最新美国发明专利第2013-07-30期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08497032B2	Bag-like separator, electrode separator assembly, and method of producing electrode separator assembly Four sides of a rectangular bag-like separator 10 are composed of two adjacent separator thermo-bonding sides 10a and 10c where thermo-bonding portions are formed and of two adjacent insertion opening sides 10b and 10d forming one insertion opening 11 into which an electrode 30 can be inserted. A thermo-bonding section is formed in a portion of at least one of the insertion opening sides 10b and 10d.
US08497031B2	Combined heating and pre-charging function and hardware for propulsion batteries A battery circuit for an electric vehicle that employs a resistor that provides both a pre-charging function at system start-up and battery heating. The battery circuit includes a positive high voltage bus line electrically coupled to a positive terminal of the battery and a negative high voltage bus line electrically coupled to the negative terminal of the battery. A first end of the resistor is electrically coupled to the positive high voltage bus line, a first switch is electrically coupled between a second end of the resistor and the positive high voltage bus line and a second switch is electrically coupled between the second end of the resistor and the negative high voltage bus line. The pre-charging operation is provided when the first switch is closed and the second switch is opened and the heating function is provided when the second switch is closed and the first switch is opened.
US08497026B2	Porous metal foil and production method therefor A porous metal foil of the present invention comprises a two-dimensional network structure composed of metal fibers. This porous metal foil has superior properties and can be obtained in a highly productive and cost effective manner.
US08497024B2	Organopolysilmethylene-siloxane and a cured product thereof Organopolysilmethylene-siloxane of the formula (1): wherein each R1 is, independently of one another, an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms other than an alkenyl group, an alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, and a halogen atom; each R2 is, independently of one another, an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms other than an alkenyl group, an alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, a halogen atom, and (R1)3SiCH2—, wherein each R3 is, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; k is an integer of 1 to 100; and n is an integer of 1 to 1000; said organopolysilmethylene-siloxane having, in a molecule, at least two out of alkoxy groups, hydroxy groups, and halogen atoms bonded to one or more silicon atoms.
US08497023B2	Polyurethane-grafted hydrogels An article comprising two chemically grafted polymer layers comprising a hydrogel layer and an end-functionalized polyurethane layer. The invention also includes methods of making and using the article.
US08497010B2	Breathable low-emissivity metalized sheets A moisture vapor permeable metalized composite sheet is formed by coating a moisture vapor permeable sheet with at least one metal layer and at least one outer organic coating layer. The moisture vapor permeability of the composite sheet is at least about 80% of the moisture vapor permeability of the starting sheet. The composite sheet provides a barrier to air and liquid water infiltration while having high moisture vapor permeability and good thermal barrier properties. The composite sheet material is suitable for use as a building construction wrap such as roof lining and house wrap.
US08497008B2	Process for producing laminates of unidirectionally arranged polymeric tapes Process for producing a laminate being built of at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes, the polymeric tapes having a tensile strength of at least 200 MPa, said process comprises the steps of forming a first monolayer of polymeric tapes by pre-tensioning the polymeric tapes and subsequently positioning the polymeric tapes under tension in a unidirectional, parallel manner, forming at least a second monolayer over the first monolayer in the same manner the first monolayer is formed, thereby stacking the at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes in such a way that the direction of the polymeric tapes is the same in every monolayer and that the polymeric tapes of each monolayer are offset to the tapes of the adjoining monolayer above or below that monolayer consolidating the thus stacked monolayers of polymeric tapes to obtain a laminate.
US08497007B2	Protective sheathing apparatus A protective sheathing apparatus comprising an elongated flexible member, first fastening elements, second fastening elements, an attachment section, and one or more third fastening elements is provided. The first fastening elements and the second fastening elements are affixed in proximity to a first lengthwise edge and a second lengthwise edge of the elongated flexible member respectively. The affixed second fastening elements detachably engage with the affixed first fastening elements for defining a generally cylindrical lengthwise channel within the elongated flexible member for accommodating one or more longitudinal objects. The attachment section is attached to and extends outwardly from a first widthwise edge and/or a second widthwise edge of the elongated flexible member for enabling detachable engagement with another protective sheathing apparatus. The third fastening elements are affixed on an exterior surface of the elongated flexible member for enabling detachable attachment of the protective sheathing apparatus to a support surface.
US08496999B2	Field-aided preferential deposition of precursors Area selective atomic layer deposition is provided by a method including the following steps. First, a substrate is provided. Second, a tip of a scanning probe microscope (SPM) is disposed in proximity to the surface of the substrate. An electrical potential is then established between the tip and the surface that cause one or more localized electrical effects in proximity to the tip. Deposition reactants for atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided, and deposition occurs in a pattern defined by the localized electrical effects because of locally enhanced ALD reaction rates.
US08496995B2	Method of manufacture of encapsulated gallium alloy containing switch Encapsulated switches are disclosed which substitute non-toxic gallium alloy for mercury. In one embodiment, wetting of the interior surfaces of the housing is prevented by coating the surfaces with an electrically insulative inorganic non-metallic material, such as alumina or boron nitrate. According to another embodiment, a perfluorocarbon liquid is employed as the anti-wetting agent.
US08496994B2	Method for providing fragrance to a substrate; fragrance-containing substrate The invention relates to a method for providing fragrance to a substrate, comprising the steps of: a) treating the substrate with a fragrance-containing composition; and b) treating the substrate with a fixative compound or mixture of fixative compounds selected from the group consisting of: a fructan; a starch hydrolysate having a dextrose equivalent ranging from 1 to 50; a hydrophobically modified fructan; and a hydrophobically modified starch hydrolysate, whereby step b) may be executed prior to, simultaneously with, and/or subsequent to the execution of step a). The invention further relates to fragrance-containing compositions and substrates.
US08496993B2	Nanocomposite coatings on cemented carbide A method of creating adherent, fracture-toughened polycrystalline diamond coatings on carbide cutting tools or other workpiece substrates through the development of composite coatings comprising polycrystalline diamond and carbon nanotubes is described. The coating is deposited through a chemical vapor deposition process using a pre-determined hydrocarbon-hydrogen gas mixture suitable for nucleating diamond on the carbide particles and carbon nanotubes on the metallic binder. The deposited coating, which may be up to 30 micrometers in thickness, is typically characterized by a diamond or diamond-like carbon matrix in which carbon nanotubes are distributed as fiber-like filler materials.
US08496992B2	Methods of forming nanocomposites containing nanodiamond particles by vapor deposition A method of coating a substrate, with the method comprising: providing a substrate; dispersing nanodiamond powder in a liquid to provide a coating precursor; converting the liquid of the coating precursor to a vapor; introducing the coating precursor to a vapor deposition process; and operating the vapor deposition process to produce a nanocrystalline diamond-containing nanocomposite coating on the substrate, the nanocomposite coating produced using the coating precursor and comprising the nanodiamond particles.
US08496987B2	Trans fat free plastic composition for bakery products A stable trans fat free emulsifier composition is provided that may have other functional ingredients incorporated to form a base for a flour-based dough preparation to hold the ingredients together. A glyceride emulsifier is heated above its melting point and blended with a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, or a quantity of glyceride emulsifier is blended with non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and the mixture then heated to a temperature above its melting point. The ratio of emulsifier to vegetable oil is selected to cause the composition, upon cooling, to form a solid plastic mass. The hardness value of the plastic mass is within a range especially applicable to bakery dough applications.
US08496985B2	Puffed pet treat An animal protein-based dog treat has a soft crunch and a stable shelf life without use of an appreciable amount of sodium or chemical preservatives. A method of producing the dog treat entails use of extrusion and heating processes to trap moisture in the interior of the dog treat, and then to expand and evaporate the moisture. This process creates in an internal portion of the dog treat voids or air pockets that provide desired texture and strength characteristics.
US08496983B2	Combined particulate solid and liquid container and method of using same A combined particulate solid and liquid container includes a base for holding a particulate solid; and a top removably attached to the base. The top includes a reservoir for holding a liquid and has an opening defined by a lower part projecting downwardly from the reservoir. The top also includes a port door removably attached to the opening and having a thermally-conductive insert projecting upwardly from the port door and into the reservoir when the port door covers the opening.
US08496982B2	Calcium enrichment compositions method of production thereof and use The present invention concerns a stable calcium composition, a process for its preparation and its use for enriching food and beverages. The calcium composition comprises a calcium source, a citrate and a metal source selected from alkali and/or alkaline source.
US08496980B2	Non-sterile fermentation of bioethanol A range of concentrations exists in which fermentation inhibitors derived from pretreatment of lignocellulosic feed stocks inhibit growth of lactic acid bacteria without affecting fermentive yeast. By optimizing levels of fermentation inhibitors to fall within this range, yeast fermentations of lignocellulosic biomass can be conducted under non-sterile conditions with ethanol yields comparable to those achieved under sterile conditions. Optimised inhibitor levels can be achieved by controlling the water/biomass ratio of a lignocellulosic biomass during and after pretreatment, for example by washing the fiber fraction of a previously pretreated lignocellulosic biomass with a pre-defined amount of fresh water or recycled process solutions. Crude extracts of liquid fraction or process solutions from pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass can also provide an effective anti-bacterial treatment for first generation starch fermentations.
US08496979B1	Caffeine-free dietary supplements for increasing energy and methods of administering the same Disclosed herein are caffeine-free dietary supplements for increasing energy in a subject and methods of administering the same. The method comprises administering to a subject a caffeine-free dietary supplement comprising omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, beta-alanine, gamma aminobutyric acid, and valerian root extract product, in amounts such that the supplement is effective for increasing energy and mental focus and relieving stress in the subject.
US08496976B2	Artificial tears and therapeutic uses The present invention provides ophthalmic compositions, e.g. artificial tears, suitable for treating dry eye syndrome in a human or other mammal suffering there from, e.g. a dog or cat, which comprise a mixture of castor oil with another oil, e.g. a food oil, e.g. olive oil, sesame oil, corn oil etc.
US08496974B2	Method for preparing a composition comprising a compound mixture and a carrier agent In a method for preparing a composition including a compound mixture and a carrier agent, the compound mixture is obtained by pulverizing the wood material and/or by extracting the wood material so that the compound mixture contains at least two different compounds, selected from a first specified group, at least one compound selected from a second specified group, the compound mixture is mixed with the carrier agent, the amount of the compound mixture is kept in a range of 0.1-5 wt % from the total weight of the composition, providing that the range is also such that the total cytotoxicity of compound mixture dissolved in ethanol, measured for a HaCat cell culture after 24 h incubation period, is lower than the cytotoxicity of 0.02-0.1 wt % butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) dissolved in ethanol for a HaCat cell culture after 24 h incubation period.
US08496973B2	Sodium thiosulfate-containing pharmaceutical compositions Provided herein are pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods for determining the total non-purgable organic carbon in a sodium thiosulfate-containing sample. Further provided herein are methods for producing pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate. Still further provided herein are methods of treatment comprising the administration of pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate.
US08496972B2	Cleaning, disinfecting and microbicidal compositions A microbicidal disinfecting composition and a method of preparing the same include the use of an acidifying agent that comprises at least one of an alkali metal bisulfate, ammonium bisulfate, or a combination thereof. The composition has broad-spectrum microbicidal properties and does not demonstrate cloudiness or precipitation when prepared, diluted, or otherwise exposed to hard water.
US08496968B2	Method for production of microcapsules using solid fat A method for production of fine microcapsules which encapsulate a hydrophilic bioactive substance at a high content and can be used in wide range of applications such as foods and medical drugs, which method enabling efficient industrial production, is provided. A method for production of S/O type microcapsules including the steps of: (1) emulsifying and dispersing a mixture of a solid fat and an aqueous solution containing a hydrophilic bioactive substance at a temperature of at least the melting point of the solid fat to obtain a W/O emulsion; (2) removing moisture in the W/O emulsion at a temperature of at least the melting point and lower than the boiling point of the solid fat to obtain an S/O suspension; (3) adding the S/O suspension into an aqueous phase containing at least one selected from a surfactant (B), a thickening agent and a hydrophilic organic solvent, and permitting liquid droplet dispersion at a temperature of at least the melting point and lower than the boiling point of the solid fat to obtain an S/O/W emulsion; and (4) cooling the S/O/W emulsion to lower than the melting point of the solid fat to harden the solid fat, and further removing the moisture at a temperature lower than the melting point of the solid fat.
