| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08273180B2 |
Device for film coating
An exemplary device for film coating, is provided. The device has an evaporating unit, wherein the evaporating unit includes a driving member and a carrier. The driving member has an extending rotatable shaft. The carrier includes a main body, a plurality of branches and a plurality of crucibles. The branches each extend from the main body. The crucibles each are supported by a respective one of the branches and configured for receiving a film material therein. The rotatable shaft is engaged in the main body and thereby rotating the carrier. |
| US08273176B2 |
Method for processing silicon powder to obtain silicon crystals
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a process for obtaining silicon crystals from silicon. The method includes contacting silicon powder with a solvent metal to provide a mixture containing silicon, melting the silicon under submersion to provide a first molten liquid, contacting the first molten liquid with a first gas to provide dross and a second molten liquid, separating the dross and the second molten liquid, cooling the second molten liquid to form first silicon crystals and a first mother liquid and separating the first silicon crystals and the first mother liquid. |
| US08273167B2 |
Pigment dispersion composition, curable color composition, color filter and method for producing the same
The present invention provides: a pigment dispersion composition including (A) an organic pigment, (B) a pigment derivative represented by Formula (I) below and (C) a polymer compound having a pigment-adsorptive functional group; a curable color composition including the pigment dispersion composition, a polymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator; and a color filter having a color region formed using the curable color composition and a method for producing the same. Q represents an organic colorant residue; A represents an ethylene group or the like; and R represents a hydroxyl group or a group represented by —NH-A-Z; Z represents —SO3H, —COOH or a salt thereof; and n represents an integer of from 1 to 4. When R represents —NH-A-Z, the structures represented by the two —NH-A-Zs bonded to the triazine ring contained in each of the n partial structures bonded to Q may be the same as each other or different from each other. |
| US08273158B2 |
Mist eliminator, moisture removal system, and method of removing water particles from inlet air
A mist eliminator including a substrate and a plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions disposed on the substrate is provided. The plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions have a geometry and are positioned at intervals that provide coalescence and retention of water particles from moisture containing air contacting the substrate and frusto-conical shaped protrusions. A moisture removal system and a method for removing water particles from inlet air with the mist eliminator are also disclosed. |
| US08273155B2 |
Carbonic anhydrase enhanced reaction methods and formulations
Disclosed is a formulation for the absorption of CO2, which comprises water, at least one CO2 absorption compound and a carbonic anhydrase as an activator to enhance the absorption capacity of the CO2 absorption compound. The invention also concerns the use of carbonic anhydrase, in a CO2 absorption solution to increase the CO2 absorption rate of such solution. |
| US08273152B2 |
Separation method and apparatus
A separation method and apparatus that separates a component from a feed stream by use of a membrane in which separation is driven, at least in part, by a sweep stream. The sweep stream may be pumped to a supercritical pressure and then heated to at least near supercritical temperature, at least in part, through heat exchange with a component laden sweep stream being discharged from the membrane. A multi-component mixture can also be used that will produce the sweep stream as a vapor as a result of the heat exchange. The component laden sweep stream, due to cooling through the indirect heat exchange, will form a two-phase fluid that can be phase separated into a vapor phase enriched in the component that can be taken as a product and a residual liquid that can be recirculated in the formation of the sweep stream in the liquid state. |
| US08273148B2 |
Nickel braze alloy composition
An alloy composition includes a blend of a first alloy and a second alloy, the first alloy having a first composition including about 17 wt %-25 wt % of chromium, about 6 wt %-12.5 wt % of aluminum, about 18 wt %-22 wt % of cobalt, up to 4 wt % of tantalum, up to about 8 wt % of tungsten, up to about 0.4 wt % of silicon, about 0.25 wt %-1 wt % of hafnium, about 0.1 wt %-1 wt % of yttrium, and a balance of nickel, and the second alloy having a second composition including about 21.25 wt %-22.75 wt % of chromium, about 5.7 wt %-6.3 wt % of aluminum, about 11.5 wt %-12.5 wt % of cobalt, about 5.7 wt %-6.3 wt % of silicon, boron in an amount no greater than 1.0 wt %, and a balance of nickel. |
| US08273141B2 |
Fuel reforming apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
A fuel reforming apparatus including reaction substrates is provided. The reaction substrates of the present invention is made of stainless steel, nickel steel, or chromium steel. Each of the reaction substrates has a channel formed on the surface of the reaction substrate. Reactant for oxidation reaction or for fuel reforming reaction flow through the channel. A catalyst containing layer is formed on the surface of the channel by directly oxidizing the surface of the channel. Therefore, the catalyst containing layer is formed with oxidized steel. A catalyst layer is formed on the catalyst containing layer. A pair of substrates can be laminated to make one substrate a thermal source unit and another a reforming reaction unit. |
| US08273135B2 |
Method of manufacturing solid electrolytic capacitor
Provided is a method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor including a capacitor element, the capacitor element having an anode body with a dielectric coating film formed on a surface thereof and a solid electrolyte made of a conductive polymer. The method includes the steps of: forming the capacitor element having the anode body with the dielectric coating film formed on the surface thereof; preparing a polymerization liquid A containing one of a monomer as a precursor of the conductive polymer and an oxidant, and a silane compound; preparing a polymerization liquid B by adding the other of the monomer and the oxidant that is not contained in polymerization liquid A, to polymerization liquid A; and performing polymerization after impregnating the capacitor element with polymerization liquid B. |
| US08273134B2 |
Method for spinning and washing aramid fiber and recovering sulfuric acid
A method for spinning and washing aramid fiber and for recovering sulfuric acid by (a) spinning an aramid polymer from a sulfuric acid spin dope to a yarn and coagulating the yarn in a coagulation bath having an inlet for water or diluted sulfuric acid and an outlet for sulfuric acid enriched water; (b) washing the yarn with water to obtain a washed yarn and a washing water containing sulfuric acid; (c) recycling the sulfuric acid enriched water and optionally the washing water to a sulfuric acid recovery unit; (d) increasing the sulfuric acid content of the recycled sulfuric acid enriched water, and optionally the washing water, by evaporation to obtain 20 to 98% sulfuric acid and water; (e) mixing the 20 to 98% sulfuric acid with oleum to obtain 98-105% sulfuric acid; and (f) recycling the 98-105% sulfuric acid to the spinning unit for use as sulfuric acid spin dope. |
| US08273129B2 |
PLIF opposing wedge ramp
A spinal fusion implant for implantation between adjacent vertebrae is formed in the approximate shape of a hollow cube. The device has an upper section and a lower section separated by a distractor all of which are relatively movable. The sidewalls of the upper section and the lower section terminate in inclined planes so that the sections move away from each other as the wedge shaped increases the height of the device. The upper section and lower section each includes a clamping flange. The clamping flange on the upper section engages the vertebral body above the implant and the clamping flange on the lower section engages the vertebral body below the implant. The distractor has a pair of clamping flanges on an end wall wherein one of the pair engages the vertebral body above the implant and the other engages the vertebral body below the implant. The clamping flanges provide a clamping action between adjacent vertebral bodies to restore alignment and stabilize the vertebral segments. |
| US08273122B2 |
Pre-loaded IOL insertion system
A system for easily transferring an intraocular lens (IOL) from an inserter into a patient's eye. The system includes an inserter handpiece with a holding station for receiving or storing an IOL. The IOL may be pre-loaded within the holding station during manufacture, and the inserter handpiece coupled to a delivery tube so that the entire system is ready for use by a surgeon to implant an IOL. The IOL may have an optic and leading and trailing haptics coupled to the optic, and the holding station may be capable of manipulating the haptics as desired to facilitate transfer of the IOL through the delivery tube into the eye. For instance, the holding station may fold one or both of the haptics over the optic. Preferably, the holding station maintains the haptics in their folded positions during transfer of the IOL into the delivery tube. The holding station desirably maintains the IOL in a relaxed configuration during storage. A small opening on one side may be provided to introduce a narrow tool for folding one of the haptics over the optic. |
| US08273117B2 |
Low texture, quasi-isotropic metallic stent
Metallic stents which have a randomly oriented microstructure, and possess quasi-isotropic mechanical and physical properties are disclosed. The novel stents can be “tailor-made” to mimic the geometry of the blood vessel(s) at the deployment site and can be designed to treat coronary artery disease at the point where blood vessels branch. The metallic materials of choice are ductile, corrosion resistant and exhibit little crystallographic texture. The novel stents can be produced from a metallic precursor which is quasi-isotropic and exhibits little texture by processing means, such as machining, which do not reintroduce texture. Alternatively, quasi-isotropic and low texture stents are achieved by suitable post-processing of conventionally fabricated stent materials. |
| US08273115B2 |
Side branched endoluminal prostheses and methods of delivery thereof
An expandable prosthetic device and method of delivery that allows the initial placement of multiple guidewires into selected target sites. The prosthesis includes a main body device. This main body device has a separate side branch guidewire lumen that passes through the main body device and through a side opening in the main body device. As the main body device is advanced, the side opening is self guided (by the side branch guidewire) and self-aligns to the side branch vessel ostium. The main body device is then deployed, leaving the side branch guidewire in place. A side branch device is then advanced along the side branch guidewire through the main body device, through the side wall opening and into the native side branch vessel. The side branch device can then be deployed to engage the main body device and the native side branch vessel. |
| US08273111B2 |
Growth control device
A growth control device includes a bone plate having a stepped profile defined by a first level, a second level and an intermediate ramp connecting the first and second levels. The first level includes a first threaded hole for receiving a first bone fastener and the second level includes a second threaded hole for receiving a second bone fastener. The bone plate includes a proximal pair of side female notches, a distal pair of side female notches, a proximal guide hole and a distal guide hole. |
| US08273105B2 |
Compound barb medical device and method
A compound barb medical device is provided which includes an elongated body having at least one barb formed along the length of the body, the barb defining an inner surface with a first portion disposed at a first orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and a second portion disposed at a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. Optionally, the barb defines a third portion disposed at a third orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. A method for forming a compound barb on a medical device is also provided. |
| US08273104B2 |
Antimicrobial sutures and methods of making them
Multifilament sutures are prepared by permeating the suture with an antimicrobial solution and applying an antimicrobial coating to the suture. |
| US08273101B2 |
System and method for delivering and deploying an occluding device within a vessel
A system and method for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving a first end of the occluding device, a proximally positioned retaining member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned. The elongated flexible member may be a integral portion formed thereof that form a coil portion. |
| US08273097B2 |
Powered surgical tissue cutting instrument having an irrigation system
A surgical tissue cutting instrument having an irrigation system comprises an elongate tubular outer member having a proximal end, a distal end and an opening at the distal end, an elongate inner member rotatably disposed within the outer member and having a proximal end, a distal end and a cutting element at the distal end exposed from the opening, a handpiece mounted to the proximal ends of the outer and inner members, and an irrigation system comprising an irrigation channel composed of a first irrigation passage within the handpiece and a second irrigation passage within the thickness of the annular wall of the outer member, and a sleeve having a rearward end disposed over a front end of the handpiece and a forward end disposed over the outer member adjacent an outlet opening of the second irrigation passage near the distal end of the outer member. The sleeve is disposed over the outer member with a snug fit while allowing communication through the outlet opening of the second irrigation passage, whereby the irrigation channel is enclosed and sealed between an inlet port of the first irrigation passage and the outlet opening of the second passage. The inlet port is connectible with a source of irrigation fluid for flow through the irrigation channel to be discharged from the outlet opening near the distal end of the outer member. |
| US08273096B2 |
Aneurysm clip
An aneurysm clip with two rotatably connected scissors-shaped clip parts, each part having one clamping arm and one operating arm. The two clip parts are guided in such a fashion that they can be rotated in a working rotation range between a closed and an open end position. The two clip parts are connected to each other by a push-fit rotary lock, with the two clip parts axially inserted into one another in an open assembly rotation position outside of the working rotation range, and are axially locked to one another by subsequent rotation into the working rotation range. |
| US08273094B2 |
Puncture locating device
Methods and apparatus for locating a device with respect to a blood vessel. An expandable or extrudable member transverse to the device locates an internal surface of a proximal wall of the blood vessel. A typical application of such methods and apparatus is providing relative position between a femoral arterial wall and a closure device axis. Predetermined location positions are recognized as a positive stop transmitted to a physician via tactile feedback. |
| US08273089B2 |
Spinal fixation tool set and method
A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Each end guide tool includes a laterally extending, rigid, rod holding structure located near a bottom surface thereof. Intermediate guide tools having pass-through slots are utilized to guide the rod to the bone screws at intermediate locations. |
| US08273088B2 |
Bone removal tool
A bone preparation device for preparing a bone surface for receiving an implant is disclosed, as is a method of using the device, wherein the device contains a gripping element for gripping a first bone surface and a abrading element for abrading an opposing bone surface. |
| US08273087B2 |
Ultrasonic surgical apparatus
An ultrasonic surgical instrument has an ultrasonic transducer unit having an ultrasonic transducer for producing ultrasonic vibration, a transmission member which connects the ultrasonic transducer in the proximal end side, and transmits the ultrasonic vibration produced by the ultrasonic transducer from the proximal end side to the distal end side, a sheath, in which the transmission member is inserted, having an open part on one side of the distal end side, and a treatment portion which is provided at the distal end of the transmission member, and exposed to the open part for carrying out a surgical treatment on an object part by the ultrasonic vibration transmitted from the transmission member. The ultrasonic surgical instrument cuts or shaves hard tissues. |
| US08273083B2 |
Universal cell carrier
A carrier for an ablation element is provided. The carrier includes a plurality of walls defining a receiving portion configured to receive at least a portion of an ablation element. A plurality of connection formations are disposed on an exterior surface of least one of the plurality of walls. Each of the plurality of connection formations is disposed at a different vertical position of the carrier. A device for epicardial ablation is also provided. The device includes a plurality of carriers disposed adjacent to each other. Each carrier includes a plurality of walls defining a receiving portion configured to receive at least a portion of an ablation element. A plurality of connection formations are disposed on an exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of walls of each carrier. Each of the plurality of connection formations is disposed at a different vertical position of a carrier. |
| US08273082B2 |
Irrigated ablation catheter assembly having a flow member to create parallel external flow
The invention relates to irrigated ablation catheter assemblies and methods of facilitating parallel irrigation fluid flow along irrigated assemblies. An irrigated catheter assembly according to an embodiment includes a catheter, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly, and a flow member. The catheter includes a catheter shaft having a fluid lumen. The irrigated ablation electrode assembly includes a proximal portion having at least one irrigation passageway and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the electrode assembly may include a proximal member and the distal portion of the electrode assembly may include a distal member which is connected to the proximal member. The proximal end of the flow member is coupled or connected to the catheter shaft and the distal end of the flow member is disposed about the proximal portion of the electrode assembly. Fluid flows through the irrigated electrode assembly and is guided, at least in part, along the outer surface of the proximal portion by the flow member towards the distal portion along the outer surface of the distal portion substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the electrode assembly. |
| US08273077B2 |
System and method for treating vision refractive errors
Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for correcting refractive errors in a living eye using a laser vision correction system that involves first calculating an amount of sphere based on preoperative manifest refraction and higher order aberrations data associated with the eye, and then correcting for the calculated amount of sphere by ablating at least a portion of the eye. The preoperative manifest refraction may include preoperative manifest sphere, preoperative spherical equivalent, regular astigmatism, and oblique astigmatism, and the preoperative higher-order aberrations may include 4th-order spherical and 3rd root mean square. Other factors may also be used to adjust the calculated amount of sphere. A device readable medium for storing the calculation and instructions for operating a laser vision correction system for practicing the method is also disclosed, as is a method of treating refractive errors. |
| US08273074B2 |
Wound exudate removal and isolation system
A wound exudate removal and isolation system includes a porous dressing, a canister in fluid communication with the dressing, and a first valve positioned between the dressing and the canister. The first valve is positionable between an open position and a closed position. A disposal line is fluidly connected to the canister and includes a second valve that is positionable between an open position and a closed position. A pump is fluidly connected to the canister and is configured to draw wound exudate from the dressing into the canister when the first valve is open and the second valve is closed. The pump is configured to force wound exudate from the canister into the disposal line when the first valve is closed and the second valve is open. |
| US08273072B2 |
Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue
Apparatus and methods for injecting biological agents into tissue. Devices are provided having elongate shafts and distal injection heads for transversely driving needles into tissue and injecting medical agents into the tissue through the needles. A longitudinal force directed along the shaft can be translated to a needle driving force transverse to the shaft. Some devices provide controllably variable needle penetration depth. Devices include mechanical needle drivers utilizing four link pantographs, rack and pinions, and drive yokes for driving a first needle bearing body toward a second tissue contacting body. Other devices include inflatable members for driving and retracting needles. Still other devices include magnets for biasing the needles in extended and/or retracted positions. The invention includes minimally invasive methods for epicardially injecting cardiocyte precursor cells into infarct myocardial tissue. |
| US08273071B2 |
Remote controller for substance delivery system
Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled substance delivery device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, a delivery device or related device may be placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. The concentration of a substance in the fluid to be delivered may be modified by a remote control signal. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used. |
| US08273068B2 |
Compositions of ethylene/alpha-olefin multi-block interpolymer for elastic films and laminates
This invention relates to polyolefin compositions. In particular, the invention pertains to elastic polymer compositions that can be more easily processed on cast film lines, extrusion lamination or coating lines. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise an elastomeric polyolefin resin and a high pressure low density type resin. |
| US08273066B2 |
Absorbent article with high quality ink jet image produced at line speed
A mass produced absorbent article having an image of a quality that is commercially acceptable. The image is produced by ink jet printheads applying ink to a web moving at high speed under the jets in the course of manufacturing the article. The image is printed at low resolution but is characterized in part by a higher coverage area ratio and brightness. |
| US08273065B2 |
Ostomy bag odor control and irrigation system
An improved ostomy bag comprises an outwardly facing irrigation line attachment adapter. A removable vent housing may be attached to the attachment adapter, where the vent housing is attached during normal operation of the ostomy bag, where the vent housing may comprise a charcoal filter and a scent absorbing medium for reducing odors which may vent from the ostomy bag. The vent housing is attached with quick-connect connectors, and is easily removed so that a conduit may be attached to the attachment adapter, where the conduit is attached to a source of flushing liquid, such as a squeezable reservoir or faucet. |
| US08273064B2 |
Apparatus for sanitizing beneath a worn medical cast
An apparatus for sanitizing the skin area beneath a worn medical cast includes a thin elongate and flexible member made from a highly pliable material, the member including a distal end having at least one cleaning pad secured thereon. The thin elongate member is sized to be fitted between the skin of a cast wearer and the inner surface of a worn cast. In one version, disposable cleaning pads are releasably secured to the distal end of the elongate member. |
| US08273061B2 |
Reservoir connector
Apparatuses and methods for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump are provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir and engage a cap. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base is in a first detent position, and the needle pierces a reservoir septum when the base is in a second detent position. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. In some embodiments, an integral connector couples directly to the reservoir. |
| US08273060B2 |
Fluid removal in a surgical access device
The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument. |
| US08273059B2 |
Tearaway sheath assembly with split hemostasis valve seal
A tearaway sheath assembly (100) having a splittable sheath tube (102) a splittable hub (110), a split valve (150,250) and a split cap (180). The valve (150,250) has a slit (158,258) at least partially across the transverse distal section (154) such that transverse distal section may be displaced laterally during insertion through the slit (158,258), of a dilator (200) or a catheter. The valve (150,250) is formed in two separate halves (152A,152B;252) that are fused or adhered to each other to form a sealed weak bond (154) that is easily broken during splitting of the sheath; each valve half is mechanically affixed in a proximal valve-receiving recess (130) of the hub such as by anchor posts (136) extending through apertures (166A,166B) in ears (164A,164B) of each valve half. A two-part cap (180) is affixed to the hub proximal end (120) and traps the valve between itself and the hub. Pairs of opposed gaps (184,122) of the cap (180) and the hub (110) are aligned with lines of weakness or seams (106) of the sheath tube (102) and the weak bond (154) of the valve, facilitating splitting of the assembly (100) when desired by the practitioner to peel it away from the inserted catheter. |
| US08273058B2 |
Two way accumulator programmable valve pump
An improved implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication is disclosed. The implantable pump comprises a pressurized drug reservoir. The medication metering assembly comprises a fixed volume accumulator positioned between a pair of valves. The valves alternately open and close to admit medication from the reservoir into the accumulator and to dispense a precise volume pulse to an outlet catheter. In order to improve the pump's accuracy and to increase pumping volume while optimizing the pump's overall size and energy usage a two way diaphragm accumulator is used. The unit can be externally programmed or can be used in a fixed rate configuration that is never programmed but set at the factory or in the current programmable configuration. |
| US08273055B2 |
Vacuum actuated small volume syringe
A retractable safety syringe is provided herein wherein an external vacuum compartment produces a retraction force which urges a piston of a plunger toward a retracted position. The retractable safety syringe may have a needle holder which is removably engageable to a distal portion of a syringe body. When the piston is traversed toward the engaged position, the external variable vacuum compartment produces a retraction force. When the piston is traversed to an engaged position, the piston engages the needle holder and disengages the needle holder from the syringe body. The medical professional may release a thumb pressure on a thumb platform of a plunger. At this point, the retraction force of the external variable vacuum compartment may traverse the piston along with the needle holder and needle toward the retracted position and into the syringe body. An internal variable vacuum compartment may also create a retraction force to assist retraction of the needle holder and needle into the syringe body. |
| US08273054B2 |
System and method for arterial access
A system for arterial access for delivery of treatment devices is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a guidewire and a catheter. The catheter comprises a handle and a shaft. The shaft may be a steerable/deflectable tip shaft with a lumen adapted to allow passage of the guidewire at least partially there through. A passive sheath may also be provided to be delivered over the shaft. The handle controls the steerable/deflectable tip shaft and may be used to deflect the distal tip of the shaft. |
| US08273051B2 |
Self-sealing device and method for delivery of a therapeutic agent through a pneumostoma
A pneumostoma management system includes a pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma and a drug delivery device for pneumostoma care. The drug delivery device may be used to introduce therapeutic agents into the pneumostoma for direct treatment of the pneumostoma, treatment of the lung by way of collateral ventilation, and/or treatment of non-lung tissues by diffusion into the bloodstream. The drug delivery device includes a therapeutic agent dispenser for supplying a therapeutic agent and a propellant at positive pressure, an outlet and a connector for correctly positioning the outlet relative to a pneumostoma management device. The drug delivery device includes a self-centering and self-sealing connector for engaging the pneumostoma management device. |
| US08273047B1 |
Adjusting and applying traction to a patient's arm
A shoulder lift includes a hollow bent shaft that has a first end and a second end and that defines an interior of the bent shaft. First and second openings leading to the interior of the bent shaft are formed at the first and second ends, respectively. The shoulder lift also includes a cable having a first end and a second end. The cable runs through the first opening formed at the first end of the bent shaft and the second opening formed at the second end of the bent shaft such that the cable is threaded through the interior of the bent shaft. The first end of the cable is configured to be coupled to an arm sleeve for holding a patient's arm, and the second end of the cable is configured to be coupled to a support structure that locks into a to fixed position. |
| US08273041B2 |
Arm cradle
An arm cradle for holding and stabilizing an arm of a post-operative shoulder surgery patient is provided. The arm cradle has a cradle body having a first concave section adapted to accept at least a portion of an upper arm of a patient and a second concave section adapted to accept at least a portion of a lower arm of the patient. The first concave section and the second concave section may be arranged at an obtuse angle with respect to one another. A fabric cover may be provided for the cradle body. One or more straps may be affixed to one of the cradle body or the fabric cover and used to secure the arm cradle to the patient and/or to secure the arm of the patient in the arm cradle. |
| US08273038B1 |
Method of neuromusculoskeletal proprioceptive re-education and development of a living body and apparatus therefor
In combination, vertically percussive vibration and non-symmetrical forces are applied to a patient. The non-symmetrical forces may be generated by a variety of unevenly applied weights that are supported at appropriate body locations in a manner that upsets normal body load symmetry. The non-symmetrical forces in combination with vertically percussive vibrations induce neuromusculoskeletal proprioceptive re-education and development within a living body to correct musculo-skeletal disorders including but not limited to scoliosis. A special posture modifying chair and head-orienting glasses may be used instead of or in addition to unevenly applied weights. An additional force concentrating treatment apparatus is also presented. |
| US08273036B2 |
Wearable portable device for increasing user awareness of a paretic limb and recording the user awareness
A wearable portable device (10) for increasing user awareness of a paretic limb and recording the user awareness, the device (10) comprising: a sensory signal generator (52, 20) to emit a continuous sensory signal to remind the user to move the paretic limb according to a predetermined schedule; a switch (13) to be actuated by the user for stopping the emission of the sensory signal; and an accelerometer (61) to detect movement of the paretic limb in 3-axis; wherein after the switch (13) is actuated by the user, the user is instructed to move the paretic limb in accordance with predetermined instructions and the movement of the paretic limb detected by the accelerometer (61) and response time of when the switch (13) is actuated after the sensory signal is emitted are recorded for analysis by data analysis software. |
| US08273035B2 |
Human biovibrations method
This invention relates to the detection of human biovibrations using a digital signal processing (DSP) actigraph worn by the individual, and in at least one method using any noise existing in the signals. Human biovibrations result from the human body having reverberations and oscillations from bodily functioning. The DSP actigraph has been shown to be able to identify heart beat and breathing of an individual. The invention includes a method comprising: recording movement data of an individual that includes biovibrations data, determining when the movement data substantially falls within a predetermined threshold representative of death, and providing a notification. The invention in at least one embodiment includes a method comprising: monitoring activity counts for zero crossing mode, above threshold mode, and proportional integrative mode, providing a notification when all three activity counts are within a respective predetermined range for a period of time. |
| US08273034B2 |
Method and device for tinnitus masking
A method for generating optimized tinnitus masks includes, for example, presenting stimuli in succession to a user, receiving the user's rating of the effectiveness of each presented stimulus in reducing tinnitus, selecting a subset of the stimuli to maintain as tinnitus masks, and, generating variant stimuli from the subset of the stimuli that is maintained as tinnitus masks. |
| US08273031B2 |
Methods and apparatus for determining cardiac output and left atrial pressure
Method and apparatus are introduced for determining proportional cardiac output (CO), absolute left atrial pressure (LAP), and/or other important hemodynamic variables from a contour of a circulatory pressure waveform or related signal. Certain embodiments of the invention provided herein include the mathematical analysis of a pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) waveform or a right ventricular pressure (RVP) waveform in order to determine beat-to-beat or time-averaged proportional CO, proportional pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and/or LAP. The invention permits continuous and automatic monitoring of critical hemodynamic variables with a level of invasiveness suitable for routine clinical application. The invention may be utilized, for example, to continuously monitor critically ill patients with pulmonary artery catheters installed and chronically monitor heart failure patients instrumented with implanted devices for measuring RVP. |
| US08273030B2 |
Method of estimating pulse wave velocity
A method of estimating blood pressure Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) in the aorta from a recording of a pressure waveform at a single site. The method comprises the following steps: 1. measuring the patient's arterial pressure relative to time in order to estimate a central pressure waveform (CPW); 2. estimating the patient's aortic pressure pulse transit time (PPTT) from the CPW; 3. estimating the patient's carotid to femoral arterial distance from the patient's physical characteristics; and 4. dividing the patient's estimated carotid to femoral arterial distance by the patient's estimated PPTT to estimate the patient's PWV. |
| US08273027B2 |
Ultrasonic probe
In an ultrasonic probe of the present invention, a probe main body that comprises a flat shaped piezoelectric element group having a plurality of strip shaped piezoelectric elements arranged in a line in the major axis direction, which is the crosswise direction of the piezoelectric elements, is formed and housed within a container main body and sealed therein with a cover. The ultrasonic probe is characterized in that, in order to mechanically and linearly scan the probe main body in the minor axis direction, which is the lengthwise direction of the piezoelectric elements, the probe main body is linearly reciprocated and mechanically scanned in the minor axis direction, by an endless belt that is driven by a drive source via another endless belt linearly in the minor axis direction, while being guided by a pair of linear guides. As a result, sufficient movement stroke of the probe main body in the minor axis direction can be ensured, and by means of a movement mechanism comprising the endless belt, the probe main body can be reciprocated in the minor axis direction to the fullest extent between the inner walls of a sealed container. |
| US08273023B2 |
Introducer sheathe with electrodes
An apparatus comprises a sheathe for introducing a catheter into a blood vessel, a first electrode provided on the sheathe, a second electrode; and a measuring device to which the first and second electrodes are coupled. The measuring device measures the impedance or conduction velocity between the first electrode on the sheathe and the second electrode. |
| US08273018B1 |
Computerized method for establishing a communication between a bedside care location and a remote care location
Methods for use in, e.g., a patient care computing environment, for establishing a communication between a bedside care location and a remote care location are provided. In one embodiment, the method may include providing a multi-patient view having a plurality of selectable patient indicators and receiving an indication that one of the plurality of selectable patient indicators has been selected by a user. In another embodiment, the method may include displaying a view of an electronic record associated with a patient, e.g., an electronic medical record, the view having a selectable audio/video launch indicator, and receiving an indication that the selectable audio/video indicator has been selected by a user. The user's selection of one of the plurality of selectable patient indicators or the selectable audio/video indicator may be indicative of a request for initiation of a communication between the user and another party. |
| US08273014B2 |
Endoscopic fluid control apparatus
An endoscopic fluid control apparatus includes a cylinder which is attachable to an attachment part attached to an endoscope, and includes a first channel which transfers fluid to an insertion channel of the endoscope, a piston which is set on the cylinder and includes a valve part movable relative to the cylinder between a position where the first channel is opened relative to the insertion channel and a position where the first channel is closed relative to the insertion channel, a connection port part for connecting a fluid tube, and a second channel which transfers the fluid from the connection port part to the insertion channel, an elastic member which holds the piston to be movable relative to the cylinder between the position where the first channel is closed and the position where the first channel is opened, a first engagement part which engages the piston and the elastic member with each other so as not to rotate about an axis of movement of the piston, and a second engagement part which engages the cylinder and the elastic member with each other so as not to rotate about an axis of movement of the cylinder.The piston includes the valve part, a connection port part, and the second channel. |
| US08273012B2 |
Cleaning device and methods
An apparatus for treating tissue within a lumen may include a therapeutic or diagnostic instrument. A cleaning device may also be supported by the instrument. The cleaning device has a portion of a cleaning surface positioned proximal to the distal end of the cleaning device. |
| US08273011B2 |
Adjustable surgical implant and method for treating urinary incontinence
A method of treating urinary incontinence, the method including introducing a surgical implant through an incision made on an upper wall of a patient's vagina. The surgical implant includes a suburethral support, first and second suspending members, and first and second polymer tissue anchors. Each tissue anchor is coupled with a respective one of the first and second suspending members, wherein a distance between the suburethral support and the second anchor is adjustable. The first tissue anchor is inserted into tissue on a first side of a urethra of the patient without penetrating an abdominal wall. A position of the suburethral support is adjusted relative to the patient's urethra by pulling the second suspending member through the patient's vagina to adjust the distance between the suburethral support and the second anchor. And the distance between the suburethral support and the second anchor is fixed. |
| US08273010B2 |
Incontinence treatment device
An incontinence treatment device includes a urethral support and first and second connectors. The urethral support extends between a first end and a second end and has porosity that is configured to allow tissue in-growth through the urethral support. The first connector is attached to the first end of the urethral support and the second connector is attached to the second end of the urethral support. At least one of the first connector and the second connector is a cross-linked polymer connector having a glass transition temperature between 40-70 degrees Celsius. The cross-linked polymer connector has an initial length that is elongated to an implant length that is greater than the initial length. Means for heating the cross-linked polymer connector from an extracorporeal location through intact skin is provided, thereby shortening the cross-linked polymer connector. |
| US08273004B2 |
Paper folding mechanism and paper folding apparatus
A paper folding mechanism includes: first and second folding rollers (51, 52); first and second conveyance rollers (61, 62); a protrusion member (71); and a control part. Both the rollers (51, 52) are provided so that a paper is sandwiched therebetween with its fold line located in front, and is allowed to pass therethrough in a first direction. The first folding roller (51) and the first conveyance roller (61) are provided so that the paper is sandwiched therebetween and conveyed in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second folding roller (52) and the second conveyance roller (62) are provided so that the paper is sandwiched therebetween and conveyed in any one of the second direction and the direction opposite thereto. The protrusion member (71) is provided so that the fold line of the paper conveyed by both the rollers (61, 62) is protruded in the first direction and fed between both the rollers (51, 52). |
| US08273003B2 |
Web folding apparatus, web folding method, and worn article producing method
An apparatus of the present invention includes: a folding section 2 for folding a web W in two so that opposite side edges Wa and Wb of the web W are brought into a predetermined positional relationship with each other by bringing the web W into contact with an abutting member 4; a pair of carrying means 10A and 10B arranged along opposite sides of the web W for carrying the web W in the longitudinal direction X; a plurality of holding means 20 provided in each of the carrying means 10A and 10B wherein the holding means 20 can be displaced in the transverse direction D of the web W; displacement means 30 for displacing the holding means 20 in the transverse direction D upstream of the abutting member 4 so as to correct a positional relationship between the web W and the abutting member 4; detection means 3 for outputting positional information regarding a position of the web W in the transverse direction D; and control means 200 for controlling the displacement means 30 based on the positional information. |
| US08273002B2 |
Paint roller
A paint roller assembly providing a friction hinge for a swiveling connection between the handle and the paint applicator and a clip for locking the tubular paint applicator against unwanted axial displacement during the use. |
| US08273000B2 |
Articulated coordination punching bag
An articulated coordination punching bag includes: a flexible central core; a first target enclosing a first potion of the central core; and a second target enclosing a second potion of the central core. The first and second targets may move independently of each other. |
| US08272998B2 |
Multi-functional treadmill system
The present invention includes a treadmill system including a support platform, a liquid tank, and a lift support structure connected to a treadmill assembly by a lifting mechanism. In general, the liquid tank and the lift, support structure including the treadmill assembly move horizontally relative to and independent of one another along the support platform to position the lift support structure away from or about the liquid tank. In addition, the treadmill assembly moves vertically relative to and independent of the lift support structure using the lifting mechanism to lower or raise the treadmill assembly within an interior of the liquid tank or exterior of the liquid tank. More importantly, the combination of the horizontal movement and the vertical movement of the treadmill assembly permits a mammal to step onto the treadmill assembly before the treadmill assembly is raised and then lowered into an interior of the liquid tank. |
| US08272997B2 |
Stride adjustment mechanism
In an elliptical step exercise apparatus a dynamic link mechanism can be used to vary the stride length of the machine. A control system can also be used to vary stride length as a function of various exercise and operating parameters such as speed and direction as well as varying stride length as a part of a preprogrammed exercise routine such as a hill or interval training program. In addition the control system can use measurements of stride length to optimize operation of the apparatus. |
