a leakage flow path and the solenoid valves are selectively actuated to pressurize the end faces to a level below normal actuation of the valve element but high enough to cause fluid to return to a drain and thus increase the temperature of the hydraulic fluid in the system. |
| US07827782B2 |
Method for remediating emissions
A method for remediating an emission containing NOx emissions includes introducing an exotherm generating agent into the NOx emissions when the inlet temperature of the NOx emissions is in a range of 300° C. to 600° C. and an air/fuel ratio is greater than or equal to 15; exposing the NOx emissions to a lean NOx trap; introducing a reducing agent into the emissions when the inlet temperature of the emissions is greater than 130° C. and less than 600° C.; exposing the NOx emissions having an air/fuel ratio greater than or equal to 15 to a selective catalytic reduction catalyst; and producing a remediated emission having an air/fuel ratio greater than or equal to 15. |
| US07827780B2 |
Assembly procedure for the adjustable pin-valve, fuel shut-off
A protocol for assembling a fuel shut off pin valve assembly for a turbo fan engine. The protocol outlines a specific sequence of events in order to ensure failsafe incorporation of a fuel shut off valve assembly within the low pressure turbine area and specifically within the engine casing of the turbo fan. |
| US07827777B2 |
Combustor with reduced carbon monoxide emissions
A combustor arrangement for a gas turbine engine (31) has a split line (42) and a plurality of burners (20,37) arranged in an annular ring (40). The burners (46) of the combustor on either side of the split line (42) have a separation distance of at least two times the average separation distance between burners (48) distant from the split line (42). |
| US07827775B2 |
Flexible draper and cutter bar having shiftable crop divider with deflector
A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. The header further includes end crop dividers that are mounted on outermost support arms that support the flexible cutterbar assembly so that the dividers swing with the outermost support arms as the flexible cutterbar assembly flexes. |
| US07827773B2 |
Center crop deflector for draper header
A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. |
| US07827772B2 |
Marking assembly
A marking assembly for attachment to a vehicle for distributing a marking agent on a substantially grass-covered field to mark one or more lines in one or more predetermined areas thereof. The marking assembly includes a deck having a grass-cutting subassembly for mowing the grass and removing the cuttings thereof to provide freshly-mown grass in the predetermined area, the deck being attachable to the vehicle. The marking assembly also includes one or more nozzle subassemblies positionable downstream relative to the grass-cutting subassembly when the vehicle travels in a forward direction. The nozzle subassembly includes one or more nozzles for releasing the marking agent to mark the line on the predetermined area. |
| US07827771B2 |
Mower with disc-shaped mowing blade
A mower carried on shoulders or back to be used. A bowl-shaped contact member is disposed under a rotating body driven to rotate around a vertical axis as to be freely rotate around the axis. And, a bottom wall face portion of the bowl-shaped contact member has a flat face at right angles with the axis on a lower face. And, the bowl-shaped contact member has a curved face portion connecting a cylindrical peripheral wall face portion, of which center is the axis, and the bottom wall face portion. |
| US07827764B2 |
Medicine delivering device
A medicine delivering device permits additional medicine cassettes to be provided at low cost without greatly enlarging the installation space. The medicine delivering device includes a medicine storage and removal unit in which many medicine cassettes each containing a medicine are detachably provided to the outer surface of a drum whose upper and lower ends are rotatable supported by the device body and a medicine packaging unit that packages medicine removed through a collecting hopper from the medicine cassette of the medicine storage and removal unit. There is provided on the side surface of the device body a sub medicine storage and removal unit including: a body; a drawer body provided to be capable of being pulled out from the body and that is detachably provided with a plurality of medicine cassettes each containing the medicine; and a guide that guides the medicine taken out from the medicine cassette to the collecting hopper. |
| US07827763B2 |
Insulated blocking panels and assemblies for I-joist installation in floors and ceilings and methods of installing same
Apparatus and methods for spacing, securing, and stabilizing I-joists at their ends, and insulating and structural enhancing I-joist assemblies, are provided around the perimeter, or in the interior, of a floor or ceiling where ends of I-joists are located. Insulated blocking panels may comprise an insulating portion that provides a high-R-value and a structural portion which may comprise vertical panel(s) and optional integral support blocks that provide a profiled end surface for extending to the web of the I-joists. Alternatively, insulated blocking panels with flat, vertical end surfaces may be used with field-installed support blocks, or insulated blocking panels with profiled end surfaces may be used without any support blocks. The support blocks or profiled end surfaces of the insulated blocking panels extend to the web of each I-joist, to fill in the space between the I-joists near the I-joist ends, including a substantial amount of the space immediately adjacent the web of each I-joist. The preferred insulated blocking panels, therefore, insulated the outer perimeter of a floor or ceiling and also contribute vertical load carrying capability, and lateral shear and roll-over resistance. |
| US07827762B2 |
Aesthetic cover assembly for a building structure and method of assembling same
A cover segment for an aesthetic cover assembly includes a cover wall and at least one joint element. An aesthetic cover assembly includes two or more cover segments. The joint elements of the cover segments have a common profile and are secured along the corresponding cover wall in an opposite facing relation. A method of assembling a cover assembly is also included. |
| US07827761B2 |
Plastic spacer stock, plastic spacer frame and multi-sheet unit, and method of making same
The present invention provides spacer stock for making a spacer frame for a multi-sheet unit. The spacer stock includes a first supporting surface; a second supporting surface opposite to, and facing away from, the first supporting surface; a base surface between and connecting the first and second supporting surfaces, and wherein the first and second supporting surfaces and base surface are made of plastic and rate of moisture and/or gas movement through portions of the first and second supporting surfaces is greater than the rate of moisture and/or gas movement, respectively through the base surface. |
| US07827759B1 |
Method of repairing concrete floors and system for same
A floor plug (10) is disclosed having a top plate (11) and a neck (12), the neck defining a top plate lip (14). To repair a bore hole (20) in a concrete floor (21) an adhesive (19) is applied to the underside of the lip (14) and the neck (12) is positioned within the bore hole (20). Once the adhesive has cured a viscous smoothing compound or concrete floor leveler is poured over the floor plug (21) and surrounding concrete floor area. If necessary, the concrete floor leveler material is smoothed to provide a generally smooth or level surface. |
| US07827756B2 |
Metal stud for a wall or roof system
A metal stud for use in a metal building wherein the studs are secured to horizontally extending and vertically spaced-apart girts which are either C-shaped or Z-shaped. A metal stud is generally C-shaped and includes a base wall portion and opposite side wall portions with upper and lower ends. The lower ends of the side wall portions each have slot formed therein wherein which are adapted to receive a wall portion and flange of a girt. The upper end of the stud has a tab which extends upwardly therefrom to enable the tab to be secured to a girt. The stud may also be used in the roof system of the building. |
| US07827749B2 |
Panel and method of manufacture
A panel, in particular a floor panel, has a core of a wooden material, in particular MDF or HDF, or a wooden material/plastic mixture. A pattern is arranged on a visible side. The visible side is provided on at least one side edge (I, II) with a chamfer running at an angle α hereto and a length (L). The angle α of at least one of the chamfers varies over the length (L). |
| US07827748B2 |
Tower foundation
A tower foundation (10) comprises a base slab (11), a plurality of pillar slabs (12), and a crown stab (13). The base slab (11), pillar slabs (12) and crown slab (13) are all retained in position by six steel guide rods (18) that extend upwardly from the base slab (11). The six guide rods (18) have externally threaded ends configured to receive internally threaded mounting bolts (20). The guide rods are arranged in a generally triangular pattern. The pillar slabs are rectangular with their sides being undercut or sloping outwardly from the bottom surface to the top surface, i.e., the sidewalls diverge outwardly as they extend upwardly. The outwardly sloping sidewalls aid in preventing the foundation from tilting over time. |
| US07827743B2 |
Energy conserving active thermal insulation
An energy conserving active thermal insulation arrangement installed upon the ambient surface of an insulated structure employing alternately spaced insulated air channels and insulated conductive ply channels. A thin conductive ply conveys the energy by conduction from the airflow into the adjacent conductive ply channels, that contain an additional layer of foam which improves the conservation of energy. The conductive ply is placed above and below structural openings which would otherwise restrict airflow. The airflow is drawn from beneath the frost line, exhaust ventilation or sunspace. A math model solution determines the energy necessary to maintain a desired room temperature for each hour of the day which characterizes the thermal resistance. As the ambient temperature fluctuates, the resistance varies, however the energy for 24 hours is used to determine the total apparent resistance. Examples of apparent resistance R-value have been improved beyond any published resistance values to date. |
| US07827742B2 |
Removable covering for surfaces
A removable covering for surfaces includes, in principle, tiles consisting of bases made of a plastic material and top plaques joined to the bases, the bases incorporating male and female anchoring elements along their edges which fit together for attaching one tile to another. The anchoring elements are located in the joints between tiles and the anchoring elements are arranged alternatingly along the entire outer edge of the bases, at least by pairs of anchoring elements, one male and the other female, on each side of the edge of the plastic base. The anchoring elements are separated by a distance which is twice the distance between each end anchoring element and the nearest adjacent vertex of the corresponding base. It will thus be possible to place and anchor one tile assembly in relation to another in as many positions as the number of sides of the tiles. |
| US07827736B2 |
Door handle device for vehicle
A door handle device for a vehicle includes a frame member mounted to a door of the vehicle, a handle main body fitted with the frame member, an engaging arm formed at the handle main body and engaging with the frame member, a handle axial portion formed at the engaging arm and serving as a pivotal center of the handle main body, a bearing member pivotally supported by the frame member, and a holding portion formed at the bearing member for holding the handle axial portion, wherein the holding portion is shifted between a released position where the handle axial portion is engageable with or disengageable from the holding portion and a supported position where the handle axial portion is pivotally supported with a pivoting of the bearing member. |
| US07827731B2 |
Weighted fishing lure having interchangeable lure body
A fishing lure having a reusable and interchangeable lure body is generally disclosed. The lure body can be changed without having to cut and retie the fishing line to the fishing lure. The fishing lure has two separate components that can be interchanged: the weighted hook and the lure body. A fishing line can be tied to the weighted hook. Different lure bodies can be affixed to the weighted hook to be fished. |
| US07827718B2 |
Hand-held power tool with an identification element
A hand-held power tool includes a housing (4), and a tag-shaped identification element (14.1; 14.2) mountable on the housing (4) so that it becomes visible on an outer side of the housing (4), provided with an identification mark (16.1; 16.2), insertable in a receptacle (20.1; 20.2) provided on the housing. |
| US07827713B2 |
Carousel advertising system
Advertising system that adheres printed indicia to surfaces are described. The advertising system can contain a substrate containing the printed indicia layer and an adhesive layer. A protective layer, formed of a substantially clear or transparent material, can be used protect an exterior surface of the substrate. The printed indicia may be coated, screen printed, transfer laminated, etc., to the underlying surface to which the advertising system is attached, as can the protective layer and the adhesive layer when present. The advertising system can be used on non-durable surfaces, as well as surfaces which are exposed to extreme conditions and/or continuous wear have. The advertising system can also be used with moving and non-moving, vertical and horizontal surfaces. The advertising systems also allow application and removal of advertisements quickly and effectively without removing, mechanically altering, or damaging the surfaces to which they are applied. Other embodiments are described. |
| US07827710B2 |
Card for retaining items therein
A card may include a generally planar panel and a plurality of opposing retaining members disposed on the panel. The plurality of opposing retaining members may be arranged to retain a substantially rectangular transaction card having a first longitudinal axis in a first orientation with respect to the panel and to retain a substantially rectangular paper gift having a second longitudinal axis in a second orientation with respect to the panel, so that the orientation of the first longitudinal axis is substantially transverse to the second orientation of the second longitudinal axis. The paper gift may be, for example, paper monetary currency, a paper bank check, or a paper gift certificate. The transaction card may be, for example, a debit card, a credit card, a gift card, a prepaid phone card, a card containing a merchandise credit usable at a retail establishment. |
| US07827707B2 |
Memory foam shoe insert
Improved shoe inserts (22, 56, 63) are provided which are designed for placement within the toe regions (37, 52, 64) of shoes (34, 50, 62) to provide enhanced comfort to the shoe wearers. The inserts (22, 56, 63) are preferably cut from initial pillow-shaped bodies (20) to give the custom-designed inserts (22, 56, 63). The inserts (22, 56, 63) are designed to substantially occupy the distal end of the shoe toe region and present a proximal toe-engaging face that substantially spans the cross-sectional dimension of the toe-region. The inserts (22, 56, 63) are preferably formed of heat-sensitive, viscoelastic, polyurethane foam material. |
| US07827705B2 |
Article of footwear with multiple cleat sizes
An article of footwear including different cleat sizes is disclosed. The article of footwear includes cleats of a first size along the medial side of the outsole and cleats of a second size along the lateral side of the outsole. The cleats also include spherical indentations along their tips. The outsole also includes an internal structural plate with notches associated with the cleats. |
| US07827702B1 |
Measurement device