US08496964B2	Controlled release micro-capsule for osteogenic action The present invention relates to a microcapsule for controlled release of flavanoid compound and a process for preparation thereof. The microcapsule comprising a core particle consisting of a calcium salt, Pluronic F68 [poly (ethylene oxide-co-polypropylene oxide), block poly oxyethylene-polypropylene block copolymer], loaded with a flavanoid compound, the resulting core particle having a plurality of alternate layers of cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes adsorbed thereon and an outer layer formed by a bile salt, wherein the flavanoid is ranging between 10 to 96% by weight.
US08496961B2	Delivery of nucleic acid-like compounds A process for preparing a microparticulate complex is provided. The process comprises (a) combining a particle-forming component (“PFC”) and a nucleic acid-like component (“NAC”) in a monophasic composition comprising water and a water-miscible, organic solvent to form a mixture wherein the PFC and the NAC are independently molecularly or micellarly soluble in the aqueous/organic solvent system, and (b) reducing the amount of the organic solvent in the mixture. This effects formation of the microparticulate complex of the NAC and the PFC. Also provided is a microparticulate complex that comprises a particle-forming component complexed to a nucleic acid-like component forming an approximately spherical particle, wherein the particle-forming component encloses an interior of the particle containing the nucleic acid-like component and the so-enclosed interior volume has less than about 50% (preferably less than 20%) of the volume containing free water.
US08496958B2	Compositions and methods for the sustained release of beta-alanine Methods and compositions are provided for increasing the anaerobic working capacity of muscle and other tissues. Also provided are compositions formulated for the sustained release of free beta-alanine. Also provided is a dietary supplement formulated, for example, as a solid food product, an edible suspension, liquid or semi-liquid as described herein.
US08496956B2	Implantable nerve regeneration conduit Implantable nerve regeneration conduits and methods of making the same are disclosed. The implantable nerve regeneration conduits mainly comprise a biodegradable polymer and a metal. Moreover, the conduits may also comprise one or more nerve regeneration enhancing elements, which comprise bioactive molecules or cells. The inner surface of the conduits may be micropatterned photolithographic processes to form microgrooves for facilitating cell alignment.
US08496953B2	Immobilized biologically active entities having a high degree of biological activity following sterilization The present invention is directed to immobilized biologically active entities that retain significant biological activity following sterilization of the immobilized biologically active entities.
US08496952B2	Antimicrobial compositions comprising silver chloride and benzoisothiazoline The invention relates to a composition comprising a) silver and/or one or more silver compound and b) one or more biocidal active ingredients of the isothiazoline.
US08496949B2	Powder cosmetic and process for production of flaky calcium sulfate dihydrate to be used in the cosmetic The invention aims at providing a powder cosmetic which does not suffer from the aggregation of powder even when it contains a large amount of oily component and in which no caking of powder on the surface occurs even when pressed, and a process for the production of platy calcium sulfate dihydrate usable for the cosmetic. The process of the production includes a process for producing a powder cosmetic comprising calcium sulfate dihydrate and an oily component, and a process for producing platy calcium sulfate dihydrate which process comprises dissolving a calcium salt in an organic acid and reacting the resulting calcium solution with sulfuric acid.
US08496937B2	Preparation of isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies The present invention concerns the preparation of substantially purified agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof as well as their use in the treatment of X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof and to a method of treating X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. Finally, the present invention concerns a pharmaceutical kit comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof.
US08496933B2	VHNAR anti-cytokine domains The present invention concerns therapeutic compositions containing proteins that are the variable regions of IgNAR immunoglobulins, denominated vNAR, that specifically bind and neutralizes cytokines involved in a diversity of process such as inflammation and neovascularization, its ability to reach, bind, and neutralize the activity of one antigenic molecule localized in an immunoprivileged organs, are also described.
US08496923B2	Probiotic treatment for infectious gastrointestinal diseases An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes feeding animals with probiotic microbes encapsulated in a mixture of xanthan gum and chitosan, or in gelatin, specifically Pediococcus acidilactici and Saccharomyces boulardii. Such encapsulation protects the viability of the probiotic microbes against unfavorable temperatures. An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes methods of using viable probiotics in therapy of birds and mammals infected with infectious diseases. Probiotics acted as adjuvants in stimulating antibody reaction and stimulated a cellular immunity response. In particular, probiotics were shown to reduce the number of viable oocytes from fecal samples, stimulate antibody production, and stimulate of proliferation of splenocytes in chickens infected with Eimeria. In addition, probiotics were shown to relieve symptoms of parvovirus infection in dogs.
US08496919B2	Cosmetic composition and hair wash To provide a cosmetic composition and a hair wash which are excellent in metal pyrithione salt persistence after washing with a washing liquid containing a surfactant, etc.A cosmetic composition and a hair wash, which comprise a copolymer and a metal pyrithione salt, wherein the copolymer contains constituting units corresponding to a cationic vinyl monomer of a specific structure and constituting units corresponding to a nonionic vinyl monomer of a specific structure.
US08496916B2	Sunscreen composition with polyhydroxy quaternary ammonium salts A cosmetic composition is provided including a water-insoluble UV-A organic sunscreen agent having a max ranging from 330 to 380 nm, a UV-B organic sunscreen agent having a max ranging from 280 to 400 nm, and a photoprotective enhancing agent which is a polyhydroxy quaternary ammonium salt such as bis(dihydroxypropyl)dimethylammonium chloride, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, and wherein the composition exhibits an SPF value which is 1 to 30 units higher than in the absence of the photoprotective enhancing agent.
US08496914B2	Antibacterial oral rinse formulation for preventing coronary artery disease The present invention provides an antibacterial oral rinse formulation having enhanced antibacterial activity against oral bacteria associated with infectious and inflammatory processes for preventing and/or treating inflammatory diseases or inflammatory processes associated with diseases in an individual by inhibiting the transient bacteremia associated with oral hygiene activities by the individual. Also provided is a method for preventing and/or treating inflammatory diseases or inflammatory processes associated with diseases in an individual by inhibiting transient bacteremia associated with oral hygiene activities by the individual, comprising rinsing with the antibacterial oral rinse formulation for a period of time immediately prior to engaging in oral hygiene activities.
US08496905B2	Method for the manufacture of an ammonium sulfate composition The present invention describes a method manufacture of an ammonium sulfate composition having a total organic carbon (TOC) content of 1% by weight or less than 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising the following steps: a) reacting i) waste sulfuric acid comprising an organic tertiary amines with ii) ammonia in an amount sufficient to obtain a pH of 9.5 or higher b) separating the organic tertiary amine from the reaction mixture obtained in step a) wherein during the separation the pH of the reaction mixture is maintained at a pH higher than 10 and c) optionally reducing the content of water and/or other volatile components from the aqueous solution comprising the ammonium sulfate.
US08496902B2	Method for preparing insertion compounds of an alkali metal, active materials containing same, and devices comprising said active materials Process for the preparation of an insertion compound of an alkali metal in which the following successive stages are carried out: a) an organic complex of a transition metal or of a mixture of transition metals M in an oxidation state of greater than 2 is brought into contact with an alkali metal A in the ionic form and with an entity of formula Hb(XO4), where X is chosen from Si, S, Al, P, Ge, As or Mo and b has a value from 0 to 5, in a liquid medium in a closed chamber; the chamber is brought to a temperature T which makes possible the decomposition of the organic complex in the said liquid medium; the temperature and the pressure in the chamber are brought back to ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure and the insertion compound for an alkali metal of formula AMXO4, in which M is in the +2 oxidation state, is recovered.
US08496893B2	Method of forming a dielectric powder using a precipitated precursor powder A furnace assembly includes first and second sections. The first section includes first and seconds ends, a first joint disposed at the first end, a conical portion at a second end, a first filter disposed between the first and second ends, and a lumen extending through the first section in fluid communication with the first filter. The second section includes first and second ends, a second joint disposed at the first end, an opening disposed at the second end and to receive the conical portion of the first section, a second filter disposed between the first and second ends, and a lumen extending through the second section in fluid communication with the second filter. When engaged, the first and second sections form a chamber between the first and second filters. The chamber is in fluid communication with the respective first ends of the first and second sections.
US08496890B2	Pretreatment apparatus for chemical analysis In a pretreatment apparatus for transferring and mixing a specimen liquid and a reagent in a reagent reservoir, comprising containers for holding the specimen liquid and the reagent, flow paths connecting the containers in series, and a dialysis flow path including a dialysis membrane facing to the flow path, the mixing is brought about by transferring the liquid from the containers to the flow paths and a return by stoppage of transferring the liquid, and subsequently the liquid is made flow into the dialysis flow path.
US08496889B2	Microfluidic device for separating and sorting particles in a fluid medium A microfluidic device for separating emulsion solution into separate particles by passing the emulsion solution through a passive filter. The separated particles can then be sorted into separate chambers through active filtering.
US08496887B2	Fluoride drying apparatus The invention relates to methods and apparatus for drying [18F]fluoride which comprises (i) passing a [18F]fluoride solution comprising water, a solvent, [18F]fluoride, and a cationic counterion through a narrow bore vessel at elevated temperature such that the water and solvent are vaporised forming a vaporised component, and (ii) collecting the resulting vaporised component by condensing into a collection vessel.
US08496884B2	Stirring container and analyzer A stirring container in which liquid is contained is used in an analyzer for measuring a property of the liquid. The stirring container includes a recessed portion in which the liquid is held so that a meniscus is formed; and a sound wave generating unit disposed outside of a wall portion forming the recessed portion, and generates surface sound waves for stirring the liquid. The wall portion is configured so that a rising of the meniscus is lower than a rising of the meniscus formed by the liquid held in an assumed container whose cross section in a direction orthogonal to a depth direction of the recessed portion is the same as that of a circumscribed rectangle. The circumscribed rectangle is circumscribed about a portion, made of a same material as a part of the wall portion where the meniscus is formed, where the meniscus is formed in the relevant direction.
US08496882B2	Catalyst feed systems and methods for using the same Catalyst feed systems and processes utilizing such systems are described herein. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for improving the flowability of catalyst in a catalyst feed system, including providing a catalyst feed vessel with at least one heat exchange system for maintaining the catalyst system temperature below a critical flow temperature. Also disclosed is a catalyst feed system for the polymerization of olefins including a catalyst feed vessel; and a heat exchange system for maintaining a temperature of a catalyst within the catalyst feed vessel. Additionally disclosed is a process for polymerization of olefins including maintaining a supported catalyst in a catalyst feed vessel below a critical flow temperature of the catalyst; feeding the catalyst to a polymerization reactor; and contacting the catalyst with an olefin to form a polyolefin.
US08496880B2	Test strip construction A test strip construction includes a test strip having a testing region bearing a chromogenic reagent to detect the presence of a substance in a fluid test sample. A supporting member is attached to one end of the test strip in a manner such that the testing region is remote form the attachment point and is free from any contact with supporting member. When dipped into the test sample the test strip can flutter away from the supporting member to allow for full contact between that the testing region and the test sample. When removed from the test sample the supporting member provides a consistent background for observation of color changes of the reagent.
US08496878B2	Diluent wells produced in card format for immunodiagnostic testing An immunodiagnostic test card includes a flat planar member and at least one dilution chamber that is supported by the flat planar member. The at least one dilution chamber can be disposed adjacent chambers used for testing a patient sample that are provided on the immunodiagnostic test card or can be provided separately.
US08496872B1	High temperature nitriding of titanium parts A method and apparatus for manufacturing a part. The part may be positioned in a chamber. The part may be comprised of a metal and may be a positioned part. A gas containing nitrogen may be sent into the chamber. An electromagnetic field may be generated in the chamber with the gas. The electromagnetic field may heat a portion of the metal in the positioned part to a temperature from about 60 percent to about 99 percent of the melting point of the metal such that the portion of the metal has a desired hardness. The portion of the metal may extend from a surface of the positioned part to a selected depth from the surface.
US08496869B2	Controlled distribution of chemistry in ceramic systems A method of the controlling the chemical and physical characteristics of a body formed from a powder precursor, including measuring a predetermined amount of a first particulate precursor material, wherein the first particulate precursor material defines a plurality of respective generally spherical first phase particles, adhering second phase particles to the respective first phase particles to define composite particles, forming the composite particles into a green body, and heating the green body to yield a fired body. The second phase particles adhered to the first phase particles are substantially uniformly distributed and a respective first phase particle defines a first particle diameter that is at least about 10 times larger than the second phase diameter defined by a respective second phase particle. The composite particles define a predetermined composition.
US08496866B2	Chip resistor substrate A method for the targeted introduction of cleavage lines or predetermined breaking lines in ceramic substrates for subsequent separation, wherein, in a thermal treatment step or methods step, the cleavage line or predetermined breaking line is heated locally and then cooled suddenly by a coolant in such a way that targeted cracking or material weakness occurs along the cleavage line or predetermined breaking lines.