| US08272994B2 |
Clutch control device
An apparatus includes a clutch control unit to control a control amount of a clutch and a brake to temporarily stop an output side rotating body while the clutch is disconnected. A clutch-control-amount detector detects the control amount of the clutch and an engagement start detector detects an engagement start of the clutch when a rotational speed difference between the input side rotating body and the output side rotating body becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. An engagement-start control-amount detector detects the control amount of the clutch in the engagement start and a clutch-correction-control-amount deriver derives a correction control amount of the clutch based on the control amount of the clutch at the time when the engagement start is detected after the output side rotating body is temporarily stopped. The clutch control unit feedback-controls the control amount of the clutch based on the correction control amount. |
| US08272990B2 |
Planet wheel with a bearing bolt that presents an axial groove
The invention relates to a revolving gear mechanism with at least two gear wheels which mesh mutually, forming an engagement space, of which one is a revolving gear wheel which is mounted rotatably by means of a bearing on a bolt, and a lateral surface of the bolt forms a bearing surface. According to the invention, at least one axial longitudinal groove is arranged on the lateral surface of the bolt. |
| US08272985B2 |
Power transmission mechanism
A power transmission mechanism for transmitting power between a driving engine and an output drive, including: an input and an output; a hydrodynamic component with a pump wheel and a turbine wheel; an apparatus for at least partially bridging over the hydrodynamic component, the apparatus including a control device with a piston element that is chargeable with pressurizing agent; an influencing element for influencing a difference in speeds of rotation of moving fluids on both sides of the piston element, the influencing element rotatable in rotational synchronicity with the piston element, which extends outward in the radial direction free of any direct connection with the piston element, and which is situated in the radial direction at least in the range of the outside diameter, forming at least part of an axial space with the piston element. |
| US08272977B2 |
Golf spin detector
A golf ball includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a cavity therebetween. A pigment is placed in the cavity. When the ball is struck, the pigment moves from a consolidated position to a dispersed position adjacent the outer layer. An observation of the dispersed pigment informs the golfer of the spin imparted to the ball. |
| US08272975B2 |
Striking face of a golf club head
A golf club head with improved striking face performance is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head having a thickened central region surrounded by an internal and an external transition region; wherein the thickened central region has an inner perimeter that takes on a shape that substantially resembles the shape of an outer perimeter of the striking face of the golf club head. |
| US08272970B2 |
Device for shot tracking
A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing, a battery having no more than 225 milliamp hours of power, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking. |
| US08272968B2 |
Electronic laser lighted pool game system
A pool game system includes a pool table having a playing surface, rails and pockets, pool balls and at least one cue stick. A plurality of illuminating components are within the rails of the pool table. A plurality of contact sensors are each within the rails and pockets of the pool table. A computer within the pool table causes one illuminating component to flash when one contact sensor detects one pool ball propelled by the at least one cue stick, when in a first instance the pool ball bounces off a rail and when in a second instance the pool ball enters a pocket of the pool table. |
| US08272967B2 |
Stage
A demountable stage includes a substantially cylindrical central hub, which has a vertically extending central axis and is adapted to support a vertically extending pole, a plurality of radially outwardly extending support members mounted to the hub and a stage platform. The stage platform comprises a plurality of segments that are adapted to be supported on the support members. |
| US08272965B2 |
Shaft arrangement for a transmission
A shaft arrangement for a transmission comprises a shaft having an axial bore into which oil can be introduced via an oil supply system, at least one loose wheel which is rotatably supported on the shaft via a bearing, and a shift clutch arrangement which is arranged for connecting the loose wheel with the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The shift clutch arrangement comprises a guide sleeve which is connected with the shaft via a tooth engagement in a rotationally fixed manner. The axial bore is connected via at least one transversal bore with the outer circumference of the shaft, so as to supply oil to the bearing and to the shift clutch arrangement. The transversal bore is arranged in an area of the tooth engagement between the guide sleeve and the shaft. A channel is provided in at least one of an area of a toothing of the guide sleeve and an area of the toothing of the shaft, which, together with the guide sleeve toothing, forms the tooth engagement. The channel connects the transversal bore with an area between the guide sleeve and the bearing. |
| US08272961B2 |
Asynchronous challenge gaming
Challenge gaming includes selection of individual gaming characters or teams of characters to be pitted against opposing characters in asynchronous individual competitions or sequential tournament competitions. Each of the characters has a predetermined set of characteristics such as abilities, powers, defenses or performance levels. These characteristics can be implemented in a preselected order or according to a statistical probability, for example, based on historic data. Characteristics of team members are variable based on characteristics of other team members and opposing team members or other competition factors. Game play is conducted between characters without the need for further user interaction. |
| US08272960B2 |
System including one or more gaming machines
There is disclosed a system (400) including one or more gaming machines (404 . . . 408) and one or more system control resources (402). The system control resources (402) are configured to dynamically control the provision of services (402A, 402B) to components of the system. Each of the services (402A, 402B) is implemented by the way of one or more software processes running on one or more data processing resources (402) of the gaming system (400). At least one system control resource (402) is further configured to dynamically allocate said software processes amongst the data processing resources of the gaming system (400). The services (402A, 402B) can include a service that determines an outcome of one or more games playable on a gamin machine, and at a service configured to trigger the award of a jackpot prize. |
| US08272958B2 |
Automated multiplayer game table with unique image feed of dealer
A method and apparatus are used to simultaneously display a virtual dealer and a dynamic visual background image in connection with a multi-player video platform simulating and effecting play of a casino table card game. The dealer imagery is in the foreground and the background is behind the dealer. The background is either a live video feed from the casino, live feed from another location or event or pre-recorded image sequences. The various videos are keyed or masked and layered together using known video production technology. |
| US08272957B2 |
Gaming machine having a curved display and related gaming systems
Gaming systems having touch panels as user control devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a curved display system for displaying a game. The curved display system has a curved material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The curved display system also includes a digital light projection device for projecting images of one or more reels onto the curved material. The gaming system also includes a touch screen system positioned in front of the curved material. The touch screen system has a touch sensor assembly having a substantially transparent touch panel that produces touch data when activated, a touch panel controller for controlling and interpreting the touch data, and touch panel software for controlling and interpreting touch data. |
| US08272954B2 |
Foot input type brain training device and computer program
A mat unit 7 is provided with four foot switches SW1 to SW4 each of which detects stepping motion as input from a player. A processor 11 displays a player character 21 which travels in virtual space on a television monitor 5 on the basis of a result of detection by the mat unit 7, and furthermore arranges tasks 23L, 23C and 23L in the virtual space. The player chooses one which is different from the other two from among the tasks 23L, 23C and 23L. The processor 11 performs correctness/incorrectness determination on the basis of the result of the detection by the mat unit 7. |
| US08272948B2 |
Wagering game machines and methods for printing information in a self-erasing format
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive information associated with a wagering game machine capable of engaging in the process of presenting a wagering game upon which monetary value may be wagered, print a first portion of the information in human perceivable form on a tangible object, such as a wagering game machine ticket, and record a second portion of the information in a wireless memory device to be attached to the wagering game machine ticket. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08272943B2 |
Slot machine executing free game and slot machine that increases the number of displayed special symbols
According to a slot machine of the present invention, a first specific number of free games are executed when a first predetermined condition is established in a normal game. Further, a second specific number of free games are executed, when a second predetermined condition is established. Furthermore, when the first predetermined condition is established in the free game executed triggered by the establishment of the second predetermined condition, a third specific number of free games are further executed after the second specific number of free games are executed. Here, the third specific number is larger than the first specific number. |
| US08272934B2 |
Gaming machine and method for providing a bonus award
A game device and a method allow a player to play a game on the gaming machine. The gaming machine has a main display and a user interface. The game has a main game and a bonus game. The method includes the steps of (i) allowing the player to place a wager on the main game, (ii) playing the main game and randomly establishing a result of the main game, and (iii) awarding the player an award as a function of a paytable if the result of the main game is a win. The method further includes the steps of (iv) detecting an appearance of a predetermined bonus trigger symbol during the play of the main game and responsively, randomly selecting a bonus symbol from a set of bonus symbols, repeating steps (i)-(iv), and awarding the player a bonus award if a predetermined number of unique bonus symbols are selected. |
| US08272933B2 |
System and method of increasing poker tournament pools and number of payout positions
A second optional poker tournament fee allows participating players a chance to receive a payout when finishing the poker tournament in one of one or more extra bubble spots. So, if the player finishes close to the conventional bubble position the player may receive a payout if he or she paid the second optional fee. The number of extra spots is based on the number of second optional fees paid. In one version, if no players finish in the extra bubble spots the house collects the second optional fees as profits. In another version, the second optional fees, or a portion thereof, are used to increase the payouts associated with the conventional payout scheme independent of the second optional fees. |
| US08272931B2 |
Air conducting device for a vehicle interior
An air conducting device includes a rigid support, an outlet, a flexible element that is fixedly connected to the outlet and a deflecting means which allows the outlet to be tilted about at least one axis of rotation at least into a first and a second position. The flexible element is fixedly connected to the support at a distance from the outlet such that at least one of the axes of rotation is defined as a substantially stationary axis of rotation in the area of the outlet, at the level of the connection to the flexible element. The air conducting device includes a small size of the components and a small number of required individual parts. |
| US08272928B2 |
Device for separating fillets from the spinal column of beheaded, slaughtered fish with open abdominal cavity by cutting the bridge left by abdominal and back blades around the spinal column and filleting machine comprising such a device
An apparatus to separate a fillet attached to a backbone of a beheaded, slaughtered fish having an open abdominal cavity previously cut by an abdominal knife and a dorsal knife, by cutting through a web left round the backbone of the fish by the abdominal and dorsal knives. The apparatus includes a transport saddle to transport the previously cut fish in a direction of fish travel wherein the saddle includes an upper bone guide and a lower bone guide. The apparatus also includes a separating unit movable back and forth from a standby position into a working position. The separating unit has a separating device to detach the fillet from the backbone of the fish and a counter support associated with the separating device and arranged on the separating unit with the separating device. |
| US08272927B2 |
Poultry shoulder and neck skinner
An automated apparatus for removing skin from the shoulder and neck areas of a chicken carcass that includes a neck skinner and a shoulder skinner mounted to an elongated support wall in a longitudinally spaced relationship. The neck skinner includes a rotatably-driven gripper having a plurality of fins extending radially therefrom. A pinch block with an arcuate surface is mounted in a close-clearance relationship with the gripper to form a pinch point therebetween. The pinch point of the neck skinner is positioned to engage the neck area of an incoming chicken. The shoulder skinner is substantially similar to the neck skinner except that the pinch point of the shoulder skinner is positioned to engage the shoulder area of an incoming chicken. The apparatus further includes a rotatably-driven indexing conveyor laterally adjacent the neck and shoulder skinners for maintaining a longitudinal separation between chickens that are conveyed through the skinning apparatus. |
| US08272925B2 |
Multi-drum sander and/or rasp
Described herein is technology for, among other things, a multi-purpose sanding or filing apparatus. The apparatus includes a motor, a plurality of drive mechanisms in mechanical communication with the motor, and a plurality of drums, where each of the drums has an axis passing therethrough, the drums are coupled with respective drive mechanisms, and the drive mechanisms are operable to rotate the drums about their respective axes. |
| US08272923B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for anvil reconditioning
A rotary cutting apparatus comprises a frame and a die roll defining a first longitudinal axis and comprising a cutting member. The die roll is rotatably connected with the frame and configured to rotate about the first longitudinal axis. The rotary cutting apparatus further comprises a bearer ring connected with the die roll and an anvil roll defining a second longitudinal axis and comprising an outer radial surface. The anvil roll is rotatably connected with the frame and is configured to rotate about the second longitudinal axis. The bearer ring of the die roll is in contact with the outer radial surface. The rotary cutting apparatus further comprises a reconditioning member comprising an abrasive surface engaged with the outer radial surface of the anvil roll. The outer radial surface of the anvil roll moves relative to the abrasive surface. |
| US08272922B2 |
Method of polishing a substrate
A method for polishing a substrate using a pad comprising, a polymeric matrix having microspheres dispersed therein, the polymeric matrix being formed of a water-based polymer or blends thereof, wherein the polymeric matrix is applied on a permeable substrate, and wherein the polishing pad exhibits reduced defectivity and improved polishing performance are provided. |
| US08272916B2 |
Bubble generating assembly that produces vertical bubbles
A bubble generating assembly has a housing having a motor, an air generator coupled to the motor, and a bubble generator associated therewith. The assembly also includes a source of bubble solution, and a pump system provided inside the housing that draws bubble solution from the source to the bubble generator. The bubble generator includes a plurality of openings, with bubble solution delivered to the bubble generator flowing through the openings. The air from the air generator is delivered upwardly through the openings. |
| US08272914B2 |
Method of manufacturing field emission electrode having carbon nanotubes with conductive particles attached to external walls
Provided are a field emission electrode, a method of manufacturing the field emission electrode, and a field emission device including the field emission electrode. The field emission electrode may include a substrate, carbon nanotubes formed on the substrate, and a conductive layer formed on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. Conductive nanoparticles may be attached to the external walls of the carbon nanotubes. |
| US08272913B2 |
Organic light-emitting device, and method for manufacturing organic light-emitting device
The present invention provides an organic light-emitting device which can prevent a covering member from being damaged or peeled off, and which can be manufactured with excellent productivity and cost performance; and a method for manufacturing the organic light-emitting device. The covering member has a chamfer formed on the side of a face of the covering member on a reverse side to the side of an organic light-emitting element. |
| US08272906B2 |
Outboard motor control device and marine vessel including the same
An outboard motor control device is arranged to control a plurality of outboard motors. The outboard motor control device includes a malfunction determination unit arranged to determine whether any of the outboard motors is malfunctioning in turning angle control, a turning angle control stop unit arranged to stop turning angle control of an outboard motor determined as malfunctioning in turning angle control by the malfunction determination unit, a turning angle range limitation unit arranged to limit a turning angle range of other normally functioning outboard motor according to a turning angle of the outboard motor malfunctioning in turning angle control, and a turning angle control unit arranged to perform turning angle control of the normally functioning outboard motor in the turning angle range limited by the turning angle range limitation unit. |
| US08272901B2 |
Crimp contacts and electrical connector assemblies including the same
A crimp contact including a first component that has opposite leading and trailing ends and a central axis that extends therebetween. The first component has a component wall that includes an interior surface and a wall edge. The interior surface defines a contact passage that extends along the central axis. The wall edge defines a passage opening at the trailing end. The crimp contact also includes a second component coupled to the first component. The second component includes a sheet wall that has body and sleeve portions joined together along a wall joint. The body portion is located within the contact passage and extends about the central axis to define a crimping cavity. The sleeve portion is folded over the body portion at the wall joint so that the sleeve and body portions define a radial gap therebetween. The component wall is located within the radial gap. |
| US08272895B2 |
Sealed electrical connector
A sealed electrical connector includes a housing having a terminal-fixing portion, a mating portion for connecting to a counterpart connector and a partition wall therebetween. Contact terminals are fixed into a terminal holder with contact portions protruding out of the terminal holder. The terminal holder is disposed in the terminal-fixing portion. A grommet is placed between the terminal holder and the partition wall. The contact portions extend to the mating portion through the partition wall and the grommet. Molten resin is injected into the terminal holder and fix and seal the contact terminals in the terminal holder. The grommet prevents the resin from leaking into the mating portion through the partition wall. Each contact terminal has a support bracket fixed thereon which supports the terminal in the terminal holder before resin injection. The support bracket allows contact terminals of difference dimension to be fitted and sealed in the housing. |
| US08272894B2 |
Coaxial connector
A coaxial connector includes a terminal, an insulating housing for receiving the terminal therein, and a shell for receiving the insulating housing therein. The terminal includes a carrier plate; two contacts correspondingly provided at their facing sides with two concaved areas for electrically connecting with an external round-shaped conductor; and a first and a second fastening plate for fastening to a core wire of a cable. The two contacts and the first and second fastening tabs are oriented toward the same direction. With the above arrangements, the coaxial connector can be easily assembled and have reduced assembly height, the first and second fastening plates are in direct contact with the core wire to securely fasten the same to the terminal, and the contact area between the contacts and the external round-shaped conductor is increased, ensuring good electrical signal transmission via the coaxial connector. |
| US08272893B2 |
Integrally conductive and shielded coaxial cable connector
The coaxial cable connector has a coupler, a post, and a ring that prevent interfaces from gapping and provide a robust alternative ground path that also RF shields the connector from both ingress and egress. The ring is disposed in between and engages at least a portion of a groove in the body and at least a portion of the channel in the coupler, radial movement of the coupler causes the axial movement of the body relative to the terminal. |
| US08272884B2 |
Signal transmission device
A signal transmission device is provided. The signal transmission device comprises a linked unit, a data connector, a sliding block, a link and a lock block. The linked unit includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft, a first elastomer and a second elastomer. The data connector rotates and expands according to the first shaft and the first elastomer. During the retraction of the data connector, the data connector pushes the sliding block. Then the sliding block moves against the lock block so that the lock block rotates according to the second shaft. The lock block rotates to lock and secure the data connector by the lock piece, while a cam of the link moves to a secure location along an incline plane of a track of the sliding block. |
| US08272881B2 |
Connector having a lock mechanism for keeping a socket and a header coupled, and method for manufacturing the connector
A connector includes a socket having a generally rectangular shape, the socket including socket contacts, lock mechanisms and retainer mechanisms; and a header having a generally rectangular shape, the header including header contacts and lock mechanisms and being couplable with the socket. The lock mechanisms of the socket and the header are respectively formed from the socket contacts and the header contacts, the lock mechanisms of the socket being formed by cutting away a portion of the socket contacts. The lock mechanisms of the header also serve as retainer mechanisms thereof. The lock mechanisms of the socket and the header are arranged substantially in the same row as the socket contacts and the header contacts and positioned near four corners of the socket and the header, respectively. The lock mechanisms of the socket and the header are configured to keep the socket and the header in a coupled state. |
| US08272877B2 |
High density electrical connector and PCB footprint
An interconnection system that includes a daughter card and backplane electrical connectors, each mounted to a printed circuit board at a connector footprint. The backplane connector has conductive elements with transition regions that allow the mating contact portions to be positioned on a uniform pitch while contact tail portions can be shaped to improve signal integrity or to provide a more compact and/or mechanically robust footprint. The conductive elements in both connectors are configured such that the contact tails of the ground conductors align from column to column, but the planar portions of the ground conductors in one column align with a pair of signal conductors in the other column, which improves mechanical and signal integrity. Mechanical integrity may be improved by forming the connector footprints with pads for the ground conductors that span multiple columns. |
| US08272876B2 |
Magnetically enhanced electrical signal conduction apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods for magnetically enhanced electrical signal conduction are disclosed. An embodiment electrical connector comprises a connector body, a first active signal contact mechanically attached to and at least partially disposed within the connector body, a ground contact mechanically attached to the connector body, an insulator mechanically separating and electrically isolating the first active signal contact and the ground contact, and a first permanent magnet electrically connected to the first active signal contact. An embodiment electrical cable comprises an elongated insulating sheath, a first active signal electrical conductor disposed within the sheath, a first connector body mechanically attached to a first end of the sheath, a first active signal contact mechanically attached to the first connector body, and electrically connected to the first active signal electrical conductor, and a first permanent magnet electrically connected to the first active signal electrical conductor. |
| US08272867B2 |
Orthodontic device
An orthodontic device consisting of a bracket having a slot formed by arm parts facing each other in the vertical direction, and an inner part having a socket for holding a wire. The orthodontic device is characterized in that the opening of the slot is closed by inserting the inner part into the slot so that the inner part can be held by the arm parts. Different torque depending on the socket can be applied to a tooth. A desired torque can be applied by only changing the inner part without changing the bracket. |
| US08272866B2 |
Removable orthodontic appliance
A removable orthodontic appliance and methods of use and manufacturing of the removable orthodontic appliance for repositioning teeth of an upper jaw or lower jaw are provided. The removable orthodontic appliance comprises a trough shaped arch tray that defines an interstitial space between the sides of the arch tray for accommodating the teeth. The arch tray form fits over the contours of the teeth of the upper jaw or lower jaw from a first molar region through a second molar region. The arch tray extends down the teeth on a labial surface and a lingual surface of the teeth to the gingival areas. One or more arch wires are infused and rigidly anchored within the lingual side of the arch tray. Each of the arch wires comprises a surface pre-infused with a polymeric material for rigidly bonding to the lingual side of the arch tray. |
| US08272865B2 |
Resin injection mold
Disclosed is a mold for resin injection molding that can realize rapid heating or cooling. A resin injection molding mold includes a cavity mold and a core mold and is produced on a base plate by metal photofabrication. The cavity mold is provided with a cavity warm water circuit for allowing warm water for heating to flow and a cavity cold water circuit for allowing cold water for cooling to flow. The core mold is also provided with a core warm water circuit and a core cold water circuit. The core mold includes an air blowing passage for feeding warm air or cold air into a resin molding part and a suction passage (36) for sucking a gas within the resin molding part. The resin molding part side of the air blowing passage and the suction passage is formed of a low-density shaping part that has a low metallic powder sintered density and is permeable to gas. Warm air or cold air can be blown through the low-density shaping part, whereby rapid heating or cooling of the resin injection molding mold can be realized. |
| US08272858B2 |
Piston pump
The invention relates to a piston pump for conveying fluids. The piston pump includes a piston, and a pressure chamber located between an intake valve and a discharge valve. The intake valve is arranged between the pressure chamber and a low-pressure zone of the piston pump. The intake valve has a valve body, a closing element, a device for preloading the closing element, and a device for fastening the intake valve to the piston. The fastening device encompasses at least two fastening elements which protrude from the valve body toward the piston. The fastening elements are positioned at a distance from one another, and are fitted with inlets therebetween for supplying fluid. The invention further relates to a piston pump having an intake valve without a spring-biased element. |
| US08272857B2 |
Method and system for loading of tubing into a pumping device
A tube-positioning system for loading tubing into a peristaltic pump includes a holder and a first tube segment. The holder includes a shell configured to slidably fit onto an exterior of a pump and a pair of guides extending upward from opposite side walls of the shell. The first tube segment has a fixed length and extends between the pair of guides with each end of the first tube segment secured within one of the respective guides. |
| US08272854B2 |
Vacuum cleaners especially quiet vacuum cleaners, pumps, and engines
This impeller-free vacuum cleaner is based on a rotary piston. Vacuum suction of 300 inches of water or better can be delivered. Quietness of below 70 db can be delivered. Tongued rotary piston assemblies may be strategically placed, such as stacked, to eliminate vacuum suction dead zones. Sealing problems that otherwise were encountered with previous reciprocating and rotary piston structures for vacuum cleaners are solved by using a tongued rotary piston with a double-notched rotary valve operating by a Geneva mechanism, and a novel pancake-shaped cylindrical structure to house the rotary piston. An inventive rotary combustion engine also is disclosed. |
| US08272852B2 |
Fan assembly
A fan assembly includes a fan, a first plate, and a rack. The fan includes at least one power line. The first plate is mounted on one side of the fan. The first plate mounts an adjustable resistor assembly thereon. The adjustable resistor assembly connects the at least one power line to a power source. The adjustable resistor assembly includes a first resistor and a slider. The slider includes a conducting point. One end of the first resistor is connected to the power source. The at least one power line of the fan is connected to the conducting point. The slider is capable of sliding on the first side plate to have the conducting point contacting different parts of the first resistor to vary the resistor value of the adjustable resistor assembly. The rack is capable of receiving the fan with the first plate mounted therein. |
| US08272850B2 |
Membrane pump
An electromagnetic driven membrane pump has a pump housing inside which at least one pump chamber (15) having at least one intake and outlet is formed and delimited between a gable (1) of the pump housing and at least one completely-sealed membrane (14) attached to a wall (4) of the pump housing and, in an axial direction of the pump housing, to a running axle (13) suspended in at least two separated suspensions in a longitudinal direction of the axle (13). At least one of the suspensions is composed of a flat spring (9) attached to the axle (13) in a radial direction out toward the wall (4) of the pump housing. The axle (13) is composed of magnetic material to be driven by a magnetic field from an electromagnet (7) for oscillation in its longitudinal direction and moving the membrane (14) in corresponding oscillating movement. The flat spring (9) is composed of an inner and at least one outer part, with the inner part attached to the axle (13) and the outer part(s) attached to the pump housing. These parts are connected with one another by two elastic legs, arranged at each side of the point where the spring is attached to the axle (13). |
| US08272848B2 |
Positive-displacement reciprocating compressor
A positive-displacement reciprocating compressor, comprising a plunger slidingly coupled inside a cylinder, in which a compression chamber is located, and operatively connected to a motor which put it in motion inside the cylinder. The motor has a rotation shaft coupled with an eccentric cam mechanically connected to the plunger and able to impose longitudinal displacements to the plunger according to an orthogonal direction with respect to the rotation axis of the shaft. |
| US08272847B2 |
Reciprocating compressor
The present invention relates to a reciprocating compressor. The reciprocating compressor includes a latching unit by which a piston is reciprocated by two times a total eccentric amount obtained by adding an eccentric amount of an eccentric portion to an eccentric amount of an eccentric sleeve in a power mode, while the piston is reciprocated by two times the eccentric amount of the eccentric portion in a saving mode, accordingly the piston can have an upper dead point same in the power mode and the saving mode, thereby reducing a dead volume between the piston and a discharge valve and increasing a variable ratio of a cooling capacity of the compressor in the saving mode. |
| US08272846B2 |
Integral slide valve relief valve
Various embodiments of the invention provide a screw compressor for compressing a refrigerant in a refrigeration system. The screw compressor includes a rotor case, which accommodates a primary helical rotor that is intermeshed with at least one secondary helical rotor, to compress the refrigerant in the rotor case. The rotor case also includes a slide valve supporting member that is fixed on an inner wall of the rotor case. Moreover, a slide valve, located in the rotor case, slides axially on the slide valve supporting member. The slide valve controls the volume of refrigerant during compression. The slide valve is fitted with at least one internal pressure relief valve, to relieve internal pressure in the screw compressor. |
| US08272843B1 |
TBC with fibrous reinforcement
A substrate exposed to high temperatures, the substrate having a TBC layer that includes fibers of reinforcing material to add strength to the layer of TBC. The fibers are made from carbon nanotubes to withstand the high temperatures, and have a diameter of about 0.1 mm or less in order that a thin layer of TBC can completely cover and embed the fibers within the layer. A bond coat is applied to the substrate and the fibers are attached to the bond coat to limit the fibers from being pulled away from the substrate. The carbon nanotubes also provide for improved heat transfer through the TBC to improve the cooling capability of the TBC. |
| US08272836B1 |
Pump suction assembly
A pump suction assembly comprising a suction sheet having a receiving hole, a flat central section, a first outer section and a second outer section extending away from the central section at an angle; a pipe having a bend, an inlet portion having at least one vortex flat and directed toward and at least partially disposed in the receiving hole and flush with a bottom of the suction sheet; a tank having a base; at least one standoff arranged to support the first outer section at a perimeter of the first outer section; at least one standoff arranged to support the second outer section at a perimeter of the second outer section; and at least one standoff arranged to support the central section, wherein the inlet portion is directed toward and proximate to the base. |
| US08272833B2 |
Turboprop with a variable-pitch propeller
A turboprop having at least one propeller formed by a set of variable pitch blades. Each blade is swivel-mounted on a rotary support and carries a gearwheel meshing with an actuator annulus rotating on the rotary support and coupled to a control annulus via an epicyclic mechanism. |
| US08272831B2 |
Water current powered generating apparatus
A power generating apparatus suitable for use in extracting energy from the movement of water, in particular tidal movement, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate, generally circular in cross section, buoyancy vessel (1), having depending from its underside on a mounting means, rotatable rotor blades (2). The rotor blades are connected to a power generating means whereby in use of the apparatus movement of water across the rotor blasé, drives them so as to generate power in the power generating means. |
| US08272829B1 |
Trailer assembly
A trailer assembly 10 having a frontal support and storage portion 12 and a back support and storage portion 14 and the portions 12 and 14 are selectively and independently articulatable, such that portion 14 may be selectively raised and lowered independent of the movement of the portion 12, portion 12 may be selectively raised and lowered independently of the portion 14, and both portions 12 and 14 may be lowed and raised in a substantial concurrent manner in order to facilitate the loading and unloading of items upon and/or from the trailer assembly 10 without the need for a ramp or other such aid. |
| US08272822B2 |
Wind power turbine blade packing and packing method
A packing for wind power turbine blades having at least one inflatable annular structure, which in turn has a flat outer supporting wall, and inner clamping walls for clamping a blade in a designated position with respect to the outer supporting wall. A method of packing wind power turbine blades which includes applying at least one inflatable annular structure about a blade, and causing the at least one inflatable annular structure to inflate to distend at least one outer supporting wall and at least one inner clamping wall to clamp the blade. |
| US08272819B1 |
Restraining strap securement system
A restraining strap securement system for a trailer includes a load-restraining strap with a flat hook that connects to the trailer side rail. The trailer side rail extends along the sides of the trailer and comprises a bottom wall with an opening for receiving the flat hook. A keeper slides upon a rail affixed to the bottom wall and the keeper may be positioned to extend beneath the flat hook and prevent the flat hook from falling from the opening while the strap is being tightened. The keeper may comprise a hook that can be used to secure tarps or ropes over the trailer load. |
| US08272813B1 |
Combination power tool and object sensor
A combination power tool and object sensor includes a power tool body having a handle with a free end. An object sensor, such as a stud finder is located at the free end. The object sensor is oriented with respect to the free end of the handle such that a user may use both the object sensor, and the power tool without repositioning his or her hand with respect to the power tool handle. The object sensor is nonremovable. |
| US08272812B2 |
Retaining wall system
Retaining wall building blocks for receiving fill material during construction of a retaining wall, retaining walls constructed with the building blocks and methods of manufacture of the building block wherein the block comprises a cast cement body having a base, a generally upright face wall extending upward from the base, two generally upright side walls extending upward from the base and generally rearward of the face wall, the base, upright face wall, and side walls each having an inner and an outer surface, the side walls each having a top and a rearward most end, and a fill receiving cavity defined by base inner surface, side wall inner surfaces and face wall inner surface for receiving fill material, the fill receiving cavity having a volume wherein a ratio of the volume of the fill receiving cavity to the volume of the retaining wall building block is at least 0.75:1, respectively. |
| US08272811B2 |
Process for grouting a curtain with polymer
A process for grouting a super-thin curtain with polymer, includes: forming a series of V-shaped injecting holes by direct pushing method using a special drilling tool along a dam or dike axis spacedly at a predetermined distance; and injecting a two-component polymer composition into each of the holes, wherein the mixed polymer material expends and coagulates under chemical reaction to form a series of super-thin curtain segments, and the curtain segments connect with each other end to end to form a continuous and impermeable polymer curtain. |
| US08272805B1 |
Portable wedge clamp device
A portable wedge clamp having both a drive wedge member and a mating base wedge member each formed with generally wedge shaped bodies that are oppositely inclined along a mutually slidable wedge interface. The body of the base wedge member is formed with an external load application surface opposite from the mutual wedge interface, and the body of the drive wedge member is formed with a load reaction surface opposite from the mutual wedge interface. The external load application surface of the base wedge member and the external load reaction surface of the drive wedge member are spaced apart on opposite sides of the mutual wedge interface. Accordingly, the external load application and load reaction surfaces of the respective base wedge and drive wedge member bodies are arranged in a substantially parallel opposing relationship when the base and drive wedge members are slidably juxtaposed along the inclined wedge interface therebetween. |
| US08272799B1 |
Portable back scrubbing device
The portable back scrubbing device provides a polygon frame with beveled edge with perimeter lighting, as well as spaced apart lighting. The device stresses aesthetic appeal, lighting for ease of use in a shower, for example, and a plurality of scrubbing options. The plurality of scrubbing pads is provided in different pads that may be provided in varied heights and widths. Some pads are capable of opposite rotations of other pads for greater effectiveness in any use. The numerous suction cups provide for ensured, removable attachment to many surfaces. The various controls provide for rotation of the circular platform and for rotation of the platform brushes to be opposite that of the platform. Of the many functions, the circular platform motor may also provide for vibration of the pads. Soap control provides for control of liquids to be supplied to a plurality of the pads. |
| US08272798B2 |
Printer
In a printer which prints on a roll paper transported toward a discharge port and cuts the roll paper, an exchangeable lower cover is attached to the printer. The exchangeable lower cover defines a lower edge of the discharge port. A change of height of the discharge port is allowed by exchanging the exchangeable lower cover for another one. Hereby, it is possible to change specifications between one for holding a printed slip and the other for allowing the printed slip to fall freely. In the former specification, a brush provided at a periphery of an upper edge of the discharge port is in contact with a lower cover. On the other hand, in the latter specification, the brush is in distant from another lower cover. |
| US08272797B2 |
Printer
A printer includes a fragment receiving section provided below a cutter and receiving a non-printing area cut off as a fragment falling thereinto, and a printed matter receiving section provided below the cutter and receiving a printing area cut off as a piece of printed matter and falling thereinto. The fragment receiving section includes a rocking plate rocked by a rocking mechanism between a first rocking position, where an upper end of the rocking plate resides on the downstream side in a paper conveying direction with respect to a cutting position so as to allow the fragment to fall into the fragment receiving section, and a second rocking position, where the upper end of the rocking plate resides on the upstream side in the paper conveying direction with respect to the cutting position so as to guide the piece of printed matter into the printed matter receiving section. |
| US08272795B2 |
Cartridge and printer
A cartridge detachable from a printer has a roll paper unit including roll paper, a roller, and flanges, and a separation member used to pull out the roll paper from the roll paper unit. Upon rotating the roll paper unit in a direction to feed out the roll paper, the roll paper is brought into contact with the separation member, thereby pulling out the roll paper from the roll paper unit and feeding out the roll paper to outside the cartridge. |
| US08272789B2 |
Adapter assembly and method for compensating optical fibers for length difference
Provided are an adapter assembly and method for compensating optical fibers for a length difference. The adapter assembly includes a first adapter, a second adapter, and a member. The first adapter is configured to be connected to at least one optical communication unit. The second adapter is configured to be connected to at least another optical communication unit and be coupled to the first adapter. The member is configured to be interposed between the first and second adapters for providing an optical signal transmission path between the optical communication units. Owing to the member, a length difference between optical fibers can be compensated for. |
| US08272788B2 |
Optical-path turning device