A measurement device for measuring a distance between a center of a through hole defined in a panel and a side of the panel extending from an end of the panel includes a positioning member, a support member, and a measurement member. The positioning member and the measurement member are set on two ends of the support member. An inside surface of the positioning member resists the side of the panel. A distance between the inside surface and a center of the measurement member is about equal to a normal distance between the side and the center of the through hole. If an actual distance between the side and the center of the through hole meets a determined specification, the measurement member will enter into the through hole. |
| US07827701B2 |
Template
A template for assisting a person with drawing and cutting two-dimensional shapes is disclosed. In one embodiment the template is a substantially planar member spaced apart surfaces. The template is formed in a selected shape having a handle disposed on one surface and a skid-resistant member disposed on an opposite surface. The handle and the skid-resistant member facilitate holding the template stationary in respect of a writing surface while tracing the shape of the template. In another embodiment the template includes two members formed in substantially matching shapes. A plurality of magnets is employed to secure the two members in substantial alignment having a material disposed therebetween. The outer edges of the two members provide a guide for cutting a piece of the material in a shape conforming to the shape of the template. |
| US07827699B2 |
Environmentally-friendly levels
The present invention is directed to environmentally friendly levels. Through the use of renewable resource or environmentally friendly liquids in the transparent tubes of a level, it is possible to provide a level that will not harm the environment if the liquid escapes from the tubes as well as reduce the use of petroleum based fluids. In one embodiment, the level contains non-petroleum based hydrocarbons and a water-based solution of dissolved ionic solids. In other embodiments, the level contains non-petroleum based hydrocarbons and water-based solutions of dissolved ionic solids with increased boiling points and lowered freezing points. In other embodiments the level contains arced tubes, standard tubes and combinations of both wherein the liquid in the tubes may be the same or different. |
| US07827694B2 |
Method for manufacturing one-piece dental device
A method for manufacturing a one-piece dental implant. The method includes the steps, in any order, of manufacturing an outer body of metal having a cavity and manufacturing an inner body of plastic or composite material having an outer profile. The cavity has an inner profile, and the outer profile of the inner body is complementary to the inner profile of the cavity of the outer body. The inner body includes a core manufactured within the cavity of the outer body. The respective profiles are wavelike rounded in an axial direction of the dental implant and tapering from the crestal end of the outer body to the apical end of the outer body, such as to decrease tension between the inner and the outer bodies and/or such that to provide for an anti-rotation lock between the two bodies. |
| US07827693B2 |
Method of manufacturing powertrain member
A method of manufacturing a powertrain member capable of suppressing an effect of heat distortion is provided. A method of manufacturing a powertrain member including a disk portion provided to extend from a boss portion in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis and having a through hole formed in the disk portion includes the first through hole formation step of forming a tip hole which is at least a portion of the through hole, the chamfering step of chamfering at least a portion of the tip hole, the heat treatment step of performing heat treatment after chamfering, and the second through hole formation step of forming a desired shape of the through hole by laser processing after heat treatment. |
| US07827692B2 |
Variable case depth powder metal gear and method thereof
A gear and a method of making a forged powder metal gear having a plurality of teeth and a variable case depth profile forged in the plurality of teeth. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth has a first surface and a tooth root. A variable case depth profile is formed in each tooth of the plurality of teeth, whereby the variable case depth profile exhibits greater tooth wear resistance on the first surface and greater impact resistance in the tooth root. |
| US07827689B2 |
Coke oven reconstruction
A new, faster and more efficient process to replace heating walls and ceilings in coke oven batteries. Thus, when replaced, at least one heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large size modular cast modules from end to end and the ceiling adjacent the heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large modular cast blocks. |
| US07827687B2 |
Method of modifying an upper gearset of a marine stern drive
A support for the upper drive shaft of a marine stern drive unit. The support has an axial body installable in the axial bore of the upper case. Retainers on the body are engageable with the upper case to secure the support in place. One or both retainers are axially adjustable relative to the body. Adjustment may be achieved at threaded sections on the body which matingly engage threaded sections on the retainer. |
| US07827686B2 |
Method for the maintenance of gas turbines
A method for the maintenance of gas turbines is provided. According to the method, a gas turbine is dismantled and modules, structural components, or component parts of the aeroplane mechanism are subsequently inspected and/or repaired. Then, an aeroplane mechanism consisting of inspected and/or repaired or new modules, structural components or component parts is mounted. Dismantling and/or mounting is divided into at least two work steps. A work station is provided for each work step and the aeroplane mechanism, modules, structural components or component parts of the aeroplane mechanism are displaced by the work station provided for carrying out one work step. |
| US07827684B2 |
Process for finish-machining crank shafts for motor car engines
The invention relates to a process for finish-machining of bearing positions on main bearing journals and connecting rod bearing journals of crankshafts for motor car engines, whereby the crankshafts have roundings between the bearing positions and transitions adjacent in each case to the bearing positions. The roundings are deep rolled with a deep rolling tool and then, while maintaining a distance interval to an individual transition in each case the bearing position concerned is machined with removal of material with a small cutting depth. |
| US07827681B2 |
Method of manufacturing electronic component integrated substrate
There are provided the steps of mounting a semiconductor chip on a first substrate, providing an underfill resin between the semiconductor chip and the first substrate, forming a through hole on a second substrate, providing an electrode on the second substrate, bonding the first and second substrates to include the semiconductor chip through the electrode, and filling a sealing resin between the first and second substrates at a filling pressure capable of correcting a warpage generated on the semiconductor chip and the first substrate while discharging air from the through hole. |
| US07827679B1 |
Thermal management circuit board and methods of producing the same
A thermal management circuit board comprises a heat sink, at least one insulating layer and at least one electronic circuit. The heat sink comprises a heat conducting material having tooling holes disposed therethrough and raised portions disposed on at least one surface thereof. The raised portions of the heat sink provide mounting surfaces for heat producing electronic components on a plane above a chemically etched surface of the heat sink. The electronic circuit comprises a prepreg and a circuit material wherein the circuit material is laminated to the prepreg, has a photoresist laid thereupon with at least one circuit image printed thereupon. The photoresist is then developed and the circuit material is chemically etched to define a circuit trace of the electronic circuit. The insulating layer comprises a thermally and electrically resistant material and has apertures disposed therethrough corresponding in size and shape to the raised portions of the heat sink. The circuit trace has an upper surface for receiving surface mount electronic components thereupon and the electronic circuit also has apertures disposed therethrough corresponding in size and location to the raised portions of the heat sink. The insulating layer, the electronic circuit and the heat sink are laminated together with heat and pressure with the raised portions disposed through the apertures wherein the plane of the mounting surfaces of the heat sink is on the same plane as the upper surface of the circuit trace of the electronic circuit. |
| US07827677B2 |
Component mounting apparatus
A component mounting system includes first to third (pickup, transfer, and placement) stations. A component supplied at a component supply is picked up by a transport head at the pickup station and then transferred to a placement head at the transfer station. The placement head carries the component to the placement station where the component is placed and mounted onto a substrate such as a circuit board. The component, when held by the placement head, is recognized by an imaging device at or in the vicinity of the transfer station. |
| US07827674B2 |
Method for protecting against corrosion in a GMR sensor by providing a protective coating over an end of a copper layer spaced apart from a detection surface by a specified dimension
A method for providing a giant magneto-resistive (GMR) sensor for use in sensing magnetic flux is provided. The method comprises positioning a layer of Cu material between first and second layers of a specified ferromagnetic material. The respective end surfaces of the Cu layer and the first and second layers are initially located in a common plane and in a co-planar relationship with one another. The method further comprises removing an amount of material from the copper layer to form a new end surface thereof that is selectively spaced apart from the common plane and applying a protective coating to the new end surface of the Cu layer to inhibit corrosion of the Cu layer. |
| US07827673B2 |
Resolver and manufacturing method of the same
In a resolver of a motor, a plurality of wires forming a plurality of coils arranged at a resolver stator portion are arranged at a wiring surface which is arranged at a terminal block of a connector portion and extends between an annular shape surface arranged substantially perpendicularly to a central axis at a core back of an insulator and a plurality of terminal pins, and are connected to a control unit via the terminal pins. Each of the wires of the resolver includes a slackened portion formed at a portion thereof between corresponding terminal pins and corresponding coils. The slackened portion is accommodated in a groove portion arranged at the wiring surface of the connector portion in order to minimize the possibility of damaging the wire improving reliability of the connection between the terminal pin and the coil. |
| US07827667B2 |
Packaging and presentation of small hardware
A packaging arrangement for smoothly and conveniently providing small hardware items to an assembly line operator is described. The items are fastened onto a flexible band, lined up in the order in which they are to be installed on an article being assembled. The band is divided into equal segments defined by index marks, each segment containing the hardware items required for the assembly of one article. The items are fastened to the band off-line using securing features fashioned from the band itself in a manner and orientation by which each item can be plucked from the band with a tool that can grasp the item, pull it off the band, transport it to the article being assembled, and install it on the article without intermediate disengagement from the tool. The utilization of the band improves the productivity and reliability of manually assembled articles such as disk drives. |
| US07827666B2 |
Assembly, method and system for aligning a driver to a pump
The present alignment tool, method, and system improve the alignment of a driver to a motor. The alignment tool includes a securing ring, a track, and a rotatable ring. The rotatable ring of the alignment tool eliminates the onerous and dangerous rotation of the driver, or motor, previously required for aligning the motor to the pump. |
| US07827665B2 |
Gasket and mandrel assembly for pipe joints
A gasket and mandrel assembly, including a gasket having an annular main body portion with an anchor flange and a pipe sealing portion. The gasket is foldable between a folded position in which the pipe sealing portion is disposed substantially within the main body portion and an unfolded position in which the pipe sealing portion extends outwardly of the main body portion along its longitudinal axis. A pair of mandrels are respectively fitted on opposite sides of the folded gasket to enclose most of the gasket for casting the gasket within a wall in a concrete structure. At least one of the mandrels includes an annular outer surface aligned parallel or substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the gasket. Removal of the mandrels results in the cast opening in the concrete structure having a circular inner surface which is disposed parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gasket and the resulting opening such that, if the gasket should fail, the gasket may be removed from the opening and an expansion-type gasket may be sealingly compressed against the opening surface with an expansion band assembly. |
| US07827663B2 |
Pipe joiner
A pipe gripper includes an adjustable throat for receiving a pipe and a bore having an unbroken inner circumference that exceeds 180 degrees. |
| US07827659B2 |
Method of manufacturing an ink jet recording head having piezoelectric element
A method of manufacturing an ink jet recording head. The method includes providing a laminated structure in which a first electrode layer is located on a diaphragm, a piezoelectric layer is located on the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer is located on the piezoelectric layer and etching the first electrode layer, the second electrode layer and the piezoelectric layer so that a portion of the diaphragm is exposed. In this method, at least the second electrode layer and the piezoelectric layer are etched simultaneously. |
| US07827656B2 |
Luer clip
A clip (100) for retaining a first conduit (210) to a second conduit (230), the first conduit including a first connector (220) and the second conduit including a second connector (240). The first connector is releasably connected to the second connector. The clip (100) comprises a base portion (110) and a first clip portion (120) extending away from the base portion. The first clip portion (120) has a first opening (140) that is sized to frictionally retain the first connector (220). The clip further comprises a second clip portion (150) disposed on the base portion (110) away from the first clip portion (120). The second clip portion (150) includes a second opening (170) that is sized to frictionally retain the second connector (240). A method for securing a first conduit (210) to a second conduit (230) by attaching a clip (100) to the first conduit and the second conduit is also provided. |
| US07827653B1 |
Cleaning device with sweeping and vacuuming functions
A cleaning device with sweeping and vacuuming functions includes a body accommodating a sweep module and a vacuum module. A main brush and an auxiliary brush driven by a power unit are pivoted in the sweep module. The main brush partially extends outside an opening at a bottom of the sweep module and contacts a ground surface. The sweep module has an outlet adjacent to a top of the auxiliary brush, and is pivoted in the body to freely and pivotally swing under weight. A first chamber of a dust collector of the vacuum module has an inlet corresponding to the outlet, and trash removed by the sweep module is collected into the first chamber. An air inlet communicating with an air intake component is formed above a second chamber of the dust collector. A suction port is formed below the second chamber to draw dust into the second chamber. |
| US07827649B2 |
Cleaning apparatus with an automatically retractable head
A cleaning apparatus includes an elongate rod defined by a proximal end portion having a first linkage member and an opposed distal end portion. The first linkage member is pivotally coupled to a second linkage member of a cleaning head. There is a biasing assembly that is coupled to the elongate rod and to the cleaning head, which tensions the cleaning head to a maximum pivotal excursion relative to the cleaning rod. |