US08496865B2	Method to minimize chain scission and monomer generation in processing of poly(L-lactide) stent Methods of fabricating an implantable medical devices such as stents made from biodegradable polymers are disclosed that reduce or minimize chain scission and monomer generation during processing steps. The method includes processing a poly(L-lactide) resin having an number average molecular weight between 150 to 200 kD in an extruder in a molten state. A poly(L-lactide) tube is formed from the processed resin and a stent is fabricated from the tube. The number average molecular weight of the poly(L-lactide) of the stent after sterilization is 70 to 100 kD.
US08496864B2	Static dissipative cable ties, such as for radiation belt storm probes Methods of cyclically heating and cooling an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to reduce an electrical resistivity and/or to increase a tensile strength of the article, and methods of irradiating an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to increase a tensile strength of the article. Also disclosed herein are articles formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, and processed in accordance with methods disclosed herein. Such an article may include, for example and without limitation, a cable strap to wrap, support, and/or secure one or more wires or cables, such as a cable tie.
US08496861B2	Process for making plastic fibers for application in concrete Method for making plastic fiber for application in concrete with largest grain diameters >4 mm, with an average diameter of 0.15 to 2 mm, corresponding to approximately 160 to 28,000 dtex. Using a co-extrusion process, a bi-component fiber is formed having a central core and a casing around the central core, the central core and the casing contain different pure polymers or polymer mixtures, and then the co-extruded bi-component fiber is stretched by a factor of 5 to 15, and thereafter a structured or grooved surface is embossed onto the co-extruded stretched bi-component fiber. The embossing is performed such that a depth of the embossing is more than 10% of an average fiber diameter, and a maximal distances of structure tips within incorporated structures of the embossing in an axial direction lie in a region between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.
US08496858B2	Self-supporting optical fiber spool and method for the production thereof The invention relates to a fiberglass spool comprising a self-supporting roll (12) having layers of windings (20) located one above the other of an optical fiber (13) for transmitting data that may be unwound from the interior of the roll outwards, wherein the windings (20) are fixed to one another by means of an adhesive bonding agent. In order to realize a sufficiently stable, self-supporting roll (12) that may be reliably unwound from the inside outwards without loops being pulled out of the roll (12), the roll (12) is structured as a cross-winding and a hydrocarbon-based, salt water-resistant, chemically inert impregnating material that may be liquefied by heating is used as the bonding agent.
US08496855B2	Cathode active material, cathode including cathode active material, and lithium battery including cathode A cathode active material including a spinel lithium manganese composite oxide represented by Formula 1 below, a cathode including the cathode active material, and a lithium battery including the cathode: LixMn2-y-zNiyMzO4-nXn where 0.025≦x≦1.1, 0.3≦y<0.5, 0
US08496854B2	Positive temperature coefficient materials with reduced negative temperature coefficient effect Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) compositions having a reduced negative temperature coefficient effect (NTC) are provided that are achieved without crosslinking the thermoplastic base material. The PTC compositions include a thermoplastic base resin, an electrically conductive filler and particles of a polymeric additive dispersed in the PTC composition.
US08496844B1	Ion etching of growing InP nanocrystals using microwave High quantum yield InP nanocrystals are used in the bio-technology, bio-medical, and photovoltaic, specifically IV, III-V and III-VI nanocrystal technological applications. InP nanocrystals typically require post-generation HF treatment. Combining microwave methodologies with the presence of a fluorinated ionic liquid allows Fluorine ion etching without the hazards accompanying HF. Growing the InP nanocrystals in the presence of the ionic liquid allows in-situ etching to be achieved. The optimization of the PL QY is achieved by balancing growth and etching rates in the reaction.
US08496841B2	Nano patterning method and methods for fabricating surface plasmon color filter and liquid crystal display device using the same Disclosed are a nano patterning method for fabricating a surface plasmon color filter having a transmissive pattern which selectively transmits light of specific wavelengths, and methods for fabricating a surface plasmon color filter and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device using the same. Used are a stamp which provides a partial electrification region, and a template, thiol-terminated nanospheres which can be self-assembled, thereby fabricating nano holes having a two-dimensional period and arranged in a hexagonal lattice. This may be applied onto a large area of a substrate, and may implement simplified processes and reduced fabrication costs.
US08496834B2	Process for fractionating a mixture of polyisocyanates Method of fractionating a mixture of polyisocyanates in the liquid phase, optionally in the presence of a suitable solvent or mixture of two or more solvents, by means of a selectively permeable membrane into a permeate stream and a retentate stream of polyisocyanate compositions different to each other and different to the original mixture.
US08496830B2	Treatment of water with hypobromite solution A process of producing ultrapure water includes passing a water stream through a plurality of treatment stages in which inorganic and organic species which are present in the water are separated from the water stream; and adding an aqueous hypobromite solution to the water stream in at least one of the stages.
US08496828B2	Cleaning in membrane filtration systems A method of cleaning permeable, hollow membranes is disclosed. In one embodiment, the membranes are immersed in a liquid suspension. A pressure differential is applied across the walls of the membranes. During filtration, liquid suspension passes through the walls of the membranes to be drawn off as permeate, and at least some solids are retained on or in the membranes. The steps of cleaning include: applying a cleaning solution to one side of the membrane walls; applying a pressure differential across the membrane walls to cause flow of the cleaning solution through the walls from the one side of the membrane walls to the other side of the membrane walls; and, applying a reverse pressure differential across the membrane walls to cause flow of the cleaning solution through the wall from the other side of the membrane walls back to the one side of the membrane walls.
US08496824B2	Method and device for supply of a dialysis unit with dialysis fluid A method and a device for supply of a dialyser in a dialysis unit with dialysis fluid is disclosed. At least one dialysis fluid concentrate is mixed with water to produce the dialysis fluid. The dialysis fluid concentrate is prepared in a reservoir unit in a given amount. A control and arithmetic unit calculates the dialysis fluid rate (Qd) such that, after a given treatment time (TB) has passed, a given residual amount of dialysis fluid concentrate or no residual amount remains in the reservoir unit. It is preferable to empty the reservoir unit by the end of treatment.
US08496822B2	Retaining device, especially for flat roof drains A retaining device 1 comprises a cup-shaped trap basket 2 including a circular support edge 3. A holder 4 is disposed at the trap basket 2, includes at least two holding arms 5, 6 movable between a “holding position” and “release” position, and is a separate assembly adapted to be connected to the trap basket 2. A gear unit 8 includes a bolt 10 that is adapted to be connected with a rotatable operating element 7 and has a driving worm 9 and tooth sections 11 adapted to be engaged with the driving worm 9 and disposed at the holding arms 5, 6.
US08496818B2	HPLC capillary column device A high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) capillary column device, system and method for processing a HPLC sample with a cartridge housing a packed capillary column; at least one inlet connection to the capillary column for a sample fluid; and at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid. The outlet connection is able to accommodate either a spray tip for atomizing the sample fluid or a transport tube for transporting the sample fluid from a spray tip column to a spray tip. Inlet connections enable supply of electrical power to the capillary column through electrical connections disposed within the cartridge housing; and gas for evaporating the sample liquid is supplied to at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid through a gas supply line within the cartridge housing. The temperature of the sample liquid can be controlled through a heat connection.
US08496815B2	Iodine recovery systems Systems and methods for the recovery of iodine are described. In particular, recovery systems and methods produce an iodine complex from an aqueous brine containing iodide. A head tank for maintains a supply of the brine, a pH controller acidifies brine received from the head tank and an oxidizer converts iodide in the acidified brine to elemental iodine. At least one activated carbon contactor module is removably inserted into a stream of the oxidized brine provided by the oxidizer and binds the molecular iodine to form the iodine complex. A container may enclose the head tank, the pH controller and the oxidizer in order to facilitate transportation of the system and performance of the methods and processes in proximity to a brine source. The brine may be employed or associated with oilfield operations.
US08496809B2	Dynamic weight balancing of flow in kidney failure treatment systems A kidney failure treatment system includes: (i) a dialysate supply; (ii) a weighing device; a control container coupled operably to the weighing device; (iii) a diffusion membrane; (iv) a drain; first and second pumps; (v) a first fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the dialysate supply and the diffusion membrane, the first fluid conduit coupled operably to the first pump; (vi) a second fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the control container and the drain, the second fluid conduit coupled operably to the first pump; and (vii) a third fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the diffusion membrane and the control conduit, the third fluid conduit coupled operably to the second pump.
US08496808B2	Wastewater treatment apparatus A wastewater treatment apparatus (10) includes one or more treatment tanks (12, 14). Each treatment tank (12, 14) has an associated oxygenation treatment circuit (18) including a gas and liquid mixing chamber (20), a gas injector (22) upstream of the mixing chamber (20) and one of an oxygen generator (24) or an ozone generator (26) supplying gas to the gas injector (22), and a pump (28, 29) for pumping wastewater from the treatment tank (12, 14) through the mixing chamber (20) and back to the treatment tank (28, 29).
US08496807B2	Hemodialysis apparatus and method for hemodialysis A hemodialysis apparatus includes a dialysis device, a detecting device, an evaluation device and a memory device. The dialysis device dialyzes and ultrafiltrates blood of a patient according to an ultrafiltration volume based on an estimated dry weight while performing hemodialysis treatment on the blood circulating extracorporeally. The detecting device obtains time series data by measuring a parameter related to concentration of the blood circulating extracorporeally at a plurality of points in time series in a process of the hemodialysis treatment by the dialysis device. The evaluation device evaluates appropriateness of the hemodialysis treatment by evaluating whether the estimated dry weight approximates to a dry weight after the hemodialysis treatment by the dialysis device. The memory device stores a plurality of time series data when the hemodialysis treatment is evaluated to be appropriate by the evaluation device.
US08496802B2	Methods for operating chemically-sensitive sample and hold sensors Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
US08496800B2	Use of polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactants with magnesium ion selective electrodes Methods are disclosed for reducing the shift in EMF bias in a magnesium ion selective electrode, comprising the step of: contacting the electrode with a composition comprising a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant; wherein the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant has an HLB greater than about 18. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to methods, comprising the steps of: contacting a magnesium ion selective electrode with a composition comprising a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant, wherein the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant has an HLB greater than about 18; and measuring a biologically relevant level of a blood electrolyte in a blood composition with the electrode. In certain embodiments, the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant is polyoxy ethylene (100) stearyl ether and the blood electrolyte is magnesium ion.
US08496799B2	Systems and methods for in situ annealing of electro- and electroless platings during deposition Systems and methods for in-situ annealing of metal layers as they are being plated on a substrate by action of a chemical solution are provided. The in-situ annealing, in conjunction with controlled slow growth rates, allows control of the structure of the plated metal layers. The systems and methods are used for maskless plating of the substrates.
US08496794B2	Biosensor, biosensor chip and biosensor device A biosensor includes a working electrode 101, a counter electrode 102 opposing the working electrode 101, a working electrode terminal 103 and a working electrode reference terminal 10 connected to the working electrode 101 by wires, and a counter electrode terminal 104 connected to the counter electrode 102 by a wire. By employing a structure with at least three electrodes, it is possible to assay a target substance without being influenced by the line resistance on the working electrode side.
US08496793B2	Vacuum treatment installation and vacuum treatment method Vacuum treatment installation or vacuum treatment method for carrying out a plasma method, wherein the treatment is carried out in a vacuum chamber, in which are disposed a device for generating an electric low voltage arc discharge (NVBE) comprised of a cathode and an anode electrically interconnectable with the cathode via an arc generator, and a workpiece carrier electrically interconnectable with a bias generator for receiving and moving workpieces, as well as at least one feed for inert and/or reactive gas. At least a portion of the surface of the anode is therein fabricated of graphite and is operated at high temperature.
US08496792B2	Rotary magnet sputtering apparatus In a rotary magnet sputtering apparatus, a target consumption displacement quantity is measured, and corresponding to the measurement results, a distance between a rotating magnet group and a target is adjusted, and uniform film forming rate is achieved over a long period of time so as to reduce the change of a target surface due to consumption of the target and to reduce the change of the film forming rate with time. An ultrasonic sensor or a laser transmitting/receiving device may be used as a means for measuring the consumption displacement quantity of the target.