An optical-path turning device is interposed between paired first and second optical components of pin-fitting alignment system that have their optical paths mutually different in direction, for an optic coupling between the optical components, and has a device body 16 of a block shape. The device body 16 includes a first connector portion 11 that has a set of fitting pinholes 11a oriented in correspondence to a set of fitting pinholes of the first optical component, and a connection end face 11b butt-connected with a connection end face of the first optical component, and a second connector portion 12 that has a set of fitting pinholes 12a oriented in correspondence to a set of fitting pinholes of the second optical component, and a connection end face 12b butt-connected with a connection end face of the second optical component, and further includes a set of optical fibers (as optical waveguides) 14 extending from the connection end face 11b of the first connector portion 11 through a flexural portion 14b to the connection end face 12b of the second connector portion 12. |
| US08272786B2 |
Vibration isolation mounting assembly
An annular vibration isolator for a rotating shaft supported by a bearing is provided. The annular vibration isolator comprises an outer ring extending substantially entirely around the bearing, an arc portion having a contact portion extending toward the bearing, first and second axial portions enclosing a cavity, a first flange portion forming a first channel, a second flange portion forming a second channel, and the first and second flange portions forming a chamber within the cavity and forming a radial passageway connecting the chamber to the first and second channels, and a bellows disposed in the chamber and coupled to the radial passageway, the bellows adapted to receive a fluid from the first and second channels. |
| US08272780B1 |
Multiple-unit thermal test apparatus for electrical devices
A system for testing electrical devices under varying thermal conditions is disclosed. The system includes a fixture that comprises two vertically arranged rails, into which horizontally arranged electrical devices are inserted. The rails are in contact with two thermal plates whose temperatures are controlled by controller or controllers. Target temperatures for the two thermal plates are communicated to the controller or controllers, and the electrical output of the electrical devices under test are monitored under varying thermal conditions. |
| US08272779B2 |
Calorimeter
A calorimeter which includes a casing in which a sample is combusted, a jacket around the casing, and temperature sensors in an outer surface of the jacket. |
| US08272778B2 |
Watch
A bezel member rotatably mounted to a case band member is provided with an accommodating groove, a pair of passing portions continuous with the accommodating groove at positions spaced apart by approximately 180°, and a pair of escape grooves continuous with both passing portions from the center side of the bezel member and open to the exterior of the case band member. The case band member is provided with engagement grooves arranged in a ring-like fashion so as to be opposed to the accommodating groove, and a ring-like reception groove surrounded by the engagement grooves and continuous with the engagement grooves. A lock member retains the bezel member at an arbitrary rotating position. The lock member has an arcuate spring portion accommodated in the accommodating groove, a pair of pushbutton portions passing through the passing portions and to be pushed in from the outside of the bezel member, and a stopper portion engaged with the engagement grooves and adapted to be detached from the engagement grooves when the pushbutton portions are pushed into the reception groove. |
| US08272776B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming an homogeneous mixture of chromatography media in a vessel
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming an homogeneous mixture of chromatography media in a vessel. The invention also relates to methods and apparatus for transferring the homogeneous media from the vessel into a second vessel in preparation for packing a chromatography column. The invention can also be used directly to pack the column with homogeneous media. |
| US08272774B2 |
Light guiding plate, and backlight assembly and display device having the same
A light guiding plate to enhance uniformity of brightness and a backlight assembly and a display device having the same in one or more embodiments. In one embodiment, the light guiding plate includes a plurality of the linear shaped prisms on a back surface thereof, and the linear shaped prisms are omitted partially at the incident portion of the light guiding plate such that a non-prism area, connection area, and prism area are formed in stated order from the incident portion end on the back surface of the light guiding plate. Therefore, the display device having the light guiding plate is adapted to increase a uniformity of brightness of the edge type backlight, and the display quality can be improved. |
| US08272772B2 |
Surface illuminating light source device and surface illuminating device
Uniform illuminating light is obtained on a surface at a prescribed distance from a radiation surface without increasing the thickness in a light radiation direction by using the light from the light source highly efficiently. A surface illuminating light source device is provided with a light source for radiating light; a light guide body propagating light from the light source and having a radiation surface at a prescribed position in the radiation direction; a casing closing the light guide body except the radiation surface and having the light source arranged substantially at the center; an inner reflection section arranged between the casing and the light guide body and having a reflection surface which reflects light propagating inside the light guide body; and a radiation side reflection section having an outer reflection section which is arranged on the radiation surface and has a reflection surface that reflects light propagating inside the light guide body at a prescribed rate and an opening section which is formed on the outer reflection section and through which reflection light reflected at least once on one of the reflection surfaces among the light from the light source passes. |
| US08272761B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a housing comprising a receptacle, first and second bossed holes in the receptacle, each bossed hole having internal threads, and a cover plate including parallel ribs projecting outward, and holes, the cover plate being secured to the receptacle by driving threaded fasteners therethrough into the second bossed holes; two opposite shoulders each formed lengthwise along a central line of an inner surface of either side of the receptacle; a PCB supported by the shoulder and the first bossed holes, the PCB being fastened in the receptacle by driving threaded fasteners therethrough into the first bossed holes; rows of units of LEDs electrically connected to the PCB wherein each row of units of LEDs is parallel to and adjacent the rib; and a waterproofing member in the housing for protecting the PCB. The LED lamp is shallow. |
| US08272757B1 |
Light emitting diode lamp capable of high AC/DC voltage operation
A solid-state LED lighting lamp (SSL-LED lamp), based on AC or DC-emitters, which runs under a high AC or DC voltage, with high light generation capability, high reliability and long lifespan, is disclosed. A plurality of AC or DC-emitter chips are integrated on a thermally conductive submount and the electrically conductive element pathways on the submount provide electrical interconnections between the mounted chips and also between the individual LEDs on each chip. The conducting elements also provide redundant current paths at the AC or DC-emitter chip level and individual LED level. Depending on the detail design, the LED SSL-lamp may be directly powered by an AC voltage (i.e. 110/120V or 220/240V power grid) or a high DC voltage. With this design, the LED SSL-lamp can provide sufficient illumination to replace the incandescent or florescent light bulbs for general lighting purpose. The distributed emitter array design ensures the heat dissipation. The redundant current path design ensures the long lifespan and high reliability. |
| US08272755B2 |
Showcase
An object is to provide a showcase in which appropriate illumination can be realized by an LED illumination apparatus having a high durability against turning ON/OFF and capable of securing a predetermined illumination intensity even under an environment at a low temperature. The showcase in which the inside of a display chamber configured to display commodities is illuminated by an LED illumination apparatus includes a person detecting sensor which detects the approaching of any person, and a control apparatus which adjusts the illumination intensity of the LED illumination apparatus, and the control apparatus gradually increases the illumination intensity of the LED illumination apparatus in a case where the person detecting sensor detects the approaching of the person. |
| US08272750B2 |
Projection-type image display apparatus
A projection-type image display apparatus that projects an image onto a screen and includes a laser light source, an optical engine, a projection lens, and a control unit. The laser light source includes a plurality of light source units that respectively emit laser beams of different wavelengths. The optical engine combines the laser beams received from the light source and forms an image. An optical sensor is arranged in the optical engine to detect a physical property of a uniformly-scattered laser beam and outputs a physical property signal indicative of the detected physical property to the control unit. The control unit controls output powers of the light source units based on the physical property signal. |
| US08272749B2 |
High resolution segmented 3D projection system
A high resolution 3D projection system having a light source (302) for generating and emitting light, a translucent rotatable drum (308) having differently polarized sections for receiving the light therethrough, a plurality of digital micromirror device imagers (324, 326, 328 and 330) configured to receive and reflect the light transmitted through the drum (308), where a light beam is capable of being passed generally orthogonally through a wall of the drum is disclosed. |
| US08272744B2 |
LED package having improved light coupling efficiency for an optical system and method of manufacture thereof
One aspect of an LED package, which is covered by this disclosure, includes at least two LED emitters located on a substrate wherein each of the at least two LED emitters forms an emitting area. The emitting area is substantially equal to a reflective area of the LED package, and the LED package has an optical axis that is substantially non-parallel to an optical axis of each of the at least two LED emitters. |
| US08272738B2 |
Apparatus and method for recognizing a person's gaze
An apparatus and a method for recognizing a person's gaze are disclosed, where the apparatus includes a main body, an eye-movement detector, a data generator and a transmitter, where the main body has the specific area. The eye-movement detector can detect whether a gaze is fixed on the specific area. The data generator can generate gaze data when the gaze is fixed on the specific area. The transmitter can transmit the gaze data to terminal equipment, so that the terminal equipment can receive information that the gaze is fixed on the specific area based on the gaze data, so that the terminal equipment can provide a prompt based on the gaze data. |
| US08272732B2 |
Image forming method
An image forming method is disclosed, which includes applying a treatment liquid onto a recording medium that has a coated layer and has an area of 1,250 cm2 or more, applying an ink composition including a pigment and resin particles having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 100° C. or higher onto the recording medium onto which the treatment liquid has been applied and which is conveyed at a conveyance speed of 200 mm/s or higher, heating and drying the applied treatment liquid and ink composition, cooling the recording medium that has been subjected to the heating and drying, to a temperature of 35° C. or lower, and accumulating the recording medium that has been subjected to the cooling, into an accumulation unit. |
| US08272730B2 |
Fixing processing apparatus, inkjet recording apparatus and fixing processing method
The fixing processing apparatus includes: a conveyance device which conveys a recording medium in a prescribed conveyance direction along a conveyance path, a desired image having been recorded in an image formation region on an image formation surface of the conveyed recording medium; a heat and pressure fixing device which is arranged in the conveyance path and carries out heat and pressure fixing process in which the image formation surface of the recording medium is subjected to at least one of heating process, pressing process and non-pressing process, the heat and pressure fixing device applying pressure to the image formation region in the pressing process, the heat and pressure fixing device applying no pressure to the image formation region in the non-pressing process; and a setting device which sets a temperature of the heat and pressure fixing device to be higher in the non-pressing process than in the pressing process. |
| US08272729B2 |
Ink jet printer and a process of ink jet printing
An ink jet printer for printing a cationic ink jet ink is provided. The printer comprises a print head for printing the ink onto a substrate, a heating means for heating the ink on the substrate, and a source of radiation for curing the heated ink. |
| US08272727B2 |
Mechanized feed channel barrier in a solid ink printer
A method is implemented to control movement of a solid ink stick from an insertion port to a corresponding feed channel to help ensure that each feed channel in a plurality of feed channels contains only ink sticks corresponding to the feed channel. The method includes receiving solid ink sticks in an insertion port located at one end of a feed channel in the solid ink printer, identifying each ink stick received in the insertion port, and removing a passage barrier from the feed channel in response to the ink stick being identified as corresponding to ink configured for passage through the feed channel. |
| US08272726B2 |
Inkjet head and printing apparatus
An inkjet head is provided. The inkjet head includes an ink reservoir to store ink, an ink inlet, through which the ink is introduced to the ink reservoir, an ink outlet, through which the ink in the ink reservoir is allowed to flow to the inkjet nozzle. The ink reservoir has a wall arising from a bottom of the ink reservoir to divide the ink reservoir into a plurality of ink chambers. The plurality of ink chambers include a first ink chamber and a second ink chamber. The plurality of ink chambers are in fluid communication with each other over a top edge of the wall. The wall is formed to include a through hole, which is formed in a vicinity of the bottom of the ink reservoir and allows the plurality of ink chambers to be in fluid communication with each other. |
| US08272723B2 |
Ink cartridge and image forming apparatus employing the ink cartridge
An ink cartridge includes an inner pack that stores ink, an outer pack that packs the inner pack and into which gas is introduced to squeeze the inner pack to supply the ink to an exterior of the ink cartridge, and a cartridge case having a housing portion to enclose the outer pack and an inner wall surface against which the outer pack is inflated to be pressed as gas is introduced into the outer pack. |
| US08272720B2 |
Storage device for storing liquid container and liquid container for use with the same
A storage device includes a case configured to mount a liquid container. The storage device includes: a lever configured to move among a first position, a second position, and a third position between the first position and the second position; a first member movable between a protruding position to restrict an insertion of the liquid container at a particular position, and a retracted position that allows the liquid container to be inserted to a mounted position; a link member configured to change the position of the first member from the protruding position to the retracted position when the lever moves from the first position to the third position; and a second member. When a liquid container which is pre-assigned to the case is inserted into the case, the second member allows a positional change of the lever from the first position to the third position. |
| US08272719B2 |
Liquid droplet jetting apparatus and image forming apparatus
A liquid droplet jetting apparatus includes a jetting unit equipped with plural head modules, a supply channel equipped with plural branching channels, first circulation limiting units, liquid storage units and external force applying units. The first circulating limiting units allow circulation of a liquid in a direction from a storage chamber to each of the head modules and limit circulation of the liquid in an opposite direction of the circulating direction. The liquid storage units are disposed between the circulation limiting units and the head modules. The liquid storage units store the liquid, and the volumes of the liquid storage units change due to external force. The external force applying units apply the external force to the liquid storage units such that the volumes of the liquid storage units become smaller and cause liquid droplets to be jetted from the nozzles. |
| US08272717B2 |
Jetting device with reduced crosstalk
A printing device for jetting a liquid includes a flow path body having a plurality of jetting flow paths, a liquid in the plurality of jetting flow paths, a piezoelectric actuator associated with each jetting flow path, a feed substrate having a plurality of fluid inlets, and a driver configured to apply a voltage pulse to the piezoelectric actuator. The first jetting flow path is adjacent to the second jetting flow path and a fluidic travel distance from the piezoelectric actuator of the first jetting flow path to a nozzle of the second jetting flow path is greater than a speed of sound in the liquid times the break off time of a droplet of the fluid from the nozzle. |
| US08272716B2 |
Method of continuous inkjet printing
A liquid jet is ejected out of a nozzle, the liquid comprising one or more components, the flow of one or more of said components, the active components, being separated such that the liquid that flows within a boundary layer thickness δ, of the nozzle wall is substantially comprised of a liquid without the active components, the continuous phase, and the said active components flow substantially outside said boundary layer where δ is defined by formula (I): where μ is the continuous phase viscosity in Pa·s, U is the jet velocity in m/s ρ is the continuous phase density in kg/m3 and x is the length of the nozzle in m in the direction of flow. δ = μ x ρ U ( I ) |
| US08272714B2 |
Printing spittoon
A print spittoon is removably mounted in a slot of a print support to periodically receive drops of liquid spit from a printhead. Among other features, the spittoon includes a portion of an absorbent sheet provided a location recessed from a surface of the print support. |
| US08272711B2 |
Recording target medium and recording apparatus
A recording target medium includes a base material, a recording portion, and a guided-array portion. The recording portion is formed on or at one surface of the base material. The recording portion includes an ink-accepting layer. The guided-array portion is formed on the base material at a side opposite to an observation side of the recording portion. |
| US08272710B2 |
Bi-directional print masking
A method for reducing banding artifacts for bi-directional multi-pass printing on an inkjet printer utilizing a printhead with a plurality of ink nozzles includes defining different print masks to be used for leftward and rightward printing passes such that both the order of ink laydown and the timing between ink laydown on different passes are each substantially constant for a given horizontal position within the image, independent of the vertical position within the image; and printing an input image on the inkjet printer with the defined print masks using a bi-directional multi-pass print mode. |
| US08272709B2 |
Reducing vertical banding
A method for reducing vertical banding of a printed image, the method performed by a control system associated with a printer, the method includes, with the control system, adjusting the spacing between which ink droplets are fired from ink nozzles of the printer as the ink nozzles move in relation to a substrate. A printing apparatus includes a platen and a carriage including a number of ink nozzles, the carriage being configured to move across a substrate placed on top of the platen; and a control system configured to adjust the spacing between which ink droplets are fired from ink nozzles of the printer as the ink nozzles move in relation to a substrate. |
| US08272704B2 |
Ink containment system and ink level sensing system for an inkjet cartridge
An ink containment system for an inkjet cartridge, for storing ink for printing, comprises a rigid basin member and a rigid moveable plate. A flexible membrane is affixed to a surface of the basin member and to a surface of the plate forming an ink reservoir within the basin member, plate and flexible membrane. A spring-biased mechanism is disposed between the basin member and plate, for biasing the plate apart from the basin member, generating a negative pressure within the ink reservoir and the basin member remaining stationary relative to the movement of the plate. The basin member has a bowl-like configuration and the spring is seated within the reservoir in such a way that when the ink reservoir has collapsed due to depletion of ink, the flexible membrane and moveable plate are substantially flush with surfaces of the basin member. |
| US08272703B2 |
Home-bar door and the manufacturing method
Provided is a home-bar door and a method of manufacturing the home-bar door. The home-bar door includes a first case, an insulating plate, and a second case. The first case forms a portion of an exterior of the home-bar door, and the insulating plate is disposed in the first case as a separate component. The second case is configured to be coupled to the first case to cover the insulating plate and form the exterior of the home-bar door. Therefore, since the first and second cases can be coupled to each other after disposing the insulating plate between the first and second cases, the home-bar door can be efficiently manufactured and have good quality. |
| US08272702B2 |
Medicine cabinet frame and accessories
A fixture includes a medicine cabinet having a cabinet body and a door. The fixture includes a frame which includes a frame body having a recess sized and shaped to receive the door, and an overhang which extends along the upper portion of the door. The fixture can include a guide rail which is repeatably moveable between positions away from and extending over the lower portion of the door, and an adjustable container assembly carried by the door. |
| US08272699B2 |
Brake apparatus
A brake apparatus is provided that can make a ratio between a front wheel braking force and a rear wheel braking force that is actually generated into an arbitrary ratio. This brake apparatus includes a pedal operation detection section that detects a pedal stroke or a brake pedal force produced by a brake pedal operation; a brake caliper that is provided in each wheel of a vehicle and that generates a caliper force that is in accordance with a detection value of the pedal operation detection section; a load estimation section that estimates a load of each of the wheels; and a force generation section that, after judging that braking is performed in a state in which a load difference exists between left and right wheels of the vehicle based on a value that is estimated by the load estimation section, even if the pedal operation detection section detects a pedal stroke or a brake pedal force that is the same as for the braking at a time of judging or for braking prior to the judging, generates a caliper force that is different to the caliper force before the judgment. |
| US08272696B2 |
Height control unit of a headrest for a vehicle seat
The present invention relates to a height control unit of a headrest for a vehicle seat, in which the height of the headrest may be simply controlled by the driving force of an electric motor. The height control unit of a headrest for a seat of a vehicle includes a bracket fixed to an inner frame of a seat back, an electric motor fixed on a side of the bracket, a lead screw axially supported at a lower end by a stopper plate so as to be driven forward or backward towards a lower part of the bracket via a reduction gear box by the electric motor, lifting rods standing on both sides between the bracket and the stopper plate, and a carrier provided with pockets opened upward on both sides so as to receive poles of the headrest and lifted or lowered by the guide of the lifting rods in a state where the lead screw is screw-coupled with the carrier, wherein the carrier has stoppers axially supported by pins so that the stoppers are alternatively released by the manipulation of a user in a state where the poles of the headrest are coupled, and has coil springs elastically supporting the stoppers with respect to the carrier. |
| US08272693B2 |
Tension mechanism for a weight-responsive chair
A weight-responsive chair is provided which has a weight-activated mechanism that resists rearward tilting of a chair back upright while also effecting lifting of a rear portion of the seat to counteract the rearward tilt forces. The weight-activated mechanism includes a spring package connected between the chair frame and back upright which provides for ready mounting of same to the chair frame. Further, the rear seat portion is connected in lifting engagement with the upright but also includes independent suspension for the center of the rear seat portion to allow for independent movement and flexing thereof to improve comfort for the chair occupant. |
| US08272691B2 |
Resilient lower-back supporting device capable of vertical adjustment along with backrest of chair
A resilient lower-back supporting device capable of vertical adjustment along with a backrest of a chair includes a resilient supporting unit pivotally connected between a lower end of the height-adjustable backrest and a supporting element. Configured for resilient extension and retraction, the resilient supporting unit includes an outer supporting rod and an inner supporting rod inserted therein. The two supporting rods are pulled toward each other by a spring provided therebetween. Besides, a spring is provided at an outer end of each supporting rod to bias the resilient supporting unit and the backrest toward a predetermined direction. With the backrest being vertically adjustable, and with the resilient support provided by a lower-back supporting portion at the lower end of the backrest, people of different heights are ergonomically supported especially on the lower back while sitting in the chair and are protected from back pain attributable to a prolonged sitting posture. |
| US08272690B2 |
Juvenile vehicle seat with headrest-height controller
According to the present disclosure, a juvenile vehicle seat includes a base providing a seat bottom, a backrest extending upwardly from the base, and a movable headrest. The headrest is mounted for up-and-down movement on the backrest. The juvenile vehicle seat also includes a headrest-height controller configured to control the height of the movable headrest relative to the backrest. |
| US08272689B2 |
Automobile seat for children with visual indicator of harness tightness and corresponding visual indicator
The present disclosure relates to an automobile seat for children. The seat includes a safety harness and a system of tightening the safety harness. |
| US08272688B2 |
Vehicle seat control apparatus and control method thereof
A vehicle seat control apparatus includes an adjusting device that adjusts a reclining angle of a seat back of a vehicle seat, and a control portion that controls the adjusting device. When adjusting the reclining angle, the control portion controls the adjusting device to start adjusting the reclining angle at a first speed, and then after a predetermined period of time passes, the control portion controls the adjusting device to adjust the reclining angle at a second speed that is faster than the first speed. The invention also relates to a control method of this vehicle seat control apparatus. |
| US08272687B2 |
Vehicle seat having an anti-submarining device and method
The invention relates to vehicle seat comprising a seat part and to a restraint device and a corresponding method of manufacture. The vehicle seat comprises an anti-submarining restraint device for preventing an occupant from slipping through on the vehicle seat when decelerated due to a crash, said restraint device being settable to a retracted inactive position and said restraint device being settable to an extended active position. The seat part, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, has lateral seat parts on both sides of the seat, a padding defining a seat area and a padding support (34) below said padding. The restraint device also comprises a tilting element (24) between the padding support and the padding and spaced apart from the lateral parts, said tilting element having at least one deformable element (24) as an energy dissipation element. |
| US08272686B1 |
Kiddie catch-all
Devices, apparatus and methods of assembling and mounting a removable net basket on hoops/rings that can be attached to armrests on child car seats. Two hoops can sandwich a rim end of a tubular net/mesh material. The hoops can be located with one within the other and have snapable bendable fasteners that snap into like slots. The bottom end of the tubular mesh material can be closed off by sandwiching a pair of elongated strips together, with the strips having mateable enlarged heads that pass through slots such as cross shaped slots. The mesh/net bag can be removed by reversing the assembly. The assembled hoops can be hunger by a hanger onto an armrest of a juvenile car seat so that items, such as but not limited to beverage holders, food stuffs, toys and the like, can be placed therein. |
| US08272684B2 |
Folding swivel chair
A swiveling folding chair is provided. The chair includes a fabric seat; a plurality of legs; a primary control tree having a first control shaft and having first, second, third, and fourth collars mounted on the control shaft. The legs are each attached to the first control collar, and, support arms are each attached to the second control collar and to the fabric seat. Elongate support members are each attached at one end to one of the legs and at the other end to the fourth control collar. Elongate brace members are each attached at one end to one of the arms and at the other end to the third control collar. The second control collar rotates about the first control collar so the seat rotates independently of the legs. The seat and legs fold into a stowed orientation. |
| US08272679B2 |
Door spacer block design for side impact protection
A strategically located door spacer block for transferring door beam bend/kink away from the occupant seating position is provided. The door spacer block is positioned between the door inner panel and the door outer panel and is aligned with the door beam. The door spacer block of the disclosed invention is placed between door inner panel and the door outer panel with the intention of minimizing the effect that the bend/kink in the door beam has on the occupant loading. The door spacer block engages the door beam and transfers the effective position of the kink of the door structure in a side impact away from the occupant seating position, thus freeing up crushable space in the occupant loading zone. The door spacer block of the disclosed invention eliminates or delays the loading of the beam surface to the pelvis bolster material, thus enabling additional free-crush space and allowing for a lower force transfer to the occupant. |
| US08272676B2 |
Tarp deploying apparatus
A tarp deploying apparatus of the type that has radial arms pivotally attached at the front and rear of a trailer. A housing for supporting a tarp roll and a motor is pivotally attached at the free end of a radial arm such that the tarp roll and housing will tuck under a side lip at an upper portion of the side of the trailer. The rear radial arm is formed with a bend between the pivotal attachment point to the rear of the trailer and the free end of the radial arm, such that the free end of the radial arm is closer to the front of the trailer. A roller with enhanced traction characteristics helps to move the apparatus out of a storage position. A spring used to bias the radial arms can be adjusted to adjust the amount of biasing force. |
| US08272675B2 |
Equipment mounting module for instrument panel
A mounting bracket is attached to an instrument panel frame, and an aperture is formed in an upper surface of an instrument panel housing in alignment with the bracket to provide a hardpoint for attaching an adapter module. The adapter module is removably secured to the mounting bracket and is provided with component mounting features for securing electrical components such as a radio or radar device. Vehicle electric wiring internal to the instrument panel housing is easily connected with wiring associated with the components. The apparatus allows cost-effective and efficient customization of electrical components mounted to a vehicle instrument panel. |
| US08272674B2 |
Seat partition and method for partitioning passengers in a vehicle
A partition for use in vehicles having interior cabin space including at least one row of seats includes a deformable frame and at least one attachment device. The deformable frame is covered at least partially with a fabric material. The at least one attachment device attaches the deformable frame to a portion of a vehicle. Upon installation in a vehicle, the deformable frame separates a first passenger seat of the vehicle from a second passenger seat in the same row. |
| US08272671B2 |
Fluid line connector
A connector connects the ends of two fluid lines, it is useful for connecting and sealing the ends of refrigerant lines in an automotive air conditioner. A resilient seal is disposed about the end of a fluid line within each end of the passageway and a combination slotted ferrule and sealing ring member formed with a sealing ring portion and a ferrule portion is captured between the seal and a compression nut treaded onto the end of the body. When the nut is tightened onto the end, it causes the ferrule portion to deform and collapse inwardly to grasp and hold the fluid line securely in place and simultaneously drives the sealing ring portion against the seal to compress the seal, which expands to form a fluid-tight seal around the end of the fluid line. |
| US08272665B2 |
Side air bag assembly for vehicle seat
A vehicle seat air bag assembly (17) having an air bag module (18) includes an air bag guide (44) that is foldable from a flexible sheet (46) to provide both left and right hand embodiments with connection of distal ends of the flexible sheet to each other after the folding fabrication. The air bag guide (44) guides an air bag (40) of the air bag module (18) during inflation and movement to and through a trim cover deployment seam (34). |
| US08272662B2 |
Coupler assembly
The present application describes a gooseneck coupler assembly that may include a gooseneck trailer pivot, an extension arm, and a pivot retention mechanism having a ball socket. The ball socket may engage with a hitch ball located on a towing vehicle. The gooseneck trailer pivot may be mounted on a towed vehicle or trailer and be capable of pivoting about a vertical axis relative to the trailer. During engagement, the ball socket and the extension arm may provide tilt capability but thereby prevent any rotational movement relative to the hitch ball. However, the gooseneck coupler assembly may still be able to tilt fore-and-aft or side-to-side relative to the hitch ball. Therefore, the only pivotal movement relative to a vertical axis would be permitted at the gooseneck trailer pivot. |
| US08272659B2 |
Bike having indicia insert for display or advertising
A bicycle frame for employment in a bicycle for riding by a user in a substantially vertical as-used position. The frame has a shape which defines an aperture within the interior surface of a surrounding frame. The frame is preferably formed of planar material which has ends which do not block the view into the aperture when the bicycle is ridden. Whereby space for indicia on an inserted vertically disposed planar member is maximized. The planar member has a perimeter defining a shape that is complimentary to the shape of the aperture and when engaged therein provides support to the frame to prevent deformation thereof when in the as-used position under a load. The indicia positioned on the planar member may be advertising which can easily be changed using removable planar members with different indicia. |
| US08272656B2 |
Frame structure of a vehicle
A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, has a structure in which strength of a body frame is increased and positional accuracy between members constituting the body frame is improved. A head pipe of the motorcycle can include a pipe portion inside which a steering shaft is disposed, and a wall portion formed rearward of the pipe portion. The wall portion and the pipe portion can be integrally formed by extruding performed in a direction in which the pipe portion extends. Left and right main frames extending rearward can be disposed on the wall portion. The motorcycle can further include a reinforcing member disposed rearward of the wall portion, arranged such that an upper portion thereof is sandwiched by the right and left main frames, and having rest portions on which the right and left main frames are placed. |
| US08272653B2 |
Structures, assemblies, and methods for controlling vehicle suspension
A suspension system for a land vehicle has at least one rear suspension device and at least one front suspension device. The rear suspension device includes a first biasing member disposed within a first housing and is configured for mounting on a rear axle housing of the land vehicle. The front suspension device includes a second biasing member disposed in a second housing and is configured to be at least partially received within a bump stop support of the land vehicle. |
| US08272652B2 |
Suspension for vehicle
A suspension for a rear or a front portion of a chassis for vehicles in which a pair of longitudinal stabilizer assemblies and an anti-sway stabilizer each use a same type of a stabilizer bar, with the longitudinal stabilizer assemblies pivotably connected on opposing sides of the chassis and the anti-sway stabilizer pivotably connected in transverse relation proximate an end of the chassis. The longitudinal stabilizer assemblies and the anti-sway stabilizer each include a portion of a saddle that extends around the axle and rigidly connects to the axle. A shock absorber connects between the saddle and the chassis. |
| US08272649B2 |
Seal for steering knuckle pin bearing
A steering knuckle pin bearing assembly includes a bearing and a steering knuckle pin pivotably supporting a steering knuckle relative to an axle beam. A sealing collar seals a space between the bearing and the steering knuckle pin, which space may include a spacer washer. The sealing collar is slidably borne on a radial outer surface of the bearing. In addition, the sealing collar has at least one sealing region that is in slidable contact with an at least substantially cylindrical sealing surface of the axle beam. |
| US08272648B2 |
Detachable carrier for attachment to a golf car
A detachable golf club carrier has a handle, a carrier body, a golf club bag, at least one wheel and a second hitching device. The golf club carrier and the motorized golf cart can be hitched together without lifting the golf club carrier. A carrier for attaching to a golf car is also provided. |
| US08272647B2 |
Cargo cart with attachable skis and method of use thereof
A cargo cart comprising a bed configured for carrying cargo, the bed having a front side, a back side, a left side and a right side, the bed having an upper surface and an under surface; an axle located beneath the under surface of the bed and extending from a left end proximate the left side of the bed to a right end proximate the right side of the bed, the axle having a first bend proximate the left end, the axle extending from the first bend away from the bed, the axle having a second bend proximate the right end. the axle extending from the second bend away from the bed, the axle having a first attachment location at the left end and a second attachment location at the right end. |
| US08272646B2 |
Quick change jaw system for chucks
A quick change jaw system for chucks is provided. The quick change jaw assembly includes a master jaw including a first pair of coplanar abutment surfaces defining a first aperture; a clamping device including a dovetail portion being disposed in the first aperture of the master jaw, wherein the dovetail portion rests above the first pair of coplanar top surfaces of master jaw; a top jaw formed with a groove longitudinally extending along a length of the top jaw, the groove being complementary to the dovetail portion and configured for engaging the dovetail portion, the top jaw including a second pair of coplanar abutment surfaces extending along opposite sides of the groove; and a cam for actuating the clamping device for urging the second pair of coplanar abutment surfaces of the top jaw into coengagement with the first pair of coplanar abutment surfaces of the master jaw. |
| US08272642B2 |
Warpage leveling unit, warpage leveling device, image forming apparatus and warpage leveling processing program
A warpage leveling unit includes a surface roughening member that is provided to oppose to a side end portion of an image carrier which has an endless-belt-shape, is entrained around a plurality of rollers, and carries an image on a surface of the image carrier, wherein the surface roughening member comes into contact with a surface of the side end portion which is warped. |
| US08272640B2 |
Medium conveyance apparatus which adopts distributed control system
A first lower layer control unit controls a conveyance unit, that conveys the medium in a first conveyance section of a conveyance path. A second lower layer control unit controls a conveyance unit, that conveys the medium in a second conveyance section located downstream of the first conveyance section. An upper layer control unit determines whether the medium is at a position where both the first lower layer control unit and the second lower layer control unit engage with conveyance control of the medium, instructs the first lower layer control unit and the second lower layer control unit to operate in synchronization with each other when the medium is at the position, and instructs the second lower layer control unit to operate asynchronously to the first lower layer control unit when the medium is not at the position. |
| US08272639B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting article multifeed in a predefined region of a flat article
A document processing device capable of detecting a multifeed condition is configured to determine criteria of the multifeed or condition. If a detected multifeed meets the criteria, a detection of the multifeed or condition may be ignored. |
| US08272638B2 |
Device for the transport of flat objects
A device for transporting flat objects, such as mail items, has two transport tracks and an acceleration device arranged between the transport tracks. The acceleration device includes a clamping pair for holding the objects in a clamped manner on their opposing flat sides while the objects are moving. To be able to carefully accelerate objects of different thicknesses, it is proposed that at least one clamp of the clamping pair includes a segment unit with several segments of different configuration for clamping objects of different thicknesses. |
| US08272631B2 |
Melon holder
The melon-holder includes an elongated base having a pair of jaws each pivotal about a separate side of the base. The jaws are pivotal from a melon-engaging position to a melon-releasing position. The jaws have a number of lateral spaces which are spaced apart from one another and which are adapted to receive a knife for cutting the melon into lateral slices while the jaws are in the melon-engaging position. |
| US08272627B2 |
Air spring device
Disclosed is an air spring device having a free-standing air spring bellows and an outer guide which is fastened to the air spring bellows by means of an inner clamping ring, wherein the outer diameter of the inner clamping ring is greater than the outer diameter of the air spring bellows in the unpressurized state, and the inner clamping ring generates a radially outwardly pointing encircling bulge in the unpressurized air spring bellows. |
| US08272622B2 |
Electromagnetic actuator
An electromagnetic actuator comprises a core (1), a ferromagnetic component (2) movable in a gap (5) in the core, and a magnet (4) for attracting the component to one side of the gap. A flux concentrator (12) concentrates the magnetic flux on that side of the gap (5) and a solenoid (8) produces magnetic flux in the gap. A magnetic circuit of the solenoid is defined by part of the core (1), part of the gap (5) and by a further gap (6) between the ferromagnetic component (2) and the core (1). A demagnetiser (7) has a magnetic circuit defined by another part of the core (1), another part of the gap (5) and by the further gap (6). The demagnetiser is arranged to demagnetise the magnet (4) at least to the extent that the magnetic flux produced by the solenoid (8) is diverted from the flux concentrator (12) into the further gap (6) and the movable component (2) is movable away from the magnet (4) under the magnetic force of the solenoid (8). |
| US08272619B2 |
Wire guide
An object-mounting aid such as a wire guide, comprising a first leg at a proximal end and a second leg at a distal end, with a hinge therebetween, wherein the second leg is longer than the first leg. The hinge may allow the second leg to pivot relative to the first leg so as to increase or decrease a gap between the second leg and the mounting surface, which may make it easier to position a wire on the second leg and may allow the second leg to serve as a ramp surface for the wire. The first leg includes a channel configured to receive and couple to a portion of a mounting device, e.g., by frictional engagement, which may be assisted through the use of detents on the guide. In addition, the guide may include a notch on the rear face of the first leg, the notch shaped so as to mirror or otherwise interface with at least a portion of the holder. |