| US07827647B2 |
Automatic tube/conduit cleaning system
By providing a gear assembly employing drive gears which engage at least two associated gears for simultaneous rotation, with the gear assembly being constructed for axially driving the bush-bearing shaft/cable member, a new fully automatic, portable tube/conduit cleaning system is attached, with the components forming the system being capable of being easily held and carried to any desired job site. By employing this construction, the cleaning system of the present invention enables the shaft/cable carrying the rotating brush to be driven in both a forward and reverse direction, along the axis of the tube or conduit, making it easier for an operator to clean extremely difficult pipes and conduits, while also controlling the relative speed of the brush rotation. In the present invention, the elongated flexible shaft/cable is controllably fed at a low rate of speed, while the cleaning brush is rotated at a relative very high rate of speed, thereby achieving superior cleaning results. |
| US07827643B2 |
Automated swimming pool cleaner with stationary projecting pivot member
A self-propelled apparatus for cleaning the submerged bottom surfaces of a pool or tank in a predetermined regular pattern includes a reversible drive means for propelling the apparatus in opposite directions corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. A housing is formed by a top wall, depending front and rear walls and depending side walls, where the side walls defining the periphery of the apparatus. At least one projecting pivot member extends from a side wall of the housing, wherein the end of the projecting pivot member serves as a pivot point in contact with a side wall of the pool to change the orientation of the apparatus with respect to the side wall of the pool. |
| US07827636B2 |
Multi-walled gelastic material
The present invention is directed to a gelastic cushion. The gelastic cushion is made from a conventional gelastic composition. The gelastic cushion has a structure having a first wall that defines an opening area and buckles when a force is applied to the first wall. When the first wall buckles a predetermined amount, a second wall, interconnected to the first wall, also buckles. The second wall decreases the chance that the first wall bottoms out. Bottoming out increases the pressure on the patient (a.k.a., the force) overlying the gelastic cushion. That increased pressure is undesirable. |
| US07827628B2 |
Flush toilet
A flush toilet is provided having a bowl portion with a bowl-shaped waste-receiving surface and a rim portion the inside wall surface on the top edge of which protrudes inward. A trap pipe is connected to the bottom portion of the bowl portion. A first shelf portion is formed to follow the rim and a second shelf portion is formed on the waste receiving surface below the first shelf portion projecting above the initial accumulated water level. An orifice for issuing water into the first shelf portion and forming a swirl flow in the waste receiving surface is provided along with a second orifice for issuing water into the second shelf portion for forming a flow to swirl water within the bowl portion is further provided with first and second flow paths for respectively supplying water to the first and second orifices. |
| US07827627B2 |
Dual-detent retrofitable toilet flush assembly
The present invention provides a two-level flush assembly that can be retrofitted to virtually any toilet with a tank that provides two different water volumes for toilet flushing with a full tank flush for heavy waste and a partial tank flush for light or liquid waste. The flush assembly may use the existing handle and provide tactile feedback for each of the two flush volumes. The two levels of flushing action may be achieved with two independent detent-latch mechanisms, one on each side of the tower, operating on the single toilet flapper. Two independent floats may be utilized, each connected to a release mechanism on either side of the flapper and the water level that supports the float may determine when the flapper is released to close on its seat. The two floats may be set at two different water depths providing a flushing action releasing different volumes of water. |
| US07827621B2 |
Hair drying cap
A hair drying head-piece that absorbs moisture from the hair of a wearer, said headpiece having a cap portion having a top part and a bottom part, said cap bottom part having an opening sized to fit about the top of the wearer's head and said cap top part having a hole therein to allow at least a portion of the wearers's hair to exit the cap therethrough; and at least 4 flat water-absorbing fabric strips attached to the cap top part, each of the 4 flat water-absorbing fabric strips having a length of between 12 and 30 inches and a width between 0.6 inches and 2 inches, wherein said strips fall freely with the wearer's hair. |
| US07827620B2 |
Air conditioned helmet apparatus
A helmet (12) includes a thermoelectric heat pump (14) mounted onto a rear surface of the helmet shell (12) for delivering temperature conditioned air to the interior of the helmet shell. A multi-layer structure (48) on the helmet shell interior distributes conditioned air across the scalp and directly onto the face. An optional scoop (38) directs ambient air to the heat pump (14). Another version locates the heat pump (68, 84) remotely and conditioned air is transmitted to the helmet apparatus (70, 78) via a flexible conduit (72, 85). |
| US07827619B1 |
Removable resistant garment
A removable resistant garment includes a garment, a zipper flap, a safety flap and a rear mounted zipper. The garment includes an abdomen section and two leg sections. The garment may also include two arm sleeves. A rear of the abdomen section is preferably split down substantially a middle thereof. One of the two leg sections may also be split the entire length thereof. A zipper is used to joint a slit in the abdomen and one of the leg sections. One end of the zipper flap is attached to one side of the abdomen slit and the other end is removably attachable to the other side of the abdomen slit. One end of the safety flap is attached to the one side of the abdomen slit and the other end is removably attachable to the other side of the abdomen split. The safety flap covers the zipper flap. |
| US07832015B2 |
Method and system for providing access to computer resources that utilize distinct protocols for receiving security information and providing access based on received security information
A method for providing a user with access to a plurality of computer resources, at least some of which utilize distinct protocols for receiving security information and for providing access to outside systems based on received security information. A request is received from the user identifying one of the plurality of computer resources. From a set of previously stored records each of which identifies one of the plurality of computer resources and contains security information for allowing access to the computer resource identified in the record, one of the records of the set is selected whose identification of one of the plurality of computer resources best matches the request's identification of one of the plurality of computer resources. The security information in the selected record is used to provide access to the computer resource identified in the request according to the distinct protocol utilized by that resource. |
| US07832012B2 |
Method and system for isolating suspicious email
A method for detecting malicious programs, the method includes determining whether an object is suspicious, opening the suspicious object in a disposable, secure, single purpose VM (virtual machine) session and detecting indications of malicious behavior when the suspicious object is opened within the VM session. |
| US07832011B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting malicious code in an information handling system
Malicious code detection code is executed by an information handling system. The malicious code detection code includes detection routines. The detection routines are applied to executable code under investigation. The detection routines associate weights to respective code under investigation in response to detections of a valid program or malicious code as a function of the detection routines. It is determined whether code under investigation is a valid program or malicious code as a function of the weights associated by the detection routines. |
| US07832010B2 |
Unauthorized access program monitoring method, unauthorized access program detecting apparatus, and unauthorized access program control apparatus
The apparatus analyzes management information about network information collected from a computer and a router, detects a change in the management information specific to the activity of an unauthorized access program (worm), and generates alert information including a type of apparatus whose collected management information indicates the detected change and address information about an apparatus suspected of performing the activity of a worm. When the type of apparatus in the alert information refers to a computer, the apparatus generates an instruction to delete relayed information for the computer. When the type of apparatus refers to a network connection apparatus, the apparatus generates an instruction to set a filter for cutting off the communications of a worm with the network connection apparatus. Thus, the apparatus transmits the instructions. |
| US07832009B2 |
Techniques for preventing attacks on computer systems and networks
Techniques for detecting and responding to attacks on computer and network systems including denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. A packet is classified as potentially being an attack packet if it matches an access control list (ACL) specifying one or more conditions. One or more actions may be performed responsive to packets identified as potential attack packets. These actions may include dropping packets identified as potential attack packets for a period of time, rate limiting a port over which the potential attack packets are received for a period of time, and other actions. |
| US07832007B2 |
Method of managing and mitigating security risks through planning
An exemplary method is provided for managing and mitigating security risks through planning. A first security-related information of a requested product is received. A second security-related information of resources that are available for producing the requested product is received. A multi-stage process with security risks managed by the first security-related information and the second security-related information is performed to produce the requested product. |
| US07832006B2 |
System and method for providing network security
The present disclosure provides a system and method configured to manage and facilitate network security. When a lack of security in a communication network is detected by a security agent or when a remote device requests security, a security profile can be determined by a security manager based on the detection or the request and the available network equipment. The security profile may contain numerous executable security objects that are selected based on the security issue and parameters of the specific network device(s) that will be implementing the security feature. The system and method may include a plurality of executable security objects configured to provide security for operations associated with multiple network devices communication over the network. |
| US07832004B2 |
Secure privilege elevation by way of secure desktop on computing device
A computing device has a user desktop on which a relatively less-secure user application is executed and a secure desktop elevated from the user desktop on which a relatively more-secure secure application is executed upon a request thereto from the user application. To securely collect information from a user at the computer device with regard to the secure application at the secure desktop, an access interface is securely executed on the secure desktop and is visually presented in conjunction with the requesting user application of the user desktop such that the access interface is visually coupled to the requesting user application and is visually perceived by the user along with such requesting user application. |
| US07832002B2 |
Secure electric anti-theft device, anti-theft system comprising one such electric device and method of matching electric devices
The invention particularly relates to an electrical device for connection to a predetermined network containing at least one watchdog device. The electrical device comprises configuration means for authorizing its operation in the presence of said watchdog device, where these configuration means are based on the recording of a watchdog device public identifier in storage means of the electrical device; means for identifying at least one watchdog device when the electrical device is connected to any network containing such a watchdog device, and means for disabling the electrical device if the watchdog device identified does not correspond to the watchdog device for which it was configured or if said network does not contain a watchdog device. The invention also concerns an antitheft system and a method for pairing devices. |
| US07832000B2 |
Device ownership transfer from a network
A home relationship is established between a device and a network by storing an ownership record in the device that identifies the network, and storing in the network a device identifier that identifies the device. Thereafter, communication is established between the device and the network. The ownership record is then transmitted from the network to the device, and automatic access to the device is granted to the network once the device verifies the transmitted ownership record against the ownership record stored in the device. In addition, the device identifier is transmitted from the device to the network, and automatic access to the network is granted to the device once the network verifies the transmitted device identifier against the device identifier stored in the network. |
| US07831994B2 |
Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same
A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel. |
| US07831990B2 |
Generic adaptation layer for JVT video
An encoding system includes a video coding layer (VCL) to generate slices when encoding multimedia data, a generic adaptation layer (GAL) to create, from the slices, a set of GAL units having a format that is generic to various transport systems, and a network adaptation layer (NAL) associated with a specific transport system to map the set of GAL units to the format of the specific transport system. |
| US07831981B1 |
External device support for device abstraction layer
Various embodiments of systems and methods for providing external device support for a device driver abstraction layer are disclosed. Some embodiments of a method may involve: accessing attribute information associating each of several keys with a respective device attributes, where each of the keys identifies a respective device; and configuring an interface to a device driver for communication with a device dependent on which device attributes the attribute information associates with the key that identifies the device. Configuring the interface may configure the interface to include one or more of interface features. Each of the interface features may support a respective device attribute. |
| US07831980B2 |
Scheduling threads in a multi-processor computer
Scheduling threads in a multi-processor computer system including establishing an interrupt threshold for a thread, where the interrupt threshold represents a maximum permissible number of interrupts during thread execution on a processor; executing the thread on a current processor, where the thread has thread affinity for one or more processors including the current processor; counting a number of interrupts during execution of the thread on the current processor; and removing thread affinity for the current processor in dependence upon the counted number of interrupts and the interrupt threshold. |
| US07831975B2 |
Resource managing method, resource managing apparatus, resource managing program and storage medium for managing resource usage rights in a flexible manner