US08496791B2	Active oxygen generating apparatus An active oxygen generating apparatus comprises cathodes constituted by a plurality of base materials, each containing a conductive polymer, an anode having conductivity, a power source that conducts electricity between both electrodes through water in which oxygen is dissolved, and a water receiving portion that contains the water. The cathodes are made of a plurality of plate-shaped base materials installed upright at intervals in the water receiving portion and the anode is arranged across the plurality of base materials and orthogonally to the plurality of base materials.
US08496790B2	Electrochemical processor An electrochemical processor may include a head having a rotor configured to hold a workpiece, with the head moveable to position the rotor in a vessel. Inner and outer anodes are in inner and outer anolyte chambers within the vessel. An upper cup in the vessel, has a curved upper surface and inner and outer catholyte chambers. A current thief is located adjacent to the curved upper surface. Annular slots in the curved upper curved surface connect into passageways, such as tubes, leading into the outer catholyte chamber. Membranes may separate the inner and outer anolyte chambers from the inner and outer catholyte chambers, respectively.
US08496788B2	Method and device for producing and storing energy A method and a device for producing and storing electrical energy using iron complexes, using an iron +III molecular complex as well as a photoreduced iron +II complex, both complexed chemically by a ligand of the benzoic hydrazide type.
US08496787B2	Method and apparatus for effluent free sea water desalination A method and apparatus for eliminating brine effluent from desalination plants by distillation, is disclosed. To eliminate the brine the salt is converted into a solid and all of the water in the brine is converted to distilled water. The key to achieving this is reducing or eliminating the scale formation in the heating chamber. In one embodiment the process can be used to reduce or eliminate scale formation in a vapor compression sea water desalinization system and there-by use this system to produce drinking water. This process requires no chemical additives but relies entirely upon separation of the process of vaporization of the fluid involved, from the process of heating of the fluid. In one embodiment of this apparatus sea water can be desalinated and the resulting products can be dry salt and pure water leaving no brine return to the ocean. This embodiment also can be used to desalinate concentrated brine from any available source and make a profit on the salt sales, as the salt sells for more than it costs to produce the water and salt separation.
US08496784B2	Process for making a stiffened paper A process for making a stiffened and rigid paper includes preparing a pulp slurry consisting essentially of water, a cellulosic pulp, a crosslinker, and a starch, and optionally a binder; draining the liquid from the pulp slurry to form a web; and drying the web. Alternatively, a process for making a stiffened and rigid paper includes the step of adding at least one crosslinker at one or more locations, such as at the wet-end, dry-end, or at both ends of the papermaking process. Suitable crosslinkers include a glyoxal-containing crosslinker, a gluteraldehyde, a polyfunctional aziridine, a zirconium-containing crosslinker, a titanium-containing crosslinker, and an epichlorohydrin, and mixtures thereof. When a binder is employed, it can be added either in the dry or wet form. Provided is a neutral or alkaline process to produce a paper product having the improved mechanical properties of a laminated product in the Z-direction, without a lamination step.
US08496782B2	Methods for preparing alkali cellulose and water-soluble cellulose ether Provided is a method for preparing cellulose ether which is transparent as dissolved in water and has low water-insoluble content. More specifically, provided are a method for preparing alkali cellulose comprising a contact step of bringing a pulp sheet having a pore volume of 1.0 ml/g or greater, or chips into which the pulp sheet has been converted, into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution to obtain an alkali cellulose reaction mixture, and a drain step of draining the alkali cellulose reaction mixture; and a method for preparing water-soluble cellulose ether comprising a step of reacting the alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent.
US08496781B2	Plasma processing apparatus The invention provides a plasma processing apparatus which is based upon a dry etching apparatus and which can inhibit the contamination of a work piece caused by sputtering onto a wall of a vacuum chamber, the occurrence of a foreign matter, the increase of a running cost for replacing the walls of the vacuum chamber and the deterioration of a rate of operation. The plasma processing apparatus according to the invention is based upon the dry etching apparatus having parallel plate structure and is characterized in that a low-pass filter having high impedance to a frequency of a high frequency power source for generating discharge, having small resistance to direct current and grounded is connected to an electrode for generating discharge which is arranged in a position opposite to the work piece and to which the high frequency power source for generating discharge is connected or a low-pass filter having small resistance to direct current and grounded and a direct-current power source connected in series with it are connected to the electrode for generating discharge.
US08496780B2	Apparatus for the deposition of high dielectric constant films An integrated deposition system is described that is capable of vaporizing low vapor pressure liquid precursors and conveying the vapor to a processing region to fabricate advanced integrated circuits. The integrated deposition system includes a heated exhaust system, a remote plasma generator, a processing chamber, a liquid delivery system, and a computer control module that together create a commercially viable and production worthy system for depositing high capacity dielectric materials from low vapor pressure precursors.
US08496777B2	Multi-layer decorating element and method of its manufacture A method for producing a multi-layer decorating element includes the steps of: (a) providing a base, a first plate, a second plate and a fixing layer; (b) stacking the first and second plates onto one of the base and the fixing layer; (c) stacking the other of the base and the fixing layer onto one of the base and the fixing layer to form a stacked array; (d) hot pressing the stacked array; and (e) removing the fixing layer.
US08496775B2	Method for embossing an absorbent article A method for attaching a release paper to a backsheet having depressed regions.
US08496774B2	Process and materials for coiling z-filter media; and/or closing flutes of filter media; and, products Approaches to providing z-filter media constructions are provided. Preferred corrugated media, filter constructions having such corrugated media, and filter systems using such filter constructions are provided. Also, preferred methods of forming filter constructions are provided.
US08496773B2	Diaper closure and method of making same A laminated web from which diaper closure elements may be punched is made by first applying at least two pairs longitudinally extending and transversely spaced bend-resistant strips to a first longitudinally extending nonwoven tape. Then a respective longitudinally extending strip of an elastically stretchable polymer is applied to the first nonwoven tape between each of the pairs of the bend-resistant strips with the polymer strip partially overlapping both of the bend-resistant strips of the respective pair. A second longitudinally extending nonwoven tape that covers and extends transversely to both sides of the polymer strip is applied over the bend-resistant strips and the polymer strips to form a laminate with the polymer strip between the first and second nonwoven tapes.
US08496769B2	Carpet, carpet backings and methods The present invention pertains to carpet and method of making it. In one aspect, the carpet includes (a) a primary backing which has a face and a back surface, (b) a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing, (c) an adhesive backing, (d) an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing, and (e) at least one homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer. The method includes extrusion coating at least one homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer onto the back surface of a primary backing to provide an adhesive backing. The method can include additional steps or procedures, either separately or in various combinations. Additional steps and procedures include preheating the primary backing prior the extrusion step, multilayer adhesive backings, washing or scouring the primary backing prior the extrusion step, and utilizing adhesive polymeric additives, high heat content fillers, blowing agents and/or implosion agents. The constructions and methods described herein are particularly suited for making carpet tile.
US08496763B2	Seamless steel tube for an airbag accumulator and process for its manufacture A seamless steel tube for an airbag accumulator which can be manufactured by heat treatment of normalizing without quenching and tempering and which has a tensile strength of at least 850 MPa and resistance to bursting at −20° C. has a stee; composition comprising, in mass %, C: 0.08-0.20%, Si: 0.1-1.0%, Mn: 0.6-2.0%, P: at most 0.025%, S: at most 0.010%, Cr: 0.05-1.0%, Mo: 0.05-1.0%, Al: 0.002-0.10%, at least one of Ca: 0.0003-0.01%, Mg: 0.0003-0.01%, and REM (rare earth metals): 0.0003-0.01%, at least one of Ti: 0.002-0.1% and Nb: 0.002-0.1%, with Ceq which is defined by the following Equation (1) being in the range of 0.45-0.63, with the metallurgical structure being a mixed structure of ferrite+bainite: Ceq=C+Si/24+Mn/6+(Cr+Mo)/5+(Ni+Cu)/15 (1) wherein the symbol for each element in Equation (1) indicates the number expressing the mass percent of the element.
US08496752B2	Method and apparatus for venting gas between a crucible and a susceptor During a CZ or similar process, a silica crucible is held in a graphite or similar susceptor while being heated to above between about 1580 and 1620 degrees C. Vents or grooves formed in at least one of the outer surface of the crucible and the inner surface of the susceptor permit gasses to vent upwardly and out from between the crucible and susceptor. This permits gas evolved from the crucible as a result of the heat to be vented rather than expanding between the crucible and susceptor thereby deforming the crucible.
US08496749B2	Additive mix for asphalt mixture preparation The present invention relates to bitumen additive mixtures, their use and application for the fabrication of asphalt mixtures used in pavement and waterproofing, and more specifically for construction, repair and maintenance of sidewalks, roads, highways, parking lots or airport runaways and service roads and any other rolling surfaces.
US08496743B2	Ink composition By using an ink composition which contains C.I. Acid Red 52, C.I. Acid Red 92, and a specific dye at a ratio in a specific range, it is possible to provide recorded matter having good lightfastness without impairing fluorescence intensity and color developability.
US08496742B2	Wet flue-gas desulfurization equipment In an absorbing tower including an absorption unit of relatively small diameter capable of absorption and removal by an absorbent slurry for exhaust gas purification and a tank unit of relatively large diameter for temporarily storing the absorbent slurry flowing down from the absorption unit, the tank unit and the absorption unit are joined together by a conical member. By disposing an entrance flue at the conical member, a distance from an upper portion of the conical member to a spray header is shortened, and a height of the absorbing tower can be reduced accordingly. By extending a front end of the entrance flue to the absorption unit into which droplets of the absorbent slurry fall, a high-temperature exhaust gas from a boiler, etc., that has passed through the entrance flue, is made to pass through a circumference of the conical member so that an inexpensive material can be used in the conical member.
US08496740B1	Apparatus for separating oil well products An atmospheric oil, water and gas separator designed for oilfield applications having ground level inlet, internal water leg, internal piping, a degassing chamber, a horizontal inlet fluid swirl wing distributor that creates centrifugal spiraling of inlet fluids to slow and increase flow residence time, a horizontal swirl wing baffle above the inlet that minimizes oil re-entrainment by preventing turbulence at the oil-water interface, an inverted upper spreader that prevents solids plugging and performance deterioration, an oil conduit extending from the lower surface of the inverted upper spreader to the oil layer to prevent re-entrainment of separated oil in the inlet water turbulent zone, an externally adjustable slide tube for the water leg spillover weir tube, engineered water and oil spillover weirs that prevent separator upsets and overflows, and a water leg adjuster providing fine tuning of the height of the water leg from outside the vessel without shutdown.
US08496735B2	Method and apparatus for control and elimination of undesirable substances Apparatus and methods for reducing or eliminating undesirable air-borne substances, such as odors, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, are provided. A filter containing nanocrystalline metal oxide or metal hydroxide particles may be installed within an air handling apparatus such as an existing HVAC unit located within a building, and particularly within a home, or a portable air processor or purifier. The air handling apparatus comprises a blower which pulls air containing various undesirable substances from within the enclosed environment and directs it through a filtering device containing the nanocrystalline particles. The undesirable substances are sorbed by the nanocrystalline particles thereby creating a deodorized stream of air that may then be directed back into various portions of the enclosed environment or vented to the atmosphere.
US08496733B2	Large scale pressure swing adsorption systems having process cycles operating in normal and turndown modes The present invention relates to large scale pressure swing adsorption systems (i.e., ranging from twelve to sixteen beds) utilizing new and advanced cycles to obtain enhanced hydrogen recovery from a hydrogen containing feed gas (i.e., synthesis gas).
US08496732B2	Systems and methods for air dehumidification and sensible cooling using a multiple stage pump The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.
US08496731B2	Method for transporting fluid There is provided a method for transporting a fluid, in which even if the fluid is transported for a long period of time, dehydration after transportation is not needed, and the transported fluid can be used immediately after transportation. Specifically, there is provided a method for transporting a fluid, comprising steps of: dehydrating some of the transportation fluid during transportation by using a dehydration system comprising a separation membrane through which water permeates, and returning the dehydrated fluid to the transportation fluid so as to keep water content in the transportation fluid in a fixed range. In one embodiment, the transportation fluid is a liquid, and the dehydration system comprises a heater for heating the liquid to a temperature in a range in which the liquid does not boil, and a membrane separation apparatus for dehydrating the heated liquid, wherein the membrane separation apparatus is a PV method apparatus comprising a primary side chamber extending in an up and down direction to introduce the liquid from a lower portion thereof and discharge it from an upper portion thereof, a separation membrane in contact with the primary side chamber to allow water in the liquid to permeate through as a gas, and a secondary side chamber being located on the opposite side to the primary side chamber with the separation membrane held therebetween and being under a pressure lower than that in the primary side chamber.