| US08272616B2 |
Rotation mechanism for laser emitter
A rotation mechanism for mounting and rotatably supporting a laser emitter thereon includes a casing including a bottom wall and a side wall connected to the bottom wall, said casing defining therein a receiving space. A plurality of rotation rings are arranged as being layered with each other in the receiving space of the casing. The rotation rings include an uppermost rotation ring in the form of a manual coarse rotation ring that is directly connected to the laser emitter so as to support the laser emitter, for manually rotating the laser emitter to achieve a coarse angular positioning thereof, an automatic coarse rotation ring for rotating the laser emitter at a relatively high speed together with the rotation ring thereon, a manual fine rotation ring for slightly rotating the laser emitter manually together with the rotation ring thereon, and an automatic fine rotation ring for rotating the laser emitter at a relatively low speed, together with the rotation ring thereon. The automatic rotation rings are each provided with a driving means that is arranged on the rotation ring immediately below the relevant rotation ring. |
| US08272615B2 |
Hub with locking mechanism
A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism. |
| US08272612B2 |
Clip
A clip for holding an object on a supporting member comprises a holding clamp and an attaching clamp. The holding clamp has a pair of clamping members with oppositely bowed gripping portions and inwardly arched handles. The oppositely bowed gripping portions form together, when engaged, jaws for holding an object such as a cigar. The jaws are connected together for pivotal movement to cooperate with each other for clamping action upon actuation of their handles. At the juncture point of the jaws with the handles, the clamping members are provided with aligned, apertured supports for receipt of an axial binding post or rivet that extends through the apertures and for holding the clamping members together and in axial alignment. A spring, normally biasing the clamping members towards a closed position is looped around the post with its ends locked against the handles. At the ends of the handles, in the flat portions thereof, the two clamping members are riveted together, and in such manner that the clamping members can rotate 360 degrees in a circle relative to one another. In this way the clamping members can be positioned in straight-line fashion, or rotated at any angle relative to one another. |
| US08272608B2 |
Height and tilt adjustable keyboard support
The present invention concerns a keyboard support for movably supporting a keyboard with respect to a work surface of a workstation. The keyboard support includes a workstation engaging member adapted to be attached to an underside of the work surface, a keyboard engaging member for supporting a keyboard, and a linkage assembly mechanically coupling and providing relative movement between the workstation engaging member and the keyboard engaging member and thereby between the keyboard and the work surface. The keyboard support also includes a braking assembly adapted to allow relative movement of the keyboard engaging member with respect to the workstation engaging member in an unlocked position and to prevent relative movement of the keyboard engaging member with respect to the workstation engaging member in a locked position. The braking assembly comprises a roller assembly carried on a connector of the linkage assembly. The roller assembly is biased against a wedge affixed to a vertical side of the keyboard engaging member. |
| US08272607B2 |
Support system for bird feeder
A support system for a bird feeder including a pole member for support of the bird feeder, a clamp member for positioning about the pole member and including upper and lower jaws, and a support block supported by the lower jaw. The lower jaw has an open chamber for receiving the support block and a screw member is provided for tightening the support block toward the upper jaw to tighten the clamp member about a support rail. |
| US08272603B2 |
Imaging system stand
A stand, in particular a floor stand, having an arm for holding an object, in particular an imaging device in the form of an ultrasound transducer, said arm being mounted on a vertical column and movable vertically via a vertical guide, wherein a counterweight balancing the weight of the arm is provided on or in the vertical column, a device (24) being provided for moving the counterweight (21) counter to the weight force (FG) for at least partially overriding the counterbalance. |
| US08272600B2 |
Keyboard and mouse support
A keyboard support having a generally flat keyboard supporting surface and a track extending along an outer periphery of the keyboard support. A mouse support has a generally flat mouse supporting surface and is coupled to the keyboard support by a track follower that engages the track for movement along the track. A coupling arm engages the track follower and allows pivoting of the mouse support with respect to the keyboard support. |
| US08272598B2 |
Load disconnection lock
A load disconnection lock having a locking device which is secured against unlocking by means of a safety device as long as the tensile load is not less than a predefined minimum value, and which unlocks automatically when the tensile load is less than the predefined minimum value. A second safety device is provided for the locking device and has a fluid-filled housing in which a piston is guided. The piston has a tensile load applied to it and has a hole as a flow channel for the fluid, such that the fluid can be exchanged between two housing subareas on both sides of the piston. The piston is connected to an activation slide which releases the locking device as soon as the piston has moved through a predetermined distance. |
| US08272597B2 |
Aircraft water drainage system
A potable water system capable of being drained in flight. The system provides positive separation between the potable and gray water systems. The design of the system will allow draining of components such as water tanks or interconnect lines that are below the level of the drain point. The systems will allow draining of components such as water tanks or interconnect lines that would not gravity drain due to the routing of their interconnect lines. This invention would apply to aircraft that need the capability to drain their potable water system in flight. |
| US08272595B2 |
Fan cowl support for a turbofan engine
A fan cowl support for an aircraft having an engine pylon, an engine fan case and an engine fan cowl. The fan cowl support includes a support having a forward end connected to the engine fan case and an aft end connected to the engine pylon. At least a portion of the engine fan cowl is connected to the support. |
| US08272589B2 |
Blade assembly for food processor
A blade assembly 1 has a body 2 having a top, closed end 3, a bottom end 4 formed with an opening 5 at its end, and an interior chamber 6. A blade 7 having two cutting edges 8, 9 is fixed to the body 2, and it may be insert molded. A motor shaft engagement sleeve 10 has an opening 11 adapted to engage a driven shaft (not shown) of a conventional food processor motor (not shown) in order to transmit torque therefrom in order to rotationally drive the blade 7. |
| US08272584B2 |
Portable spreader for particulate matter
A gravity-feed spreader for particulate matter may include a rotor. The spreader may be operable for gravity-feed operation with the longitudinal axis of the rotor in a horizontal position. A generally cylindrical rotor housing with a pair of closed, axial ends may be coaxial with the rotor. Entrance and exit apertures for the particulate matter may be formed in the surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends. A rotor driver may be coupled to the rotor shaft for rotating the rotor. An intake housing may include a passageway therethrough for the particulate matter. A gate may be provided for selectively opening and closing the particulate matter passageway in the intake housing. An agitator may be coupled to the rotor shaft for facilitating movement of particulate matter through the passageway in the intake housing. |
| US08272583B2 |
Sprinkler with variable arc and flow rate and method
A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler head includes an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve without the need for a hand tool. A method of irrigation is also provided involving moving the deflector between an arc adjustment position and an operational, irrigation position. The sprinkler head may also include a flow rate adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet. |
| US08272578B1 |
Sprinkler with adjustable arc and adjustable radius
A sprinkler includes a stream nozzle with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending stream forming ports. A non-rotating arc adjustment sleeve is mounted for axial movement relative to the stream nozzle to selectively block the stream forming ports to vary an arc of coverage of a plurality of streams of water ejected from the stream forming ports. |
| US08272569B2 |
Apparatus for communicating with RFID tag
An apparatus for communicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag with a feeding device configured to feed a tag medium; an antenna for label production and an antenna for information acquisition that can respectively transmit or receive information to a RFID circuit element for label production or for information acquisition; an antenna switching control portion configured to switch so as to selectively transmit an inquiry signal to the RFID circuit element for label production or for information acquisition; and a mode processing portion configured to carry out processing corresponding to a communication processing mode or an information acquisition processing mode. |
| US08272568B2 |
System and method for registration of an electronic device
A method for registering an electronic device includes receiving from a point-of-sale interface a transaction code and purchaser information associated with a purchase of an electronic device. While the transaction code is associated with the purchase of the electronic device, it does not uniquely identify the electronic device purchased. The method also includes receiving from the electronic device the transaction code and a device identifier that uniquely identifies the electronic device. The purchaser information and the device identifier are associated via the transaction code for registering the electronic device. |
| US08272559B2 |
Packs and methods of erecting packs
A pack includes a top panel, side panels, bottom panels, and retaining structures at each end of the pack. A packet can be disposed on a top surface of a container enclosed within the pack. |
| US08272555B2 |
Stapler for mucosectomy
The head of a stapler for mucosectomy comprises an external goblet-shaped body (1) wherein an internal goblet-shaped body (2) is concentrically and slidingly located, at the edge of which a circular blade (3) is fixed. The internal goblet-shaped body (2) is provided with a central hole (5) wherein a rod (6) is slidingly inserted, at the end (7) of which an anvil (8; 8′) is fixed. One or more annular grooves (11), which are parallel and suitably spaced one from the other, are formed on the lateral surface of the rod (6) perpendicularly to the axis thereof. Said grooves (11) are intended to receive a portion of mucosa (9a) which is included in a purse string suture as the mucosa is tied around the rod (6). By retracting the rod (6) in the central hole (5) of the stem (2a) of the internal goblet-shaped body (2) the mucosa to be removed is carried into the internal goblet-shaped body (2). The anvil (8; 8′) and the circular blade (3) are moved closer one to the other, by suitable means, in order to cut the tissues when the stapler is in a closed position. |
| US08272550B2 |
Apparatus for shooting a nail
The present invention provides an apparatus for shooting a nail comprising a barrel, a barrel support, a centering sleeve, a link frame, a cylinder, a piston rod and an outer housing, wherein the barrel is mounted removably in the barrel support. As desired, the barrel may be removed conveniently to facilitate the replacement of the barrel for different application or removal of the nail blocked in the apparatus for shooting a nail. Furthermore, at least two longitudinally elongated slots may be formed in the centering sleeve and penetrate through the wall of the centering sleeve, the steel balls received in the slots are held in the slots via a snap ring so as to embrace the rod body of the piston rod. Therefore, it is ensured that the piston rod is concentric with the barrel when hitting the nail and the hit force of the piston rod will not lose. |
| US08272549B1 |
Offset, double-sided tape dispenser
An offset, double-sided tape dispenser. The dispenser mounts two independent rolls of single surface adhesive tape on a common spindle. One of the rolls is inverted resulting in one roll wound clockwise and the other roll wound counter clockwise. The tapes are simultaneously drawn from the two rolls through a guide, across a roller and then a cutter. The clockwise wound roll tape has its adhesive surface facing upward as the tape crosses the roller. The counter clockwise wound roll tape has its adhesive surface facing downward as the tape crosses the roller. The clockwise wound roll tape is positioned beneath the counter clockwise wound tape as the tape passes through the guide. This results in the counter clockwise tape being joined to the clockwise tape as both tapes pass over the roller. The resulting double sided adhesive tape is then formed into desired lengths by the cutter. The degree of single tape overlap, resulting offset and resulting width of the resulting double sided adhesive tape is determined by the width of the guide. |
| US08272546B2 |
Baby carrier support belt
A support belt which includes openings to connect with and attach to the waist support of existing mei tai baby carriers. The support belt further comprises padding within its inner components and vertical stitching to enable the belt to fold to allow it to encircle the waist of a wearer. The support belt can also include attachments such as a child harness, as well as storage and attachment elements for storing and connecting additional items. |
| US08272545B1 |
Bottle carrier
A bottle carrier has a resilient ring dimensioned to encircle a neck of the bottle in an installed condition. A brim is unitarily formed with and depends from the resilient ring and is dimensioned to fall in facing or contacting relation to a shoulder of the bottle. |
| US08272544B2 |
Exposure apparatus, exposure method, and device fabrication method
An exposure apparatus forms an immersion area by supplying a liquid onto a part of a substrate, and forms a prescribed pattern on the substrate through the liquid. A spare immersion area, which is capable of holding part of the liquid on the substrate, is formed at the outer circumference of the immersion area. It is possible to prevent the separation of the liquid, which is disposed between a lower surface of a projection optical system and a substrate surface, from the lower surface of the projection optical system in accordance with the relative movement of the projection optical system and the substrate. |
| US08272542B2 |
Spray can handle attachment
A handle attachment for mounting to a standardized valve mounting cup of a spray can and operating a push-type dispenser valve. The handle attachment includes a housing that defines a grip and a cap configured to couple with an outer diameter of the valve mounting cup. An actuation device is pivotally mounted to the housing and includes a trigger portion disposed adjacent the grip and a finger portion disposed within the cap for actuating the push-type dispenser valve. A C-shaped rim is disposed on the cap and defines a central opening sized to accommodate the valve mounting cup, a base located on the axis of symmetry of the rim, a circumferential gap located on the axis of symmetry diametrically opposite the base and separating two ends of the rim, and at least one slot disposed between the base and a diametrical chord perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. |
| US08272541B2 |
Device for measuring and dispensing powder materials
A dispenser for measuring and dispensing powder materials includes a slide housing having a powder inlet slot, a slide having a measure slot, and an elastic element. The slide is pressed against the slide housing by the elastic element to make the slide move relative to the slide housing. The slide moves between the first position and the second position. On the first position, the measure slot is in alignment with the powder inlet slot and the powder is filled into the measure slot; on the second position, the measure slot moves away from the powder inlet slot and the powder is discharged from the measure slot. The elastic element makes the slide press against the slide housing during moving to reduce the clearance between the slide and the slide housing, makes the slide move smoothly, and reduces the precision demand of manufacture and assembly. |
| US08272539B2 |
Angled slot foam dispenser
The present invention provides a piston pump for liquid in which a sump is defined in a chamber into which sump liquid in the chamber flows due to gravity. A passageway leads from an outlet of the sump out of the chamber to a dispensing outlet. The dispensing outlet is at a height below the height of the sump outlet and fluid to exit the sump flows from the sump outlet upwardly in a first portion of the passageway to a height above the sump outlet then downwardly to the dispensing outlet. The chamber and its sump is defined between a piston chamber-forming member defining the chamber to be downwardly opening and a piston forming element axially slidable in the chamber. |
| US08272538B2 |
Wine bottle sealing and dispensing device
The wine bottle sealing and dispensing device provides for the dispensing of wine from a wine bottle, or any other liquid from a corresponding liquid container, without exposing the wine or liquid in the bottle to environmental air at any time. The device includes a housing adapted for mounting above a cork of a corked wine bottle. An upper open end of a hollow needle is mounted in the housing, the needle projecting downward from the housing and terminating in a tip adapted for insertion through the cork. A first end of a spout projects outwardly from the housing, and a second end of the spout is in fluid communication with the upper open end of the hollow needle. A cartridge of pressurized, inert gas is mounted to the housing. The cartridge is in communication with an upper end of a gas conduit, which is mounted within the hollow needle. |
| US08272534B2 |
Dispensing canister for delivery of solid medications
The processes of the present invention provides for the automated, singulated dispensing of articles, particularly solid oral medication in predetermined quantities. The dispensing of an article is effected by at least activating a driver-coupling connected to a screw having a channel of a predetermined width and depth corresponding to the dimensions of said article; rotating said screw until detection of an article drop; removing a second article from said channel; and stopping the rotation of said screw upon detection of an article drop. The methods of the present invention further include embodiments in which the rotation of the screw is subsequently reversed. Furthermore, the present invention permits for the dispensing of articles to be stopped upon having a predetermined number of articles dispensed or a detection of increased torque applied to the screw. The present invention provides for accurate pill dispensing. |
| US08272530B2 |
Container for receiving media and/or devices to be stored at low temperatures
A container for receiving cryogenic media and/or units which are to be stored at low temperatures, having an outer shell (1) and an insulating shell (10) which is connected directly or indirectly to said outer shell (1) in a positionally stable manner and is optionally surrounded by one or more further insulating shells (10), wherein an inner shell (2) for storing cryogenic media is connected to the outer shell (1) via fastening elements (3) in a positionally stable manner. Each insulating shell (10) is of at least two-part configuration and is fastened to the outer shell (1) and/or to the inner shell (2) by positioning elements (11, 26, 27) which are independent of the fastening elements (3), wherein the insulating shell (10) is spaced apart without contact from the outer or inner shell (1,2) or from a further insulating shell (10) with the formation of a gap (15). |
| US08272523B1 |
Holder for polish containers
A holder for circular containers of polish, waxes, pastes and liquids comprising a generally circular base having an underside surface cupped downward and a hollowed circular aperture having an aperture bottom and at least one vertical aperture wall adapted to frictionally accept a container. The holder includes an adapter ring having an outer diameter corresponding to the at least one vertical aperture wall and an inside diameter adapted to frictionally support the container. The downward cupped underside surface is adapted to create a vacuum adhesion to a support surface upon which it is placed when a downward pressure is applied to the holder. |
| US08272518B2 |
Direct hemoperfusion adsorber packed with adsorbent having water insoluble microparticle removed therefrom, and method of obtaining direct hemoperfusion adsorbent having water insoluble microparticle removed therefrom
The present invention has its object to provide a direct hemoperfusion adsorber packed with an adsorbent made by using a water-insoluble carrier having a relatively readily available particle size distribution, with water-insoluble microparticles having been removed therefrom, without needing any special granulation apparatus or coating apparatus, and method of obtaining a direct hemoperfusion adsorbent having water-insoluble microparticles removed therefrom.Now, a direct hemoperfusion adsorber has been obtained that is packed with an adsorbent having a number average particle diameter of not smaller than 300 μm but not larger than 600 μm, with the coefficient of variance in particle diameter distribution being not lower than 10% but not higher than 20%, and having water-insoluble microparticles removed therefrom to a safe level, without the loss of the adsorbent, by using a water-insoluble microparticle-removing-mesh such that the ratio of the mesh opening size for removing water-insoluble microparticles to the mesh opening size of the adsorber is not lower than 1.3 but not higher than 1.5. |
| US08272517B2 |
Water-proof sound-transmitting membrane, method for producing the water-proof sound-transmitting membrane, and electrical appliance including the water-proof sound-transmitting membrane
The present invention provides a water-proof sound-transmitting membrane including a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) porous membrane, in which the waterproofness is enhanced further with little lowering of the sound transmittance. The water-proof sound-transmitting membrane includes the PTFE porous membrane. The PTFE porous membrane includes a first porous layer, and a second porous layer stacked on and integrated with the first porous layer by a binding force acting between PTFE matrices. The first porous layer and the second porous layer each are composed of PTFE with a number-average molecular weight of 5.0×107 or more determined by a standard specific gravity method. At least one layer selected from the first porous layer and the second porous layer has an average pore diameter of 1 μm or less. The water-proof sound-transmitting membrane has a surface density of 1 g/m2 to 10 g/m2. |
| US08272514B2 |
Packing apparatus
A packing apparatus includes a case for receiving a plurality of electronic devices and a plurality of mounting members placed in the case. Each mounting member defines a receiving space. A shock-absorbing member is located in the receiving space and divides the receiving space into two mounting spaces. A shock-absorbing block is located in each mounting space. A slot is defined between the shock-absorbing block and the shock-absorbing member. A side of the shock-absorbing block towards the shock-absorbing member defines an oblique plane as a cushioning surface, and the oblique plane abuts the shock-absorbing member when the shock-absorbing member is bent. |
| US08272512B2 |
Food and drink tray
Food and drink trays have flat surfaces and peripheral edges with openings adapted for receiving and securely carrying a plurality of beverage and food containers. A bearing member attachable to a tray has an arched configuration and fits over the forearm of a user, while a gripping member attachable to the tray is adapted for gripping by a user's hand. A second embodiment has a pair of large circular openings on the upper surface that will hold full plates of food. The food and drink carrying tray may be made from wood, or from a lightweight material, such as plastic, and is useful for holding a plurality of beverages and plates of food when dining buffet-style in a restaurant or a home dinner party. Additional embodiments have removable grips and removable bearing members, as well as large food trays capable of receiving a variety of container-holding adapters. |
| US08272511B2 |
Packaging and disposable article disposed therein
An article of commerce includes a disposable cleaning article and a package. The package exhibits soft visual and sound characteristics. The package is formed as a multilayer packaging film including at least a co-extruded vapor barrier film layer and a polymeric film layer having a melting point at least about 20° C. less than the co-extruded film layer. The polymeric film layer is sealable to form the package so as to enclose the disposable cleaning article, thereby to substantially retain the water content of the disposable cleaning article. The polymeric film layer further exhibits a corrected sound level of less than approximately 50 decibels at readily audible frequencies, such as 3-5 kHz. The reduced sound level may be achieved by providing a film with a high loss tangent. In addition, the multilayer packaging film may have an outer surface with a soft or “matte” appearance. |
| US08272499B2 |
Method and apparatus for dividing and/or separating a laundry batch, in particular a laundry cake or the like
A method and apparatus in which laundry cakes (10), formed when washed laundry articles are for the most part freed in a dewatering press of the treatment liquid bound in them giving rise to a laundry cake (10) consisting of coherent laundry articles, are divided from the end face (15) by a roller-like divider (20) which can be driven in rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation (31), which axis of rotation (21) runs parallel to the end face (15) of the laundry cake (10) to be divided, and an effective division of the laundry cake (10) which takes care of the laundry articles is carried out. |
| US08272492B1 |
Wall-mountable vending machine support bracket and assembly
A wall-mountable support bracket for supporting a vending machine on a vertical wall includes a load-bearing main member and a top member coupled to the main member to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the top of the vending machine. The main member is in the form of a one-piece unitary metal plate bent into a substantially fixed angular shape in which the main member is capable of supporting the vending machine on the vertical wall. First apertures in a back portion of the main member receive first fasteners to fixedly attach the main member to the vertical wall. Second apertures in the back portion and a bottom portion of the main member and holes in a bottom and side of a base of the vending machine receive second fasteners to fixedly attached the vending machine to the main member. |
| US08272491B2 |
Method and apparatus for securing a movable item to a structure
An electronic lock is provided for removably securing a movable item to a structure, the electronic lock comprising first and second complementary cooperating member, each mounted to a respective one of the movable item and the structure and being engageable together in a lockable position and a securing assembly for securing the first and second connecting member together when engaged in the lockable position, wherein the securing assembly comprises inter alia a position detecting means, an electronic control means, an actuator, a locking aperture and a movable locking member. |
| US08272490B2 |
Arrangement of a disk spring at a piston of a switching element
An arrangement of a disk spring (2) at a piston (1) of a shifting element (3) in which the fingers of the disk spring (2) protrude through crests in the housing (4) and abut against a sheet metal sleeve (5) which is held in the housing (4) of the shifting element (3). The disk spring (2) is configured as a closed ring and the outer diameter (7) of the disk spring (2) abuts against the piston (1) of the shifting element (3). |
| US08272489B2 |
Multiple disc clutch
A multiple disc clutch includes a pressing member movable in an axial direction and which turns together with an output shaft to compress driving friction plates and driven friction plates, a clutch spring that axially presses the pressing member, a clutch lifter arranged coaxially with the pressing member and a lifter plate that is held by the periphery of the clutch lifter via a clutch bearing. The lifter plate moves the pressing member in a reverse direction to a direction pressed by the clutch spring according to the axial movement of the clutch lifter. This multiple disc clutch does not require a dedicated clutch lifter for every clutch bearing different in size and therefore the cost is reduced. |
| US08272488B2 |
Overrunning coupling and control assembly including apparatus having a latching mechanism
Overrunning coupling and control assemblies, each of which includes control apparatus having a latching mechanism are provided. Each latching mechanism prevents an actuator arm of an overrunning coupling assembly from moving in a first direction substantially parallel to a shift direction of a control plate of the coupling assembly within a housing slot in a locked condition of the mechanism in a first position of the control plate. A control pressure signal within a bore of the housing changes the condition of the latching mechanism from locked to unlocked to unlock the actuator arm and causes the unlocked actuator arm to move along the first direction within the slot and the control element to move along the shift direction to a second position. The control pressure signal also causes a piston which has a groove formed in its outer surface to receive and retain a free end portion of the actuator arm to slide within the bore in the housing against the biasing force of the at least one biasing member. In the absence of a control pressure signal, the at least one biasing member moves the piston and thereby the unlocked actuator arm in a second direction opposite the first direction within the slot and the control element along the shift direction from the second position back to the first position and changes the condition of the latching mechanism from unlocked to locked to lock the actuator arm. |
| US08272477B1 |
Fire resistant foldable stowed stair assembly
Novel stowed staircases for attics and the like that exhibit highly effective fireproof properties are provided. The combination of sheet metal well sides with ceramic paper covering, a combination thermal board and cement-like construction door, coupled with a sealed gasket at the interface of the stair bottom with the ceiling provide the necessary long-term fireproof capabilities as well as facilitation in installation as a sufficiently lightweight article. In such a manner, the inventive stairway construction may be easily incorporated within a residential or other type unit to aid in the simultaneous accessibility to an attic (or like location) and ability to prevent fire from easily spreading into or out of said attic via the stair assembly itself. |
| US08272474B2 |
Electric power steering system
In an electric power steering system, when a motor rotation angular speed ω and a motor rotation angular acceleration α of a steering assisting motor both exceed corresponding predetermined values ωs and αs, respectively, an abnormal external force application-determining section determines that an external force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to a steering mechanism, and sets an abnormal external force application determination flag (FLG) to 1. When the abnormal external force application determination flag (FLG) is 1, a d-axis electric current command value-calculating section activates a motor rotation angular speed-reducing section and performs field-strengthening control based on a motor rotation speed/d-axis electric current command value map. |
| US08272473B2 |
Active steering control system
An input gear rotates integrally with an input shaft, and an output gear rotates integrally with an output shaft. Pinion gears are rotatably supported by pinion gear shaft members, respectively, and are meshed with both of the input gear and the output gear. An inner end part of each pinion gear shaft member is fitted to an inner peripheral wall of a corresponding primary hole of an inner ring member, and an outer end part of each pinion gear shaft member is fitted to an inner peripheral wall of a corresponding secondary hole of an outer ring member. |
| US08272472B2 |
Steering operation device
In a steering operation device, a hydraulic actuator is driven by hydraulic pressure and vary the steering angle of the vehicle. A steering valve adjusts the flow rate of oil supplied to the actuator according to a pilot pressure. A pilot valve adjusts the pilot pressure input to the steering valve according to a difference between a displacement of an operation input shaft and a displacement of a feedback input shaft. A joystick lever is linked to the operation input shaft and moves the operation input shaft according to a tilt angle. A drive device displaces the feedback input shaft. A steering angle sensor detects the steering angle and outputs the angle as a detected signal. A controller sends a command signal to the drive device so as to displace the feedback input shaft according to the detected steering angle. |
| US08272468B2 |
Work machine
A tractor includes a boom and a bucket being coupled with each other in series and having the same rotating direction, and a control lever for operating both the boom and the bucket. The control button is equipped in the control lever, and the control lever can operate either a boom or a bucket after either the boom or the bucket is selected by pressing the control button. |
| US08272465B2 |
Electric vehicle
In an electric vehicle, the generation of unusual sounds due to the movement of snow and ice remaining in an undercover is prevented, thereby enhancing silence. An electric vehicle comprising an undercover arranged below a vehicle floor is provided. The undercover comprises: a substantially flat-plate cover body that covers the vehicle floor from the vehicle front side to the vehicle rear side; a discharge portion for discharging snow and ice that have entered between the vehicle floor and the cover body; and an upward protruding portion which is arranged on the vehicle front side relative to the discharge portion and which is formed to extend in a vehicle width direction and to protrude upwardly from the plane including the cover body. |
| US08272463B2 |
Electro-hydraulic machine for hybrid drive system
A combined hybrid drive system and electro-hydraulic machine includes a hybrid drive system that is adapted to decelerate a rotatably driven mechanism, accumulate the energy resulting from such deceleration, and use the accumulated energy to subsequently accelerate the rotatably driven mechanism. An electro-hydraulic machine is operatively connected to the hybrid drive system and is adapted to be operated in one or more of a plurality of modes to improve the performance of the hybrid drive system. |
| US08272462B2 |
Vehicle drive system
A vehicle drive system includes a battery, motor generators driving the vehicle using electric power from the battery or driven by the vehicle, a PCU integrated with the motor generators, having inverters and controlling the motor generator, cooling water cooling inverters, and oil cooling motor generators. The PCU includes a smoothing capacitor and a filter capacitor provided electrically closer to the battery than the smoothing capacitor. Here, the smoothing capacitor is cooled by the cooing water, while the filter capacitor is cooled by the oil. |
| US08272461B2 |
Wheelchair suspension
A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame, at least one drive assembly and at least one caster pivot arm. The at least one drive assembly and the at least one caster pivot arm are coupled to enhance the vehicle's ability to traverse obstacles. |
| US08272460B2 |
Two-wheeled vehicle
A two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The two-wheeled vehicle may include highway bars. The two-wheeled vehicle may include a steering axis which is tilted relative to a fork axis. The two-wheeled vehicle may be configured in a faring configuration and in a non-fairing configuration. |
| US08272453B2 |
Handheld power tool
The invention relates to a handheld machine tool, in particular a hammer drill and/or chipping hammer. The tool has an impacting unit which has at least one impacting pin and a guide unit which is provided for guiding the impacting pin. It is proposed that the guide unit is formed from at least two different materials. |
| US08272452B2 |
Hammering tool
A hammering tool includes, within its tool main body, a piston which reciprocates by using a motor as its drive force, a hammering member which carries out its hammering operation in linking with the reciprocating motion of the piston, and an intermediate member which transmits a hammering force of the hammering member to a top end tool mounted on the top end of the tool main body. The tool main body further includes a measuring device which measures a hammering state of the hammering member and a control device which controls the number of rotations of the motor. The control device, according to measurement results of the measuring device, determines the limit number of times of hammering where the hammering member becomes unable to follow the reciprocating motion of the piston, and thus controls the number of rotations of the motor. |
| US08272450B2 |
Fire blanket and method for using or testing a fire blanket
A fire blanket, comprising poorly flammable or inflammable, substantially flexible blanket material, wherein the blanket material is folded into a storage position, wherein the blanket material is provided with two relatively rigid handles, which handles project at least partly outside the folded fire blanket, so that they can be grasped by at least one hand, and wherein the blanket material is folded up such that when the handles are moved apart, the fire blanket takes up an extinguishing position. |
| US08272448B2 |
Spring loaded anchor system for electro-coil tubing deployed ESP's
An electrical line for installation in a well for transmitting power to a well pump includes a string of coiled tubing. An electrical cable having insulated electrical conductors embedded within an elastomeric jacket extends longitudinally through the interior passage of the tubing. Body members are placed around the outer periphery of the electrical cable, and the body members are compressed onto the electrical cable through the use of an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly is held in a compressed state through the use of frangible support elements. Once the electrical cable is in place within the coiled tubing, the user applies an external force to cause the support elements to fail, thereby releasing the anchor assembly from its compressed state. The anchor assembly contacts the inner wall of the coiled tubing, such that the weight of the electrical cable is transferred to coiled tubing. |
| US08272446B2 |
Method for removing a consumable downhole tool
A method for removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises consuming at least a portion of the downhole tool within the well bore via exposure of the tool to heat and a source of oxygen. Another method of removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises exposing the downhole tool to heat and a source of oxygen in situ within the well bore to desirably consume at least a portion of the tool within the well bore. |
| US08272441B2 |
Wireless downhole tool positioning system
A system for positioning a downhole tool along a pipe string, the system having a series of seating subs inserted along the length of the pipe string wherein each seating sub has a seating aperture disposed around its internal periphery so as to form a bore plug seat of smaller diameter than the diameter of the pipe. The seating apertures are given distinctive diameters that are consecutively arranged along the pipe string length so that the aperture diameters decrease with increasing depth. A drop assembly having an aperture plugging diameter selected to pressure seal a selected aperture includes a bore pressure activated by-pass valve and firing head. |
| US08272435B2 |
Apparatus and method for recovering fluids from a well and/or injecting fluids into a well
Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described. |
| US08272433B2 |
Wellhead isolation tool and wellhead assembly incorporating the same
A wellhead assembly is provided including a casing and a tubular member mounted over the casing. A flange extends from the tubular member. A generally elongated annular member is provided in the tubular member. The generally elongated annular member has a first end portion above the tubular member and second end portion below the first end portion. A hanger may be suspended within the tubular member. In such case, a seal may be formed between the elongate annular member and the hanger. |
| US08272432B2 |
HVAC thermal storage for hybrid vehicle
A system and method for providing cool air to a passenger compartment of a hybrid vehicle in an engine off mode is disclosed. This may include operating a HVAC system to provide cold refrigerant flowing through an evaporator while an engine is operating, and forcing air through the evaporator to cool the air. A first portion of the cooled air from the evaporator is directed through a heater core and a second portion around the heater core, and an electric water pump is activated to pump coolant from a thermal storage tank, through the heater core and back to the thermal storage tank to cool the coolant. When the engine operation is ceased, the air flow is directed through the heater core, and the coolant is pumped from the thermal storage tank, through the heater core and back to the thermal storage tank to cool the air. |
| US08272430B2 |
Plate laminate type heat exchanger
In a plate laminate type heat exchanger a plurality of groove-like protrusions is formed on one side of each of flat core plates, and the protrusions extend substantially in parallel to one another from one end side in the longitudinal direction of the plate toward the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the plate, form a U-turn region in an area on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the plate, and return to the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the plate. The plate is curved in such a way that ridges and valleys are formed on part of the plate, the area in which the protrusions are formed but the U-turn region is not formed, in the direction in which the plate is laminated and the ridges and valleys are repeated along the longitudinal direction. Both ends of each of the protrusions converge into an inlet port for high temperature fluid and an outlet port for high temperature fluid, respectively. |
| US08272428B2 |
Cooling apparatus using brine
A cooling apparatus includes a brine circuit through which brine flows, a pump disposed on the brine circuit, and a heat exchanger unit including a heat absorbing member and a heat radiating member. The heat absorbing member is in communication with the brine circuit. The heat absorbing member is capable of conducting heat generated from a cooling object to the brine for cooling the cooling object. The heat radiating member is in communication with the brine circuit and capable of receiving the heat from the brine. The brine circuit is configured such that the brine passes through the heat exchanger unit at a pressure equal to or lower than an atmospheric pressure. |
| US08272426B2 |
Method of and apparatus for equalization of the heat transfer of a cast product during the solidification thereof on a metal conveyor belt of a horizontal strip casting installation
An apparatus for casting near-net-shape, rectangular metal strands includes a horizontally circulating metal conveyor belt (7) with a cooled bottom a melt feeder (3′) for casting the metal onto the conveyor belt(7), and an arrangement for feeding the solidified pre-strip under mechanical tension to a driver (16). A cooled pressure device (11, 12, 13) is arranged above the cast product (4) in a region of the deflection roller (8) of the metal conveyor belt (7) which is located downstream in a casting direction, for applying an adjustable pressure from above to the cast product (4) solidifying into the pre-strip (5); and immediately behind the metal conveyor belt (7) a cooling device (17, 19, 19′)for cooling the bottom of the pre-strip (5) over its entire width. |
| US08272425B2 |
Device with a shutter which may be wound around a drum
The invention relates to a flexible shutter device, designed for closing a bay or other opening which cooperates with drive means which permit a displacement of the flexible shutter between an open position and a closed position. The device comprises a drum which may turn about the axis thereof and about which the flexible shutter is wound in the open position thereof, forming a roll comprising turns made up of successive layers attaching one to the other and from which the flexible shutter can be unwound and pushed into the closed position thereof. Slides mounted on a fixed support provide guidance along the bay for the unwound part of the flexible shutter. Pressure or restriction elements (33, 50, 66) avoid buckling of the lateral edges (2,3) in the supported part thereof, extending between a first end (30) of the slides (4,5), nearest the roll and the roll. |