This invention provides a method and an apparatus for allocating resources between applications efficiently and flexibly to permit exclusive, conflict-free resource usage.When an application APP1 is using a resource, a resource manager (ResMan) may receive a resource acquisition request from an application APP2 (in step S5). The resource manager then determines whether the applications APP1 and APP2 are in conflict with one another about resource usage (in step S6). An acquisition-denied notice is returned to the application APP2 of a lower priority (in step S7). On receiving a request to be notified of release of the resource from the application APP2 (in step S9), followed by the receipt of a notice saying that the resource has been released from the application APP1 (in step S11), the resource manager checks to see if there is any other conflicting request for the resource (in step S15). With no such request detected, the resource manager issues a resource acquisition complete notice to the application APP2 (in step S16). |
| US07831973B2 |
Task scheduling apparatus, task scheduling method, task scheduling program, storage medium and transmission medium
Each task #1, #2 registers signal handlers belonging thereto in a signal-handler table through a handler registering section in an OS, and registers itself and the priority thereof in a task/handler priority table through a task registering section. When a signal is generated, a signal notifying section specifies a signal handler corresponding to the signal and the priority thereof by referring to the signal-handler table, and a task/handler selecting section selects a task or signal handler having a highest priority in the task/handler priority table. A task executing section executes the selected task and a signal-handler executing section executes the selected signal handler. |
| US07831971B2 |
Method and apparatus for presenting a visualization of processor capacity and network availability based on a grid computing system simulation
A method and apparatus for depicting grid availability at various times and for illustrating a simulation of the way in which a grid project will be executed based on grid availability. In addition, the affects of introducing new nodes into the grid may be determined and the affects on the simulated behavior of the grid with regard to the running of a grid project may be depicted using the graphical user interface. From this information, a user may determine the optimal time to initiate processing of a grid project by the computing grid. |
| US07831967B2 |
Method of and apparatus for updating software of network device
A method and apparatus for updating the software of a device that is a controlled device linked to a control device over a network. According to the method, a control device obtains information regarding updating of the software of a controlled device, determines whether updating is available using the information, and allows the controlled device to update its software, thereby easily updating the software of device. The apparatus can be a network device, connected to an update server and another network device in a network, for updating software of the other network device. The network device can include a control circuit configured to determine whether the updating of the software is required based on update information; and a transceiving unit configured to communicate with the other network device and the update server. |
| US07831966B2 |
Automated patch detection notification process
An automated patch detection notification process detects the effects and impacts of application patches on application objects, including but not limited to custom code when applied to the Enterprise Platform Delivery (“EPD”) software platform. It detects and notifies any and all affected parties that a patch, once installed, may overwrite or otherwise affect application objects that are dependent on the software application code that was patched. A list of files/objects that are of concern to the EPD group is assembled. This list names which objects that we would like notification if and when a patch touches it. A snap shot of the EPD software application platform is taken before and after a patch is applied. These snap shots are used to compare and comprehend the changes with the list of objects provided by the EPD team. Once a potential impact has been detected, an e-mail is sent to the responsible parties. |
| US07831964B2 |
Program automatic converting method and program automatic converting device
Automatic program conversion method: An analysis step analyzes the number of times that first instruction pattern information elements appear in an old source program; an analysis results output step outputs the analysis results; an instruction pattern conversion step converts old source program descriptions that correspond to the first instruction pattern information elements analyzed to appear a specified number of times or more, so as to correspond to second instruction pattern information elements; a new program output step outputs a new program resulting from the old source program converted in the instruction pattern conversion step; and an input receiving step receives user-entered manual input regarding the descriptions in the old source program that correspond to the first instruction pattern information elements analyzed to appear less than the specified number of times, so that such descriptions are modified for a new source program. Thus, program migration is achieved efficiently, reducing bugs. |
| US07831962B2 |
Testing subsystems on platforms for software applications
Techniques for testing subsystems on a platform for a software application are provided. A test application receives instructions for calling platform dependent subsystems directly. The instructions can be designed to fully test the capabilities of the subsystems. Once the instructions are executed, the results of the subsystems can be analyzed for platform certification, performance, reliability, and/or characteristics. |
| US07831957B2 |
System and method for dividing functions into functional blocks
A relationship acquisition unit acquires the relationship between a plurality of sequences to be implemented to realize the functions required for a system to be designed and an object to and from which the sequences deliver and receive messages. A grouping unit groups the sequences which deliver and receive messages to and from the same object to make a group of sequences associated with the object. A duplication dissolution unit dissolves, when the same sequence belongs to different groups of sequences in duplication, the duplication of the sequence based on the relationship, between the sequence and other sequences which deliver and receive messages to and from the object to and from which the sequence delivers and receives messages, of the implementation order of the object. An output unit associates each group and outputs the sequences belonging to the group of sequences associated with the functional blocks. |
| US07831954B2 |
Flash-based updating techniques for high-accuracy high efficiency mask synthesis
An embodiment of the present invention provides a system that computes the effect of perturbations to a pattern layout during an OPC process. During operation, the system receives a pattern layout and a set of lithography model kernels. The system then obtains a set of convolved patterns by convolving the pattern layout with each of the set of lithography model kernels. The system additionally receives a perturbation pattern to be added onto the pattern layout. Next, for a query location on the pattern layout, the system obtains a set of convolution values at the query location by using model flash lookup tables to convolve the perturbation pattern with the set of lithography model kernels. The system then updates the set of convolved patterns at the query location to account for the effect of the perturbation pattern by combining the set of convolution values with the set of convolved patterns. |
| US07831951B2 |
Task concurrency management design method
A system and method of designing digital system. One aspect of the invention includes a method for designing an essentially digital system, wherein Pareto-based task concurrency optimization is performed. The method uses a system-level description of the functionality and timing of the digital system. The system-level description comprises a plurality of tasks. Task concurrency optimization is performed on said system-level description, thereby obtaining a task concurrency optimized system-level description, including Pareto-like task optimization information. The essentially digital system is designed based on said task concurrency optimized system-level description. In one embodiment of the invention, the description is includes a “grey-box” description of the essentially digital system. |
| US07831947B2 |
Semiconductor layout design apparatus, semiconductor layout design method and computer readable medium
A semiconductor layout design apparatus has an inter-block connection information extracting part, a block global placement part and a cell placement setting part. The inter-block connection information extracting part configured to extract the number of wiring connections between a plurality of blocks including standard cells and macrocells based on a net list, library information, floor plan information and technology information. The block global placement part configured to roughly place the plurality of blocks in a placement region on a semiconductor substrate. The cell placement setting part configured to set placement positions of the macrocells in the block based on a positioning relationship with the other block and the number of the wiring connections with the other block with respect to each of the plurality of blocks roughly placed by the block global placement part. |
| US07831946B2 |
Clock distribution network wiring structure
A wiring structure for clock signals has two or more parallel clock signal wires disposed in adjacent power wire bays that span the distance between the sinks to which the clock signal wires are to be coupled. The parallel clock signal wires are shorted one to another by stubs placed at locations in order to time the clock wiring structure. The delay tuning of the structure is obtained by the discrete movement of wiring stubs between the wiring bays of the pre-defined power grid. |
| US07831944B2 |
Circuit-design supporting apparatus, circuit-design supporting method, computer product, and printed-circuit-board manufacturing method
An FPGA-information managing unit included in a circuit-designing CAD apparatus retrieves FPGA information, such as pin-assignment information and attribute information, that is created by an FPGA-designing CAD apparatus. When performing a DRC, as for in an FPGA, a DRC unit checks an attribute of a pin and the like by referring to the FPGA information that is retrieved from the FPGA-designing CAD apparatus and stored in a FPGA-information storing unit by the FPGA-information managing unit. |
| US07831939B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device featuring processed minimum circuit pattern, and design method therefor
In a semiconductor integrated circuit design method for carrying out a design of circuit patterns, a plurality of circuit patterns are defined, and each of the circuit patterns is composed of at least one minimum unit area. One of the circuit patterns is selected, and an expansion area is defined with respect to the selected circuit pattern so that the selected circuit pattern is at least included in the expansion area. An area ratio of an area size of the circuit pattern or circuit patterns included in the expansion area to an area size of the expansion area is calculated, and the area ratio is compared with a reference value. |
| US07831938B2 |
Interactive interface resource allocation in a behavioral synthesis tool
A behavioral synthesis tool that allows a designer to design an integrated circuit using a generic programming language, such as ANSI C or C++, without the need to include timing information into the source code. In one aspect, the source code is read into the behavioral synthesis tool and the user may dynamically allocate interface resources to the design. In another aspect, the dynamic allocation is accomplished through user input, such as a GUI, a command line, or a file. In another aspect, the behavioral synthesis tool automatically analyzes variables in the source code description and assigns the variables to interface resources. In yet another aspect, the variables and interface resources associated with the variables may be displayed in a hierarchical format in a GUI. In still another aspect, the GUI may allow for expanding and collapsing of different layers in the hierarchy. The GUI may also allow for drag-and-drop operations for modifying the allocation of variables to interface resources. |
| US07831937B2 |
Method and system for reduction of XOR/XNOR subexpressions in structural design representations
A method, system and computer program product for reducing XOR/XNOR subexpressions in structural design representations are disclosed. The method includes receiving an initial design, in which the initial design represents an electronic circuit containing an XOR gate. A first simplification mode for the initial design is selected from a set of applicable simplification modes, wherein the first simplification mode is an XOR/XNOR simplification mode, and a simplification of the initial design is performed according to the first simplification mode to generate a reduced design containing a reduced number of XOR gates. Whether a size of the reduced design is less than a size of the initial design is determined, and, in response to determining that the size of the reduced design is less than a the size of the initial design, the initial design is replaced with the reduced design. |
| US07831936B2 |
Structure for a system for controlling access to addressable integrated circuits
A design structure for a circuitry access system for controlling access to addressable circuit elements of an integrated circuit. The circuitry access system includes a first storage element having a first listing of unique identifiers each identifier representing one of the addressable circuit elements. A selector distinguishes a first subset of unique identifiers from the first listing. A second storage element receives and stores the first subset in an arrangement that does not include an indication of the absence of any unique identifier of the first listing that is not included in the first subset. An output of second storage element allows a user of the integrated circuit to access one or more of the addressable circuit elements corresponding to the first subset of unique identifiers. |
| US07831935B2 |
Method and architecture for power management of an electronic device
A method of reducing static power consumption in a low power electronic device. The electronic device including one or more power islands, each power island including: a local storage capacitor coupling a local power grid to a local ground grid; and a functional circuit connected between the local power grid and the local ground grid; a global storage capacitor coupling a global power grid to a global ground grid, each local ground grid connected to the global ground grid; one or more switches, each switch selectively connecting the global power grid to a single and different corresponding local power grid; and a power dispatch unit adapted to open and close the one or more switches. |
| US07831928B1 |
Content visualization
Displaying a preference by a user of a content contribution is disclosed. A preference event by the user is detected. A plurality of detected events is stored. In response to a query from a client, at least a portion of the stored detected events is stored. At least a portion of the received events is displayed in an interface. |
| US07831926B2 |
Scalable display of internet content on mobile devices
Mobile devices enabled to support resolution-independent scalable display of Internet (Web) content to allow Web pages to be scaled (zoomed) and panned for better viewing on smaller screen sizes. The mobile devices employ software-based processing of original Web content, including HTML-based content, XML, cascade style sheets, etc. to generate scalable content. The scalable content and/or data derived therefrom are then employed to enable the Web content to be rapidly rendered, zoomed, and panned. Display lists may also be employed to provide further enhancements in rendering speed. |
| US07831923B2 |
Providing visual keyboard guides according to a programmable set of keys