US08496730B2	System and method for reducing iron oxide to metallic iron using coke oven gas and oxygen steelmaking furnace gas A process for the direct reduction of iron ore when the external source of reductants is one or both of coke oven gas (COG) and basic oxygen furnace gas (BOFG). Carbon dioxide (CO2) is removed from a mixture of shaft furnace off gas, obtained from a conventional direct reduction shaft furnace, and BOFG. This CO2 lean gas is mixed with clean COG, humidified, and heated in an indirect heater. Oxygen (O2) is injected into the heated reducing gas. This hot reducing gas flows to the direct reduction shaft furnace for use. The spent hot reducing gas exits the direct reduction shaft furnace as shaft furnace off gas, produces steam in a waste heat boiler, is cleaned in a cooler scrubber, and is compressed and recycled to join fresh BOFG. A portion of the shaft furnace off gas is sent to the heater burners. The BOFG and COG are also employed for a variety of other purposes in the process.
US08496728B2	Metallurgical process and plant therefor A process for the production and/or treatment of at least one metal in a reactor includes discharging a waste gas stream via a waste gas conduit and after-treating the waste gas stream by supplying a cooling gas and/or a cooling gas mixture. The after-treating includes injecting the cooling gas and/or cooling gas mixture into the waste gas conduit on a side of the waste gas conduit facing the reactor, at a high velocity and substantially tangentially with respect to a main flow direction of the waste gas. A volume of the cooling gas and/or the cooling gas mixture injected into the waste gas conduit is adjusted so as to reduce a mixing temperature below a melting temperature of the molten particles and/or a condensation temperature of the vaporous constituents of the waste gas stream.
US08496725B2	Composition for producing magnetic or magnetizable moldings, and process for producing the same The invention relates to a composition for producing magnetic or magnetizable moldings, comprising from 95.5 to 98.95% by weight of a powder made of a magnetic or magnetizable material, from 1.0 to 4% by weight of a mixture made of at least one epoxy-novolak resin, and also of at least one hardener, and comprising from 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of at least one additive, based in each case on the total weight of the composition. The mixture made of the at least one epoxy-novolak resin and of the at least one hardener comprises from 85 to 95% by weight of the epoxy-novolak resin and from 5 to 15% by weight of hardener. The hardener has been selected from (cyclo)aliphatic amines and their adducts, polyamides, Mannich bases, amidoamines, phenolic resins, imidazoles, and imidazole derivatives, dicyandiamide, and BF3-monoethanolamine. The invention further relates to a process for producing the composition, and also to a process for producing a molding made of the composition.
US08496724B2	Plugged honeycomb structure and method for manufacturing the same A plugged honeycomb structure including particulate matter (PM) trapping layers disposed on the surfaces of the partition walls extending up to inflow side end faces of the plugging portions that plug outflow cells so that adjacent PM-trapping layers with the partition walls and the plugging portion therebetween are disposed so as to continue on the inflow side end faces of the plugging portions. The PM-trapping layers are extended up to the inflow side end faces of the plugging portions to form protruding portions having a protrusion height corresponding with 0.1 to 2 times the length of a side of the outflow cells from the inflow side end faces of the plugging portions toward the outside of the cell extension direction.
US08496714B2	Base material for revascularization The present invention aims to provide a material for revascularization which enables the regeneration of a blood vessel at an extremely high efficiency by being transplanted into a defect of the blood vessel.The present invention provides a tubular material for revascularization comprising a foamed body comprising a bioabsorbable material, a reinforcing member comprising a bioabsorbable material for reinforcing the foamed body, and a reinforcing yarn comprising a bioabsorbable material for reinforcing the foamed body, wherein the reinforcing yarn and the reinforcing member are located at the center or outer face of the foamed body, the inner face thereof is the foamed body, the reinforcing yarn is wound around in a spiral-shaped, ring-shaped or X-shaped manner, and the reinforcing yarn comprises a glycolide-ε-caprolactone copolymer.
US08496711B2	Knee arthrodesis implant A knee arthrodesis implant has a femur nail inserted in the bone marrow canal of the femur, and a tibia nail inserted in the bone marrow canal of the tibia, the nails being rigidly connected to each other by a connecting means. The problem of providing a knee arthrodesis implant having increased modularity as the result of increased length variability, having a reduced number of parts, and allowing simplified modification is addressed. The problem is addressed in that the connecting means has at least one collar-like module lying in the axis direction defined by the nail, the module having at least two half-shells which are connected to each other in a detachable manner and which are separated in the axis direction (LA) of the module, said half-shells together forming a passage which extends axially and through which a nail neck is inserted, and which have recesses corresponding to each other for receiving a tensioning means, said recesses being arranged coaxially in the longitudinal direction of the module and positioned perpendicular to the axis (LA). The tensioning means fixes the respective nail neck in the passage when in the tensioned state in the manner of a clamping jaw, exclusively by means of a friction fit producing a sufficient clamping torque to prevent axial displacement and rotation.
US08496708B2	Flanged interbody fusion device with hinge Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.
US08496698B2	Endoprosthesis having improved strain distribution An endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen can be configured to inhibit structural fatigue, crack formation, and elastic recoil while providing improved crimping and expansion uniformity and radial strength. As such, the endoprosthesis can include at least one multi-stage crest element connecting adjacent bar arms. The multi-stage crest element and, optionally, the connection or transition between the multi-stage crest element and the bar arms can form a plurality of undulations or curves to improve the distribution of the strains experienced by the endoprosthesis. The improved strain distribution can improve the structural integrity and prevent failure of the endoprosthesis.
US08496696B2	System and method for microablation of tissue The present invention generally relates to the field of laser treatment of tissue, and particularly, to a system and method for creating microablated channels in skin. The present invention is more particularly directed to treating subsurface tissue through the created channels.
US08496692B2	Locking securing member An implant system is disclosed. The implant system includes a securing member configured to fasten an implant to a bone. The securing member includes a drive receiving portion with at least two deflecting portions that are configured to undergo inward deflection during insertion of the securing member into a securing hole of the implant. The deflecting portions also include locking protrusions that are configured to engage locking recesses on an outer rim of the securing hole.
US08496691B2	Side-biased orthopedic fastener retention Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.
US08496690B2	Orthopaedic surgical components A bone plate system for the internal fixation of a fractured bone of a patient has a bone plate with one or more threaded bone fastener apertures and one or more non-threaded bone fastener apertures. The system also has a plurality of bone fasteners, each with a shaft and a head. The heads are dimensioned and configured to threadedly engage the threaded bone fastener apertures to provide a fixed angle locking construct. The heads also are dimensioned and configured to directly engage the non-threaded bone fastener apertures to provide a polyaxial non-locking compressive construct.
US08496689B2	Spinal implant device with fusion cage and fixation plates and method of implanting There is provided a spinal implant device for placement between adjacent spinous processes and a pair of opposing facet joints. The spinal implant device includes a fusion cage, first and second fixation plates and a connector for connecting the cage to the plates. The fusion cage includes a superficial face, a deep face, superior and inferior saddle portions, and opposing cage ends. Each cage end defining a facet fusion surface sized and configured to respectively contact the opposing facet joints. The first and second fixation plate are sized and configured to extend along and in contact with the adjacent spinous processes. A method of implanting the device is provided. In another embodiment the device includes the fusion cage.
US08496687B2	Crossbar spinal prosthesis having a modular design and related implantation methods Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements.
US08496686B2	Minimally invasive spine restoration systems, devices, methods and kits The invention discloses methods, devices, systems and kits for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. An implantable facet joint device of one embodiment comprises a cephalad facet joint element and a caudal facet joint element. The cephalad facet joint element includes a member adapted to engage a first vertebra, and an artificial cephalad bearing member. The caudal facet joint element includes a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebra at a fixation point and an artificial caudal bearing member adapted to engage the cephalad bearing member. The artificial caudal bearing member is adapted for a location lateral to the fixation point.
US08496684B2	Method for deploying a device for gastric volume reduction A method for approximating tissue within a body including the step of providing a device having a handle, at least one actuator, an elongated hollow housing having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom, a first and second cartridge. Each the cartridge contains at least one fastener having at least two anchors connected together by a non-resilient flexible suture which does not resist deformation under compressible loads. The first cartridge being releasably connected to the distal end of hollow housing. The method also includes the step of inserting the first cartridge into a body and deploying each anchor into tissue in a spaced apart position. The method also involves moving the anchors adjacent one another by moving the suture in a proximal direction, and removing the first cartridge from the body and from the housing. The method then involves placing the second cartridge onto the housing thereby replacing the first cartridge with the second cartridge.
US08496683B2	Buttress and surgical stapling apparatus Multilayer structures including a porous layer and a non-porous layer are useful as buttresses when associated with a surgical stapling apparatus.
US08496680B2	Guidewire for crossing occlusions or stenoses Systems and methods for crossing stenosis, partial occlusions, or complete occlusions within a body lumen. The systems generally include an elongate member such as a hollow guidewire that houses a rotatable and translatable drive shaft. The drive shaft typically has a distal portion that is advanced to create a path in the occlusive material that is large enough to allow the hollow guidewire to cross the occlusive material.
US08496679B2	Methods and apparatus for crossing occlusions in blood vessels This disclosure is directed to a device for facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The device includes an intravascular device including a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. The device includes a handle assembly fixed about the proximal end of the shaft, the handle assembly including a first portion. Rotation of the first portion in a first direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft causes rotation of the shaft in the first direction when a torque applied by the first portion to the shaft is below a first maximum torque. Further rotation of the first portion in the first direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft does not cause rotation of the shaft in the first direction when the torque applied by the first portion to the shaft is equal to or above the first maximum torque.
US08496673B2	Clip advancer with lockout mechanism A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided and can include a housing having a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The clip applier can include an advancer assembly disposed within the elongate shaft and configured to advance one of a plurality of clips disposed within the elongate shaft into the opposed jaws. A feeder shoe can be disposed within the elongate shaft and can be configured to engage and prevent the advancer assembly from moving to a proximal position after the advancer assembly has moved to a distal position to advance a proximal-most clip into the opposed jaws. This can indicate to a user that a clip supply of the surgical clip applier is depleted.
US08496671B1	Mitral valve treatment An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a guide catheter including a clip channel, at least one hook channel, and at least one sling channel defined therein; a clip applier movable within the clip channel, wherein the clip applier holds at least one clip; at least one hook movable within a corresponding hook channel; and at least one sling movable within a corresponding sling channel. An exemplary surgical method for treating a mitral valve may include providing a guide catheter; a clip applier held by the guide catheter, and a clip held by the clip applier; introducing the distal end of the guide catheter into the left atrium; engaging the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve with the clip; closing the clip; and disengaging the clip applier from the clip, whereby the clip remains in the mitral valve. Another exemplary surgical method for treating a valve may include providing a guide catheter; a clip applier held by the guide catheter, and at least one clip held by the clip applier; advancing the guide catheter into proximity to the valve; and applying at least one clip substantially in the middle of the valve to create two orifices, one on each side of the clip.
US08496670B2	Tilting prevention for depilating devices A depilating device (14) for depilating hair (12) from a surface (10) of a skin (11) comprises a housing (16) and a depilating member (18) arranged in said housing. In operation, said depilating member has an effective depilating action when positioned within a predetermined range of angular positions (5) relative to the surface of the skin. The depilating device further comprises a detector for detecting an actual angular position (28) of the depilating member relative to the surface of the skin, and feedback means cooperating with said detector for providing a feedback signal when said actual angular position exceeds said predetermined range of angular positions. According to a specific embodiment, the detector comprises a skin contact member (34) arranged adjacent to the depilating member (18) and being pivotable relative to the housing (16) about a pivot axis (54) extending parallel to a skin contact surface of the depilating member.
US08496669B2	Ultrasound catheter having protective feature against breakage An ultrasound catheter has an elongate flexible catheter body having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, and an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter body. The ultrasound transmission member has a proximal end that is coupled to a separate ultrasound generating device, and a distal tip that is attached to the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member and which is located at the distal end of the catheter body. The ultrasound transmission member is directly attached to the catheter body and/or to a guidewire tube either directly or via an attachment device. The catheter has an additional radiopaque marker positioned on the distal end the catheter.