| US08272424B2 |
System for enhancing sonotrode performance in ultrasonic additive manufacturing applications
An ultrasonic welding assembly, comprising a sonotrode, wherein the sonotrode further includes at least one welding region and at least one node adjacent to the welding region; a mount for supporting the sonotrode, wherein the mount further includes a force application region; at least one ultrasonic transducer connected to the sonotrode for transmitting acoustic vibrations to the at least one welding region; at least one roller connected to the sonotrode in a flexible manner for permitting rotation of the sonotrode about its axis; a device for maintaining axial alignment of the sonotrode relative to a target welding area; and a low-friction bearing in contact with the at least one node for the application of force thereto, wherein the at least one low-friction bearing is connected to the mount. |
| US08272420B2 |
Fabric welding machine
Methods and other embodiments associated with a fabric welding machine are presented. The fabric welding machine includes a base, a welding machine body, and a support beam with a first end and a second end. A first roller is positioned adjacent to the first end of the support beam opposite the welding machine body. A swing arm with a body end and a roller end is attached to the welding machine body. The roller end is opposite the welding machine body and is configured to move to a first position and a second position. A heat element attached to the first end of the support beam. |
| US08272419B2 |
Graphite tape supply and backing paper take-up apparatus
An apparatus for supplying one or more strands of a relatively wide tape to a high-speed graphite tape laminating machine may include a tape supply reel and a backing paper take-up reel rotatably mounted on the machine, a dancer roller mounted on the machine for lateral movement thereon, and a mechanism for actively controlling the rotation of the tape supply and backing paper take-up reels and the lateral movement of the dancer roller relative to the support frame such that the respective tensions in the tapes are maintained substantially constant during both an on-the-fly tape add operation and an on-the-fly tape cut operation of the laminating machine. |
| US08272416B2 |
Heavy-load tire
A heavy-load tire comprises a tread portion, a pair of sidewall portions, a pair of bead portions each with a bead core therein, a carcass comprising a carcass ply of cords including a main portion and a pair of turnup portions, and an inner liner made from air-impermeable rubber and disposed on the tire internal cavity surface. The inner liner includes a radially inner portion that terminates radial inside than a lateral reference line passing through the innermost axial point and outermost axial point of the bead core. A rubber thickness ta is in a range of from 2.5 to 5.0 mm ranging from the tire internal cavity surface to the cord of the carcass ply on the lateral reference line, and an inner liner thickness tb is smaller than the rubber thickness ta and is in a range of from 0.5 to 3.0 mm on the lateral reference line. |
| US08272411B2 |
Lyophilization method and device
A lyophilization device configured for use in a lyophilization process has a body defining a chamber for receiving a liquid to be lyophilized, and a stopper creating a liquid-tight seal between the chamber and ambient atmosphere to form a sealed, empty sterile chamber. The stopper is adapted so that the chamber may be sterile filled with the substance through the stopper. A fluid passageway is formed through the stopper, through which the chamber is evacuated. The substance is lyophilized, the fluid passageway is closed, and the lyophilized substance is hermetically sealed within the chamber. |
| US08272406B2 |
Methods for rehabilitating conduits using structural liners
The present invention relates generally to the field of structural pipe lining for conduit rehabilitation and more specifically, to methods for rehabilitating conduits using structural liners. There is provided a method for rehabilitating a tubular conduit having an inner conduit space and at least one service connection tied into the tubular conduit. A portion of the at least one service connection protrudes into the inner conduit space. A liner is provided for covering the inner surface of the tubular conduit. The liner is made of a flexible material capable of being impregnated with a first curable adhesive resin and has a film made of a material impermeable to liquid bonded onto the inner surface of the liner. Also provided, is a flexible sealing member made of a second curable adhesive resin. The method includes the steps of providing access to the inner conduit space of the tubular conduit and snugly fitting the sealing member onto the protruding portion of the at least one service connection in surrounding relation therewith. The liner and the sealing member together form a unitary structure and a seal about the protruding portion of the at least one service connection once the first curable resin and the second curable resin have hardened. |
| US08272404B2 |
Fluidic impulse generator
A device for vibrating tubing as it is inserted into a wellbore is disclosed. The device has a fluidic switch that has no moving parts. The fluidic switch is connected to a piston that oscillates back and forth in a cylinder. The piston is the only moving part. As the piston oscillates, it blocks and unblocks openings in the cylinder or other components. The movement of the piston controls the timing of the oscillation, and also generates an impulse or vibration. The vibration may reduce the friction between the tubing and the wellbore. |
| US08272403B2 |
Valve part of a hydraulic control valve
A valve part of a hydraulic control valve for controlling flows of pressurized medium is provided. The valve part includes: a cylindrical valve housing with a valve housing hollow space that is open on one side in the axial direction, wherein the valve housing is provided with a radial first work connection (A), a radial second work connection (B), and a radial pressure connection (P), each of which opens into the valve housing hollow space, and a cylindrical control piston is held in the valve housing hollow space so that it can move in the axial direction with a control piston hollow space that is open on one side at an axial control piston hollow space opening. The control piston is provided with a radial discharge connection (T) opening into the control piston hollow space, and the control piston is constructed in such a way that the work connections (A, B) can be connected selectively in a fluid conducting way to the pressure connection (P) and the discharge connection (T) through axial displacement of the control piston. The valve part distinguishes itself in that a cover provided with at least one cover opening is attached to the axial control piston hollow space opening. |
| US08272397B2 |
Valve for fuel cell based power generator
A device has an annulus having a first end and a second end. A valve plate is coupled to the first end of the annulus by a fastener, wherein the valve plate is adapted to contact a valve seat on a hydrogen producing fuel cover. A diaphragm is coupled to the second end of the annulus by a fastener, wherein the annulus extends through a container for holding the hydrogen producing fuel and wherein the diaphragm moves the valve plate relative to the valve seat responsive to a different in pressure across the diaphragm. |
| US08272395B2 |
Water dispensing device capable of recycling cold water
A water dispensing device capable of recycling cold water comprises a mixing valve connected with a first pipe for supplying cold water and a second pipe for supplying hot water; at least one watering member connected with an output end of the mixing valve; a bucket connected with the output end of the mixing valve and the first pipe to store water from the mixing valve; a control unit being used to sense a temperature of the water flow passing through the mixing valve; as a sensed temperature is less than a set value, the cold water stored in a pipe system will be guided to recycle toward the bucket and to be supplied to the first pipe, obtaining recycling and reusing purpose; while the sensed temperature is more than the set value, the cold water stored in the pipe system will be guided to flow toward the watering members. |
| US08272387B2 |
System and method for the modification of surgical procedures using a graphical drag and drop interface
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for allowing a user to modify a surgical procedure. An embodiment of the method of the present invention can include: providing a GUI on a touch screen of a surgical console, said GUI comprising a representation of the surgical procedure and representations of one or more surgical steps, wherein the GUI allows a user to modify the representation of the surgical procedure by dragging and dropping representations of surgical steps using the touch screen; detecting that the representation of the surgical procedure has been modified; and modifying the surgical procedure to correspond to the modified representation of the surgical procedure. |
| US08272386B2 |
Surgical wound closure device
A surgical wound closure device comprising multiple layers joined at only one edge of each layer in a book-like arrangement and having opposite unjoined edges, including a substrate having a proximal surface and a distal surface; a drape having a proximal surface and a distal surface, and being disposed proximally to said substrate; and an adhesive layer having a proximal surface and a distal surface; said drape being disposed releasably adherently to said distal surface of said adhesive layer. Also provided is a surgical procedure employing a surgical wound closure device. |
| US08272385B2 |
Method for treating obstructive sleep apnea and/or snoring
A garment for the treatment of sleep apnea and/or snoring includes a member for attachment to an individual afflicted with sleep apnea and an elongate, position control member at the rear of the garment and extending outwardly therefrom. The elongate member is a continuous member having transversely spaced-apart side surfaces, and the side surfaces are joined to an outer wall of the position control member at elongate side edges. The side surfaces and/or side edges are located to engage a mattress or other sleeping surface when an individual wearing the garment is sleeping in a lateral position to aid in supporting the individual in a lateral position. |
| US08272384B2 |
Fixation device
The present invention relates to the field of radiation therapy and radiation surgery. In particular, the invention relates to devices and methods for stereotactic medical procedures and it provides for repeated accurate positioning (fixation) of a patient, or a part of a patient, for carrying out medical procedures which are done at different times such as fractionated radiation therapy. Specifically, a patient fixation device for fixating a head of a patient relatively a treatment unit as a preparation for treatment or during treatment of the head is provided. The patient fixation device being is adapted to be attached to a stereotactic frame structure connected to the treatment unit. The attachment means is adapted to be releasably attached to corresponding attachment plates attached to teeth of the upper jaw or maxilla of the patient, each attachment plate being fixated to at least one tooth by means of an adhesive, wherein the attachment means allows removal from the attachment plates of the patient and re-attachment to the corresponding attachment plates of the patient with an identical orientation relatively the frame structure and the teeth of the patient. |
| US08272381B2 |
Closed circuit rebreather
A closed circuit rebreather including a breathing hose assembly, head assembly and internal counterlung assembly having axial and radial gas flow passageways therethrough, wherein the assembly is housed within a tank and includes a scrubber substantially enclosed along its longitudinal length within a water impervious counterlung bladder, the scrubber including foraminous inner and outer tubes having a carbon dioxide absorbent material filling the space therebetween. |
| US08272379B2 |
Leak-compensated flow triggering and cycling in medical ventilators
This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for inelastic and elastic leaks in a ventilation system. The disclosure describes a model-based enhancement to conventional flow triggering and cycling methodologies that improves the timing and patient work of flow-based triggering and cycling performance. The methods and systems described herein compensate for the leak condition and minimize additional effort a patient has to exert to generate the same patient synchrony and comfort level compared to no leak condition. One method described includes calculating an elastic leakage and an inelastic leakage based on current measurements of pressure and flow in the ventilation system and then estimating a leak-compensated lung flow using the inelastic and elastic leaks and pneumatic attributes of the patient-ventilator system. |
| US08272378B2 |
System and method for improving endurance of inspiratory muscles
Training the inspiratory muscles using a training device includes evaluating the endurance of the inspiratory muscles of the patient, including the time to the onset of exhaustion, setting parameters of the training device, directing an monitoring endurance training sessions using the training device, providing feedback to the patient during the training and repeating the testing, setting, directing and providing steps as periodically. |
| US08272377B2 |
Extendable hood for microwave oven positioned over the range or cook top
An extendable hood and mounting bracket for mounting on the underside of a microwave oven which is positioned above a cook top, the extendable hood being frictionally engaged in the bracket and selectively removable or slidably retracted when not in use, the extendable hood extending over the front burners of the cook top and capturing and directing any fumes, smoke, or odors generated from cooking on the front burners to the fan and filter unit mounted on the underside of the microwave oven. |
| US08272376B2 |
Gas cooker control system
A gas cooker control system includes an ignition controller including a touch button, a resistor, a first comparator, a second comparator and a third comparator, one end of the touch button connected to external power source, and the other end connected to first inputs of the first, second and third comparators, the resistor being connected between the inputs of the first, second and third comparators and ground, outputs of the first, second and third comparators being connected to an igniter, a gas valve and a system power source; a gas valve controller including a switch circuit connected to a power source, at least one gas valve circuit connected between the switch circuit and ground, and a protection circuit parallel to the at least on gas valve circuit; and a power and ignition controller driving device including a power source driving circuit, an ignition driving circuit and a comparison circuit. |
| US08272371B2 |
Device and method for neutralizing acidic condensate in a motor vehicle
Disclosed is a device and a method for neutralizing an acidic condensate in an internal combustion engine with exhaust gas recirculation system, wherein the exhaust gas recirculation system has an exhaust gas recirculation cooler for cooling a hot exhaust gas stream, a metering system is provided that meters an alkaline substance into the exhaust gas stream and is arranged upstream of the exhaust gas recirculation cooler. |
| US08272368B2 |
Dual fuel connector
A dual fuel connector separately supplies two different fuels to fluidly isolated fuel passages within a fuel injection valve of an internal combustion engine. The dual fuel connector comprises a body with separate fluid connections to the first fuel inlet, the second fuel inlet, a first fuel rail and a second fuel rail. A first fuel passage within the body is in fluid communication with the first fuel rail and the first fuel inlet. A second fuel passage within the body is in fluid communication with the second fuel rail and the second fuel inlet, and wherein the first fuel passage is fluidly isolated from the second fuel passage. The dual fuel connector supplies two different fuels to a fuel injection valve, for engines that are not designed with a cylinder head that has internal bores that can serve as fuel rails. |
| US08272367B2 |
Control system for internal combustion engine
A control system for an internal combustion engine for driving a vehicle, which controls an output torque of the engine, is provided. In this control system, a rapid change in a demand torque of the engine is detected, and a feedforward correction amount is generated during a correction period which is substantially equal to a resonance period of a powertrain of the vehicle, from a time when the rapid change in the demand torque is detected. An output torque control amount of the engine is corrected with the feedforward correction amount. A torque change amount integrated value is calculated by integrating an amount of change in the demand torque, and the feedforward correction amount is generated according to the torque change amount integrated value. |
| US08272366B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device which can reduce an exhaust amount of unburned HC at a time of start of an internal combustion engine using a fuel containing alcohol is provided. The control device controls closing timing of an exhaust valve and opening timing of an intake valve so as to close the exhaust valve at a timing at an advance side from an intake top dead center and enlarge a minus overlap until the intake valve is opened after the exhaust valve is closed in accordance with the alcohol concentration of the fuel, for a predetermined time period (hereinafter, a first predetermined time period) at a time of start. The control device controls fuel injection timing so as to start fuel injection in the minus overlap for a second predetermined time period at the time of start which is included in the first predetermined time period. |
| US08272365B2 |
Method and system for controlling vacuum
An engine with two vacuum sources is disclosed. In one example, a valve position is adjusted when engine load is low and intake manifold pressure is low to arbitrate vacuum between the two vacuum sources. The approach may increase engine operating efficiency during at least some conditions. |
| US08272361B2 |
Method for cylinder synchronization of an internal combustion engine
The aim of the invention is to optimize the running smoothness of an internal combustion engine. To achieve this aim, the individual cylinders are synchronized with respect to their torque contribution. According to the method, fuel is injected into the combustion chamber of a cylinder in at least one injection step, the at least one injection contributing to the torque of the internal combustion engine. Fuel is injected into the combustion chamber of the cylinder in a torque neutral manner by way of a secondary injection during a working stroke of the cylinder and the amount of fuel of the secondary injection us calculated in such a manner that the exhaust gas substantially corresponds to a stoichiometric air/fuel mixture. |
| US08272360B2 |
Motor vehicle energy management having a supplementary starter diagnostic function
A diagnostic device for the starter of a combustion engine is provided. The electrical system of a motor vehicle includes a battery in whose connecting line a battery disconnect switch is provided, and the electrical system of the motor vehicle is monitored by a vehicle electrical system state detection device which includes starter diagnostic functionality. |
| US08272358B2 |
Hydraulic system control device and valve timing control device
When a hydraulic pressure generation source begins to generate hydraulic pressure, the present invention measures the hydraulic pressure in an oil supply line connected to a hydraulic actuator, and sets a viscosity index value indicating an oil viscosity in accordance with the pace at which the measured hydraulic pressure rises. The viscosity index value is calculated and set so that the slower the pace at which the measured hydraulic pressure rises, the higher the viscosity indicated by the viscosity index value. |
| US08272357B2 |
Crossover valve systems
Crossover valve systems and corresponding methods offer an effective means to overcome large opening pressure force, or provide reasonable gas flow area, or both. In an exemplary embodiment, a crossover valve system for a split-cycle engine having a power cylinder and a crossover passage comprises first and second crossover valves, each valve opening outwardly away from the power cylinder and providing fluid communication between the power cylinder and the crossover passage, with the diameter of the second crossover valve being larger than the diameter of the first crossover valve; and an actuation mechanism operative to open the first crossover valve, then the second crossover valve after a predetermined delay to allow a certain rise in the pressure inside the power cylinder, resulting in much smaller differential pressure forces across the crossover valves, larger flow areas, or both. |
| US08272356B2 |
Two mode dual crankshaft engine
A variable displacement engine comprises two engine modules fed from a common fuel source, each engine module having an individual crankshaft. The first engine module has a high compression ratio (e.g., greater than 13:1), while the second module has a typical compression ratio for a gasoline engine (e.g., between 9:1 and 11:1). In one embodiment, the first engine module operates through high efficiency optimized alcohol fuel combustion when the fuel content exceeds a minimum alcohol content. In an alternative embodiment, the first engine module operates at high efficiency through gasoline HCCI combustion when conditions permit. When operating conditions do not permit the first engine module to operate at high efficiency, the second engine module operates as the primary engine module, with the first engine module available to provide supplemental power (at less than optimal efficiency) if needed to meet driver demand. |
| US08272353B2 |
Apparatus for using ammonia as a sustainable fuel, refrigerant and NOx reduction agent
Embodiments are shown wherein ammonia is used for powering, heating and cooling of various applications including: vehicles (terrestrial, naval, aero-spatial or other engine-driven equipment), residential and commercial buildings, remote generators, refrigerated transport. An ammonia-fuelled internal combustion engine comprising; a thermally insulated fuel tank adapted to store ammonia; a heat exchangers operably connected to the fuel tank, wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to heat the ammonia; a decomposition and separation unit operably connected to the heat exchangers and having a hydrogen conduit and a nitrogen conduit, wherein the decomposition and separation unit is adapted to separate the heated ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen and stream them into the hydrogen and nitrogen conduits respectively; and an internal combustion engine operably connected to the hydrogen conduit. |
| US08272351B2 |
Portable water bottle and dish assembly for humans and pets
The present invention provides a portable water bottle and dish assembly and method for humans and pets to provide a human or pet with a readily accessible water bottle integrally attached to a delivery dish. The portable water bottle and dish assembly broadly comprises a bottle having a top portion and a body portion with an outer shell and an internal chamber that is removably attached and housed within a delivery dish. The delivery dish is configured in size and shape to provide access to a pet or human for drinking therefrom. Optionally, the bottle comprises an insulating internal chamber adapted to insulate the liquid housed therein, keeping the liquid at a constant temperature for a period of time. Alternatively, the delivery dish comprises an insulating interior compartment adapted to insulate the liquid when the bottle is within the interior compartment of the delivery dish. |
| US08272345B2 |
Electrospraying/electrospinning array utilizing a replacement array of individual tip flow restriction
An electrohydrodynamic spraying or spinning deposition system, which includes a common source of pressurized liquid within a manifold, and an array of 2 or more spraying tips, each tip being fed from the common source of pressurized liquid to create a liquid flow path. An individual flow impedance device is disposed within each tip's individual liquid flow path from the pressurized liquid source into each spraying tip. The individual flow impedance devices are disposed within a replaceable sheet, which can be easily cleaned or changed to accommodate the instance liquid viscosity and composition. A high voltage source is applied to create a high voltage potential applied between the tip array and a deposition surface. |
| US08272344B2 |
Wet coating system having annealing chamber
An exemplary wet coating system includes a coating chamber, an annealing chamber, an unloading chamber, and a mechanical arm. The coating chamber is configured for allowing a substrate being wet coated therein. The unloading chamber is configured for allowing the substrate being unloaded therein. The annealing chamber is interposed between and communicated with the coating chamber and the unloading chamber and is configured for allowing the substrate being annealed therein. The communicated coating chamber, annealing chamber, and unloading chamber are vacuumized. The mechanical arm is configured for holding the substrate and moving the substrate across the coating chamber, the annealing chamber, and the unloading chamber. |
| US08272343B1 |
Fingerprint goggles
An apparatus and method for developing latent fingerprints having a heat source and sublimation system wherein the sublimation system is in communication with the heat source. Upon activating the heat source, the heat transforms a cyanoacrylate and a sublimation dye of the sublimation system into vapor. The vapor contacts an object to reveal any latent fingerprints on the object. A light source excites the sublimation dye causing photoluminescent emissions which are viewed through filter goggles. |
| US08272342B1 |
Counterweighted mooring line
A counterweighted mooring line includes a line, a counterweight portion and a hook. The line has a proximal end which is secured to a watercraft and an opposite distal end. The hook is tied to the distal end of the line and includes a center shaft with an opening for receiving the line and at least one prong extending from a center shaft. The counterweight portion is also secured to the line and is spaced away from the grappling hook. The counterweight portion and hook may be thrown at a pole to catch the pole or dragged across a float having cleats in order to catch a cleat. |
| US08272337B2 |
Modular folding table
The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable. |
| US08272334B2 |
Three-link toggle type positioning platform
A three-link toggle type positioning platform comprises a first motor, a first ballscrew coupled to said first motor, a first linkage attached to the ballscrew a second linkage attached to the first linkage, and a third linkage attached to the second linkage. The ballscrew drives the first linkage, and then the first linkage drives the second linkage, and then the second linkage drives the third linkage, which drives a platform in a predetermined direction. |
| US08272329B1 |
Selectable lethality warhead patterned hole fragmentation insert sleeves
The dynamically configurable controlled fragmentation insert mechanism of this invention includes an assembly of three or more sleeves with differing through hole patterns thereon, that fit inside the shell casing. The individual sleeves can move independently of one another and a simple pinning mechanism holds the parts in place for a selected configuration. The warfighter can realign the insert sleeves by to create different geometric patterns of holes, each designed to engage a different target set with optimally sized fragments. The aligned patterns of holes creates individual geometric shapes that focus high-velocity jets to cut into the steel shell casing to correlate to the through-holes in the aligned patterned sleeves. Realigning the insert sleeves changes the through-hole pattern to produce different fragment sizes and mass distributions. To defeat light armored vehicles for instance, a warfighter can deploy a sleeve hole pattern to produce larger fragments with greater penetrating power, while to engage enemy troops for instance, a warfighter can “dial in” another hole pattern through the fuze assembly to otherwise produce a much larger number of smaller, lighter fragments. |
| US08272328B1 |
Method of converting bomblet to hand grenade
A method of converting a bomblet into a hand-thrown grenade may include providing a bomblet having a fuze, a shaped-charge liner, a casing, and explosive material disposed between the shaped-charge liner and the casing. The fuze may be removed from the bomblet. A housing may be attached a fuze end of the bomblet. The housing may adjoin the casing. A cavity that abuts and is exterior to the shaped-charge liner may be filled with a filler material, such as pellets. A hand-grenade fuze may be attached to the fuze end of the bomblet. |
| US08272327B2 |
Multiple diverging projectile system
A system for firing multiple projectiles in a parallel or diverging manner is provided. The system can comprise tail-end portions of projectiles that add structure to a cartridge, provide for efficient combustion, allow projectiles to transition from a straight configuration in the cartridge to a splayed configuration in a chamber, and ensure complete evacuation of the chamber. The system can include a tail-end portion of a particular projectile with openings that distribute energy from combustion of an ignition charge, facilitating firing of multiple projectiles. A tail-end portion of a projectile can include a ball joint upon which the body portion of the projectile moves causing an angle between the body portion and the tail-end portion. A space can exist in the body portion adjacent to the ball joint to allow off-center shifting of the body portion with respect to the ball joint. |
| US08272324B2 |
Systems for tempering components of a printing machine
A system is provided for tempering, or controlling the temperature of a printing machine to maintain a desired temperature by the use of a cooling device. The cooling device prepares, on a first output, a tempering medium having at least one first desired temperature level, for a first supply current of the tempering medium for the components whose temperatures are to be controlled. The cooling device provides a first cooling process which can be carried out by a first fluid circuit. Tempering medium, which is to be cooled to a tempering temperature that is below the ambient, or an external temperature, are provided. A second cooling process is carried out by a device for cooling a second fluid circuit which is different from the first fluid circuit, by the use of outside air. The supply circuit, that is used to convey the tempering medium of the desired temperature, to the component whose temperature is to be controlled, can be coupled, in a thermal manner, to both of the cooling processes by the use of at least one heat exchanger. |
| US08272322B2 |
Apparatus for the separation of vegetable products
An apparatus for separating objects, such as cherries, that are joined together by removable links, includes a collecting vessel having a water inlet and into which the objects are conveyed by means separate from the water inlet. One or more conduits extend downstream from the collecting vessel and have respective inflow mouths situated downstream of the collecting vessel. Water pumps within the conduits cause liquid to whirl about with the products taken in therewith, and pump them into the respective outflow mouths so as to eject them. The collecting vessel is a tank whose wall facing the inflow mouths has an upper edge adapted to perform as a horizontal spillway. The upper edge is situated higher than the inflow mouths, and a chute between the upper edge and the inflow mouths causes the liquid and the objects to converge towards the inflow mouths. Preferably, water ejected from the conduits is recovered and recycled. |
| US08272321B1 |
Rotisserie for oven
A removable rotisserie accessory for an oven includes a motor assembly positionable beneath a floor of the oven to provide rotational energy about a vertical axis perpendicular to the floor of the oven. A vertical rod is insertable through an opening in the floor of the oven to engage the motor assembly and to rotate about the vertical axis. A horizontal rod has a first end supported by the vertical rod and has a second end supported proximate to a sidewall of the oven. The horizontal rod supports at least one engagement device for an item to be cooked. A miter gear assembly includes a first bevel gear mounted on the vertical rod to rotate with the vertical rod and includes a second bevel gear mounted on the horizontal rod to rotate the horizontal rod in response to rotation of the first bevel gear. |
| US08272318B2 |
Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems
Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension. |
| US08272314B1 |
Delayed gas-operated firearm
An auto-loading firearm may obtain improved firing precision by using stored energy to cycle the firearm. The firearm may be partially cycled when the trigger is pulled. The firearm may be completely cycled only when the trigger is released. Sound suppression and/or sound reduction may be obtained by limiting the amount of gas escaping the breech during extraction as well as separating the noise of the firing event from the noise of the action cycling. |
| US08272313B2 |
Heavy caliber firearm with enhanced recoil and control characteristics
The invention comprises an improved recoil control device comprising a bolt head and an inertia block for use in a variety of firearms. In one embodiment, the bolt head and inertia block are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt head results in a force component outside the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to produce recoil reduction and/or weight reduction advantages. |
| US08272308B1 |
Single-action feed disengage mechanism for weapon
A feed disengage mechanism for a weapon with a sprocket-type feed system may include a sprocket rotatably fixed to the receiver. A forward pawl may be selectably engageable with a forward end of the sprocket. The forward pawl may include a flange and be biased for engagement with the sprocket. An anti-backup pawl may be selectably engageable with a rear end of the sprocket. The anti-backup pawl may include a cam path and be biased for engagement with the sprocket. A feed cover may include a feed slide assembly that may be translatable in a slot in the feed cover. The feed slide assembly may include a front pin engageable with the flange of the forward pawl and a rear pin engageable with the cam path of the anti-backup pawl. |
| US08272302B2 |
Precision roll turning lathe
There is provided a precision roll turning lathe which can perform machining of fine grooves at a dramatically higher speed as compared to conventional roll turning lathes, thus significantly shortening time taken for machining one groove. The precision roll turning lathe includes: a bed; a headstock, mounted on the bed, having a main spindle for rotating a roll as a workpiece while holding one end of the roll by means of a chuck; a tail stock, mounted on the bed and disposed opposite the headstock, for rotatably supporting the other end of the roll; a carriage including a saddle mounted on the bed movably in the longitudinal direction of the roll, and a table mounted on the saddle movably in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the roll; and an air slide apparatus, mounted on the table, including a guide rail extending parallel to the roll in the longitudinal direction, an air slider having a diamond tool, capable of traveling in a floating state on the guide rail, and a linear motor for driving the air slider. |
| US08272301B2 |
Extensive apparatus for a wrench
An extensive apparatus includes a shaft, a sensor, a display, a sleeve and a shell. The sensor is attached to the shaft so that the sensor detects torque exerted on the shaft. The display is electrically connected to the sensor so that the value of the torque detected by the sensor is shown on the display. The sleeve includes a tunnel through which the shaft extends. The sleeve is connected to the shaft so that they can only rotate together. The shell is rotationally provided around the sleeve. The display is connected to the shell so that the display is rotational relative to the shaft and easily observable regardless of the shaft. |
| US08272299B2 |
Tool for freeing seized bolts
A tool may loosen seized bolts by sending shock waves into the bolt shank and thread areas via axial blows from a pneumatic hammer on the center of the bolt head prior to removal. The tool may allow impacts to be centered on the bolt head without damaging the bolt head or without worry of the bit jumping off the bolt. |
| US08272296B2 |
Screw fastener
A screw fastener with simple configuration is provided, which automatically moves a rotary tool such as a nut runner to fastening positions to fasten screws, and the automation is achieved at low thrust. A screw fastener includes: X, Y, and Z-axis linear motion robots that move a nut runner along the directions of X, Y, and Z-axes, respectively, the axes being orthogonal to one another; a reaction force supporting member that supports a main body of the nut runner in a movable manner along each of the directions of the X, Y, and Z-axes and restricts the rotation of the main body around the rotary shaft; and positioning means that positions a body, and thus the screw fastener with simple configuration can automatically move the nut runner to positions to fasten screws, and achieves the automation at low thrust. |
| US08272295B2 |
Displacement members and intermediate structures for use in forming at least a portion of bit bodies of earth-boring rotary drill bits
Displacement members for use in forming a bit body of an earth-boring rotary drill bit include a body having an exterior surface, at least a portion of which is configured to define at least one surface of the bit body as the bit body is formed around the displacement member. In some embodiments, the body may be hollow and/or porous. Methods for forming earth-boring rotary drill bits include positioning such a displacement member in a mold and forming a bit body around the displacement member in the mold. Additional methods include pressing a plurality of particles to form a body, forming at least one recess in the body, positioning such a displacement member in the recess, and sintering the body to form a bit body. |
| US08272292B2 |
Control device for a bicycle and bicycle comprising same
A control device (1) for providing at least one electrical-electronic command to at least one bicycle component is provided, with a support body (2) carrying at least one switch (46), a respective actuation element (24) and a respective manual actuation member (10), with a transmission mechanism (13, 20) arranged between the manual actuation member (10) and the actuation element (24). Through the provision of the transmission mechanism for transmitting the movement of the manual actuation member (10) to the actuation element (24) of the at least one switch (46), the at least one switch (46) can be displaced in an area (2a) further inside the control device (2), less exposed to the external environment. |
| US08272287B2 |
Device for latching and locking shift rockers of a shift device of a transmission, and use of a device of said type
A device for latching and locking of shift rockers (1, 1′) of a shift device of a transmission. The device has a lock part (3, 3′), for each shift rocker (1, 1′), which resides in a receptacle (2) of the shift rocker (1, 1′), which interacts with a lock contour (5, 5′), positioned in a non-moving area of the transmission, for the latching purpose, whereby the lock part (3, 3′) also serves, in addition to the latching, as an interlock for the shift rocker (1, 1′). |
| US08272285B2 |
Failsafe actuator
An actuator comprises an actuator shaft mounted for rotation by a drive shaft, releasable lock means operable to restrict axial movement of the actuator shaft relative to the drive shaft, and an output member co-operating with the actuator shaft such that rotation of the actuator shaft drives the output member for translating movement relative to the actuator shaft. |
| US08272283B2 |
Method and system for vibrating an object using centrifugal force
Disclosed is a method and a system for vibrating an object using centrifugal forces, wherein the centrifugal forces are achieved from a rotating device and wherein the centrifugal forces comprise a positive force and a negative force. A linear motion is added to the rotating device thereby inverting the negative force of the centrifugal forces to a positive force. |
| US08272278B2 |
Enhancements to improve the function of a biomimetic tactile sensor
Tactile sensors are disclosed that mimic the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are similar to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. The deformable properties of the finger pad can be used as part of a transduction process. Multiple electrodes can be mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes containing information about those forces and the objects that applied them. Strategies are described for extracting features related to the mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control. Controlling grip force in a prosthetic having sensory feedback information is described. Techniques are described for enhancing the useful force range for impedance sensors by internally texturing the elastomeric skin. |
| US08272272B2 |
Pressure measurement module
A pressure measuring module for recording an absolute pressure or a relative pressure. Pressure measuring module includes a housing produced preferably as a premold, in which a pressure measuring chip is accommodated. The latter is contacted electrically either to a lead frame or to at least one printed circuit trace, at least one electronic component being provided, which is connected to a section of the lead frame or of the at least one printed circuit trace, exiting laterally from the housing that is produced as a premold, and is covered by a partition of a cover. |
| US08272269B2 |
Method for examining a medium
The present invention relates to a method for examining a medium (19), comprising the following steps of: transmitting a measurement input signal (4) comprising at least one measurement frequency, wherein the measurement input signal (4) is coupled into a medium (19); receiving a measurement output signal (9) emerging from the medium (9); transmitting a counter measurement input signal (13) comprising at least one counter measurement frequency, wherein the counter measurement frequency essentially corresponds to the measurement frequency, and wherein the counter measurement input signal (13) is coupled into the medium (19) simultaneously and in an opposite direction to the measurement input signal (4); receiving a counter measurement output signal (16) emerging from the medium (19); calculating a Doppler correction by comparing the counter measurement input signal (13) with the counter measurement output signal (16) in terms of the counter measurement frequency and by comparing the measurement input signal (4) with the measurement output signal (9) in terms of the measurement frequency; calculating a phase shift between the at least one measurement frequency of the measurement input signal (4) and the corresponding measurement frequency of the measurement output signal (9); correcting the phase shift as a function of the Doppler correction. |
| US08272267B2 |
Angular velocity sensor
In an angular velocity sensor, driven mass portions are disposed on a surface of a base plate at point-symmetrical locations with respect to a central point O. The driven mass portions are connected to a coupling beam to be interconnected. The coupling beam is flexibly supported through connecting portions and driven beam. Detecting mass portions are disposed inside the driven mass portions, and the detecting mass portions are supported by detecting beams to be displaceable in the Z-axis direction. Two adjacent ones of the driven mass portions in the circumferential direction are vibrated by vibration generation portions in opposite phases to each other. When angular velocities are exerted in such a state, the detecting mass portions are caused to displace and vibrate in the direction of thickness of the base plate. Displacement detecting portions detect displacements of the detecting mass portions in the direction of the thickness. |
| US08272261B2 |
Static port apparatus
A static port apparatus for an aircraft having a static plate having inner and outer surfaces for fixture on the aircraft. The static plate including a first set of a plurality of port apertures and at least a second set of a plurality of port apertures. Each port aperture of the second set of port apertures is coaxially positioned with respect to each port aperture of the first set of port apertures. |
| US08272257B2 |
Engine control experimenting apparatus
The invention aims at providing an engine control experimenting apparatus which enables to easily carry out a confirmation test of an operation in all operation states with regard to the performance of various engine control parts constituting an engine system. In this engine control experimenting apparatus, various engine control parts, which are actually mounted on an engine and are required for engine control, are constructed in a state where electrical transmission and fuel supply are enabled in a manner similar to a case where the engine control parts are mounted on a real engine, and a model-based control is performed on the same conditions as those of the actual engine, on the basis of experimental data of the real engine written in an electronic control unit constituting each of the engine control parts. |
| US08272255B2 |
System and method for preparing samples