Mechanisms for providing visual keyboard guides according to a programmable set of keys are provided. With the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments, a user may select for which keys of a keyboard the user wishes to receive visual guides on a display of a data processing device associated with the keyboard. Thereafter, when the user's fingers are in proximity to keys of the keyboard, a comparison of the keys in proximity to the user's instrument to the keys for which visual guides are to be provided is made. If the keys in proximity to the user's instrument match keys for which visual guides are to be provided, a visual guide is displayed on the display of the data processing device. A graphical user interface may be provided to the user for setting which keys are to have associated visual guides. |
| US07831922B2 |
Write anywhere tool
A transparent graphical user interface that overlays the user interfaces of other applications. The transparent user interface receives handwriting input and displays handwriting objects represented by handwriting input received in the area of the transparent handwriting interface. The transparent user interface of the invention can be expanded to include most of the display area of a computer, thereby allowing the user to write anywhere within the display area. This also allows the user to write multiple lines of text. Additionally, because the user interface is transparent, it allows the user to see the underlying graphical user interfaces for other applications, including applications that receive text recognized from the handwriting input written into the transparent handwriting interface. Further the transparent interface allows the user to interact with underlying graphical user interfaces. |
| US07831919B1 |
Generic web service frontend
A publisher uses a toolbox to graphically define web forms, by selecting and configuring components such as buttons, text boxes, menus, etc. Underlying code for the web forms (such as Extensible Markup Language, or XML) is automatically generated. The publisher defines transforms (such as Extensible Stylesheet Markup Language Transforms, or XSLTs) that process the exchange of data between the front end and the backend web service. The transforms and the code underlying the web forms is automatically combined into a frontend to the web service. The web based frontend is published on a user site, such that users can access the backend web service through the frontend. |
| US07831913B2 |
Selection-based item tagging
Item selections along with user inputs are leveraged to provide users with automated item tagging. Further user interaction with additional windows and other interfacing techniques are not required to tag the item. In one example, a user selects items and begins typing a tag which is automatically associated with the selected items without further user action. Tagging suggestions can also be supplied based on a user's selection, be dynamically supplied based on a user's input action, and/or be formulated automatically based on user data and/or tags and the like associated with selections by an external source. Machine learning can also be utilized to facilitate in tag determination. This increases the value of the tagged items by providing greater item access flexibility and allowing multiple associations (or tags) with each item. |
| US07831912B2 |
Publishing techniques for adding value to a rendered document
A system for processing a visual capture operation as described. The system receives an indication of a visual capture operation performed from a rendered document. The indication specifies both a text sequence capture as part of the capture operation and a supplemental marking captured as part of the capture operation. The system determines an action to perform in response to receiving the indication, based both upon the text sequence specified in the indication and the supplemental markings specified by the indication. |
| US07831909B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method therefor, and program with display based on change amount of field areas
A document is displayed which is formed from a page in which field areas containing data of a plurality of types of records are laid out on the basis of the template. The sizes of the field areas in the template are calculated on the basis of the amounts or sizes of data of the data fields for each record, and the layout of the calculated field areas in the template is determined. The change amount of the field area after the layout is determined is calculated. On the basis of the calculated change amount, the order of records which form a document to be displayed is changed to display the records. |
| US07831907B2 |
Grouping of information items on a page
A method for computing apparatus to create a page with a plurality of information items laid out upon it is described. A plurality of information items and a definition of one or more groups of information items to be formed on the page are received, as is a candidate layout of the information items on the page. Perceptual distances between information items in the candidate layout are determined, the perceptual distances representing both physical distance and graphical variation between relevant information items. It is determined from the perceptual distances whether the candidate layout satisfies predetermined criteria such that the candidate layout is perceived as visually representing the one or more groups. If the candidate layout is not perceived as visually representing the one or more groups, it is modified or regenerated until it does so. |
| US07831905B1 |
Method and system for creating and providing web-based documents to information devices
A portal can create and send one or more pages, such as markup language documents, to an information device. The portal can create the page using one or more stylesheets. The stylesheets may include one or more pre-conditions, such as data requirements, in order to use the stylesheet. The portal may use the pre-conditions in obtaining data used to construct the page. |
| US07831902B2 |
Displaying interrelated changes in a grid
Displaying interrelated changes in a grid may be provided. Grid cells in a document may be modified when either a grid cell is directly changed by a user, or when a grid cell changes due to information residing in another cell changing. The modified grid cells allow the user to perceive how certain changes to data in one grid cell can affect other grid cells. |
| US07831901B1 |
Systems and methods employing multiple crop areas
A system comprises an editable electronic document and a plurality of selectable sub areas in the document, each independently actionable for cropping. |
| US07831896B2 |
Iterative forward error correction
A method of preparing data for transmission. The method includes providing a block of data, generating a plurality of first dimension code words including first dimension forward error correction FEC elements, the elements of each code word may be used interchangeably to reconstruct a data portion of the block corresponding to the code word, defining a plurality of second dimension source words formed of the generated elements and generating for at least two of the defined second dimension source words, different numbers of parity elements. |
| US07831895B2 |
Universal error control coding system for digital communication and data storage systems
The universal forward error-correction coding system provides adjustable code rates and coding gains to greatly benefit the design of many modern digital communications (data storage) systems. The channel encoding and decoding methods are universal such that a single encoder and a single decoder can be used to implement all the forward error-correction codes of different code rates. This universal forward error-correction coding system also includes a novel systematic code generation procedure that has the capability of generating many classes of codes that provide the best balance between coding gain performance and implementation complexity. |
| US07831892B2 |
Generic, reduced state, maximum likelihood decoder
A decoder includes at least one programming input for a plurality of programmable reduced-state trellis parameters. A programmable device is connected to the at least one programming input and implements a reduced-state maximum likelihood decoder that is operable for processing a continuous phase modulated (CPM) signal and returning up to N bits that were transmitted based on a maximum likelihood and current winning super-state and corresponding survivor full-state. The programmable device calculates the path metrics for every super-state and determines a best path based on the reduced-state trellis parameters. |
| US07831888B2 |
Unidirectional error code transfer method for a bidirectional data link
A controller includes a link interface that is to couple to a first link to communicate bi-directional data and a second link to transmit unidirectional error-detection information. An encoder is to dynamically add first error-detection information to at least a portion of write data. A transmitter, coupled to the link interface, is to transmit the write data. A delay element is coupled to an output from the encoder. A receiver, coupled to the link interface, is to receive second error-detection information corresponding to at least the portion of the write data. Error-detection logic is coupled to an output from the delay element and an output from the receiver. The error-detection logic is to determine errors in at least the portion of the write data by comparing the first error-detection information and the second error-detection information, and, if an error is detected, is to assert an error condition. |
| US07831887B2 |
Method and apparatus for using long forward error correcting codes in a content distribution system
Method and apparatus for using long FEC codes in a content distribution system is described. One aspect of the invention relates to encoding frames of content. Each frame is partitioned into un-coded bits and bits to be encoded. For each frame, an FEC code is applied to the bits to be encoded to generate a codeword. Groups of bits from the codeword are divided among a plurality of channels. Symbols formed from the groups of bits and the un-coded bits are mapped to a constellation for each of the plurality of channels. The symbols are modulated across a respective plurality of bonded channels for transmission. |
| US07831886B2 |
Fast H-ARQ acknowledgement generation method using a stopping rule for turbo decoding
A stopping rule for Turbo decoding that is applied for both good and bad code blocks is disclosed. If the iteration either converges or diverges, decoding is terminated. In an alternative embodiment, the result of the stopping rule testing may be used for H-ARQ acknowledgement generation: if the iteration converges, an ACK is generated and if the iteration diverges, a NACK is generated. Optionally, the maximum number of decoding iterations may be dynamically selected based on MCS levels. |
| US07831883B2 |
LDPC encoders, decoders, systems and methods
An LDPC encoder with a complexity that increases linearly as a function of block size is provided. They are implementable with simple logic consisting of a repeater with an irregular repeat pattern, an interleaver, and an accumulator that performs irregular accumulations. |
| US07831879B2 |
Generating test coverage bin based on simulation result
A solution for generating functional coverage bins for testing a device is disclosed. A method includes: receiving information of a failing test generated from a random simulation performed on the device; tracing a first sequence of signal events that happened in the failing test; correlating the signal events to coverage bins to generate a sequence of coverage bins; creating cross coverage event sequence bins based on the sequence of coverage bins; and outputting the created coverage event sequence bins for testing the device. |
| US07831877B2 |
Circuitry to prevent peak power problems during scan shift
In some embodiments, a chip includes first and second scan chain segments each including registers and multiplexers to provide to the registers scan input signals during scan input periods and captured output signals during a capture periods. The chip also includes circuitry to provide first and second test clock signals to the registers of the first and second scan chain segments, respectively, wherein the second test clock signal is provided by a different signal path in the circuitry during the scan input periods than during the capture periods, and during the scan input periods the second test clock signal is skewed with respect to the first test clock signal. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07831876B2 |
Testing a circuit with compressed scan chain subsets
A test system tests a circuit. Compressed scan data subsets are stored, one at a time, in a memory of the test system. The multiple compressed scan data subsets correspond with multiple scan chains in a function block of the tested circuit. Transmission of the compressed scan data subset from the memory to the tested circuit is controlled by the test system. The test system receives a compacted test output subset from the tested circuit and provides a test system output that indicates a presence of any errors in functioning of the tested circuit. |
| US07831872B2 |
Test circuit and method for multilevel cell flash memory
A test device and method may be used to detect voltage, current or signals of a digital multilevel memory cell system or to test operation or performance by applying inputted voltages, currents or signals to the memory cell system. |
| US07831871B2 |
Testing embedded memories in an integrated circuit
Various new and non-obvious apparatus and methods for testing embedded memories in an integrated circuit are disclosed. One of the disclosed embodiments is an apparatus for testing an embedded memory in an integrated circuit. This exemplary embodiment comprises input logic that includes one or more memory-input paths coupled to respective memory inputs of the embedded memory, a memory built-in self-test (MBIST) controller, and at least one scan cell coupled between the input logic and the MBIST controller. The scan cell of this embodiment is selectively operable in a memory-test mode and a system mode. In memory-test mode, the scan cell can apply memory-test data to the memory inputs along the memory-input paths of the integrated circuit. Any of the disclosed apparatus can be designed, simulated, and/or verified (and any of the disclosed methods can be performed) in a computer-executed application, such as an electronic-design-automation (“EDA”) software tool. |
| US07831869B2 |
DDS logical data grouping
A block of user data is formatted by arranging the user data block into a byte array having plural rows and plural columns of bytes. An error correction code is applied to individual ones of the rows of bytes, such that each row has four code words. |
| US07831867B2 |
Apparatus and method to integrate hardware adapter tracing with a host OS tracing through signaling
The present invention provides a system and method for controlling tracing functions on a remote device. The system includes means for receiving a diagnostic signal from a host device on the remote device and means for associating the diagnostic signal with a tracing state of the remote device. In addition, the system includes means for performing a tracing function indicated by the diagnostic signal. The present invention can also be viewed as a method for controlling tracing functions on a remote device. The method operates by receiving a diagnostic signal from a host device on the remote device and associating the diagnostic signal with a tracing state of the remote device. Then, the method performs a tracing function indicated by the diagnostic signal. |
| US07831859B2 |
Method for providing fault tolerance to multiple servers
A method for providing fault tolerance to multiple computer servers is disclosed. Basically, t backup computer servers are utilized to back up data from multiple active computer servers such that up to t faults can be tolerated. Data from the active computer servers are categorized under their respective data structure accordingly. In response to any access to data within one or more of the active computer servers, backup operations are performed on the accessed data in the t backup computer servers according to their data structures such that data with similar data structures are grouped under their respective fusible data structure within the t backup computer servers. |
| US07831858B2 |
Extended fault resilience for a platform