US08496667B2	Deployable segmented TLIF device A segmented intervertebral body fusion support includes a plurality of segments, the segments including an initial segment, a final segment and at least one intermediate segment. The intermediate segment has a generally trapezoidal configuration and the initial and final segments include tapered side walls providing triangular gaps between adjacent segments. A draw wire is fixed to the first segment and passes through the remaining segments. By pulling the draw wire relative to the segments, the segments are drawn together in a generally arcuate configuration. The draw wire includes an enlargement that passes through the final segment and engages a plurality of fingers on the final segment, which prevents the draw wire from retracting, maintaining the arcuate configuration. The segmented device can be inserted through a laparoscopic device into the intervertebral space and can be subsequently drawn into the arcuate configuration to establish the desired intervertebral spacing.
US08496665B2	Drill sleeve A drill sleeve is provided for guiding a bone drill in alignment with the screw holes and drill guides. The drill sleeve includes a cylindrical body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The cylindrical body includes a longitudinal bore therethrough that is sized for passage of a bone drill. The drill sleeve also includes a frictional retaining element for exerting a bearing force against the surface of the bone drill, such that the frictional retaining element may support at least the weight of the drill sleeve on the bone drill. The bone drill has graduated indicia, and a portion of the drill sleeve may be referenced relative to the indicia so as to be used as a depth gauge for determining the length of a drilled hole in order to select a screw fastener having the appropriate length.
US08496664B2	Method for using lordotic guard with moveable extensions for creating an implantation space posteriorly in the lumbar spine A method for guiding a bone removal device to form an implantation space in the human spine and, if desired, for inserting a spinal implant having at least in part non-arcuate upper and lower portions into the implantation space is disclosed. The method includes the act of positioning a guard into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies. The guard has a body and a disc space penetrating extension for insertion at least in part into the disc space and for bearing against the adjacent vertebral bodies. A first portion and a second portion of the guard are rotatable articulatable relative to one another. The method further includes the acts of rotatably articulating the guard to move the body from an open position to a closed position and move the extension from an insertion position to a deployed position. In doing so, the adjacent vertebral bodies are moved apart, and an implantation space is formed through the guard.
US08496663B2	Surgical templates A surgical template system for use in working on a bone comprises: a tool guide block comprising at least one guide aperture for receiving and guiding a tool to work on a bone; locating means comprising a plurality of locating members, each member having a respective end surface for positioning against a surface of the bone; and attachment means for non-adjustably attaching the tool guide block to the locating means such that, when attached, the member end surfaces are secured in fixed position with, respect to each other, for engaging different respective portions of the surface of the bone, and the at least one guide aperture is secured in a fixed position with respect to the end surfaces. Corresponding methods of manufacturing a surgical template system, methods of manufacturing locating means for a surgical template system, methods of fitting a prosthesis to a bone, surgical methods, and surgical apparatus are described.
US08496654B2	Method and apparatus for fractional skin treatment An apparatus for cosmetic RF skin treatment where the RF energy supply is isolated from the patient treated, such that in course of treatment no undesired current flows through the subject body.
US08496653B2	Thrombus removal A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of thrombus from a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other energy delivery surfaces. The electrode structures may be radially inwardly oriented and/or supported in cantilever to facilitate advancing the electrodes.
US08496645B2	Suture winding for a drainage catheter Drainage catheters for use in a variety of medical procedures are presented herein. The drainage catheter features an improved tension member locking mechanism. In use, once the drainage catheter is placed as desired, a second connector piece is rotated relative to a first connector piece to wind the tension member around a spooling region and pull the distal end of the catheter tube into a locked configuration. Once the tension member is tensioned, the first and second connector pieces are pulled into a locking engagement thereby securing the catheter tube in the locked configuration.
US08496638B2	Absorbent articles having a waist region and corresponding fasteners that have matching stretch properties Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles have a waistband that encompasses a pair of opposing side panels and a waist region of the article. The side panels are attached to longitudinal edges of a chassis and are configured to extend around a person's waist. The side panels are attached to fastening devices for fastening the absorbent article to a wearer. In accordance with the present invention, the side panels and the waist region are both elastic. In order to improve fit and comfort, the stretch properties of the side panels are matched with the stretch properties of the waist region. For example, elongation of the side panels can be matched to elongation of the waist region or, alternatively, displacement of the side panels can be matched to the displacement of the waist region for a given range of forces.
US08496633B2	Surgical access device with adjustable cannula A surgical access device is provided having a cannula and obturator. The cannula has a housing and tube section with an anchor located about the tube section. The obturator has a mechanism to deploy the anchor and adjust the cannula length. The anchor is moveable between a deployed and undeployed state where the undeployed state facilitates insertion and removal of the access device and the deployed state assists in fixation of the cannula in an anatomic structure. Anchor deployment is independent of cannula length adjustment.
US08496632B2	Surgical access device with adjustable cannula A surgical access device is provided having a cannula and obturator. The cannula has a housing and tube section with an anchor located about the tube section. The obturator has a mechanism to deploy the anchor and adjust the cannula length. The anchor is moveable between a deployed and undeployed state where the undeployed state facilitates insertion and removal of the access device and the deployed state assists in fixation of the cannula in an anatomic structure. Anchor deployment is independent of cannula length adjustment.
US08496629B2	Catheter hole having a flow breaking feature A peripheral catheter having a catheter tip diffuser for reducing an exit velocity of an infusant within the catheter. Pluralities of diffusion side holes are provided on the tip portion of the catheter. Some examples further include pluralities of annularly arranged, staggered diffusion holes provided on the tip portion of an intravenous catheter to streamline infusant issued from the diffusion holes. An inner surface of each diffusion hole is further angled relative to the inner surface of the catheter lumen such that an infusant within the lumen exits the catheter though the diffusion holes at an angle less than 90°.
US08496628B2	Needle-based medical device including needle guide A needle-based medical device including a needle guide and a method for constructing the same are disclosed. The needle-based medical device includes a tube having a first lumen; a needle guide which is dimensioned to be inserted into the lumen of the tube, and a needle. The needle is inserted such that an end is positioned in the needle guide. A glue may also be provided to secure the needle guide to the tube. In one embodiment, the tube may be made of extruded plastic.
US08496627B2	Passive latch ring safety shield for injection devices A passive latch ring safety shield for use with medical injection devices is disclosed. The safety shield includes an inner sheath defining a channel which is dimensioned to receive an injection device and an outer sheath defining a channel which is dimensioned to slidably receive the inner sheath. A biasing member is provided between the inner and outer sheaths to urge the outer sheath in relation to the inner sheath from a retracted position to an advanced position. A resilient latch ring is supported on the safety shield in a position to prevent movement of the outer sheath in relation to the inner sheath from a retracted to and advanced position. The latch ring is deformable in response to actuation of the injection device to disengage the outer sheath from the inner sheath and allow the biasing member to move the outer sheath from the retracted position to the advanced position in relation to the inner sheath.
US08496624B2	Blunt cannula with non-circular proximal portion for accessing a slit septum oriented to the cannula A blunt cannula includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion has a non-circular, such as oval, cross-section. A slit septum of a medical site is oriented to receive the proximal portion of the blunt cannula.
US08496615B2	Method and apparatus for delivering an agent to a kidney A method is described including introducing a delivery device to a point within a renal artery or a renal segmental artery and delivering a treatment agent from the delivery device according to conditions that create a turbulent blood flow and wherein the treatment agent is capable of inhibiting a biological process contributing to nephropathy. In other embodiments, an apparatus and kit are described including a delivery device for insertion to a point within a renal artery or renal segmental artery and delivery of a treatment agent capable of inhibiting a biological process contributing to nephropathy.
US08496612B2	Adapter for power injections A syringe adapter includes an adapter body having a first connecting portion that may be received into a power injector unit used to deliver contrast media. The adapter also includes a second connecting portion configured to receive the rearward end of an associated syringe. The adapter includes means for encoding information about the associated syringe that may be communicated to the power injector unit through one or more sensors. The means for encoding information may include a mechanism that moves linearly laterally back and forth to activate an actuator used to convey the encoded information. In particular, the action of installing the adapter may be decoupled from the action of encoding information.
US08496609B2	Fluid delivery system with spiked cassette A fluid dispensing machine, such as a peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis machine, includes a dispenser or cassette that pumps a medical fluid for dialysis or other treatments for patients. The machine includes and uses an autoconnect device for connecting containers of liquid, such as bags of dialysis fluid or medication fluids, to the machine, while maintaining the sterility of the connection. The autoconnect device removes the cap from the fluid bag and pierces a sealing membrane on tubing from the bag. This makes it easier for patients to receive treatment, especially home treatment. The cassettes preferably have tubing ports with integral spikes for piercing the membrane on tubing from bags of liquids. The ports may be staggered for sequential engagement with the spikes. Other embodiments are useful for dispensing other liquids from other types of dispensing or pumping machines.
US08496608B2	Systems and methods for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes The present invention provides systems and methods for treating wounds in patients who lack the innate ability to regulate glucose (e.g., diabetic patients). In one aspect of the invention, a method includes positioning an internal bypass device within the duodenum to inhibit contact between chyme passing therethrough and an internal wall of the duodenum and maintaining the internal bypass device within the duodenum for a sufficient period of time to decrease insulin resistance and reduce a blood glucose level in the patient. The internal bypass device increases peripheral blood flow and elevates an immune system response to accelerate healing of the wound.
US08496604B2	Systems for and methods of assessing urinary flow rate via sound analysis Systems for and methods of assessing urinary flow rate via sound analysis. Embodiments of the uroflow measurement systems include a computer and a telephone or a digital recording mechanism to capture the sound of one or more urination events, which are stored as audio files in a database. The uroflow measurement systems may include sound analysis software for analyzing the strength and duration of each urination event and may include a web-based uroflow software application for viewing the results via the Internet or other network. In one embodiment, the sound analysis software performs the steps of reading in the raw data of a selected audio file, generating a plot of the audio signal amplitude vs. time, generating a plot of smoothed data for the purpose of presenting an outline of the flow, generating a main flow plot, which is a plot of the largest continuous flow that has a strength that is greater than a predetermined minimum, and generating a set of numerical values that correspond to the strength and duration of urination.
US08496603B2	Wire torque apparatus, wire insertion devices, improved aneurysm clips and improved aneurysm clip applicators Wire torque apparatus and methods for engaging a wire torque apparatus are disclosed. Wire insertion devices and methods for inserting a wire into a catheter are disclosed. An improved aneurysm clip utilizes non-metallic material. An improvement to an aneurysm clip applicator tool includes a power supply to power an electromagnet, an adjustable counter element that is attracted to the electromagnet when the electromagnet is magnetized, and a switch to disengage the electromagnet. When the electromagnet is magnetized and comes within a certain proximity to the counter element, the electromagnet and the counter element attract and cling to one another. They are released by activating a switch.
US08496601B2	Methods and apparatus for lancet actuation A lancet driver is provided wherein the driver exerts a driving force on a lancet during a lancing cycle and is used on a tissue site. The driver comprises of a drive force generator for advancing the lancet and a processor coupled to the drive force generator capable of changing the direction and magnitude of force exerted on the lancet during the lancing cycle. The driver further includes a human interface on the housing providing at least one output for communicating with the patient.
US08496599B2	Tissue removal device for neurosurgical and spinal surgery applications A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The outer and inner cannulae are offset from the motor and drive assembly, and the center of gravity of the device is in the forward part of the device, providing an ergonomic design that is particularly suited for neurosurgical applications.
US08496597B2	Method of detecting and predicting ovulation and the period of fertility A method of providing information relating to the fertility of a female mammal comprising the steps of: (i) taking multiple temperature readings from the female mammal during an extended period; (ii) identifying and disregarding temperature readings having one or more characteristics of irrelevant or faulty data; (iii) obtaining one or several representative temperature values for the extended period; (iv) repeating steps (i) to (iii) over multiple extended periods; (v) analyzing the representative temperature values obtained over multiple extended periods for one or more patterns in the representative temperature values indicative or predictive of ovulation in order to provide information relating to the fertility of the female mammal to a user, wherein the representative temperature values are not the maximum or minimum temperature readings obtained for the extended period; and related uses and apparatus.
US08496595B2	Method and device for measuring the pulse by means of light waves with two wavelengths System and method to determine the heartbeat of a person by a pulse measuring device. Light waves are generated in the direction of the skin by two light sources with a first wavelength (λ1) which is sensitive to the pulse beat and movement of the person, and with a different second wavelength (λ2) which is sensitive to movement, wherein a photodetector detects the reflected light waves. A pulse is determined based on calculation made of at least one non-coherent power spectrum on the basis of a spectral coherence function γ which takes into account the dependence between the measurement signals relating to the first wavelength and to the second wavelength by the formula SNC=(1−γ2)*SAA, where SAA is the average Fourier power spectrum of the signals relating to the first wavelength, and where γ2 is between 0 and 1.