A system and method for preparing samples for analyte testing. The sample preparation system can include a freestanding receptacle. The method can include providing a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent, and positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir defined by the freestanding receptacle. The method can further include filtering the liquid composition to form a filtrate comprising an analyte of interest, removing at least a portion of the filtrate from the sample preparation system to form a sample, and analyzing the sample for the analyte of interest. |
| US08272252B2 |
Pore structure characterization of filtration cartridges at specific locations along cartridge length
A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge. |
| US08272251B2 |
Method for testing separation modules
New methods and apparatus are described for assessing the integrity of a separation module or filtration system. A principle embodiment concerns use of a transient pulse of challenge species to probe a spiral wound module. The resulting time-dependent concentration of challenge species in the permeate is detected, recorded, and compared to a reference. An apparatus is further claimed for detecting permeate conductivity at multiple points within the permeate collection tube of a spiral wound module. Also disclosed is a process whereby the permeate stream from a filtration system is concentration by a high recovery membrane apparatus prior to measurement of challenge species concentration. |
| US08272246B2 |
Electronic self-calibration for sensor clearance
Self-calibration of a multiple channel clearance sensor system, which in one embodiment includes at least one sensor for measuring at least one clearance parameter signal between a stationary object and a rotating object of a rotating machine. The sensor output is processed as a clearance parameter by an offset correction section configured to determine an offset error in the clearance parameter signal which is used by a level shifter. The level shifter is also switchably coupled to the clearance parameter signal wherein the output of the level shifter, which may be amplified and digitally converted, is processed by a signal level analyzer to determine a channel gain signal. |
| US08272243B2 |
Hemming working method and working apparatus
A moving die is held by a robot and made to approach a vehicle, and a positioning pin is inserted into a positioning hole of the vehicle. The moving die is brought into a floating state of being displaceable relative to the vehicle by reducing a force of the robot for maintaining an attitude thereof. In a state of holding the moving die by the robot, a surface of the moving die is brought into contact with the vehicle by an adsorbing mechanism including an adsorbing portion of an elastic member provided to the moving die. The moving die and the robot are cut to be separated. |
| US08272233B2 |
Heat exchanger and refrigerating air conditioner
A heat exchanger includes a first flat tube in which a low temperature fluid flows and a second flat tube in which a high temperature fluid flows and that is laminated on the first flat tube and arranged so that the flow direction of the high temperature fluid is parallel to the flow direction of the low temperature fluid. One of the first and second flat tubes is arranged in the direction of lamination. Ends of the flat tubes are bent in a direction intersecting at right angles both flow directions of the fluids and the direction of lamination. |
| US08272230B2 |
Temperature control unit for electronic component and handler apparatus
A temperature control unit for an electronic component and a handler apparatus, which are excellent in responsibility during cooling and heating, is obtained. The temperature control unit for an electronic component includes a cooling cycle device having a refrigerant passage circulating through a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator; a thermally conductive block having an outer surface capable of coming in contact with the electronic component that is an object to be temperature-controlled, where an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface is placed opposite to the outer surface so as to be brought in contact with or apart from the evaporator; at least one first heater for heating the thermally conductive block; and a compressed air feeding circuit for feeding compressed air between facing surfaces of the evaporator and the thermally conductive block to part them. |
| US08272229B2 |
Air conditioner and control box assembly
Disclosed is an air conditioner having a control box assembly, which enhances the serviceability of a circuit board and reduces production costs. In the air conditioner, which has a casing unit forming an external appearance of the air conditioner, a heat exchanger, a blowing device, and a control box assembly provided in the casing, the control box assembly includes a mounting unit mounting a circuit board; a control box housing the circuit board and the mounting unit; and guide units provided in the control box to guide a rectilinear reciprocating motion of the mounting unit to allow the mounting unit to come into and out of the control box and guide a rotating motion of the mounting unit in the case that the mounting unit is located at a designated position. |
| US08272226B2 |
System and method for making dot clumps
A method for producing clumped frozen food products includes the steps of forming a plurality of cryogenically manufactured ice cream units; conveying the units along a conveyor to a rotating container; disposing a liquid on the units while the units are within the rotating container, wherein the liquid hardens into a binder that facilitates fusion of individual units with one another to form a plurality of clumps, each of the clumps respectively comprising a plurality of fused units coupled with the binder. After forming into clumps, the clumps may be removed from the rotating container and stored in a frozen form. |
| US08272224B2 |
Apparatus and methods for fuel nozzle frequency adjustment
A combustion liner cap assembly includes a cylindrical outer sleeve. The cylindrical outer sleeve includes a center fuel nozzle opening and a plurality of outer fuel nozzle openings spaced around the center fuel nozzle. A mounting flange assembly concentrically surrounds the cylindrical outer sleeve. A plurality of struts on an outer surface of the cylindrical outer sleeve support the mounting flange assembly. A plurality of flanges are on the outer surface of the cylindrical outer sleeve; and a plurality of support rods having first ends are adjustably supported by respective flanges. A combustor for a gas turbine includes a combustion liner cap assembly, a plurality of outer fuel nozzles supported in the plurality of outer fuel nozzle openings, and a center fuel nozzle supported in the center fuel nozzle opening. Second ends of the plurality of support rods adjustably contact the center fuel nozzle. |
| US08272220B2 |
Impingement cooling plate for a hot gas duct of a thermal machine
A thermal machine including a wall defining a hot gas duct for transferring a hot gas stream and a cooling jacket disposed at a distance from the wall on an outside of the hot gas duct so as to define a cooling duct with an inlet and an outlet. The cooling duct is configured to conduct a cooling medium along an external face of the wall from the inlet to an outlet in a direction counter to a flow of hot gas in the hot gas duct. An impingement cooling plate is disposed at the inlet of the cooling duct and includes cooling baffle holes configured such that cooling medium entering the cooling duct through the cooling baffle holes flows in a direction perpendicular to the wall. The impingement cooling plate is positioned such that an inflow-side edge sealingly abuts the wall of the hot gas duct so as to reduce a transverse flow of the cooling medium through the cooling duct. |
| US08272217B2 |
Method and device for carrying out a thermodynamic cyclic process
In accordance with the invention, to reduce the complexity of a cycle process, a liquid working medium flow (13) is brought up to an increased pressure and through part condensation of an expanded working medium flow (12) a first partly vaporized working medium flow (15) is created. Through further vaporization of the first partly vaporized working medium flow (15) with heat which is transferred from an external heat source (20), a second at least partly vaporized working medium flow (18) is created. In this second at least partly vaporized working medium flow (18) the vapor phase (10) is separated from the liquid phase (10), subsequently the energy of the vapor phase (10) is converted into a usable form and an expanded vapor phase (11) created. The expanded vapor phase (11) is mixed with the liquid phase (19) and the expanded working medium flow (12) is formed. Through complete condensation of the partly condensed, expanded working medium flow (12a) the liquid working medium flow (13) is obtained in its turn. |
| US08272216B2 |
Method for converting solar thermal energy
[Subject]The subject is to provide a method of converting solar energy into the transportable and stockable secondary energy[Means for Solving the Problem]There is provided a method of converting solar thermal energy obtained in a first region into motive power energy used in a second region, the second region having a solar-radiation amount smaller than that of the first region, comprising: synthesizing ammonia from air and water by using, as an energy source; only the solar thermal energy acquired in the first region, transferring the ammonia from the first region to the second region; and, burning the ammonia in the second region such that nitrogen and water are produced, thereby obtaining motive power energy. |
| US08272212B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing thermal efficiencey of a compressed air energy storage system
Systems, methods and devices for optimizing thermal efficiency within a gas compression system are described herein. In some embodiments, a device can include a first hydraulic cylinder, a second hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic actuator. The first hydraulic cylinder has a first working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the first hydraulic cylinder and which divides the first hydraulic cylinder into a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber. The second hydraulic cylinder has a second working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the second hydraulic cylinder and which divides the second hydraulic cylinder into a third hydraulic chamber and a fourth hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic actuator can be coupled to the first or second working piston, and is operable to move the first and second working pistons in a first direction and a second direction such that volume in the hydraulic chambers are reduced accordingly. |
| US08272208B1 |
Exhaust system with air injection
An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine includes an air injection port in a designated region of an exhaust conduit having a converging-then-diverging nozzle providing increased exhaust gas flow velocity and decreased exhaust gas pressure. In another embodiment, an injection air conduit is connected between an alternator blower and the engine exhaust conduit to supply injection air to the latter. |
| US08272204B2 |
Core cowl airfoil for a gas turbine engine
An example core nacelle for a gas turbine engine includes a core cowl positioned adjacent an inner duct boundary of a fan bypass passage and having a pocket and an airfoil received within the pocket. The airfoil is moveable between a first position and a second position to adjust a discharge airflow cross-sectional area of the gas turbine engine. |
| US08272203B2 |
External fan duct casing in a turbomachine
Twin-flow turbo-jet engine, comprising a cylindrical casing externally defining an annular flow space for a secondary flow, wherein the cylindrical casing is formed from a lattice framework and from removable cowling panels fixed to the framework, said framework comprising an upstream annular flange for fixing to an intermediate housing, a downstream annular flange for connecting to an exhaust housing and rigid beams parallel or inclined relative to the axis of the turbo-jet engine, connecting the two flanges to one another. |
| US08272202B2 |
Gas turbine engine fan variable area nozzle with swivalable insert system
A turbofan engine (10) includes a fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) (50) which effectively changes the physical area and geometry within a fan bypass flow path (40) to manipulate the pressure ratio of the bypass flow. The FVAN generally includes a multitude of aerodynamically shaped inserts (52) circumferentially located about the core nacelle (12). The FVAN at a fully stowed position (takeoff/landing) takes up a minimum of area within the fan bypass flow path to effectively maximize the fan nozzle exit area (44) while in the fully deployed position (cruise) takes up a maximum of area within the bypass flow path to effectively minimize the fan nozzle exit area. By separately adjusting each of the multiple of inserts relative the other inserts the FVAN provides an asymmetrical fan nozzle exit area to selectively vector the fan bypass flow. |
| US08272201B2 |
Means for cooling a bearing assembly
Means for cooling a bearing assembly supporting a rotor stage of a gas turbine engine after engine shutdown. The engine comprises a combustion section, a compressor for the delivery of air to the combustion section, and a bearing assembly supporting a rotor stage. The means for cooling a bearing assembly comprises a means operable to generate a signal representative of turbine duct temperature immediately prior to engine shutdown, a means for determining the duration for cooling after engine shutdown as a function of the signal representative of turbine duct temperature, and the compressor operable as a cooling means to deliver cooling air to the rotor stage after engine shutdown. Thereby the amount of heat conducted to the bearing assembly is limited such that the temperature of the bearing assembly is limited to below a predetermined temperature. |
| US08272196B2 |
Side seal assembly with indexing mechanism
A side seal assembly for a shrink wrap packaging system is located downstream in the feed direction from a wrapping station to join first and second plies together and enclose each of the products in individually wrapped packages. The side seal assembly includes a heated side seal mechanism to form the side seal weld and separate the selvage film. The assembly includes an indexing mechanism to index the side seal mechanism and expose a clean surface to the film without removal or extensive servicing of the assembly and the heretofore requisite downtime for the system. The sealing and cutting functions are combined into a single, stationary component thereby reducing the number of movable parts. Moreover, indexing the side seal mechanism operatively exposes a clean, free of resin build-up, peripheral edge of the side seal mechanism to the plies, without the need to stop production for extended periods of time while consistently producing a thin side seal weld on the package. |
| US08272194B2 |
Deep draw container forming method
The present disclosure is directed to processes for manufacturing internally pierced shaped articles for unit-dose packaging with at least one formed recess (e.g., a blister), in particular for unit-dose packaging of pharmaceutical dosage forms. In certain embodiments, the first step of the process is directed to drawing the film material (e.g., metal-plastic foil) with one or more plungers to form a primary contour, the contour having a depth of at least 100% and up to 150% of the depth of the formed recess. The second stage involves shaping the primary contour with one or more plunger(s) to the desired formed recess, with a depth that is less than the depth of the primary contour, while substantially maintaining the surface area of the primary contour formed in the first stage. The formed recess may be formed using warm-forming or cold-forming techniques. The third stage involves the automatic placing of an internal piercing device stably into the shaped article. |
| US08272192B2 |
Spring-roll-pack opener
The present invention is directed to opening a spring roll pack in a controlled manner. A support surface is provided that is positioned to support the spring roll pack. A compression mechanism compresses the spring roll pack. As the spring roll pack is compressed, the spring roll pack is rotated while an accumulator winds wrapping material of the spring roll pack. |
| US08272186B2 |
Roof vent pipe shield
The present invention relates to a vent pipe protection cover for repairing damaged flashing or for any new construction for waterproofing the vent pipe. A two piece construction which allows one device to accommodate roof pitches and various size vent pipes without the need to custom make the device is disclosed. |
| US08272185B2 |
Method of neutralizing a harmful substance using responsive structural elements
The invention is a structural element including an elongate member having a first end and second end and defining a cross-section. The structural element further includes a sensor, secured to the elongate member, for detecting at least one pre-selected indicator. Advantageously, the elongate member is responsive to the pre-selected indicator. |
| US08272181B2 |
Grout sleeve for foundation anchor bolts and method for protection of anchor bolts for a vertical structure, including wind turbines
A foundation for a tall vertical structure, such as a wind turbine installation, features anchor bolts having a grout cap slid over the anchor bolt, where the grout cap has a flared skirt which seals against the open annulus formed by the anchor bolt and its accompanying PVC sleeve, where the top of the PVC sleeve is generally flush with the bottom of the grout trough. The grout cap extends from its bottom which abuts the bottom of the grout trough, up and extending at least partially into a bolt hole in the tower flange. A method of protecting anchor bolts utilizing the grout cap is also described. |
| US08272178B2 |
Press-fit storm window
Described are a new type of storm windows, along with an easy way (and less expensive) of installing the press-fit storm window, on existing frames or windows, without the hassle and expense of replacing the whole window (to save time, cost, and inconvenience), to increase R-value (insulation efficiency) for the windows (i.e. reduce energy waste). This relates to the construction and installation and use of easily installed low cost interior or exterior storm windows, which are attractive and effective in reducing heat and noise transmission. Different approaches and variations to implement this are shown here. |
| US08272177B2 |
Solar roofing assembly
A solar roofing panel includes at least one photovoltaic device, including a front structure and a rear structure, and at least one solar collector capable of delivering hot water, including a front structure and a rear structure. The respective front structures of the photovoltaic device and of the solar collector include glass substrates forming a cover that has an upper face, to face an external environment, and an opposed inner face, the respective rear structures of the photovoltaic device and of the solar collector being placed beneath the cover, facing the inner face. The glass substrates have no metal frames and are joined together, or are separated by other transition glass substrates, so as to form a uniform unitary glass cover. |
| US08272176B2 |
Methods of assembling solar energy collecting modules
A solar energy collection assembly includes a wind deflector and a solar module. A method of assembling includes roll forming frame sections of channel from sheet metal, connecting the frame sections to form an upright frame, and attaching the wind deflector and solar module to the frame. |
| US08272174B2 |
Roofing grommet forming a seal between a roof-mounted structure and a roof
A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes flashing positioned on the substrate that includes a first surface, a second surface and an aperture extending therethrough. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket supports at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion abuts the flashing first surface and the second portion extends through the aperture. |
| US08272172B2 |
Mounting device and roof connection device using the same
A mounting device is fastened over various types of standing seams of a roof. The mounting device includes a mounting body, a wedge-like core and two bolts. The mounting body includes a slot extending therethrough with a trapezoidal cross-section, a first tapped hole and a second tapped hole, wherein the slot has an opening at a relatively short side of a pair of parallel sides of the trapezoidal cross-section. The wedge-like core is sandwiched between a pair of nonparallel sides of the slot. A first bolt is screwed into the first tapped hole and has an end in contact with the wedge-like core for securing a standing seam. A second bolt is screwed into the second tapped hole for securing a desired object on the roof. |
| US08272167B2 |
Sliding assistance mechanism and pull-in unit
A sliding assistance mechanism for helping a switching operation of a moving body on a main body side, includes a case attached to the main body side; first and second moving members slidably placed in the case, respectively; a pair of latches pivotally supported at each moving member, respectively, and releasably locked to corresponding parts of a case side; an urging device provided between both moving members; and a guide groove provided in the case for moving the latches along the same; and first and second operational members spaced apart from each other and provided in the moving body. When the moving members are at a halfway position, an engagement of one of the latches with the second operational member provided in the second moving member is released, and the moving body is pulled by the urging device to the second position. |
| US08272166B2 |
Self-propelled forward movement mechanism of movable body and sliding door
A catcher 2 includes a catcher stopper 21, a holder 22 for a striker 1, and a biasing member 23 for the catcher stopper and the holder. When the catcher stopper 21 is projected by the biasing member 23, the holder 22 is set in a forward position and in a non-holding state, and when the holder 22 is set in a backward position and in a holding state, the catcher stopper 21 is withdrawn. The recess Mb has an engageable hole 402 formed therein for engagement with the catcher stopper 21, and a force is stored in the biasing member 3 when the catcher 2 is set in a reference position where the catcher stopper 21 is brought into engagement with the engageable hole 402. The sticker 1 enters the holder 22 of the catcher 2 when the catcher is set in the reference position since the movable member M is moved forward to a self-propelled movement start position. |
| US08272165B2 |
Assist device for movable body
A catcher member is provided to be movable between a standby position and a retracted position, and at the standby position, while being urged by an urging device, the catcher member is positioned in the standby position by a holding device. When a movable body is moved forward a predetermined movement position, a striker member is caught and engaged with the catcher member positioned in the standby position, and subsequently, holding by the holding device is released, and the catcher member is moved or relatively moved up to the retracted position by being urged by the urging device, so that the urging force is applied to the movable body up to position where the movement ends. An operation device is provided so as to be able to operate to move the catcher member which was moved to the retracted position without catching the striker member, toward the standby position. |
| US08272163B2 |
Modular interlocking pre-vegetated roof system
A modular unit, system and method include a base layer having a plurality of reservoirs configured to prevent water flow through a lower portion, the lower portion for contacting a support surface, and having interlocking portions configured to interlock adjacent base layers when installed. A water permeable layer is disposed over the base layer. A detachable wall is mountable on the base layer to contain planting media. The water permeable layer may include a water-holding capillary fabric mat layer with entangled filaments. |
| US08272161B1 |
Deep root watering system
A root watering system for a tree or a shrub includes an outer container of a water-permeable, flexible material. A perforated, hollow inner support structure maintains the flexible material in an elongated shape between first and second ends. The outer container is positioned in the ground with the elongated shape proximate to the roots of the tree or shrub and with the first end proximate to the surface of the ground and with the second end near a lower end extending generally downward toward the lower portion of the root system of the tree or shrub. Water applied to the ground proximate the upper end of the outer container enters the first end and fills the outer container including the hollow inner support structure. Water within the outer container is released through the porous, flexible material to provide water to the root system of the tree or shrub. |
| US08272159B2 |
Reversibly disengaging slidable strike indicator, positioning system, and method of using same
Particular aspects provide novel strike indicators attachable to fishing lines, that are reversibly disengagable therefrom and thereafter slidably along the line. Particular embodiments comprise: a buoyant main body having an axial channel with corresponding end surface openings; an retention member seat (e.g., groove, ridge, etc.) running around the main body surface; and at least one line retention member receivable and retainable by the seat, and operative with the seat to retain a line passing therebetween at two points. The retention member is displaceable from the seat by sufficient line tension, thereby disengaging the slidable strike indicator. Particular embodiments comprise two strike indicator stop members attachable at user-selectable line positions, and operative to delimit a slidable range of a disengaged slidable strike indicator. Novel methods for fishing, with a slidable reversibly detachable indicator, at a depth greater than the length of a fishing rod are presented. |
| US08272147B2 |
Structure of multi-elastic insole for shoes
The present invention relates to a structure of a multi-elastic insole for shoes wherein a plurality of polyurethane foams having different elasticity from one another are sequentially laminated on the concaved portion of the bottom surface of an insole abutting against a wearer's heel portion, thereby excellently absorbing the impacts generated from a foot sole to make the wearer feel comfortable while in use, which reduces the work load of the leg and foot and the muscle fatigue in the workers standing up for long hours on a hard floor and prevents the muscular skeletal diseases to make the workers healthy. |
| US08272145B2 |
Dryer
A drying machine in which a rotary drum is stably supported is disclosed. The drying machine includes a cabinet; a drum rotatably installed in the cabinet for containing laundry to be dried; a first housing connected to the drum; a second housing connected to the first housing; first and second bearings respectively provided in the first and second housings; and a shaft supported by the first and second bearings, and rotatably connected to the drum. |
| US08272136B2 |
Wallboard cutting tool
A cutting tool is provided which may simultaneously score or cut opposite sides of a wallboard. The tool may also be used to cut semi-circular portions from a corner of the wallboard and which may be used to cut circles from the wallboard. |
| US08272135B2 |
Saw blade clamping mechanism for a power tool
A saw blade clamping mechanism includes a saw blade spindle, a support sleeve, a clamping pin, and a rotating sleeve. The spindle has a longitudinal receiving slot and an axial elongate slot. The rotating sleeve has a retaining slot. A movable pin is secured on the rotating sleeve and extends through the elongate slot. A latch pin is fixed on the support sleeve and is held within the retaining slot. The rotating sleeve is movable from a first position to a second position. When the rotating sleeve is in the first position, the latch pin is positioned at an outer end of the circumferential section of the retaining slot and the clamping pin inserts into the longitudinal receiving slot of the spindle to fix a saw blade. When the rotating sleeve is in the second position, the latch pin is positioned at an upper end of the axial section of the retaining slot and the clamping pin retracts from the receiving slot of the spindle to release the saw blade. |
| US08272134B2 |
Power cutter
A power cutter comprising an engine mounted within a housing, a support arm mounted on and projecting forward of the housing and a blade mounting mechanism rotatably mounted on the end of the support arm which is capable of being rotationally driven by the engine. A cutting blade having a circular central hole mounts on and is rotationally driven by the blade mounting mechanism. The blade mounting mechanism comprises a spindle rotatably mounted on the support arm, an adaptor upon which the cutting blade is mounted, and a clamping mechanism capable of axially and angularly locking the cutting blade to the spindle. When the blade is mounted on the adaptor, the central hole of the blade mounts on the corresponding one of a plurality of differently sized radial support surfaces on the adaptor so that the axis of rotation of the blade is substantially co-axial with that of the spindle. |
| US08272132B2 |
Serving utensil having pan lifting element
The present invention is directed to a serving utensil for selectively engaging a serving pan for removal from a steam table. The utensil is of the type used in buffet-style service settings. The utensil includes a serving element on one end and a handle on the other end. The serving element may comprise a bowl, tines, prongs, tongs and the like. The handle includes a flange extending from a face thereof for selectively engaging the serving pan of the steam table such that the flange is selectively insertable between the pan and the steam table such that the user may lift the serving pan from the steam table for removal of the serving pan for cleaning or replacement. |
| US08272130B2 |
Method of manufacturing an ink jet print head
A method of manufacturing an ink jet print head capable of bonding the printing element substrate to the support surface with high precision in a reduced period of time is provided. For this purpose, raised flat portions are formed in the support surface of the supporting member to provide in an adhesive layer between the printing element substrate and the supporting member a portion of the thermosetting adhesive that is thinner than others. After the relative positions of the printing element substrate and the supporting member are adjusted, the thin portions of the adhesive layer are hardened. This enables the printing element substrate to be bonded to the supporting member in a relatively short period of time. As a result, if there are undulations on the support surface, the printing element substrate can be bonded to the supporting member with high precision, improving the mass productivity of the print head. |
| US08272129B2 |
Air cycle machine insert and method of repair
The air cycle machine insert and method of repair provides an economical repair of the turbine housing section of an air cycle machine, rather than scrapping the component and replacing with a new section. The toroid shaped insert or liner has a U-shaped cross section, configured to fit closely within the turbine air passage of the air cycle machine. A throat insert is also provided. The existing throat flange extending outwardly over the turbine air passage is removed for installation of the insert. High temperature silicone sealant is preferably placed between the wall of the turbine air passage and the liner, after machining the air passage wall to remove irregularities. The liner is then installed and mechanically secured with one or more rivets, the throat insert is installed to replace the previously removed throat flange, and the repaired turbine housing reassembled with the air cycle machine to complete the repair. |
| US08272126B2 |
Method of producing circuit board
An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of producing a circuit board that allows highly accurate preservation of the circuit profile and gives a circuit having a desired depth in preparation of a fine circuit by additive process.The method of producing a multilayer circuit board in an aspect of the present invention includes a film-forming step of forming a swellable resin film on the surface of an insulative substrate, a circuit groove-forming step of forming circuit grooves having a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of the swellable resin film on the external surface of the swellable resin film, a catalyst-depositing step of depositing a plating catalyst or the precursor thereof on the surface of the circuit grooves and the surface of the swellable resin film, a film-separating step of swelling the swellable resin film with a particular liquid and then separating the swollen resin film from the insulative substrate surface, and a plating processing step of forming an electrolessly plated film only in the region where the plating catalyst or the plating catalyst formed from the plating catalyst precursor remains unseparated after separation of the swellable resin film. |
| US08272125B2 |
Method of manufacturing in vitro analyte sensors
Provided are methods of manufacturing a plurality of electrochemical sensors. The methods include forming a plurality of working electrodes on a first electrode region of a substrate, forming a plurality of counter electrodes on a second electrode region of the substrate, disposing a spacer layer on one of the first and second electrode regions, folding the substrate with the spacer layer between the first electrode region and the second electrode region to form a layered structure, and separating or cutting the layered structure to form individual electrochemical sensors. |
| US08272124B2 |
Anchoring carbon nanotube columns
A technique for anchoring carbon nanotube columns to a substrate can include use of a filler material placed onto the surface of the substrate into area between the columns and surrounding a base portion of each of the columns. |
| US08272122B2 |
Tube mill with in-line braze coating process
A tube mill apparatus and process for continuously forming and coating a tube with a braze alloy. The apparatus and process produce a continuously moving welded tube by continuously forming and welding a tubing material, after which the welded tube is passed through a sizing station to establish a desired outer shape and desired outer dimensions for the welded tube. The braze alloy is then deposited on a roughened surface of the welded tube that is clean and free of oils and coolants. The braze alloy is deposited with a wire arc spray gun that heats a wire of a metallic material and causes the heated metallic material to travel in a direction transverse to the direction of tube travel and deposit on the roughened surface of the tube to form an adherent layer of the braze alloy. Finally, any bow in the welded tube is removed as the tube travels away from the spray gun. |
| US08272110B2 |
Shoe lace
The present invention is directed to an improved shoe lace comprised of a plurality of bendable support elements permanently held within a limp material at each of the two end tips by a sleeve, whereby the lace enables children, and persons with physical disabilities, to more easily tie their shoes, as well as staying tied while wearing the improved shoe laces. |
| US08272106B2 |
Cotton ginning apparatus
A driven conveyor having an upper surface for receiving and transporting seed cotton comprises a plurality of spaced apart slats, each extending transversely relative to the direction of travel. Each slat has a roughened surface to which cotton fiber will adhere. The transverse gaps between the respective slats facilitate severance of seed by a transverse blade that is in contact with the upper surface of the conveyor, while the cotton fiber adheres to the slatted upper surface and is pulled through the pinch point between the blade and the conveyor. An air flow chamber is arranged above the blade so that seed separated from the fiber at the pinch point can be removed. An air suction device is provided downstream of the blade for removal of the fiber from the upper surface. A blade mounting assembly resiliently biases the blade in floating contact with the upper surface of the conveyor. |
| US08272102B2 |
Rotating shaft fastener structure
A fixing structure is provided. The fixing structure comprises a first housing, a rotating shaft, a second housing and a third housing. The first housing has an accommodating portion, and the rotating shaft is disposed in the accommodating portion. The second housing is disposed on one side of the rotating shaft. The third housing is disposed on the other side of the rotating shaft and covers the rotating shaft and the second housing. The shaft body is wedged into a shaft bore, and the shaft shoulder is wedged into the second housing. The third housing is against one side of the shaft body, and covers the rotating shaft and the second housing. The shaft shoulder is firmly against the second housing. Thus, it does not need any tool to assemble and disassemble. |
| US08272097B2 |
Upright vacuum cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body having a dust collection container received therein, a base unit and a carriage configured to provide movement of the base unit on the surface. A motor-fan unit is disposed in the base unit and configured to create a partial vacuum at the surface. A rigid, yoke-shaped duct member provides at least a portion of an air path from the base unit to the upper body. The yoke-shaped duct member supports the upper body such that the upper body is pivotable relative to the base unit about a tilt axis extending horizontally when the upright vacuum cleaner is in a position of use. |
| US08272096B2 |
Wiper blade
The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) consisting of a rubber profiled element (48) comprising a wiper lip (50) and at least one carrier element (46) that can be connected to a wiper arm (18) by means of a fixing element (14) and a connection element (22). The fixing element (14) comprises a covering cap (16) and the connection element (22) fixed to the wiper arm (18) secures the wiper blade (10) perpendicularly to a pivoting axis (20) by means of a clip (52), on the end (54) thereof at an angle to the wiper blade. According to the invention, the covering cap (16) comprises an opening (34) or recess for the angular end (54) of the clip (52), on the side of the cap opposing the rubber profiled element (48), in the region of the connection element (22), said opening only partially overlapping the covering cap (16) in the mounted position. |
| US08272095B2 |
Notched spatula applicator and adhesive composition for laying parquet
The invention relates to a notched spatula applicator (1) including gripping means (3) connected to a spatula (2) of which the straight working edge (2c) is equipped with a plurality of notches (4) that are identical and evenly spaced apart by a distance between 35 and 50 mm, the width of said notches being between 9 and 18 mm and their height between 8 and 20 mm.The invention also relates to a process for laying, by bonding, rigid floorcoverings, especially parquet, which uses said applicator and an adhesive composition comprising from 0.2 to 5 wt % of substantially spherical particles of a material for which the substantially identical diameter may range from 1 to 7 mm.The invention finally relates to the adhesive composition used in said process. |
| US08272094B2 |
Floor care disk
A floor care disk for a floor care machine such as a floor polishing machine includes a floor care pad mounted on a drive plate. The drive plate includes a stiff disk element and tongue-like tabs connected flexibly to a radially outer portion or rim of the disk element, and extending radially inwardly toward a radially inner portion or hub of the disk element. The radially inner free ends of the tongue-like tabs are free to flexibly deflect away from the plane of the disk element. The pad is mounted on the tabs and on the radially outer portion of the disk element. During rotational operation of the floor care disk, due to the arising centrifugal force acting on the center of mass of the rotating pad and tongue-like tabs, the pad and the tongue-like tabs are flexibly deflected away from the disk element and toward the floor surface, thereby deflecting the pad into osculating contact with the floor surface. |
| US08272092B2 |
Compact autonomous coverage robot
An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle. |
| US08272088B2 |
Patient support system for full access prone position breast radiotherapy
A patient support system to be used in conjunction with a standard linear accelerator, and other sources, is described that allows access of the treatment beam to the breast from up to 360 degrees. This support system places the patient in a prone position with the breast going through an aperture. The prone position increases the separation of the breast from the chest wall and other critical organs and reduces motion of the target tissue due to breathing. This invention offers up to 360 degree radiation beam access to the breast. This helps in skin sparing, better dose conformity, and allows one to use modern treatment techniques such as IMRT and IGRT. It also includes a provision for an imaging system. This invention can also be used with CT and MR imaging modalities. |
| US08272084B2 |
Patient lift with hanger bar attachment
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a patient lift apparatus is provided that includes a hanger bar attachment bumper that comprises a soft material so as to provide a soft impact surface on the patient lift apparatus, the hanger bar attachment comprising a first and second housing adapted to be selectively connected to one another. According to another embodiment of the present invention a patient lift apparatus is provided that includes a hanger bar attachment bumper that comprises a soft material so as to provide a soft impact surface on the patient lift apparatus, the hanger bar attachment bumper comprising a first and second housing adapted to be selectively connected to one another, wherein the hanger bar attachment bumper comprises a surface area and wherein the first housing makes up a larger portion of the surface area of the hanger bar attachment bumper than the second housing. |
| US08272081B2 |
Toilet seat lift device
A lift device replaces the toilet seat and seat cover of a conventional toilet. The lift device provides a portion that overlays the toilet bowl area and a portion that supports the forward elements of the assembly. The lift device further provides a toilet seat and a horizontally-disposed seat pivot shaft located to the front of the device. A reversible electric motor with a worm gear drive engages a worm wheel segment attached to the seat pivot shaft for raising and lowering the toilet seat as desired or required. This action assists the user in positioning himself or herself onto the toilet and in lifting the user from the toilet. The raising and lowering movement can also be alternatively actuated by the user or by an assistant-actuated override device, such as when the user is assisted by a care giver. |
| US08272079B2 |
Water jet mechanism for whirlpool effect in pedicures or other applications
A whirlpool foot bath for a pedicure chair having a housing with a removable cap and a rotor and stator magnetic motor within the housing. Water in the bath is circulated through an inlet in the cap and out through at least one outlet in the cap. A method of use is described. |
| US08272073B2 |
Athletic protective padding
An athletic protective pad having first and second layers of breathable fabric and a foam body having a layer of perforated foam. The layer of foam is preferably closed cell foam with spaced apart perforations therethrough. The foam body is sandwiched in a secure or permanent position between the first and second layers of fabric, thereby wicking moisture away from a wearer. |
| US08272070B2 |
Conical face shield
Conical face shields, sports helmets, and methods for orienting a conical face shield in a sports helmet are described. In embodiments, the conical face shield has at least two opposing arcuate edges, at least two opposing side edges, and a shield. The arcuate edges each have a first end, a second end, and an edge surface extending between the first end and the second end. Further, the edge surface of the first arcuate edge and the edge surface of the second arcuate edge include an arc segment and the arc segment of the edge surface of the first arcuate edge is part of an ellipse with a greater semi-minor axis than the semi-minor axis of the ellipse forming the arc segment of the edge surface of the second arcuate edge. In various other embodiments, the conical face shield may be horizontally and/or vertically tapered. |
| US08276210B2 |
Tomographic atom probe comprising an electro-optical generator of high-voltage electrical pulses
A tomographic atom probe uses electrical pulses applied to an electrode in order to carry out evaporation of the sample being analyzed. In order to produce these electrical pulses, the tomographic atom probe comprises a high-voltage generator connected to an electrode by an electrical connection comprising a chip of semiconductor material. The probe also comprises a light source which can be controlled in order to generate light pulses which are applied to the semiconductor chip. Throughout the illumination, the chip is rendered conductive, which puts the high-voltage generator and the electrode in electrical contact so that a potential step is applied to the latter. The probe also comprises means for applying a voltage step of opposite amplitude to the previous step at the end of a time interval Δt0, so that the electrode finally receives a voltage pulse of duration Δt0. |
| US08276208B2 |
Security-level enforcement in virtual-machine fail-over
Methods, systems, and articles to receive, by a fail-over computing device, a request to instantiate a virtual-machine in response to a virtual-machine failure on a separate physical device. The request includes a minimum security rating. The fail-over computing device then compares the minimum security rating against an assigned security rating of the fail-over computing device and instantiates the virtual-machine if the assigned security rating meets or exceeds the minimum security rating. |