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for allocating a fail-over memory region, determining if multiple processors have reached a rendezvous state, and verifying a memory failure in a system software memory region associated with a non-rendezvousing processor and sending a message to the non-rendezvousing processor to update a range register to the fail-over memory region. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07831854B2 |
Embedded system for compensating setup time violation and method thereof
The invention relates to an embedded system, and in particular, to an embedded system capable of compensating setup time violation. An embedded system comprises a serial flash and an access circuit. The serial flash further comprises an input pin and an output pin. The access circuit further comprises a processor, a shift register, a serial flash controller, and a time compensator. The input pin receives an adjusted input signal and the output pin sends an output signal. The processor controls the operation of the access circuit. The serial flash controller enables an operational clock of the access circuit. The time compensator compensates a timing of the output signal by referring to the operational clock. The shift register converts data in parallel form to serial form. |
| US07831853B2 |
Circuit comprising mutually asynchronous circuit modules
A circuit is described comprising a first (10) and a second circuit module (20) and a synchronization module (30). The first and the second module are mutually asynchronous, and are coupled by the synchronization module. The synchronization module (30) comprises: a transfer register (31) for storing data which is communicated between the two circuit modules, a control circuit (32) for controlling the register in response to a respective timing signal (St1, St2) from the first and the second circuit module, the control circuit comprising a control chain for generating a control signal (CR) for the transfer register (31). The control chain includes at least: a repeater (34) for inducing changes in the value of the control signal, at least one edge sensitive element (35) for delaying a change in the signal value until a transition in a selected one of the timing signals is detected. |
| US07831851B2 |
Switching regulator
A switching regulator is disclosed that includes a switching transistor controlling output of an input voltage by switching in accordance with an input control signal; a smoothing circuit part configured to smooth the output voltage of the switching transistor and output the smoothed voltage to an output terminal; a control circuit part configured to control the switching of the switching transistor in synchronization with an externally input clock signal so that a voltage at the output terminal is a predetermined constant voltage; and a clock signal detector circuit part configured to detect the presence or absence of inputting of the clock signal. Upon detecting stoppage of the inputting of the clock signal, the clock signal detector circuit part causes the control circuit part to stop operating and perform a standby operation for reducing power consumption and thereby to turn off the switching transistor. |
| US07831850B2 |
Hybrid operating systems for battery powered computing systems
Systems, methods, and/or techniques (“tools”) for hybrid operating systems for battery powered computing systems are described herein. The hybrid operating systems (OS) may include a full-power OS component that enables the computing system to operate in a full-power mode, and a low-power OS component that enables the computing system to operate in a low-power mode. In the full-power mode, the computing system consumes a first amount of electrical power, while in the low-power mode, the computing system consumes less electrical power. The computing system may include a processor that consumes a given power amount of power, and a low-power core processor that consumes less power than the processor. |
| US07831848B2 |
Power management system for use in laptop computer and management method thereof
A power management system for use in a laptop computer and its power management method include an external power apparatus and a control unit and a switch disposed in the laptop computer. The external power apparatus is pluggable and supplies direct current (DC) between 5 and 1.8 DC voltages to the laptop computer. The switch can turn on/off the direct current to at least one DC voltage point within the laptop computer based on a control signal sent from the control unit. |
| US07831840B1 |
System and method for codifying security concerns into a user interface
A system and method are provided for codifying security concerns into a user interface. An application launching a window may be determined, and the security attributes associated with the application may be ascertained. If the security attributes indicate that the application is insecure, the window may be visually and/or behaviorally modified to reflect the level of security of the application. |
| US07831836B2 |
Character position-based password recovery
A password recovery technique includes generating words by sequentially selecting a character for each character position of the word from a character string. The order of the characters in the character string is individually selected for each position of the word. Each sequentially generated word may be entered until the password is determined. |
| US07831834B2 |
Associating a postmark with a message to indicate trust
A method and system directed to the communication of the trust characteristics of electronic messages using visual and audio postmarks. The postmarks may represent a particular trust level on a continuum that can range from suspicious to trusted. A message system may determine the baseline trust level of a message and assign a postmark to the message. The postmark can communicate the trust level of the message to a user without requiring the message to be opened or read. In one embodiment of the invention the user can create rules and filters to classify messages by trust level. |
| US07831833B2 |
System and method for key recovery
A secure mechanism for transparent key recovery for a user who has changed authentication information is disclosed. A password manager agent intercepts requests by a user to access secure resources that require user credentials. Upon detecting changed authentication information for the user, the password manager agent automatically regenerates the components of a cryptographic key associated with the user that was previously used to encrypt user credentials for the user and then destroyed. After regeneration of the original cryptographic key, the password manager agent uses the key to decrypt the user credentials necessary for the requested application. The regenerated key is then destroyed and the user credentials are re-encrypted by the password manager agent using a new cryptographic key associated with the user made up of multiple components. Following the re-encryption of the user credentials, the components used to assemble the new key are securely stored in multiple locations and the new key is destroyed. |
| US07831832B2 |
Digital goods representation based upon matrix invariances
Described herein is an implementation that produces a new representation of a digital good (such as an image) in a new defined representation domain. In particular, the representations in this new domain are based upon matrix invariances. In some implementations, the matrix invariances may, for example, heavily use singular value decomposition (SVD). |
| US07831830B2 |
Methods and apparatus for secure document printing
Methods and apparatus are provided for securely printing a print job on a networked printer. An application program running on a networked computer instructs the printer to generate and exchange cryptographic keys. The application program then encrypts the print job using the keys, and then communicates the encrypted print job to the printer. The printer decrypts the received print job and prints the document. |
| US07831828B2 |
System and method for securely authenticating a data exchange session with an implantable medical device
A system and method for securely authenticating a data exchange session with an implantable medical device is presented. A crypto key uniquely associated with an implantable medical device is defined to authenticate data during a data exchange session. A secure connection is established from an external source with a secure key repository securely maintaining the crypto key. Authorization to access data on the implantable medical device is authenticated by securely retrieving the crypto key from the secure key repository. |
| US07831826B2 |
Method and system for distributing security policies
A method and system for distributing and enforcing security policies is provided. A firewall agent executing at a host computer system that is to be protected receives security policies for the enforcement engines responsible for enforcing the security policies on the host computer system. A security policy has rules that each provide a condition and action to be performed when the condition is satisfied. A rule also has a rule type that is used by the distribution system to identify the security components that are responsible for enforcing the rules. To distribute the security policies that have been received at a host computer system, the firewall agent identifies to which enforcement engine a rule applies based in part on rule type. The firewall agent then distributes the rule to the identified enforcement engine, which then enforces the rule. |
| US07831816B2 |
Non-destructive sideband reading of processor state information
A processor receives a command via a sideband interface on the processor to read processor state information, e.g., CPUID information. The sideband interface provides the command information to a microcode engine in the processor that executes the command to retrieve the designated processor state information at an appropriate instruction boundary and retrieves the processor state information. That processor information is stored in local buffers in the sideband interface to avoid modifying processor state. After the microcode engine completes retrieval of the information and the sideband interface command is complete, execution returns to the normal flow in the processor. Thus, the processor state information may be obtained non-destructively during processor runtime. |
| US07831806B2 |
Determining target addresses for instruction flow changing instructions in a data processing apparatus
A data processing apparatus comprises a processor for executing a stream of instructions, and a prefetch unit for prefetching instructions from a memory prior to sending those instructions to the processor for execution. The prefetch unit receives from the memory a plurality of prefetched instructions from sequential addresses in memory, and detects whether any prefetched instructions are an instruction flow changing instruction, and outputs a fetch address for a next instruction to be prefetched by the prefetch unit. Address generation logic is also provided which, for a selected prefetched instruction that is detected to be an instruction flow changing instruction, determines a target address to be output as the fetch address. Address generation logic has a first address generation path and a further generation path for determining the target address. The first address generation path generates the target address more quickly than the further address generation path. |
| US07831805B2 |
Coupling a general purpose processor to an application specific instruction set processor
Provides methods, systems and apparatus for coupling a general purpose processor (GPP) to an application specific instruction set processor (ASIP) in such a manner that the GPP can include execute instructions that do not normally comprise part of its instruction set architecture (ISA). The GPP is coupled to the ASIP via a coprocessor port such that instructions issued by the GPP to the port are conveyed to a novel pre-decoder module of the ASIP. The pre-decoder module translates the GPP instruction into operation codes for ASIP instructions to be executed in the ASIP or to an address in the ASIP instruction memory that identifies a start address for a plurality of ASIP instructions defining a complex application specific function. Once the ASIP has executed the instructions it shares the result of the execution with the GPP. In this way, the GPP takes advantage of the ASIP in its ability to more quickly execute an application specific program/procedure. |
| US07831804B2 |
Multidimensional processor architecture
A processor architecture includes a number of processing elements for treating input signals. The architecture is organized according to a matrix including rows and columns, the columns of which each include at least one microprocessor block having a computational part and a set of associated processing elements that are able to receive the same input signals. The number of associated processing elements is selectively variable in the direction of the column so as to exploit the parallelism of said signals. Additionally the processor architecture of the present invention enable dynamic switching between instruction parallelism and data parallel processing typical of vectorial functionality. The architecture can be scaled in various dimensions in an optimal configuration for the algorithm to be executed. |
| US07831801B1 |
Direct memory access-based multi-processor array
A direct memory access (“DMA”)-based multi-processor array architecture that may be implemented in a single integrated circuit is described. The integrated circuit includes a plurality of processing units. A first processing unit and a second processing unit of the plurality of processing units are topologically coupled via a first DMA block. The first DMA block includes a first dual-ported random access memory and a first decoder. A multiple-processor array is provided by topologically coupling the first processing unit and the second processing unit via the first direct memory access block. |
| US07831796B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for dynamically allocating main memory among a plurality of applications
A method is disclosed for dynamically allocating main memory among applications. The method includes maintaining a first list and a second list, each list having a plurality of pages, maintaining a cache memory module having a selected size, and resizing the selected size by adaptively selecting the first or second list and adding pages to the selected list to increase the selected size and subtracting pages from the selected list to decrease the selected size. |
| US07831795B2 |
Systems and methods for classifying and transferring information in a storage network
Systems and methods for data classification to facilitate and improve data management within an enterprise are described. The disclosed systems and methods evaluate and define data management operations based on data characteristics rather than data location, among other things. Also provided are methods for generating a data structure of metadata that describes system data and storage operations. This data structure may be consulted to determine changes in system data rather than scanning the data files themselves. |
| US07831793B2 |
Data storage system including unique block pool manager and applications in tiered storage
A data storage system (10) that receives a data set from a software module (18A-D) includes a first tier storage device (240), a second tier storage device (242), a redundancy reducer (21) and a migration engine (28). The first tier storage device (240) has a first effective storage capacity and the second tier storage device (242) can have a second effective storage capacity that is greater than the first effective storage capacity. The redundancy reducer (21) subdivides the data set into a plurality of data blocks (20) and reduces the redundancy of the data blocks (20). The migration engine (28) moves one or more of the data blocks (20) between the first tier storage device (240) and the second tier storage device (242) based on a migration parameter of the data block (20). The first tier storage device (240) can store data in a random access manner and the second tier storage device (242) can store data in a random or sequential access manner. The first tier storage device (240) has a first I/O bandwidth, and the second tier storage device (242) can have a second I/O bandwidth that is less than the first I/O bandwidth. The first tier storage device (240) has a first access time to data, and the second tier storage device (242) can have a second access time to data that is lengthier than the first access time to data. The data storage system (10) can also include a third tier storage device (238) used for retired data blocks (20). |