US08496592B2	Clamp for a medical probe device Disclosed are medical probe devices and methods for use guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The probe devices include a clamp that can secure a probe at a targeted location. The devices can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide to a percutaneous target. Disclosed clamps can be utilized on probe devices incorporating an ultrasound transducer. In addition, the devices can include a sterilizable shield including a sterile probe guide for use in procedures requiring a sterile field. The sterilizable shield can be a single-use shield that can prevent contamination and re-use of the shield. The devices can define a beneficial geometry conducive to use by a single operator that can be utilized for percutaneous targets near the skin surface.
US08496583B1	Pupil dilation system A pupil dilation system including a generally circular deformable and discontinuous ring member is provided. The ring member expands circumferentially and applies an expansile force substantially uniformly around a pupillary margin of a pupil for dilating the pupil along an entirety of a circumference of the ring member. The ring member in an uncoiled configuration allows insertion of the ring member through a single incision in the eye and unfolds into a coiled configuration. A circumferential groove defined on an outer surface of the ring member allows continuous contact with the pupillary margin along the circumference of the ring member. One or more connector members are positioned on the circumference of the ring member for engaging with a surgical manipulating element that allows movement and manipulation of the ring member. The ring member is composed of a thermoplastic material or a bioabsorbable material that naturally dissolves within the eye.
US08496582B2	Apparatus and method for expanding a chest cavity An apparatus for expanding a chest cavity of a patient includes a tapered member and an expansion assembly coupled to the tapered member. The expansion assembly is configured to engage a sternum.
US08496581B2	Surgical access apparatus and method A device includes an access port adapted to permit access of at least one surgical instrument into a patient. The access port includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion monolithically formed of a flexible material. At least one opening extends through the access port. The proximal portion includes a proximal flange. The distal portion includes a distal flange. The intermediate portion includes an outer surface and at least one inner surface. The access port is adapted to form a perimeter seal when the proximal flange is disposed exteriorly and the distal flange is disposed interiorly. The access port is adapted to form a seal with the at least one surgical instrument positioned through the access port. The intermediate portion conforms to the surface of the surgical instrument positioned through the at least one opening and forms the seal between the inner surface and the surgical instrument.
US08496576B2	In-vivo information acquiring system and method for controlling in-vivo information acquiring system A capsule endoscope system provided with a magnetic field generating apparatus including an input section for inputting identification information A and a magnetic field generating section that generates a magnetic field signal that controls a capsule endoscope, and the capsule endoscope including an in-vivo information acquiring section, a battery, a magnetic field receiving section, a storage section that stores identification information B, a control section and a comparing section that compares the identification information A with the identification information B and judges whether both pieces of information are the same or different, wherein when the judgment by the comparing section is a judgment that both pieces of information are the same, the control section supplies or shuts off power from the battery to the in-vivo information acquiring section.
US08496574B2	Selectively positionable camera for surgical guide tube assembly A selectively positionable camera assembly for use in connection with a guide tube assembly that has a guide tube handle portion and at least one guide tube protruding therefrom. In various embodiments, the camera includes an elongated flexible camera portion that is sized to operably extend through at least one of the guide tubes of the guide tube assembly. A camera handle is operably coupled to the elongated flexible camera portion such that the handle is movably supported by at least a portion of the guide tube handle portion. At least one retainer is provided on the guide tube handle and/or the camera handle for releasably retaining the camera handle in any one of a plurality of orientations relative to the portion of the guide tube handle.
US08496568B2	One-touch adapter with code pins for use in automated handling equipment An adapter assembly (28) for use in an automated handling equipment system includes a first component and a second component that is selectively mountable to the first component. At least one first code member (82) is associated with the first component and at least one second code member (84) is associated with a second component. The at least one first code member and the at least one second code member have a variable orientation relative to each other that controls whether the second component can be mounted to the first component.
US08496567B2	Method and device for adjusting the distance between two members, at least one of which is mobile, and swimming harness using the same An elastic link for adjusting the distance between two members, at least one of which is mobile, is characterized in that it includes at least two elastic yarns each attached through one of the opposite ends thereof to two points distant from each other of an intermediate portion of a strap located between the extreme portions of the latter, under conditions such that when a tensile force is applied on said strap, the first elastic yarn is stretched first, the second elastic yarn being then stretched based on the magnitude of the applied tensile force.
US08496562B2	Method for the operation of a transmission device A method is described for the operation of a transmission device (1) with a plurality of frictional shift elements (A, D, E, F) and at least one interlocking shift element (B, C) for obtaining various gear ratios. When a command is received for a gearshift during which the interlocking shift element (C) has to be changed from an open to a closed operating condition, the interlocking shift element (C) is at least approximately synchronized by increasing the transmission capacity of at least one frictional shift element (A) which does not have to be engaged in the force flow either to obtain the gear ratio that is to be disengaged or to obtain the gear ratio that is to be engaged.
US08496560B2	Starting control system for engines A starting control system that starts an engine by an electric motor, including: a starting device including a plurality of the electric motors for starting the engine; and a starting device controller that controls the starting device to prevent an occurrence of a resonance when starting the engine by the electric motor of the starting device. The starting control system can prevent an occurrence of vibration and noise in a power transmission route from an electric motor to an engine.
US08496559B2	Multi-speed transmission with external drive gearsets A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, two external gear sets or sprocket sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08496558B2	Nine speed automatic transmission A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The transmission input member is connected to a dry launch clutch. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are for example clutches and brakes.
US08496557B2	Clutch and gear arrangement for a front wheel drive vehicle A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing. Each of the clutches and the brakes are located within specific areas defined by the planetary gear sets and the housing walls.
US08496556B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission includes an input and output member, four planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, five interconnecting members continuously interconnecting members of the four planetary gear sets and six torque transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first members, second members, and third members with at least one of another of the first members, second members, third members, and a stationary member. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08496550B2	Highly efficient impact operative arrowheads A target impact operative arrowhead mountable at an end of an arrow shaft is disclosed that includes an arrowhead body and blade actuator axially and rotationally movable relative to one another. The arrowhead body has blades pivotably mounted thereon, each of the blades having an actuation contact surface along an edge thereof, and the actuator has a blade contacting end. A spring ring retains assembly of the body and actuator, one of the arrowhead body and the actuator having an annular retention seat for mounting of the spring ring and the other of the arrowhead body and the actuator having an annular guide groove for receipt of the spring ring therealong thus accommodating relative axial travel of the spring ring.
US08496549B2	Arrowhead with improved lethal penetrating capability The present document describes an arrow/arrowhead which depart from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art. The arrowhead described in the present embodiments allows for higher penetration coupled with a higher ability to snatch and/or isolate tissue from the animal body to take down animals as fast and as humanly as possible. In an embodiment, the arrowhead comprises a shaft having a pointed end and at least one lobe mounted on the shaft. When the arrowhead penetrates the animal's body, the lobe snatches the tissue from the animal's body, as opposed to only making a cut therein. When the tissue is snatched from the animal's body, excessive bleeding occurs, which prevents the animal from running away and suffering longer. In an embodiment, each lobe may include a blade forming a closed loop.
US08496545B2	Wind resistant practice cage and pitching machine for attachment A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.
US08496544B2	Golf club with improved performance characteristics A metal wood type golf club with improved performance characteristics is disclosed herein where the metal wood type golf club head will combined the performance characteristics of both a driver type golf club head and a fairway type golf club head. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club head with a volume of between about 150 cc to about 360 cc, a CG location between about 10 mm to about 20 mm above the ground, a face depth of between about 30 millimeters (mm) to about 65 millimeters (mm), a loft of about between 10 degrees to about 16 degrees, and a COR of about 0.790 to about 0.830, wherein the entire golf club has a length of between about 41 inches to about 45 inches.
US08496542B2	Golf club head having a multi-material face A golf club with a multi-material face is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention has a striking face that forms a pocket, wherein the pocket is filled with a secondary material having a lower density to improve the performance of the golf club head. The multi-material face disclosed in accordance with the present invention may generally have a characteristic time slope of greater than about 5 and less than about 50, wherein the characteristic time slope is determined based on the various data points collected according to the United States Golf Association's (USGA's) Characteristic Time (CT) test.
US08496541B2	Golf club A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, a sleeve including a top portion, a middle portion connected to the top portion is described. The middle portion includes a thin wall thickness. A bottom portion is connected to the middle portion including a plurality of engaging surfaces. A central longitudinal axis and an offset angle offset from the central longitudinal axis is described. The offset angle allows a maximum loft change of about 0.5 degrees to about 4.0 degrees. The total weight of the sleeve is less than 9 g.
US08496532B1	Clan wars A method of implementing clan wars is disclosed. A first group of a plurality of players of a computer-implemented game is notified that each member of the first group is to receive an incentive reward based on a level of influence of the first group over a location being greater than a level of influence of a second group of the plurality of players over the location. The level of influence of the first group over the location is determined to be greater than the level of influence of the second group over the location. The incentive reward is provided to the first group based on the determined level of influence of the first group over the location being greater than the level of influence of the second group over the location.
US08496528B2	Directional pad keystroke adjustment mechanism A controller characterized with a function for adjusting the controller to provide an optimal operational feel to a player comprises a main body configured to be held by the player performing a game, a plurality of operational keys arranged on the main body, a pair of analog stick means arranged on the main body, a switch arranged in contact with the plurality of operational keys and a plurality of adjustment parts for adjusting key stroke of the plurality of operational keys. The plurality of operational keys is configured to be operated by a finger of the player. The plurality of plurality of operational keys, the switch and the plurality of adjustment parts are configured to be adjusted by the player holding the controller so as to achieve an optimal operational feel, according to the player's preferences and game characteristics.
US08496522B2	Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing cascading symbols with wild features A cascading symbol game includes designated symbols such as wild symbols. In the cascading symbol game, a gaming device generates and displays a symbol from a plurality of symbols for each of a plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device removes at least one symbol from at least one of the plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device repositions at least one displayed symbol to another one of the symbol positions to create at least one empty symbol position. If a designated event occurred, the gaming device generates and displays at least one designated symbol, such as a wild symbol, in the at least one empty symbol position, wherein the at least one designated wild symbol is generated independent of the plurality of symbols. The gaming device displays any award associated with any winning symbol combination formed from the displayed symbols.
US08496520B2	Gaming system and method configured to change the odds of a player obtaining a winning game outcome or a designated game outcome for a play of a game without changing the paytable of the game A gaming system and method that enables the odds of obtaining a winning outcome or a designated outcome for a play of a game to change without modifying the paytable of the game. The gaming system makes a first determination using a first processor based on a paytable of a game. The gaming system makes a second determination using a second processor, where the second determination may be based, at least in part, on the wager amount. The gaming system displays a single game outcome to the player and either provides the player with the highest award resulting from the determinations or any awards resulting from the determinations.
US08496513B2	Device and method for scalding different parts of a poultry carcass with varying intensities The present invention relates to a device for scalding poultry carcasses comprising a plumage, comprising: a processing space with transport means in the form of a transport path for poultry carcasses; a feed of scalding medium; dispensing means for the scalding medium provided with outlet openings, wherein the scalding medium leaving the outlet openings co-displaces with the poultry carcasses moving along the transport path. The present invention also relates to an improved method for scalding poultry.
US08496503B2	Female, male electrical connector and electrical connection using this female and/or male electrical connector A female electrical connector including at least a distal wiring part configured to be connected to an electric cable and at least a proximal connection part including an opening in an overall shape of a ring directed along a central axis, the ring configured to collaborate with an appendage belonging to a male electrical connector directed along a central axis so as to allow the two connectors to be electrically connected via a plurality of tabs connected to the ring, each tab including a base attached to the ring and a head distant from the ring and that comes into contact with the appendage, and at least one retaining tab in the shape of a claw and at least one electrical connection tab in the shape of a vane, the claw having a base of a width greater than or equal to the width of its head and the vane having a base of a width less than the width of its head.
US08496501B2	Electrical connector with separable contacts A contact sub-assembly is provided for an electrical connector. The contact sub-assembly includes a printed circuit and an array of mating contacts. Each mating contact includes a terminating end portion and a mating interface. The contact sub-assembly also includes an array of circuit contacts that is discrete from the array of mating contacts. Each circuit contact is engaged with and electrically connected to the printed circuit. Each circuit contact is separably engaged with and electrically connected to the terminating end portion of a corresponding one of the mating contacts such that the array of circuit contacts electrically connects the array of mating contacts to the printed circuit.