| US08276206B2 |
Systems and methods for partial matching searches of encrypted retained data
Systems and methods are provided for encryption allowing partial matching searches to retrieve data that is retained in a database. A user identification number or other characteristic is stored in unencrypted form such that a wildcard search may be performed to retrieve one or more encrypted indexes associated with the unencrypted user identification. These encrypted indexes are then unencrypted by use of a key to determined their associated unencrypted index and corresponding targeted retained data. The targeted retained data may then be accessed by an authorized entity such as a law enforcement agency. |
| US08276203B2 |
System and method for mitigating a denial of service attack in a subscriber network
A system and method for mitigating a denial of service attack in a subscriber network. A traffic monitor monitors bandwidth usage of a subscriber network that is directed to a particular port. The traffic monitor detects excessive traffic based on preset thresholds or algorithms. When excessive traffic is detected, the traffic monitor may obtain the source IP address from headers in the packet stream and identify the device or devices from which the packets were delivered to the network. Using the IP addresses of affected devices, a policy may be implemented to throttle packets originating from those devices that are directed to the particular port. |
| US08276200B2 |
Systems and methods for securely processing sensitive streams in a mixed infrastructure
A system and method for securely processing sensitive streams in a mixed infrastructure includes analyzing a stream to determine data sensitivity. A likelihood that processing elements employed to process the stream would result in a risk to sensitive information is determined. At least a portion of the data stream having sensitive information is transferred to a secure processing environment to ensure security of the data stream during processing. |
| US08276199B2 |
Method and device for secure test port authentication
A device includes a first test port coupled to a first test device, a second test port coupled to a second test device, a resource, and a security controller coupled to the first and second test ports. The security controller is operable to authenticate the first test device prior to authenticating the second test device, and, in response to authenticating the first test device, permit the first and second test devices to access the first resource. |
| US08276198B2 |
Method and apparatus for local area networks
A mechanism for segregating traffic amongst STAs that are associated with a bridge, referred to herein as the personal virtual bridged local area network (personal VLAN), is based upon the use of a VLAN to segregate traffic. The IEEE 802.1Q-1998 (virtual bridged LANs) protocol provides a mechanism that is extended by the invention to partition a LAN segment logically into multiple VLANs. In the preferred embodiment, a VLAN bridge forwards unicast and group frames only to those ports that serve the VLAN to which the frames belong. One embodiment of the invention extends the standard VLAN bridge model to provide a mechanism that is suitable for use within an AP. In a preferred embodiment, the Personal VLAN bridge extends the standard VLAN bridge in at least any of the following ways: VLAN discovery in which a personal VLAN bridge provides a protocol for VLAN discovery; VLAN extension in which a Personal VLAN allows a station to create a new port that serves a new VLAN, or to join an existing VLAN via an authentication protocol; Logical ports in which a Personal VLAN bridge can maintain more than one logical port per physical port, and bridges between ports of any kind; and cryptographic VLAN separation. |
| US08276194B2 |
Methods and systems for user authentication
Method and systems for user authentication are provided according to the embodiments of the invention. The method mainly includes: sending, by a management station, an authentication request message of an authentication protocol to a managed device via a management protocol, and sending user authentication information to the managed device; and authenticating the user by the managed device via the authentication protocol or a authentication server based on the received user authentication information, and returning an authentication acknowledgement message of the authentication protocol carrying the authentication result to the management station via the management protocol. The system mainly includes a management station and a managed device; or, a management station, a managed device and a backend authentication server. With the present invention, methods and systems for user authentication with a good extensibility and a widened application are provided. |
| US08276193B2 |
System for online compromise tool
An Activity Access Control (AAC) utility controls access to applications and devices by allowing an administrator to set terms of use/access regarding a applications and/or devices for a group of users, whose activity are monitored. The AAC utility also enables administrator and user access to a compromise facility via a centralized access point to establish or request changes to the terms of use/access. The AAC utility allows the administrator to dynamically update information and set terms based on real-time information collected during activity monitoring. Dynamic updates may also occur based on the monitored user's request, the priority of the requesting user(s), historical data, occurrence of a special event, completion of other internal or/external tasks, and/or pre-set limitations or thresholds. In addition, the AAC utility facilitates the real-time display or publishing of the terms of use, status information, and statistical information to users and the administrator. |
| US08276192B2 |
System and method for security planning with hard security constraints
A method for security planning with hard security constraints includes: receiving security-related requirements of a network to be developed using system inputs and processing components; and generating the network according to the security-related requirements, wherein the network satisfies hard security constraints. |
| US08276191B2 |
Provisioning data storage entities with authorization settings
A method and system for generating authorization settings that indicate whether host administrators using a host-based storage-management application are authorized to perform provisioning operations on data storage entities residing on a data storage system are disclosed. Accordingly, a storage-management application receives from an administrator an authorization setting indicating on a per-user basis a set of provisioning operations which can be performed with a data storage entity via the storage-management application. The authorization settings are then communicated from the host-based storage-management application to the storage system where the data storage entity resides, and the authorization settings are stored. A storage-management application executing on any host can then utilize the authorization settings to control which users are allowed to interact with certain data storage entities, and what specific interactions (e.g., provisioning operations) are allowed. |
| US08276188B2 |
Systems and methods for managing storage devices
Systems and methods for managing storage devices are provided. The functionalities of smart card and micro SD card are integrated into a storage device to expand the effective storage capacity. The system includes a storage device having a storage area, a microcontroller, and a microprocessor. The microcontroller receives an access request, determines whether the access request conforms to a specific protocol or whether the access request is requesting to activate the microprocessor, and transmits the access request to a microprocessor when the access request conforms to the specific protocol or when the access request is requesting to activate the microprocessor. The microprocessor executes a Card Operating System (COS), and manages the storage area by performing the access request based on the COS. Further, the segmentation of expanded storage space and independent management/security mechanism for segmented spaces also make it possible to perform multi-applications for different card organizations/issuers. |
| US08276186B2 |
System and method for synchronizing security settings of control systems
A method for communicating data between a first and second control system (FCS and SCS). FCS (202) controls a first process (FP) having first security data (FSD) in a first data security format (FDSF). The method involves modifying the FSD (214) from being in the FDSF into modified security data (MSD) in a modified security format (MSDF) compatible with SCS (226). Subsequent to the modifying, a request is received from an SCS user. The request includes a user type, process parameter (PP) associated with the FP, and request for information regarding the PP or a request to change a PP value. The method also involves referencing the user type and PP to the MSD. The method further involves blocking or allowing the request based on results of the referencing. If results indicate that the request is allowed, then an access level can be impersonated for changing the PP value in FCS. |
| US08276182B2 |
Television content from multiple sources
Television content from multiple sources is described. In embodiment(s), a television client device includes an interface to receive television media content in multiple streaming video formats. A television media service implemented in the television client device can process television media content when received in a first streaming video format, and render the television media content for display. In addition, the television media service can process additional television media content when received in a second streaming video format, and render the additional television media content for display. |
| US08276178B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcast receiver and a control method thereof are disclosed. The digital broadcast receiver includes a reception unit for receiving a broadcast signal which mobile service data and main service data are multiplexed, an extractor for extracting transmission parameter channel signaling information and fast information channel signaling information from a data group in the received mobile service data, an acquirer for acquiring a program table describing virtual channel information and a service of an ensemble by using the extracted fast information channel signaling information, the ensemble being a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, a detector for detecting a descriptor defining a telephone number system corresponding to the mobile service data by using the acquired program table, and a controller for controlling such that a telephone number of the telephone number system of the detected descriptor and the mobile service data are displayed. |
| US08276169B2 |
Medium processing device
A medium processing device is provided. A processor processes a plate-shaped medium. A tray has a storage for storing the medium and is movable between a first position where the medium is processed by the processor and a second position where the medium is mounted and removed from the storage. A moving mechanism moves the tray between the first position and the second position. A transporting mechanism mounts the medium in the storage and removing the medium from the storage. A restraining member restrains an upward movement of a front end of the tray that is moved to the second position by the moving mechanism. |
| US08276168B2 |
Data storage media accessibility in a media library
An apparatus and method for increasing data storage capacity of a media library is disclosed herein. The elevation or vertical clearance of a tray assembly included in the library is configured to permit access of data storage media stored near the floor of the library. |
| US08276164B2 |
Data parallel computing on multiple processors
A method and an apparatus that allocate one or more physical compute devices such as CPUs or GPUs attached to a host processing unit running an application for executing one or more threads of the application are described. The allocation may be based on data representing a processing capability requirement from the application for executing an executable in the one or more threads. A compute device identifier may be associated with the allocated physical compute devices to schedule and execute the executable in the one or more threads concurrently in one or more of the allocated physical compute devices concurrently. |
| US08276163B2 |
Portable electronic device and method for scheduling sessions
A portable electronic device and method for scheduling sessions in a portable electronic device is provided. The device provides a session manager. The session manager provides different types of sessions between multimedia services and multimedia drivers in the device. Each session comprises one or more statuses directed at controlling allotment of the multimedia services to applications. The session manager coordinates the statuses of the sessions if a service has modified a status of a corresponding session. The session manager provides callbacks to notify a corresponding service when a status of the corresponding session has been coordinated. |
| US08276155B2 |
Method, system, and storage medium for managing computer processing functions
Exemplary embodiments include a system and storage medium for managing computer processing functions in a multi-processor computer environment. The system includes a physical processor, a standard logical processor, an assist logical processor sharing a same logical partition as the standard logical processor, and a single operating system instance associated with the logical partition, the single operating system instance including a switch-to service and a switch-from service. The system also includes a dispatch component managed by the single operating system instance. Upon invoking the switch-to service by standard code, the switch-to service checks to see if an assist logical processor is online and, if so, it updates an integrated assist field of a work element block associated with the task for indicating the task is eligible to be executed on the assist logical processor. The switch-to service also assigns a work queue to the work element block. |
| US08276149B2 |
Thread livelock reduction unit
Method, apparatus and system embodiments to assign priority to a thread when the thread is otherwise unable to proceed with instruction retirement. For at least one embodiment, the thread is one of a plurality of active threads in a multiprocessor system that includes memory livelock breaker logic and/or starvation avoidance logic. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08276141B2 |
Selection of transaction managers based on transaction metadata
One or more transaction managers are automatically selected from a plurality of transaction managers for use in processing a transaction. The selection is based on types of resources used by the transaction and supported resource types of the transaction managers. The selection of the one or more transaction managers enables less than all of the transaction managers of an application server to be used in transaction commit processing, thereby improving performance. |
| US08276136B2 |
Transparent configuration of a network appliance
A method and apparatus for configuring a remotely available service. In one embodiment, the method includes downloading configuration data for the remotely available service while running a current instance of the service, and invoking a new instance of the service without causing a current instance of the service to terminate. The method may further include causing the current instance of the service to continue performing designated operations until the new instance completes initialization using the configuration data and is able to perform the designated operations. |
| US08276133B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for determining a plurality of application settings utilizing a mathematical function
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for determining a plurality of application settings utilizing a mathematical function. In operation, a plurality of application parameters are identified. Additionally, the application parameters are defined as a mathematical function. Furthermore, a plurality of application settings are determined utilizing the mathematical function. |
| US08276131B2 |
Method and system for dynamic loop transfer by populating split variables
A method that provides for dynamic loop transfer for a method having a first set of instructions being executed by an interpreter is provided. An execution stack includes slots for storing a value of each local variable known to each subroutine while the subroutine is active. The method comprises suspending execution at a point for which a current execution state can be captured from the execution stack; assigning the value in each slot of the execution stack to a corresponding slot of an array of values; scanning the first set of instructions to identify a data type for local variable that is not known in the current execution state and shares a slot in the execution stack with a local variable that is known; and generating a second set of instructions for the method coded to be initially executed to declare each local variable that is known in the current execution state and each local variable for which a data type was identified, assign each declared variable with the value assigned to the slot in the array that corresponds to the slot of the execution stack in which the value of the variable is stored during execution of the first set of instructions, and branch to a target point in the second set of instructions that corresponds to the point at which execution was suspended. |
| US08276125B2 |
Automatic discovery of the java classloader delegation hierarchy
A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for automatic discovery of the Java classloader delegation hierarchy. One or more classloaders are instrumented with byte code instrumentation code such that a delegation event is received each time a classloader delegates a resource finding method to a parent classloader of the classloader. From each delegation event received, the classloader that generated the delegation event and a parent classloader to which the classloader directly delegates the resource finding method is determined. Based on the delegation events received, the classloaders to which a current classloader in the one or more classloaders can directly delegate are determined. The order of delegation to the classloaders may then be determined. |
| US08276124B2 |
Constructing petri nets from traces for diagnostics
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for using Petri Nets for diagnostics of concurrent programs. One or more initial traces are obtained from a concurrent program that executed properly. The initial trace is used to create a Petri Net. To generate the Petri Net, unique task identifiers and places of interest are generated, and transitions are added. The resulting Petri Net is stored for later use in differential debugging. A trace is obtained from a later execution of the concurrent program that did not execute properly. The later trace is run against the Petri Net to identify at least one difference. A Petri Net can also be used for model checking of concurrent programs. A model checking process is performed to analyze possible executions in the Petri Net to look for one or more problems. A result of the model checking process is output. |
| US08276118B2 |
Depicting changes to structures in an integrated development environment
Operating an integrated development environment in a data processing system comprising running a source code editor, displaying source code in a graphical interface of the source code editor, displaying at least one cross-reference marker, the at least one cross-reference marker indicating crosscutting in the source code, receiving an input, changing one or more cross-reference markers, and highlighting the one or more changed cross-reference marker. |
| US08276117B2 |
Displaying and refactoring programs that include database statements
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for displaying and refactoring of programs, including database statements. In one embodiment, database statements embedded in the program source are evaluated to identify statements of the source code affected by, or affecting, the changed element of the database. An indication of the statements of source code affected by or affecting the changed element of the database may be presented to a user. |
| US08276116B2 |
Algebra operation method, apparatus, and storage medium thereof
An algebra operation method includes the steps of converting algebra operations for a plurality of objects which appear in a program into an algebra operation sequence object described using object access data used to access the plurality of objects and object state data used to store states associated with the plurality of objects without immediately evaluating the algebra operations, determining a function to be applied to the algebra operation sequence object, and evaluating the algebra operations by executing the function by designating an argument group required for the function in response to a call of a substitute operator. |
| US08276113B2 |
Dynamic highlighting of related artifacts in a UML diagram
A method displays a Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagram on a graphic user interface. The UML diagram can have, for example, nodes representing objects of an object-oriented system. Further, input is received regarding the location of a user-directed pointer on the UML diagram. The location of the pointer identifies a currently “selected node” of the UML diagram. In response to such input, the method dynamically highlights portions of the UML diagram depending on the location of the selected node. This highlighting process dynamically alters the appearances of nodes logically related to the selected node by highlighting nodes that are relatively closely related to the selected node differently (e.g., more brightly) than nodes that are not as relatively closely related to the selected node. |
| US08276110B2 |
Reducing voltage drops in power networks using unused spaces in integrated circuits
A method of designing an integrated circuit includes providing an integrated circuit design including a power network. A voltage drop mitigation system is provided, which includes a power strap enhancer configured to automatically find a source node and a terminal node in the power network. A redundant strap for the power network using the voltage drop mitigation system is added, wherein the redundant strap interconnects the source node and the terminal node. After the step of adding the redundant strap, dummy patterns may be added. |
| US08276104B2 |
Stress reduction on vias and yield improvement in layout design through auto generation of via fill
A process for automated via doubling in a layout of a semiconductor device, comprising: selecting at least one cell of the layout for via doubling, wherein the at least one cell comprises at least two metal layers; selecting at least two metal layers of the at least one cell for via doubling; selecting metal/metal intersection areas out of the at least two metal layers, wherein a metal/metal intersection comprises an existing via interconnecting a plurality of metal layers; and dimensionally fitting additional vias into the selected metal/metal intersection areas, wherein the additional vias are placed into the layout. |
| US08276101B2 |
Touch gestures for text-entry operations
In general, this disclosure describes techniques for providing a user of a computing device with the ability to perform text-entry operations (e.g., using a touch screen) on a computing device. Specifically, the techniques of this disclosure may, in some examples, allow the user to use gestures on a mobile computing device to perform text entry and editing operations. Using a presence-sensitive user interface device (e.g., a touch screen), the user may use gestures to enter text into text-based applications (e.g., short message service (SMS) messages, e-mail message, uniform resource locators (URLs), and the like). Using visually-defined areas on the touch screen, the user may utilize gestures of certain patterns, relative to the defined areas, to indicate text entry and editing operations such as, for example, deleting characters and words, indicating a space or return characters, and the like. |
| US08276097B2 |
Key control system and method
A key control system disposed in a display apparatus includes a hierarchical menu, a power key, and a key module. The hierarchical menu includes a first layer menu and a second layer menu. The first layer menu has an item corresponding to the second layer menu. The power key is adapted to turn on the power supply of the display apparatus. The key control system is used to execute a key control method includes steps of defining the function of the power key as opening the first layer menu of the hierarchical menu after the power supply is turned on; defining the function of the key module as selecting the item of the first layer menu when the first layer menu is opened; and defining the function of the power key as opening the second layer menu after the item of the first layer menu is selected. |
| US08276095B2 |
System for and method of generating and navigating within a workspace of a computer application
A computer application and method for generating a workspace and navigating therein are disclosed. Code can be used to generate an application workspace for an associated computer application, wherein the application workspace is comprised of a plurality of screens and each screen has dimensions that are generally coextensive with a viewable area defined by the computer application. Code can be used to logically associate a plurality of sub-application windows for displaying viewable content with respective locations of the application workspace. |
| US08276093B2 |
Computer-readable storage medium having object display order changing program stored therein and apparatus
An icon line is displayed on a screen. A display order for the icon line can be changed by using a switch input unit enabling a direction input. When an input in a first direction is made, objects are scrolled so as to sequentially display each object at a specific position or the objects are scrolled across the specific position. When an input in the second direction is made, an object positioned at the specific position is saved at a saving position or an object positioned at the saving position is positioned at the specific position. Thus, a user is allowed to easily change the display order in which a plurality of objects are displayed on a screen. |
| US08276090B2 |
Automatic reference note generator
A reference note is automatically generated in an electronic document when directly quoting information from another electronic document by receiving a first user-selected insertion point or replacement area to a destination electronic document by receiving a user selection of text content to be transferred from a source user interface to the first insertion point or replacement area; automatically copying the selected content to a transfer buffer without requiring the user to return to the first user interface; automatically capturing and recording one or more source reference data items corresponding to the selected content simultaneously with or subsequent to automatically copying the selected content to a transfer buffer; and automatically generating in the destination electronic document at least one reference note such as a footnote, an endnote, a table of references entry, or a bibliographical entry containing the recorded source reference data items. |
| US08276086B2 |
Method and system for visual landing page optimization configuration and implementation
Systems, methods, and computer program products provide a utility to an administrator computer used by an administrator for visually configuring an optimization experiment on a landing page. The landing page selected by the administrator is read. The landing page is processed to allow the administrator to configure the optimization experiment without writing code. |
| US08276081B2 |
Computer-based methods for arranging meetings and systems for performing the same
Methods and systems for assisting individuals arrange meetings such as networking meetings with other individuals at a specified time (or within a specified time range) and at a specified place (or within a specified geographic region). More specifically, methods and systems for allowing individuals to post an invitation to for a meeting on an on-line network. |
| US08276079B2 |
Supplementing user web-browsing
An apparatus and method of providing a user with a web-browser supplement is disclosed. One method includes providing access to a focal group, wherein the focal group includes at least one member having at least one association with the user. Access is provided to information associated with the at least one member having relevance to the focal group. Web browsing by the user is supplemented by the information of the members of the focal group. |
| US08276073B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that enable easy information acquisition.A television receiver accesses an application server to acquire an application list. The television receiver accesses the application server again to acquire an application selected from the application list. While a processing based on the acquired application is being executed, the television receiver accesses a contents server to acquire contents data as needed. The acquired application or contents data is deleted from a storage section when an instruction to end the processing based on the application is made. The invention can be applied to a television receiver that acquires data through a network. |
| US08276067B2 |
Classification method and apparatus
A method for building a classification model for classifying unclassified documents based on the classification of a plurality of documents which respectively have been classified as belonging to one of a plurality of classes, said documents being digitally represented in a computer, said documents respectively comprising a plurality of terms which respectively comprise one or more symbols of a finite set of symbols, and said method comprising the following steps: representing each of said plurality of documents by a vector of n dimensions, said n dimensions forming a vector space, whereas the value of each dimension of said vector corresponds to the frequency of occurrence of a certain term in the document corresponding to said vector, so that said n dimensions span up a vector space; representing the classification of said already classified documents into classes by separating said vector space into a plurality of subspaces by one or more hyperplanes, such that each subspace comprises one or more documents as represented by their corresponding vectors in said vector space, so that said each subspace corresponds to a class. |
| US08276065B2 |
System and method for classifying electronically posted documents
A method for classifying electronically posted documents includes receiving two posted documents and generating corresponding metadata summaries for each, wherein each of the metadata summaries includes at least one sub-tree structure. The structures of the two summary sub-trees within the respective metadata summaries are subsequently compared. If the two summary sub-trees are different, the two documents are deemed distinct. If the two summary sub-trees are the same, attribute values and text content of the metadata summaries are compared over a portion of the metadata summaries. If the compared attribute values and text content are determined to be the same, the documents are deemed duplicative. |
| US08276064B2 |
Method and system for effective schema generation via programmatic analysis
A method to generate an effective schema of an electronic document for optimizing the processing thereof may include performing a programmatic analysis to determine all required portions of the electronic document. The method may also include generating a parser or deserializer to build an optimized document model; and specializing a document processing program against the optimized document model. |
| US08276061B2 |
Marking and annotating electronic documents
A user can highlight text and provide accompanying annotations. Highlighted text, accompanying annotations, and time-stamp information are stored in a user profile that is maintained locally with a web browser, at the client side. A retrieved web page is presented to a user with annotations of some form, based upon the user profile. The retrieved web page may typically be annotated through marked or highlighted portions of text, so that the user can readily locate this information in the web page, and assess the relevance of the retrieved page. |
| US08276059B2 |
Displaying detailed information in the context of a condensed enumeration of information
Systems and techniques for displaying detailed information in the context of a condensed enumeration of information. For example, in one aspect, in one aspect, a display includes a visual rendition of a table that systematically arranges condensed information in a collection of rows and columns for reference by a human user. The table includes information characterizing a collection of items. The visual rendition of the table comprises a region that renders additional detail regarding a first item in the collection. The region is disposed in the midst of the visual rendition of the table. |
| US08276058B2 |
Method of automatically populating and generating flowerchart cells
A method for creating a multimedia experience is disclosed. The method includes defining a first cell, defining a first branch selectively associated with the first cell, and defining a second branch selectively associated with the first cell. The method further includes associating a variable with the first cell that is configured to identify one of the first and second branches. The method further includes defining a second cell, associating the second cell to the first cell such that the variable is reflected in the second cell, and generating copies of the first and second branches in response to the association of the variable to the second cell. |
| US08276055B1 |
Low latency programmable encoder with outer systematic code and low-density parity-check code
Low-latency programmable encoders, and more particularly, low-latency programmable encoders which use low-density parity check (LDPC) codes in combination with an outer systematic code. The LDPC encoder is programmable for any irregular circulant-based LDPC code. The code profile, block length, number of block rows, and number of block columns can vary. The LDPC encoding and the outer systematic code encoding can proceed in a parallel manner (e.g., simultaneously) instead of in a serial manner. |
| US08276054B2 |
Wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication method, and computer program
A wireless communication system includes a first communication station configured to operate according to a first communication protocol, and a second communication station capable of operating according to both the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol. When the second communication station transmits a packet according to the second communication protocol, at least a first signal field compliant with the first communication protocol and a second signal field compliant with the second communication protocol are attached to a header of the packet, and the first signal field includes a parity bit. When the second communication station receives a packet from another communication station, the second communication station performs a parity check on the first signal field of the packet, and when no parity error is detected, the second communication station further checks whether content of the first signal field is compliant with the first communication protocol. |
| US08276053B2 |
Decoding circuit operating in response to decoded result and/or a plurality of viterbi target levels with pattern dependency
A decoding circuit includes: a level adjuster with pattern dependency arranged to generate a plurality of Viterbi target levels with pattern dependency; and a Viterbi decoder arranged to perform Viterbi decoding according to the Viterbi target levels with pattern dependency. A decoding circuit includes a Viterbi decoder arranged to perform Viterbi decoding, and the Viterbi decoder includes a branch metric generator arranged to generate a plurality of branch metrics with pattern dependency according to an input of the Viterbi decoder and a plurality of Viterbi target levels with pattern dependency. In particular, the branch metric generator includes: a plurality of branch metric generation paths arranged to generate a plurality of intermediate values according to the input of the Viterbi decoder and the Viterbi target levels with pattern dependency, respectively; and a selection unit for selecting a portion of the intermediate values as the branch metrics with pattern dependency. |
| US08276051B2 |
Chien-search system employing a clock-gating scheme to save power for error correction decoder and other applications
Chien search apparatus operative to evaluate an error locator polynomial having a known rank and including a sequence of terms for each element in a finite field whose elements correspond respectively to bits in each of a stream of data blocks to be decoded, the apparatus comprising a sequence of functional units each operative to compute a corresponding term in the sequence of terms included in the error locator polynomial, each term having a degree; and a power saving unit operative to de-activate at least one individual functional unit from among the sequence of functional units, the individual functional unit being operative, when active, to compute a term whose degree exceeds the rank. |
| US08276040B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcasting system and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. A method for controlling a digital broadcast receiving system includes the steps of receiving a broadcast signal having mobile service data and main service data multiplexed therein, extracting transmission parameter channel (TPC) signaling information and fast information channel (FIC) signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data, by using the extracted fast information channel (FIC) signaling information, acquiring a program table describing virtual channel information and service of an ensemble, the ensemble being a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, by using the acquired program table, detecting a descriptor defining basic information required for accessing the received service, and, by using the detected descriptor, controlling the receiving system to enable access to the corresponding service. |
| US08276035B1 |
High performance digital communications resiliency in a roamable virtual private network
There is a class of applications that favor expediency of the communications over reliability. Counter-intuitively, the reliability aspect of a protocol may cause sub-optimal performance when considering this special class of applications in some environments. To resolve this performance issue, the exemplary illustrative non-limiting protocol implementation favors timeliness over reliability by allowing for loss of data, thus providing a non-guaranteed, order sensitive level of service. Such features can be combined in the same system and data stream/channel with a guaranteed-reliable protocol to provide a roamable VPN simultaneously providing both guaranteed-reliable and real-time, dynamically adaptable performance. |
| US08276033B2 |
Data writing method for a flash memory, and flash memory controller and flash memory storage apparatus using the same
A data writing method for a flash memory, and a flash memory controller and a flash memory storage apparatus using the same are provided. First, data is received from a host system. Next, the data is divided into at least one frame. Afterwards, an error checking and correcting (ECC) code corresponding to the frame is generated so as to form at least one ECC frame. Then, the ECC frame is divided into a plurality of frame segments. Finally, the frame segments are written into a flash memory chip according to a non-sequentially ranking order. |
| US08276032B2 |
Detection of uncorrectable re-grown fuses in a microprocessor
A microprocessor includes a first plurality of fuses, a predetermined number of which are selectively blown. Control values are provided from the first plurality of fuses to circuits of the microprocessor to control operation of the microprocessor. The microprocessor also includes a second plurality of fuses, blown with the predetermined number of the first plurality of fuses that are blown. In response to being reset, the microprocessor is configured to: read the first plurality of fuses and count a number of them that are blown; read the predetermined number from the second plurality of fuses; compare the counted number with the predetermined number read from the second plurality of fuses; and prevent itself from fetching and executing user program instructions if the number counted from reading the first plurality of fuses does not equal the predetermined number read from the second plurality of fuses. |
| US08276030B2 |
Scan distributor and parallel scan paths with controlled output buffer
Scan distributor, collector, and controller circuitry connect to the functional inputs and outputs of core circuitry on integrated circuits to provide testing through those functional inputs and outputs. Multiplexer and demultiplexer circuits select between the scan circuitry and the functional inputs and outputs. The core circuitry can also be provided with built-in scan distributor, collector, and controller circuitry to avoid having to add it external of the core circuitry. With appropriately placed built-in scan distributor and collector circuits, connecting together the functional inputs and outputs of the core circuitry also connects together the scan distributor and collector circuitry in each core. This can provide a hierarchy of scan circuitry and reduce the need for separate test interconnects and multiplexers. |
| US08276029B2 |
System and method for using a memory mapping function to map memory defects
A system and method are herein disclosed for managing memory defects in an information handling system. More particularly, a system and method are described for generating a usable memory map which excludes memory locations containing defect memory elements. In an information handling system, a memory defect map, which contains information about the location of defective memory elements, is coupled to the memory device. As a map of memory usable by the system is created, usable memory regions containing defective memory elements are excluded from the memory map. The memory map is passed to the operating system, which uses only those regions of memory designated as usable and non-defective. |
| US08276028B2 |
Using error information from nearby locations to recover uncorrectable data in non-volatile memory
In various embodiments, the reference voltage used for read operations in a non-volatile memory may be adjusted up or down in an attempt to read data from an area that previously produced at least one uncorrectable error. The direction and amount of this adjustment may be based on the number and direction of correctable errors in surrounding data. |
| US08276026B2 |
Transmission apparatus, reception apparatus, and transmission/reception method for same
A receiving station repeatedly performs decoding processing of data in a decoding processing portion, performs error detection of the decoding results, and transmits to a transmitting station an error detection result (ACK/NACK) for decoding results for a preset number of executions, and moreover issues a request to the transmitting station to modify the data transmission interval based on the data reception characteristic. The transmitting station transmits data at transmission intervals according to the transmission interval modification requests sent from the receiving station. The receiving station selectively inputs to the decoding processing portion the data received from the transmitting station and the previous decoding result data. |
| US08276024B2 |
Method and system for error correction of a storage media
A data file on a storage media is processed during playback or execution to identify unreadable data. Replacement data corresponding to the unreadable data is obtained over a communications network, and the replacement data is used to playback or execute the data file as if the data file does not contain any unreadable data. |
| US08276023B2 |
Method and system for remote monitoring subscription service
Embodiments pertain generally to a method of providing a remote monitoring subscription service. The method includes receiving client activity data from at least one of a client virtual machine and a physical machine supporting the client virtual machine at a site of a customer and comparing the client activity data against a set of performance guidelines. The method also includes determining a recommended action in response to the client activity data not falling within the set of performance guidelines and forwarding the recommended action to the customer. |
| US08276019B2 |
Processing method, and computer for fault recovery
A computer for the stream data processing system includes a query recovery point management table. A recovery point management section determines a recovery point for the stream data processing system by identifying an oldest one of input tuples used for generating output tuples, which are managed, or an earlier tuple through the use of a query recovery point stored in the query recovery point management table, and transmits the determined recovery point for the stream data processing system to an additional computer. The additional computer stores the last-received recovery point for the stream data processing system in a checkpoint file. When the computer for the stream data processing system recovers from a fault, the additional computer transmits the data succeeding the stored recovery point to the computer for the stream data processing system. |
| US08276018B2 |
Non-volatile memory based reliability and availability mechanisms for a computing device