| US07831789B1 |
Method and system for fast incremental backup using comparison of descriptors
A method, system computer program product recorded on a computer readable medium, for fast incremental backup of a storage device includes selecting an area of the data storage device for backup; creating the bitmap of data storage device; reading the selected area of the data storage device; converting data read from the data storage device into a usable format for the comparison of descriptors; reading descriptors of logical storage units of the selected area; discarding selected data access attributes of the descriptors; generating hash values for the descriptors; comparing the hash values of the descriptors of the logical storage units of the selected area with the hash values of the descriptors of previously archived logical storage units; for physical storage units related to logical storage units of the selected area whose hash values of the descriptors are identical to the hash values of the descriptors of the archived logical storage units, checking if these physical storage units need to be backed up; updating the bitmap of data storage device; and backing up contents of the physical storage units marked in the backup. The logical storage units can be files. The descriptors can be compared on a physical storage unit basis. |
| US07831781B2 |
Storage system and path switching method
A storage system is characterized by including: a host apparatus for sending various requests and backup-target data; a virtualization apparatus including a volume that stores the data sent from the host apparatus and a virtual volume that stores replicated data for the data; and a virtual disk library apparatus having a controller apparatus that includes an actual volume for the virtual volume and a tape library apparatus having a tape that stores the replicated data stored in the actual volume, and is characterized in that the controller apparatus has a path switching unit for conducting switching, for a plurality of paths for transferring the data, between a path that connects the controller apparatus to the tape library apparatus and a path that connects the controller apparatus to the virtualization apparatus according to a request from the host apparatus. |
| US07831780B2 |
Operating system supplemental disk caching system and method
A computer system utilizes subsystem supplemental memory resources to implement operating system supplemental disk caching. A main system processor (e.g., a central processing unit) processes information associated with main system functions. A bulk memory (e.g., a hard disk) stores the information. A main system memory (e.g., a main RAM) caches portions of the bulk information. A subsystem supplemental memory (e.g., a graphics subsystem RAM) provides storage capacity for subsystem operations (e.g., graphics operations) and supplemental storage for portions of said bulk information associated with main system functions (e.g., functions performed by the main system processor). Information (e.g., main system information) cached in the subsystem supplemental memory can be accessed by the main system processor directly. |
| US07831779B2 |
Advanced contention detection
A multiple computer system is disclosed in which n computers (M1, M2 . . . Mn) each run a different portion of a single application program written to execute only on a single computer. The local memory of each computer is maintained substantially the same by updating all computers with every change made to addressed memory locations. Contention can arise when the same memory location is substantially simultaneously updated by two or more machines because of transmission delays and latency of the communications network interconnecting all the computers. Contention detection and resolution is disclosed. A count value (99) indicative of the cumulative number of times each memory location has been updated is utilized. Contention is indicated if the currently stored count value and the incoming updating count value are the same. A method of echo suppression and a method of echo rejection are disclosed. In particular incrementing the count value by two in the case of consecutive sequential transmission to the same memory location (D) is disclosed. |
| US07831777B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing information leakage between processes sharing a cache
Apparatus and methods for reducing information leakage between processes sharing a cache are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes execution logic, a cache memory, and cache security logic. The execution unit is to execute a plurality of processes. The cache memory is to be shared between the plurality of processes. The cache security logic is to cause a stored cache state to be loaded into the cache memory. |
| US07831776B2 |
Dynamic allocation of home coherency engine tracker resources in link based computing system
A home agent allocates trackers to each of a plurality of caching agents, monitors each caching agent's usage of the allocated trackers, and determines whether a caching agent under-utilizes or over-utilizes them. In the case of under-utilization, the home agent retrieves at least one tracker from the allocation to the caching agent. In the case of over-utilization, the home agent allocates more trackers to the caching agent. |
| US07831773B2 |
Utilizing cache information to manage memory access and cache utilization
A method and system of managing data access in a shared memory cache of a processor are disclosed. The method includes probing one or more memory addresses that map to a subset of the shared memory cache and sensing a plurality of events in the one or more memory addresses. Cache utilization information is then obtained by reading a hardware performance counter of the processor. The hardware performance counter is incremented based on the occurrence of the plurality of events. Based upon the cache utilization information, an occurrence of one of the plurality of events is reduced. |
| US07831771B2 |
System and method for managing cachable entities
A system and method for managing cachable entities (i.e., entities stored in a cache and/or entities which may be stored in a cache) in a data processing application. In one aspect, a method for managing cachable entities comprises the steps of analyzing program code to determine if there is at least one statement which affects a desirability of performing at least one cache transaction; and performing the at least one cache transaction if it is desired. In another aspect, a program analysis tool statically analyzes program code to locate points where object state changes occur, where objects are created and where objects are deleted, and then generates regularized dependencies at such points for and employing the dependencies to invalidate dependent cached queries. Query specific keys are generated to insert query results into and retrieve query results from a dependency managed cache. Regularized dependencies are generated at the object query points and are attached to query results inserted into a dependency managed cache, which facilitates consistency of query results from the dependency managed cache. |
| US07831767B2 |
Storage control system, control method for storage control system, port selector, and controller
An object of the present invention is to provide a means for detecting a logical command error, and a storage system and its control method that can properly perform error handling, and detection and blockage of a malfunctioning section. A storage control system includes controller units 130A and 130B for performing processing for data I/O to/from drives 150 and 160 in response to a data I/O request from a host device 100, switches 140A and 140B connecting the controller units 130A and 130B and the drives 150 and 160, and a port selector 300 inserted between the switches 140A and 140B and the drive 160. The port selector 300, when receiving a command generated based on processing performed by an MPU 131, accesses a target drive 160 if that data that forms a command is valid. Meanwhile, if the port selector 300 detects logical command inconsistency, the port selector 300 forwards that detection result to the MPU 131 via the switch 140A or 140B and requests retry processing from the MPU 131. |
| US07831761B2 |
Multiple multipathing software modules on a computer system
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for enabling a computer system to run multiple multipathing software modules which includes: (a) scanning for physical devices; (b) scanning for paths to each of the physical devices; (c) presenting the paths to one or more multipathing software modules of a plurality of multipathing software modules operating within the computer system; (d) the multipathing software modules claiming or rejecting one or more of the one or more paths; and (e) creating and exposing one or more logical devices, wherein each logical device is associated with a multipathing software module. |
| US07831760B1 |
Serially indexing a cache memory
A method includes indexing a translation table stored in memory with a first index of a virtual address corresponding to a first memory region size by querying the translation table at first locations associated with the first index. Indexing the translation table with a second index of the virtual address corresponding to a second memory region size by querying the translation table at second locations associated with the second index. The translation table includes translations for mapping address tags of the virtual address to physical addresses. The first index is different than the second index, and the first memory region size is different than the second memory region size. |
| US07831754B1 |
Multiple communication channel configuration systems and methods
An integrated circuit includes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a data port, a system bus for transferring information to and from the data port, and a plurality of SERDES channels. A plurality of registers associated with the plurality of SERDES channels may be written to via the system bus on an individual, group, or global basis to provide communication settings for the SERDES channels. |
| US07831753B2 |
Data flow control and bridging architecture enhancing performance of removable data storage systems
A data flow control and bridging architecture that enhances the performance of removable data storage systems. In one implementation, the present invention provides a bypass bus implementation where the data transfer phase associated with select commands occurs directly between the host computing system and the target removable data storage unit. In one implementation, the present invention further provides a data flow and bridging architecture that emulates a removable media interface, such as the ATAPI interface, to the host computing system, and translates these commands for a target removable storage unit that implements a fixed media interface, such as the ATA interface. In yet another implementation, the present invention provides a data flow and bridging architecture that supports the serial ATA interface. |
| US07831750B2 |
Method, apparatus and software for processing input or output requests for a mirrored storage volume
A method, apparatus and software is disclosed for processing input/output (I/O) requests for a mirrored storage volume in recovery mode in which the processing of normal I/O is optimised using the recovery map for the volume. |
| US07831749B2 |
Including descriptor queue empty events in completion events
Roughly described, method for managing data transmission between a host subsystem and a network interface device, in which the host writes data buffer descriptors into a DMA descriptor queue, and the network interface device writes completion events to notify the host when it has completed processing of data buffers. Each of the completion event descriptors notify the host of completion of data transfer between the NIC and one or more of the data buffers, and can also embed a queue empty notification inside the completion event. |
| US07831748B2 |
Extended USB protocol with selective broadcast mechanism
An extension to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol that utilizes reserved bits in the OHCI Endpoint Descriptors to signal which root hub port(s) should transmit the data. Typically, all ports transmit (broadcast) data. The present invention encodes transmission information that can be used by the hardware to effectively control which port(s) need to be tri-stated. However, by setting, the “on” bits for all the ports, the present invention retains standard USB functionality. Also provided is a method to increase the bandwidth of low speed devices connected to the USB bus by increasing the data payload for such devices. |
| US07831747B2 |
Method and apparatus to generate a data descriptor
Embodiments are generally direct to a method and apparatus to generate a data descriptor. In one embodiment, a data descriptor is generated for a block of data to be forwarded from a node to another node on a communication link. The data descriptor includes an indication to build a data packet containing at least a portion of the block of data in an accelerated or a non-accelerated manner. |
| US07831743B2 |
Numerical controller managing multiple input/output units that automatically allocate and stores group IDs for the input/output units
A numerical controller in which group IDs are automatically allocated to I/O units so that the group IDs and addresses can be set automatically even when a system configuration is changed in response to detection of a configuration error. When a power of the numerical controller is turned on, group IDs are successively allocated to I/O units with distance from the numerical controller, and types of the I/O units are stored. Initial values of the group IDs allocated when the power is turned on for the first time after a system of the numerical controller is constructed, and addresses for the allocated group IDs are stored. An alarm is issued if the types and number of units for the group IDs automatically allocated for the second or later time of starting the numerical controller are different from the initial values. |
| US07831741B2 |
Indexing device and method for data storage system
The invention discloses an indexing device for a data storage system which comprises a plurality of data storage devices. The indexing device generates an I/O descriptor index number according to a target data storage device, where the I/O descriptor index number corresponds to a device ID number and a queued command tag number. After receiving from the target data storage device an information packet containing the queued command tag number and a second connection request data frame including the device ID number, the indexing device can calculate the I/O descriptor index number according to the device ID number and the queued command tag number. |
| US07831740B2 |
Method and circuit for programming electronic devices
A control circuit used to transfer data to a programmable memory in an electronic device can be separate from a general operation processor circuit that controls general operations of the electronic device. The controller circuit may allow a transfer of data to the programmable memory without the use of Random Access Memory (RAM) or a Read Only Memory (ROM) that is under the control of the general operation processor circuit. The general operation processor circuit can be disabled by the controller circuit while data is transferred (i.e. programmed to) programmable memory. |
| US07831739B2 |
Partial copying of data to transmit buffer for virtual network device
In a virtualized computer system, a network frame is transmitted from a virtual machine using a network interface device, possibly through a virtual switch, by copying only a part of the network frame to the transmit buffers that have pre-translated mappings from guest physical addresses to hypervisor virtual addresses and to machine addresses. The length of the part of the network frame that is copied to the transmit buffers may be variable. |
| US07831737B2 |
Apparatus, method, and system for selecting one of a plurality of communication methods for communicating via a network based on the detection of a firewall
An apparatus, method, system for communicating with a counterpart communication apparatus via a network using more than one communication procedure or protocol. The communication procedure or protocol is selected based on the presence information or location information of a firewall on the network. |