Mechanisms are provided for use with a microprocessor chip, for storing selected reliability information in an on-chip non-volatile storage device. An on-chip reliability controller coupled to one or more on-chip resources of the microprocessor chip, collects raw reliability information from the one or more on-chip resources of the microprocessor chip. The on-chip reliability controller analyzes the raw reliability information to identify selected reliability information for the one or more resources of the microprocessor chip. The on-chip reliability controller stores the selected reliability information in the on-chip non-volatile storage device. The on-chip non-volatile storage device stores the selected reliability information even in the event of an overall failure of the microprocessor chip in which the microprocessor chip loses power. The on-chip non-volatile storage device has an interface through which the selected reliability information is accessible by an off-chip device even in the event of an overall failure of the microprocessor chip. |
| US08276014B2 |
Stalling synchronisation circuits in response to a late data signal
A data processing circuitry for processing data is disclosed. The data processing circuitry comprises: a plurality of synchronization circuits for capturing and transmitting the data in response to a clock signal and a plurality of combinational circuits arranged between the synchronization circuits for processing the data, the plurality of synchronization circuits being arranged in at least two groups; an error detecting circuit for determining if the data input to one of the plurality of synchronization circuits is stable during a predetermined time and for signalling an error if the data input is unstable, the predetermined time being less than a half cycle of the clock signal; control circuitry responsive to said error detecting circuit signalling said error to transmit a control signal to at least one of said groups of synchronization circuits that contains a subsequent synchronization circuit that said synchronization circuit with said unstable input is configured to transmit said data to; each of said group of synchronization circuits being configured to respond to receipt of said control signal to stall for a clock cycle and to transmit a stall signal to at least one further group of synchronization circuits that said group of synchronization circuits is configured to transmit data to or receive data from; each of said group of synchronization circuits being configured to respond to receipt of said stall signal provided they have not stalled in a preceding clock cycle to stall for a clock cycle and to transmit a stall signal to said at least one further group of synchronization circuits. |
| US08276013B2 |
System and method for reducing a link failure detection delay using a link energy signal while in a low power idle mode
A system and method for using a link energy signal in physical layer devices (PHYs) having a silent channel/interface in energy efficient Ethernet (EEE). LPI modes in EEE suffer deficiencies in cable unplug detection due to the latency in refresh cycles. LPI modes in EEE also suffer from potential frequency drift, which leads to high bit error rate (BER) when coming out of LPI mode. A link energy signal transmitted during LPI modes enables real-time detection of cable unplug and the frequency lock to be maintained. |
| US08276012B2 |
Priority-based power capping in data processing systems
A mechanism is provided for priority-based power capping. A power management controller identifies a set of priorities for a set of partitions of the data processing system. The power management controller determines whether a measured power of the data processing system exceeds a power cap for the data processing system. Responsive to the measured power exceeding the power cap, the power management controller sends a set of commands to a set of component actuators to adjust one or more of a set of operation parameters for a set of components associated with the set of partitions using the set of priorities. The set of component actuators adjust the one or more of the set of operational parameters associated with the set of component in order to reduce a power consumption of the data processing system. |
| US08276007B2 |
Processor and switching power supply apparatus
A processor includes analog signal input ports, an A/D conversion unit, and an ALU in a stage subsequent to the A/D conversion unit, separately from a CPU. The ALU not only stores a comparison result in a RAM independently of the CPU, but also compares an output value of the A/D conversion unit with a reference value set in the RAM, and interrupts the CPU or issues a command to a PWM generator in accordance with a flag based on the comparison result. This realizes high-speed processing in accordance with a change in an analog signal, although the processor has a low cost and a low clock frequency overall. |
| US08276004B2 |
Systems and methods for energy efficient load balancing at server clusters
Methods and systems to balance the load among a set of processing units, such as servers, in a manner that allows the servers periods of low power consumption. This allows energy efficient operation of the set of processing units. Moreover, the process is adaptable to variations in systemic response times, so that systemic response times may be improved when operational conditions so dictate. |
| US08276001B2 |
Apparatus and method for conrolling power supplied to both processing system and battery
An apparatus and method for adaptively changing a constant power level of a system in compliance with a current system specification can improve safety issues such as overheating, due to excess charging capacity. After purchase/after market add-ons to the system made by a customer can change the load such that the present invention adaptively changes the constant power level supplied to match the after initial purchase add-ons. The method includes acquiring system specification information, searching for a constant power level corresponding to the acquired system specification information, and changing a constant power level according to the searched constant power level. |
| US08276000B2 |
System and method for supplying power to a load using deep-sleep-mode power supplies
A system and method are provided for supplying power to a load using deep-sleep-mode power supplies. Each of plural switching power supplies includes an input converter, an output converter and a standby converter. Each is configured to have its output converter connected to the load, and each is configured to operate in at least an online mode in which the input, output and standby converters are enabled for switching, and a deep sleep mode in which the input, output and standby converters are disabled from switching. A system controller is configured to place a first set of the plural switching power supplies in the online mode and a second set of the plural switching power supplies in the deep sleep mode while the load is operating and the power supplies in the first set are supplying power to the load. |
| US08275999B2 |
Methods for providing power to an information handling system upon receiving a hot plug detect signal from a video display
A method for powering on an information handling system (IHS) includes receiving a power request signal from a video display in communication with the IHS. The methods further includes determining that the power request signal is a response to a power-on signal for the video display, and powering on the IHS by sending the power-on signal to a power controller of the IHS. |
| US08275995B2 |
Identity authentication and secured access systems, components, and methods
Security tokens contain data that is each uniquely encrypted based on a unique biometric identifier of an authorized user of that token. Decoders receive the token and the user's biometric identifier, convert the biometric identifier to a biometric key, and apply the biometric key to decrypt the token. In this way, the decoders authenticate the users without performing a biometric identifier comparison. In some embodiments pieces or sets of the data are stored in designated data compartments, which are individually encrypted based on authority keys, and all of the encrypted data compartments are collectively encrypted based on the biometric key to create the token. The decoders store only the authority keys corresponding to the data compartments which they have authorization to open. In addition, in some embodiments the token and the biometric identifier are encrypted and sent to a remote authentication server for decryption of the token. |
| US08275993B2 |
Author signatures for legal purposes
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for establishing trust in an electronic document. An electronic document is received. State dependent content in the electronic document is identified. The state dependent content is content that is renderable to have a several appearances. The electronic document is presented to a user, which includes disclosing the presence of any identified state dependent content in the electronic document. |
| US08275990B2 |
Method for receiving/sending multimedia messages
A method for receiving/sending multimedia message uses a wireless LAN, and communicates with a gateway via the wireless LAN so as to send and receive multimedia messages. Furthermore, the gateway of the invention detects whether the user device is located within the wireless LAN. If yes, then multimedia messages are sent and received via the wireless LAN; and if not, then via conventional telecom network. The invention also discloses a corresponding gateway and a corresponding user device. |
| US08275988B2 |
Verification of system information in wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a method for communicating between a network and a mobile terminal. The method comprises possessing at least one configuration parameter, and transmitting a message to the network, wherein the message includes information for verifying the authenticity of the at least one configuration parameter to the network, and wherein the information for verifying the authenticity of the at least one configuration parameter is calculated using an integrity key. |
| US08275985B1 |
Infrastructure to secure federated web services
A federation participant in communication with other participants of a federation according to a federation protocol is described. The web service participant includes business logic and a security provider. The business logic implements a web service consumer (WSC) or a web service provider (WSP) business logic. The business logic is configured to generate an outgoing message for transmission to a recipient and receive an incoming message from the recipient, the recipient being a WSP if the business logic is a WSC business logic and a WSC if the business logic is a WSP business logic. The security provider is configured to receive the generated messages and apply header information to the outgoing message according to the federation protocol to form a modified outgoing message. The security provider then transmits the modified outgoing message to the recipient. Methods of operation for the WSC and WSP are also described. |
| US08275982B2 |
System and method for a managed BIOS
In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and method for a managed BIOS is disclosed. A software for a BIOS in an information handling system is provided on a computer readable medium. A first code, for execution on a central processing unit (CPU), is operable to initiate a connection to a management controller through a controller, send a message to the management controller through the controller, and receive a message from the management controller through the controller in response to a system management interrupt. The first code is also operable to stall a power-on procedure if it is able to determine a plurality of bootable devices before the connection to the management controller is ready. The first code is further operable to stall the power-on procedure before releasing control to an operating system if the management controller is active. |
| US08275980B2 |
Server computer, computer system, and file management method
A server computer which determines the configuration of a file for configuring a plurality of virtual computers respectively is configured to comprise: an OS/AP file evaluation criteria table which stores evaluation criteria for judging whether to split and manage a file required for the configuration of the virtual computers; a user data evaluation criteria TBL; and a verification and splitting unit which judges whether the file conforms to the evaluation criteria, and determines a part of a file judged to conform to the evaluation criteria as a first file stored as an entity and determines the remaining part of the file as a second file for referencing an entity of a predetermined destination storage. |
| US08275978B1 |
Execution of conditional branch instruction specifying branch point operand to be stored in jump stack with branch destination for jumping to upon matching program counter value
In one embodiment the present invention includes a microprocessor that has a pipeline circuit, a branch circuit, and a control circuit. The pipeline circuit pipelines instructions for the microprocessor. The branch circuit is coupled to the pipeline circuit and operates to store branch information. The control circuit is coupled to the pipeline circuit and the branch circuit. The control circuit stores a first branch information from the pipeline circuit to the branch circuit when a first condition is met. The control circuit retrieves a second branch information from the branch stack circuit to the pipeline circuit when a second condition is met. In this manner, the need for dedicated pipeline flush circuitry is avoided. |
| US08275972B2 |
Write data mask method and system
In various embodiments, dedicated mask pins are eliminated by sending a data mask on address lines of the interface. A memory controller receives a request for a memory write operation from a memory client and determines the granularity of the write data from a write data mask sent by the client. Granularity, as used herein, indicates a quantity of write data to which each bit of the received write data mask applies. In an embodiment, the memory controller generates a particular write command and a particular write data mask based on the granularity of the write data. The write command generated is typically the most efficient of several write commands available, but embodiments are not so limited. The write command is transmitted on command lines of the interface, and the write data mask is transmitted on address lines of the interface. |
| US08275970B2 |
Optimizing write traffic to a disk
The write optimizer described in this disclosure optimizes write traffic to a disk. The write optimization technique writes small data sets to be written to a disk drive to a log file in write optimized order and rewrites the small data sets to disk drive in read optimized order when the disk drive is idle. The write optimizer reserves a portion of a disk to be used for write performance improvement, and then takes all small writes to the disk and writes them to the reserved area rather than to their intended destination. When the disk becomes idle (or the reserved area full), the write optimizer takes the data that has been written to the reserved area and that has not been subsequently overwritten and copies it to its final location. |
| US08275966B2 |
Dispersed storage network virtual address generations
A dispersed storage device within a dispersed storage network includes a processing module for determining whether to add a new generation for a vault, in which the vault identifies at least one user having data to be stored. When the new generation is to be added to the vault, the processing module further assigns a vault generation identifier to the new generation, assigns a virtual address range of a virtual memory associated with the dispersed storage network to the new generation and maps the virtual address range to a physical memory for storage of the data therein. |
| US08275957B2 |
System and method for optimizing data in value-based storage system
A method (and system) of storing data in a value-based storage system, includes optimizing a value of data stored in the value-based storage system. |
| US08275955B2 |
Efficient data storage system
A system and method are disclosed for providing efficient data storage. A plurality of data segments is received in a data stream. The system determines whether a data segment has been stored previously in a low latency memory. In the event that the data segment is determined to have been stored previously, an identifier for the previously stored data segment is returned. |
| US08275952B2 |
Data recording device and data recording method configured to sort data by frame ID prior to recording
In a data recording device which records a plurality of data items of different kinds, one or plurality of nodes set the plurality of data items to data frames with frame IDs uniquely assigned for respective kinds of the data items, and transmit the data frames to a multiplex communication line. A recording unit assorts the data items contained in the data frames sent from the multiplex communication line, in accordance with the frame IDs of the data frames, and stores the assorted data items in a storage unit. |
| US08275947B2 |
Mechanism to prevent illegal access to task address space by unauthorized tasks
A method and data processing system for tracking global shared memory (GSM) operations to and from a local node configured with a host fabric interface (HFI) coupled to a network fabric. During task/job initialization, the system OS assigns HFI window(s) to handle the GSM packet generation and GSM packet receipt and processing for each local task. HFI processing logic automatically tags each GSM packet generated by the HFI window with a global job identifier (ID) of the job to which the local task is affiliated. The job ID is embedded within each GSM packet placed on the network fabric. On receipt of a GSM packet from the network fabric, the HFI logic retrieves the embedded job ID and compares the embedded job ID with the ID within the HFI window(s). GSM packets are forwarded to an HFI window only when the embedded job ID matches the HFI window's job ID. |
| US08275940B2 |
Method and device for optimisation of the management of a server cache which may be consulted by client terminals with differing characteristics
A method is provided for optimization of the management of a server cache for dynamic pages, which may be consulted by client terminals with differing characteristics which requires the provision of discrete versions of a dynamic page in the cache. When a terminal requests a dynamic page, a verification step—for the presence of at least one version of the dynamic page in the cache is carried out, such that if the verification is positive the following complementary steps are carried out: procurement of a set of characteristics specific to the type of client terminal, determination of a subset of necessary characteristics from amongst the specific characteristics for the reproduction of the dynamic page on a client terminal, search, among the version(s) of the dynamic page in the cache for a suitable version using the subset of necessary characteristics and allocation of the suitable version to the client terminal. |
| US08275937B2 |
Storage system and processing efficiency improving method of storage system
A storage system 200 has a storage device 240 providing a plurality of logical volumes 250 used as data storage areas of a host 100 and a plurality of MPPKs 210 executing data IO processes for the logical volumes 250 from the host 100 and, when it is determined whether the MPPKs 210 correlated with the logical volumes 250 must be changed based on a storage function such as local copy set for the logical volumes 250, if it is determined that the change is necessary, the MPPK 210 after the change is determined such that the logical volumes 250 are correlated with the same MPPK 210. |
| US08275935B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and control method thereof
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor storage device comprises a main memory, a request issue module, a delay module, and an access module. The main memory is configured to store candidate information for determining a compaction candidate for a nonvolatile memory. The request issue module is configured to issue an access request for the candidate information in the main memory. The delay module is configured to delay the access request issued from the request issue module. The access module is configured to access the candidate information in the main memory based on an access request delayed by the delay module. |
| US08275934B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and cache read method using the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes first and second registers configured to store parameters received via an input/output (IO) unit, a microcontroller configured to control an operation of the nonvolatile memory device according to the parameter stored in the first register, and a control logic unit configured to, when a parameter is received via the IO unit while the microcontroller performs an internal operation, store the received parameter in the second register. |
| US08275933B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for managing physical regions in a solid-state storage device
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing physical regions in a solid-state storage device. The definition module defines a physical storage region on solid-state storage media of a solid-state storage device. The physical storage region includes a subset of total physical storage capacity on the solid-state storage media. The storage controller performs memory operations within the physical storage region such that the memory operations are bounded to the physical storage region. The implementation module implements the physical storage region definition with respect to the storage controller for the solid-state storage media. |
| US08275931B2 |
Block management method for flash memory, and storage system and controller using the same
A block management method for a flash memory of a storage system is provided, wherein the flash memory includes a plurality of physical blocks. The block management method includes grouping the physical blocks into a plurality of physical units, and grouping the physical units into a data area, a spare area, and a replacement area. The block management method further includes performing a first physical unit switch which switches the physical units between the data area and the spare area, and performing a second physical unit switch which switches the physical units between the spare area and the replacement area. Therefore, the block management method can uniformly use the physical blocks and thereby effectively prolong a lifespan of the storage system. |
| US08275928B2 |
Memory module and method for performing wear-leveling of memory module using remapping, link, and spare area tables
The invention comprises a memory module capable of wear-leveling. In one embodiment, the memory module comprises a flash memory and a controller. The flash memory comprises a plurality of management units, wherein each of the management units comprises a plurality of blocks. The controller receives new data with a logical address managed by a first management unit selected from the management units, pops a first spare block from a spare area of the first management unit, determines whether an erase count of the first spare block is greater than a first threshold value, searches a second management unit selected from the management units for a replacing block with an erase count lower than a second threshold value when the erase count of the first spare block is greater than the first threshold value, and directs the first management unit and the second management unit to exchange the first spare block with the replacing block. |
| US08275920B2 |
Event handling in an integrated execution environment
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, are described for handling input received from a common interface of a program and a runtime environment when both the program and the runtime environment are configured to consume the received input. Given that both a browser program and a media player program hosted by the browser program are configured to detect an event of a certain type, there may be a contention of whether the browser program or the media player program may act first on the detected event. The disclosed systems and techniques enable interpretation of a user's intent when the user interacts with a webpage hosting media content and when the user's input occurs over media content rendered by the media player program. Similar advantages may also be realized within the context of another execution environment, or other program, different than a browser program. |
| US08275917B2 |
Efficient communication of producer/consumer buffer status
A mechanism is provided for efficient communication of producer/consumer buffer status. With the mechanism, devices in a data processing system notify each other of updates to head and tail pointers of a shared buffer region when the devices perform operations on the shared buffer region using signal notification channels of the devices. Thus, when a producer device that produces data to the shared buffer region writes data to the shared buffer region, an update to the head pointer is written to a signal notification channel of a consumer device. When a consumer device reads data from the shared buffer region, the consumer device writes a tail pointer update to a signal notification channel of the producer device. In addition, channels may operate in a blocking mode so that the corresponding device is kept in a low power state until an update is received over the channel. |
| US08275916B2 |
System for processing routing according to priorities of logical interfaces and method for controlling the same
A system for processing routing according to priorities of logical interfaces is provided. The system includes a priority setting unit for setting priorities of a plurality of logical interfaces set in a physical interface, and a priority scheduler for determining a priority of a respective logical interface from an input frame, and for outputting the input frame to a driver queue of the physical interface when the input frame is output from a logical interface having the highest priority. Traffic burstiness caused by queuing can be reduced in a network routing system employing at least one logical interface. |
| US08275915B2 |
Link state detection system for network cable
A link detection system for a network cable is applicable for detecting a connection state of the network cable. If the network cable is connected to the link detection system, the network state detection unit sends a voltage level of a first signal, so as to turn on the power supply of the LAN controller. If the network cable is unplugged, the LAN controller sends a second signal, so as to turn off the power supply of the LAN controller. Alternatively, if the network cable is linked to the network interface in an idle contact state, the network state detection unit sends another voltage level of the first signal, so as to not turn on the power supply of the LAN controller, thereby reducing the power consumption of the personal computer. |
| US08275905B2 |
System and method for store-and-forward for highly available message production
The present invention enables a store-and-forward service that provides higher availability for application residing or connecting to a server to reliably deliver messages and allows an application to send messages to a destination on another server even when the destination is not available at the moment the messages are sent because of network problems or system failures. The messages will be stored durably and temporarily on a local server, and then be efficiently forwarded to the destination once it becomes available. |
| US08275903B1 |
Concurrent transmit processing
A method and system for concurrent processing transmit requests uses transmit queue including a circular buffer and a queue state including a producer index, a consumer index, and a producer list. Producer processes write to the circular buffer concurrently. The producer list signals which portion of the circular buffer are allocated to each of the producer processes. |
| US08275901B1 |
Method and system to program programmable input output (PIO) pins via non-storage of a control message in a client
A network comprising a server and a remote client including an input output pin is disclosed. The server and the client are connected through a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection. The server controls the client input output pin, e.g., switches it on and off. The input output pin control instruction is transmitted from the server to the client. The control instruction is not stored in the client memory upon its execution. |
| US08275900B2 |
Migrating configuration information based on user identity information
Techniques are provided for the configuration of a home-networking system. Home-networking configuration information may be stored on a host system in a manner accessible to the home-networking system and migrated to a home-networking gateway or router that has not yet been configured. Wireless configuration information may be stored on a home-networking gateway or router and used to configure one or more wireless access points through the use of a physical connection, such as a wired communications pathway. One or more wireless home-networking devices may be configured based on wireless configuration information stored in a central repository on a host system or a home-networking system. The wireless configuration information may be accessible only through the use of a security code. |
| US08275895B1 |
Systems and methods for establishing a trusted dynamic host configuration protocol connection
A method for establishing trusted communication between a client and a server is described. The method is implemented by a computer system. A response is received from a first server. An internet protocol address of the first server is compared with at least one internet protocol address within a list. The response is validated if the internet protocol address of the first server is included within the list. Trusted communication is established between the client and the first server. The trusted communication includes assigning an internet protocol address provided by the response to the client. |
| US08275894B2 |
System and method for providing location information of a terminal
A common location service request/response method between various types of clients and location servers. A location request and a location estimate are delivered between a terminal and a location server using messages defined in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) protocol. In this manner, the terminal and server using the SIP protocol can easily send a request/response for location information, making it possible to provide a new service associated with the location service. |
| US08275893B1 |
Systems and methods for accessing an interaction state between multiple devices
The present application discloses systems and methods for accessing digital content between multiple devices. The systems and methods may be directed to providing access to an interaction with a first application on a head-mounted display (HMD) to a second device. Contextual information relating information of the HMD and information associated with the interaction to describe an interaction state may be stored. A second device may be selected upon which the interaction state may be accessed and a determination of attributes of the second device may be made. The HMD may transfer to the second device the stored contextual information such that the second device may provide via the second application access to the interaction state. Information associated with a user input to the first application may also be transferred. In one example, the contextual information may describe an identified occurrence of digital content accessed via the first application. |
| US08275885B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for processing a series of service messages
A method, apparatus and system for processing of a series of service messages. In one embodiment, the series of service messages is formed by a plurality of service messages, and at least two server instances provide real-time processing of the service messages and store the information provided by the service messages and results obtained from processing the service messages. The method includes the steps of: determining an activity that affects real-time processing of the service messages will occur in at least one server instance of the server instances; and dispatching subsequent service messages among the service messages to other server instance(s) other than the at least one server instance, so as to ensure that said activity will not affect message processing delay. |
| US08275880B2 |
Media content programming, delivery, and consumption
A media content programming, delivery, and consumption model is provided by which consumers can receive programming that is personalized to their tastes and interests and discover new media content that they will likely enjoy, without having to put in a lot of effort or needing to be technically adept. The received media content programming can then be played on a PC or portable media player. Consumers can access the media content programming from a cloud-based service with the same ease as tuning to a radio station, and then may simply enjoy the programming without needing to take any additional steps. However, unlike traditional linear programming, the programming here is curated so that the delivered content is highly relevant to the consumer. Navigation within a programmed sequence is enabled by skipping ahead or going back in a playlist, and consumers can learn more about particular content by interacting with rich metadata. |
| US08275879B1 |
Generalized virtualizer IO path model and general virtual transformation model for storage assets
Modeling a data path of a network environment is disclosed. Components are identified at a source location of a data path, at a target location of the data path, and connections there between. The network environment includes a plurality of domains, and the data path traverses the plurality of domains. Components and the connections there between are assigned to one of: an input-output path pattern, a virtualizer pattern, and a meta pattern. The patterns represent common elements of components of the network environment. The patterns and relationships between patterns are defined to repeat within and across domains in the network environment. A model of the data path is created from the assigned patterns and the defined relationships between patterns. The created model of the data path is then presented. |
| US08275878B2 |
Router analysis system
A device may receive a first message that indicates whether an application layer gateway is hosted on the router, send a second message to test whether a firewall on the router incorrectly blocks the second message from reaching a client, send a set of messages to detect a pinhole in the firewall, and generate a report that provides results of receiving the first message, sending the second message, and sending the set of messages. |
| US08275869B2 |
Re-synchronizing data between network elements and network management system using partial node discovery
An apparatus and method for improving network efficiency for data transfer utilizing partial node discovery a during system recovery are disclosed. Upon retrieving a saved last sequence number associated with a network element (“NE”) from a database in a network management system (“NMS”), a process of the partial node discovery obtains a current last sequence number associated with the NE from the NE. After identifying missing sequence numbers associated with the NE, sequence events associated with the NE in the database are updated in accordance with the missing sequence numbers. |
| US08275867B2 |
Using virtual domain name service (DNS) zones for enterprise content delivery
A domain to be published to an enterprise ECDN is associated (either by static configuration or dynamically) with a set of one or more enterprise zones configurable in a hierarchy. When a DNS query arrives for a hostname known to be associated with given content within the control of the ECDN, a DNS server preferably responds in one of three (3) ways: (a) handing back an IP address, e.g., for an ECDN intelligent node that knows how to obtain the requested content from a surrogate or origin server; (b) executing a zone referral to a next (lower) level name server in a zone hierarchy, or (c) CNAMing to another hostname, thereby essentially restarting the lookup procedure. In the latter case, this new CNAME causes the resolution process to start back at the root and resolve a new path, probably along a different path in the hierarchy. At any particular level in the zone hierarchy, preferably there is an associated zone server. That server preferably executes logic that applies the requested hostname against a map, which, using known techniques, may be generated from given (static, dynamic, internally-generated or third party-sourced) performance metrics. Thus, a given name query to ECDN-managed content may be serviced in coordination with various sources of distributed network intelligence. As a result, the invention provides for a distributed, dynamic globally load balanced name service. |
| US08275866B2 |
Assigning telecommunications nodes to community of interest clusters
The present invention provides techniques for assigning network nodes to community of interest clusters. A seed point representing a cluster is selected. One or more nodes are added to the cluster based on each node's geographic proximity to the selected seed point. Nodes that are adjacent to the cluster are identified and a clustering metric is computed that is representative of the affinity that each identified adjacent node has for the cluster. One or more of the identified nodes are added to the cluster when the clustering metric for the one or more identified nodes exceeds a predetermined value. |
| US08275862B2 |
RFID tag information service system
A single unified server transmits/receives information in a common interface format with respect to a plurality of service servers and a portable terminal and has a common database in a data format corresponding to the common interface format, and the plurality of service servers connects to clients in a specific interface format to provide services by individual applications, respectively, and coverts a data format between higher-rank data transmitted/received in the common interface format and lower-rank data transmitted/received in the specific interface format. The portable terminal transmits/receives information in the common interface format using the application. |
| US08275861B2 |
Technique for communicating by utilizing communication setting information
A communication device is configured to connect with a network including a plurality of types of external devices. The communication device is provided with a spec storage device, a type obtaining device, and a communication attempt device. The spec storage device is configured to store an association of a type of external device and a spec of communication setting information which is capable of being set in the type of external device. The type obtaining device is configured to obtain type information of each external device. The communication attempt device is configured to attempt to communicate with each external device by utilizing communication setting information which complies with the spec associated with the obtained type information of external device by the type obtaining device. |
| US08275859B2 |
Selective partial updates of web content
A request for a partial update of web content is received that identifies at least one web content element associated with the web content. An update is requested for the identified at least one web content element from a content server. The partial update of the web content is performed in response to receipt of the update for the identified at least one web content element from the content server. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08275857B2 |
Remote session recording apparatus and method
An Intelligent Network Peripheral (INP) is equipped with a recording control processor that is connected to at least one internal or external recording device (e.g., hard drive, disk array, CD-recorder, DVD recorder, and/or tape device). Using the INP, a user may be prompted to perform an activity, such as (1) start a new recording session, (2) playback a recorded session, (3) delete a recorded session, (4) edit recording parameters (e.g., the number of stored frames, the length of a session to record, the resolution of the image to record), and (5) re-run a recorded session. An INP may be incorporated into a Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) switch, a Rack Connection Manager (RCM) and/or a Pod Extension Module (PEM) for recording at least one of video from and user input to a computer for diagnostic and other purposes. |
| US08275855B2 |
Method and system for monitoring rest web services
Generally, the present invention provides a method and computerized system for monitoring REST web services including generating a REST based web service client call operative to be used for monitoring web service activities. The web service client call is then deployed. The method and computerized system further includes monitoring the web service activities via the call invocation and a response analysis. The method and computerized system further includes receiving a plurality of feedback results from the monitoring of the web service functionality and thereupon adjusting the web service parameters based on the aggregated feedback. |
| US08275850B2 |
Multi-source longitudinal patient-level data encryption process
Systems and processes for assembling de-identified patient healthcare data records in a longitudinal database are provided. The systems and processes may be implemented over multiple data suppliers and common database facilities while ensuring patient privacy. At the data supplier locations, patient-identifying attributes in the data records are placed in standard format and then doubly encrypted using a pair of encryption keys before transmission to a common database facility. The pair of encryption keys includes a key specific to the data supplier and a key specific to the common database facility. At the common database facility, the encryption specific to the data supplier is removed, so that multi-sourced data records have only the common database encryption. Without direct access to patient identifying-information, the encrypted data records are assigned dummy labels or tags by which the data records can be longitudinally linked in the database. The tags are assigned based on statistical matching of the values of a select set of encrypted data attributes with a reference database of tags and associated encrypted data attribute values. |
| US08275847B2 |
Interactive maintenance management alarm handling
An Interactive Maintenance Management System (“IMMS”) (10) is an alarm handling system (FIG. 2) for handling alarms (102) that indicate present or imminent equipment failure. The IMMS (10) may be utilized in industrial situations, such as strip-mines (14), to reduce equipment (12) downtime and reduce or prevent equipment failure. The IMMS (10) utilizes a flexible response system to track, analyze, and improve performance of the alarm handling system. |
| US08275845B2 |
System and method for verified contract acceptance
In order to provide third party verification of the content and delivery of an electronic message such as an e-snail, a server receives the e-mail intended to be sent or forwarded to a specified addressee, and “tags” the message to indicate that it is “registered” with the provider of the service. The server then establishes a direct telnet connection with the addressee's Mail User Agent (MUA), and transmits the tagged email to the addressee's MUA, as well as to the MUA's of any other addressees. After receiving responses from the receiving MUA's that the message was successfully received, the server then creates and forwards to the message originator an electronic receipt. The receipt includes one or more, and preferably all of, the following: the original message including any original attachments; a delivery success/failure table listing which addressee's MUA's successfully received the message and at what time, and for which MUA's there was a delivery failure; and a digital signature corresponding to the message and attachments. By receiving the receipt at a later date and verifying that the digital signature matches the message and related information, the operators of the system can provide independent third party verification that the receipt is a genuine product of their system and that the information pertaining to content and delivery of the message is accurate, without the need to archive either the original message or the receipt. |
| US08275840B2 |
Automated messaging tool
A system and method for an automatic messaging system which automatically sends emails or pages to groups of people with specific data from a database. Other messaging tools may be utilized. The data source that provides information may be any ODBC compliant data source including standard DBMS (SQL Server, Oracle, Informix, DB2, Sybase, etc.) Access databases, or Excel spreadsheets. |
| US08275836B2 |
System and method for supporting collaborative activity
A system for supporting collaborative activity in a network includes a storage component storing data related to the network and a model of the network; a processor that accesses the stored data and the model to process the data according to the model, where the stored data relates to the collaborative activity including user-defined data created by interaction of a user and the model, and context data related to the user, where the user-defined data and the context data, as metadata, are stored in the storage component; and a user interface, provided by the processor, that presents the user-defined data, the context data, and the model in a form readable by the user, the interface permitting the user to define a set of arbitrary domains, relate the user-defined data to the domains, and view relationships between the user-defined data and the context data, and the domains. |