| US07831735B1 |
Coherency of replicas for a distributed file sharing system
A plurality of data objects may be replicated across a plurality of computing nodes coupled to a network. The network may include a first node operable to initiate an update operation to update a plurality of replicas of a first object. If one or more of the replicas are not reachable then the update operation may update a subset (e.g., a quorum) but not all of the replicas. For each node on which one of the replicas was updated in the update operation, the node may add the object to a list of incoherent objects. The list of incoherent objects may subsequently be used to bring the lagging replicas in sync with the replicas that were updated. In another embodiment, a plurality of replicas of an object may be stored on a plurality of nodes, similarly as described above. A first node that stores a replica of the object may store a first timestamp associated with the replica on the first node. The timestamp may be used to ensure that the replica on the first node is coherent with respect to one or more other replicas by periodically communicating with the one or more other replicas when a threshold amount of time has passed without the replica on the first node receiving an update. |
| US07831730B1 |
Proxy apparatus and method for streaming media information and for increasing the quality of stored media information
A proxy apparatus and method for streaming media information via at least one network and for building-up a good quality version of the media information. When a user device communicates with the proxy apparatus using a particular bandwidth and requests that media information be provided from a media server, the proxy apparatus first determines if a version of the media information encoded for the user device's connection bandwidth has been stored in the proxy apparatus. If a version of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth is not available from the proxy apparatus, the proxy apparatus sends a request to a media server for the media information. Once the media server receives the request, the media server begins to stream a copy of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth to the user device via the network and proxy device. If a version of the media information for the bandwidth is not available from the media server, the version for the largest bandwidth that does not exceed the bandwidth of the user device connection, is streamed to the user device. If the version of the media information has missing packets, the proxy device sends retransmission requests to the media server to obtain the missing packets, thereby building-up a good quality version of the media information. |
| US07831729B1 |
Device and method for managing multiple versions of a single program transport stream
A method, system and computer program product. The method includes: receiving multiple variable bit rate version of a program; wherein different variable bit rate versions of the program differ from each other by their bit rate; converting each variable bit version of the program to a constant bit version of the program by adding null packets so that once an edge device removes the null packets a valid single program transport stream is generated; and transmitting multiple constant bit versions of the program to a server. |
| US07831725B2 |
Data structure and method for initiating a flow over an extended channel
A method included a receiving a request that includes information that defines a service type and information that can identify the request for this service type, wherein the request is required in order to initiate a flow over an extended channel; checking whether the extended channel can support the flow of the requested service type; and responding to the request, wherein the response includes information of the service type and information on whether the external channel can support the flow of the requested service type. |
| US07831716B2 |
Server that provides a plurality of types of content to another device and method for controlling the server
A server that provides a plurality of types of content to another device selectively executes a control function or a function of being controlled in response to a type of a request from the other device, the request requesting the server to provide at least one of the plurality of types of content, and an operational status of the control function or the function of being controlled. The control function is a function of a controller that establishes and controls a wireless network. The function of being controlled is a function of a controlled component in a wireless network established and controlled by another controller. |
| US07831715B2 |
Communication system, communication method, and program
An object of the present application is to provide a technology that can achieve packet communication between terminals connected to the Internet by way of a relay server in a faster and safer manner. The system of present application is a communication system characterized in that, on receipt of a start-connection message, a relay server having the lowest load is searched, and communication is achieved by way of the relay server found. |
| US07831712B1 |
System and method for performing application level persistence
A method and apparatus for inserting and examining Cookies in the data streams of HTTP connections for the purpose of persistently directing HTTP connections to the same destination. A network device directs subsequent HTTP connections from the same client to the same server (destination) for accessing the requested resources. There are four modes for employing the Cookie to persistently direct HTTP connections. The associated mode inserts a Cookie that uniquely identifies the client into an HTTP response. The passive mode inserts Cookie information that uniquely identifies a previously selected destination into an HTTP response. In the rewrite mode, a network device manages the destination information that is rewritten over blank Cookie information generated by the destination producing the HTTP response. The insert mode inserts and removes Cookie information in the data packets for HTTP requests and response prior to processing by the destination. |
| US07831709B1 |
Flexible grouping for port analysis
Computer implemented methods and systems are provided for flexible grouping for port analysis. Router configurations are parsed to create port data for each port on each router in a service provider network. The port data is integrated with customer data to create an integrated database. A plurality of ports is assigned to a plurality of groups in the integrated database based on applying a set of user defined rules, wherein at least one of the plurality of ports is assigned to multiple groups. Port data and customer data associated with a group selected from the plurality of groups is displayed. |
| US07831707B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing electronic subscriptions
Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing electronic subscriptions are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes monitoring, at an electronic subscription client, receipt of one or more subscription messages associated with an electronic subscription. Interaction with the electronic subscription client by a client may be monitored to determine a viewing frequency of the one or more received subscription messages. Further, a prompt with a control configured for unsubscribing the user from receiving a future subscription message associated with the electronic subscription may be presented based on the determined viewing frequency. |
| US07831702B2 |
Plug and play energy efficiency solution and automatic data-push method for same
An energy efficiency solution for automatically pushing data measured by IEDs in a utility system to an Internet server. Before the utility system is commissioned, the manufacturer pre-configures each IED to automatically push measured data to the server at regular intervals and associates each IED with a unique identifier that is transmitted with the data and with a customer who has purchased the solution. After commissioning, the IEDs come online and begin to automatically push their measured data to the server. The customer logs into the website via a manufacturer-provided access code to access the measured data instantly. Requests to change the type of data pushed from IEDs and other configuration changes can be made via the website. Periodically, the IEDs ask whether any configuration updates exist, and if so, the server makes available to the IEDs the updated configuration. By having IEDs initiate communications for data transmission and configuration updates, intervening firewalls are bypassed. |
| US07831698B2 |
Systems and methods enabling interoperability between Network Centric Operation (NCO) environments
Systems and methods enabling interoperability between different NCO environments generally include receiving data from a first NCO environment by either using a preexisting import proxy, or by creating a subscriber and then using that subscriber as an import proxy when a preexisting import proxy is unavailable. The imported data can be configured if it is not in accordance with instructions received from a subscriber of a second NCO environment. The configured data can then be published to the second NCO environment by either using a preexisting export proxy, or by creating a publisher and then using that publisher as an export proxy when a preexisting export proxy is unavailable. |
| US07831696B2 |
Apparatus for providing device information via network and a method thereof
Disclosed is an apparatus for providing device information via a network and method thereof. A message processing unit processes input and output messages. The information producing unit dynamically produces updated information based on the data stored in the database and provides it in a web document format. The information managing unit manages characteristic information and additional information of a device. The data processing unit processes a transaction of the data stored in the database. The characteristic information and the additional information of the device existing in the home network created in an XML format is converted into a predetermined document structure and stored in the database. Accordingly, the remote users can have different access authority from each other by assuring independence between the domestic devices and the remote devices, and easily use the home network service by providing the device information in a web document format. |
| US07831692B2 |
Method and system for automatically associating an address with a target device
A method of generating a list of target devices to be configured in communication with a server is provided. A first list of target devices to be configured is created. At least one target device having an associated network address is identified and the first list of target devices is modified using the addressed target device. A modified list of target devices is then generated. Programs and systems of generating a list of target devices to be configured are also provided. |
| US07831690B2 |
Appliance metaphor for adding media function to a web page
A media appliance metaphor (111) for adding a media function to a Web page (34) downloaded at a processor platform (24) includes a software device of a graphic representation representing a real world counterpart for display in connection with the Web page (34). The metaphor (111) is formed by a server system (26) as a service response (162, 176, 186) in response to information provided by the processor platform (24) to the server system (26). |
| US07831683B2 |
Storage and access method for an image retrieval system in a client/server environment
An image retrieval system has a network server, at least one client terminal and a data archive of a multiuser file management system, spatially separated from server and client, of a file server. A reduced data stream is now transmitted between server and client and includes a header for transmitting address and meta information with an additional data field that includes an access key to the bulk data stored in the external data archive. This reduces the data volume to be transmitted during image retrieval, and thus reduces the network utilization in the transmission of the data stream occurring between server and client. As a result of this, the time period required to transfer the modified data stream between server and client terminal is correspondingly short. |
| US07831682B2 |
Providing a reliable backing store for block data storage
Techniques are described for managing access of executing programs to non-local block data storage. In some situations, a block data storage service uses multiple server storage systems to reliably store copies of network-accessible block data storage volumes that may be used by programs executing on other physical computing systems, and at least some stored data for some volumes may also be stored on remote archival storage systems. A group of multiple server block data storage systems that store block data volumes may in some situations be co-located at a data center, and programs that use volumes stored there may execute on other computing systems at that data center, while the archival storage systems may be located outside the data center. The data stored on the archival storage systems may be used in various ways, including to reduce the amount of data stored in at least some volume copies. |
| US07831681B1 |
Flexibly provisioning and accessing storage resources using virtual worldwide names
A method, apparatus, system and computer program product that provide a virtual worldwide name (vWWN) nameservice in a Fiber Channel storage area network (SAN) are provided. Embodiments of the vWWN nameservice can receive a request for a vWWN from a node in the SAN, where the request includes a identifier associated with resources in the SAN, then determine if the identifier matches contents of a field in one or more entries in a vWWN table or database, and provide the vWWN associated with a matching entry to the requesting node. |
| US07831679B2 |
Guiding sensing and preferences for context-sensitive services
A sensing and context management architecture that can detect that a user is interacting with a given device and in an associated context, and in response thereto, manages device processes as the user moves from device to device, location to location, and/or context to context. The invention comprises a system that facilitates management of a user situation or context. A sensing component is provided that senses a context of a user by way of one or more sensors and/or a particular device with which the user is interacting in the context, for example, and a management component that manages the device and/or one or more services in the context according to rules or inferences user preferences, sensed observations, and user input data. |
| US07831669B2 |
Reprocessing of messages in an extensible message transfer system
Within a mail transfer agent of a message transfer system, a message is received and if the recipient entity resolves to a number of recipients exceeding a specified quantity, the original message is not processed. Instead, at least two messages are created, with each of the created messages addressed to a subset of the original set of recipients. The created messages are returned to the calling module for processing. |
| US07831668B2 |
Terminal and computer program product for replying to an email message using one of a plurality of communication methods
A terminal and computer program product allow a user of a communication device to quickly reply to a received email message using any one of several different communication methods. Communication identifiers, such as email addresses and telephone numbers, are automatically retrieved from anywhere in the received email message and the retrieved communication identifiers are matched to the user's contact list. A list is then generated comprising those contacts for which the extracted communication identifiers match the communication identifiers from the contacts and also comprising the extracted communication identifiers if the extracted communication identifiers do not match the communication identifiers from any contacts. This list is displayed to the user who can then select one or more contacts and/or communication identifiers. The use can then choose to reply to those selected using any one of the available communication methods. |