US08496499B2	Modular electronic header assembly and methods of manufacture A device for electrically interconnecting and packaging electronic components. In one embodiment, a modular non-conducting base member having one or more component recesses and a plurality of lead channels formed therein is provided. At least one electronic component is disposed within the recess, and the wire leads of the component routed through the lead channels to a conductive lead terminal. A plurality of lead terminals, adapted to cooperate with the non-conducting base member, are received therein, and adapted to place the device in signal communication with an external printed circuit board. The modular non-conducting base members are assembled or stacked to form a unitary modular assembly. Methods for fabricating the device are also disclosed.
US08496495B2	Coaxial connector with coupling spring The device includes an inner conductor, a dielectric material, an outer conductor, a coupling spring, and a sliding sleeve. The dielectric material surrounds the inner conductor. The outer conductor surrounds the dielectric material. The sliding sleeve is slidably attached to the outer conductor. The coupling spring is attached to the outer conductor. The coupling spring includes a plurality of beam tines. Each beam tine includes a lever tine. An adjacent pair of beam tines is separated by a slot where the slot has a root. A first distance is defined from the root to an edge of the beam tine. A second length is defined from the root to a distal end of the lever tine. The first length is greater than the second length.
US08496494B2	Electrical connector A first electrical connector (1) for terminating an electrical cable (11) and for engaging with a mating electrical connector (51). The first connector comprises a body (5) having an engagement portion including a sleeve (7) whose passage extends along a mating axis (101) for engaging the mating electrical connector. The connector comprises at least one resilient member (15), such as a coil spring, arranged on the sleeve. The resilient member is capable of deforming radial to the mating axis (101) to provide a reaction force for maintaining the engagement of the connector with the mating connector. The first connector can be detached by lifting a boot (13) to pry apart the connectors.
US08496480B2	Video capture, recording and scoring in firearms and surveillance A video camera and recording device integrated with a real or toy weapon to provide video recording of the assault and aiming process of the weapon holder in operational training, actual combat, hunting, sports and gaming scenarios. A video camera is boresighted with the weapon, and a video memory stores the recorded dynamic scenario, and a trigger sensor which continually senses and records the triggering actions imposed by the weapon holder. The trigger sensor is attached to the actual trigger of the weapon thus enabling normal operation of the weapon. The video camera, may be mounted internally within the bore of the weapon, such that the external form of the weapon is not altered, thus achieving closer operation to real life situations. The recorded trigger data is utilized upon playback of the recorded video, enabling quick review and scoring of the recorded aiming process for training and gaming.
US08496478B2	Intra-osseous implant The invention relates to an intra-osseous implant for placement in bone of a human or animal body, which allows an accurate implant position at a desired depth into bone tissue, providing without losing a high degree of primary implant stability, including at least one intra-osseous part intended for placement in the bone tissue having an apical side and a cervical side, which part is provided on its circumferential surface with a thread running in the direction of the apical end and with one or more grooves extending in longitudinal direction and interrupting the screw thread into multiple interrupted screw thread parts serving as retention elements allowing the placement of the implant in longitudinal direction into the bone tissue but preventing the removal of the implant in opposite longitudinal direction of the bone and a support part present at the cervical side of the at least one intra-osseous part intended for supporting a prosthetic element.
US08496472B2	Process for combustion of high viscosity low heating value liquid fuels The present invention is directed to a process for the clean and convenient combustion of high viscosity liquid fuels, such as glycerol, as well as an apparatus useful for carrying such processes. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a process for glycerol combustion comprising providing a combustion apparatus with a glycerol combustion chamber that facilitates reflective heating, pre-heating the glycerol combustion chamber, atomizing the reduced viscosity glycerol, and combining the atomized glycerol with air in the glycerol combustion chamber to thereby completely combust the glycerol. In one embodiment, such as when using a pressure-atomizing nozzle, the inventive method may further comprise treating the glycerol to reduce the glycerol viscosity.
US08496462B2	Imprint apparatus and article manufacturing method The present invention provides an imprint apparatus which transfers a pattern of a mold onto a resin applied on a substrate, including a structure including a mold chuck which holds the mold, a first measurement unit configured to measure a position of a reference portion of the structure, a second measurement unit configured to measure a position of the mold with respect to the reference portion, and a controller configured to control a relative positional relationship between the mold and the substrate, based on the measurement result obtained by the first measurement unit and the measurement result obtained by the second measurement unit, the second measurement unit including a head formed on the mold chuck, and measuring the position of the mold with respect to the reference portion by reading a scale formed on the mold by the head.
US08496458B2	Die press assembly for powder pressing A die press assembly (14) for pressing carbide steel cutting inserts for cutting tools comprising a lower clamp (8, 13) for clamping and holding a lower punch (7), a die clamp (6, 11) for clamping and holding a die (5) and a core pin clamp (10, 12) for clamping and holding a core pin (9), where the lower punch (7), the die (5) and the core pin (9) each have a bore or a recess (16, 30, 31, 32) for receiving a locking device (17).
US08496455B2	Administration set with two keys A flow set for administration of liquid when using a liquid pump is disclosed. The flow set of the present invention permits identification of the flow set by a liquid pump that uses this flow set and prevention of pumping tube-segment over stretching.
US08496453B2	Linear compressor A linear compressor is provided, which has a reduced number of front main springs among springs continuously transmitting a force so that a piston can move in a resonance condition. The linear compressor includes a hermetic container to be filled with a refrigerant; a linear motor including an inner stator, an outer stator, and a permanent magnet; a piston linearly reciprocated by the linear motor; a cylinder that provides a space to compress the refrigerant; a supporter piston having a connecting portion connected to one end of the piston, a support portion that extends from the connecting portion, and an additional mass member fixing portion that extends from the connecting portion; front main springs, one end of each of which is supported by one surface of the supporter piston; and one rear main spring, one end of which is supported by the other surface of the supporter piston.
US08496441B2	Optimized aerodynamic profile for a turbine blade When cold and in the uncoated state, the aerodynamic profile is substantially identical to a nominal profile determined by the Cartesian coordinates X, Y, Z′ given in Table 1, in which the coordinate Z′ is the quotient D/H where D is the distance from the point in question to a reference plane P0 situated at the base of the nominal profile and H is the height of this profile, measured from the reference plane to the tip of the blade. The measurements D and H are taken radially relative to the axis of the turbine, while the coordinate X is measured in the axial direction of the turbine.
US08496440B2	Method of manufacturing an aerofoil A method of manufacturing an aerofoil structure capable of being diffusion bonded and superplastically formed to create a substantially hollow cavity within the aerofoil structure, the method comprising: providing a metallic plate for forming the aerofoil structure; joining mounting elements to opposing end surfaces of said metallic plate; dividing said plate along a plane extending substantially in a span-wise direction so as to produce two metallic panels each with one of said mounting elements joined thereto; assembling the two metallic panels so that the surfaces of the panels opposite to the surfaces which have been divided are facing each other; and joining the two metallic panels to one another to form the aerofoil structure; wherein the mounting elements are joined to one another to form the root of the aerofoil.
US08496439B2	Turbomachine blade locking structure including shape memory alloy A system for locking blades to a rotor of a turbomachine including adjacent pairs of generally axially extending grooves for receiving blades inserted in an axial direction. A circumferential slot is disposed around the periphery of the rotor and a locking device assembly is located in the circumferential slot between an adjacent pair of grooves. The assembly includes a last locking device, a spacer and key member formed of a shape memory alloy. The key member is located in a gap between the last locking device and the spacer. The shape memory alloy key member is heated to cause a transition from a martensite to an austenite phase to cause the key member to engage and press against opposing faces of the last locking device and the spacer to increase a force applied to a respective pair of blades in the adjacent pair of grooves.
US08496438B2	Blade retaining device for turbo machine propeller The invention concerns an aircraft turbomachine propeller comprising a plurality of blades (1) each comprising a root (20) mounted on a hub (2) rotating about the rotation axis of the propeller (I-I), and its purpose is to reduce the risks of loss of the entire blade (1) following an impact by a foreign body.To achieve this, at least one blade (1) comprises a means (30) of retaining the blade in an outwards radial direction, said retaining means (30) being engaged in a housing (5) of said blade (1) opening radially inwards at the root of the blade (20), and fixed in translation in said outwards radial direction.
US08496437B2	Power transmitting system through cables for airborne wind-type power generation applications The present invention deals with a new system for transmitting energy through a cable and interconnected pulleys. The traditional power transmission through pulleys sizes the system of belts and friction surfaces depending on energy to be transmitted and is obtained through systems composed of a rotary element for every point of application and of a flexible element for the connection. In the proposed system, the flexible element is a high-resistance cable and friction on the rotary element is increased by using interconnected pulleys, which increase the cable friction surface allowing power transmissions without any sliding till the cable breaking point. The lightness of such system allows it to find optimum application in transmitting to ground all wind energy produced at an upper level. The system of interconnected pulleys is further applied to discontinuous tractions in the sailing field, replacing the traditionally used winches.
US08496434B2	Differential pitch-control to optimize co-rotating stacked rotor performance A rotor system for a rotorcraft having at least one rotor blade pair operably associated with a differential pitch assembly operably for controlling a pitch angle of an upper rotor blade and the lower rotor blade in the rotor blade pair. Operation of the differential pitch assembly changes the pitch of the upper rotor blade more severely than the pitch of the lower rotor blade. As such, the rotor system is configured to provide optimum pitch of the upper and lower rotor blades during a helicopter mode and an airplane mode.
US08496433B2	Wind mill structure of lift-type vertical axis wind turbine A wind mill structure of a lift-type vertical axis wind turbine. The lift-type vertical axis wind turbine includes a vertical shaft and the wind mill includes a plurality of blades and supporting arms. The supporting arms hold the blades, and the blades are connected to the vertical shaft via the supporting arms. A setting angle, formed by a chord of the blades and a tangent line that goes through the center of the blades, ranges from −12° to 12°. An angle, formed by the chord of the blade and the rotatable supporting arm, ranges from 7° to 100°. The wind mill can maintain relatively stable rotation speeds under wind speeds exceeding the rated wind speed by adjusting the angle of the supporting arms, thereby ensuring stable output from the vertical axis wind turbine.
US08496432B2	Thrust bearing cooling path A compressor rotor compresses and delivers compressed air across a turbine rotor. The turbine rotor is connected to the compressor rotor such that rotation of the turbine rotor drives the compressor rotor. A shaft is connected to rotate with the turbine rotor and the compressor rotor. A thrust bearing is provided by a member extending perpendicular and radially outwardly of the shaft. The member rotates with the shaft and faces a first housing wall. A hollow chamber is formed on an opposed side of the first housing wall. A cooling air path supplies air across a thrust bearing surface, and between the member and the first housing wall. The first housing wall has a communication hole for communicating cooling air from the cooling air path into the hollow cavity to drive air within the hollow chamber. Also, a housing incorporating the communication hole is disclosed.
US08496431B2	Turbine ring assembly for gas turbine A turbine ring assembly for a gas turbine, the assembly having a complete ring forming a single piece of ceramic matrix composite material (CMC), a metal structure for supporting the CMC ring having metal annular supports between which the CMC ring is placed while allowing differential expansion at least in a radial direction between the CMC ring and the annular supports, an arrangement for centering the CMC ring, and at least one element for preventing turning of the CMC ring about its axis.
US08496430B2	Variable stator blade assembly A variable stator blade assembly of a compressor, in particular of a gas turbine, including a compressor casing with a counterbore and a receptacle, a stator blade with a spindle, a spindle bush and a seal is provided. The spindle bush is placed inside the receptacle and spindle is placed inside the spindle bush wherein the seal is placed radially between the spindle and the spindle bush. The spindle is the dynamic seal face and a face within the spindle bush is the static seal face.
US08496429B2	Prime mover A prime mover that is powered by the energy of a fluid is provided. Such a prime mover may include a first fairing, a second fairing spaced apart from the first fairing to define a gap therebetween and a blade assembly mounted on a shaft that extends between the first and second fairings. The first and second fairings each have a curved peripheral edge for guiding a fluid into the gap at an increased velocity. When the fluid flows into the gap it contacts the blade assembly to thereby rotate the blade assembly about an axis that is defined by the shaft. The rotation of the blade assembly may be used to generate power in a power generator. The prime mover may be mounted on a cell phone tower and used to generate electricity for powering components of the tower and/or for providing electricity to the power grid.
US08496428B2	Banded turbine A banded turbine configuration has an integral outer band support structure capable of providing two point simple support for a multiplicity of blades. A large scale vertical array has a set of twelve 23 m-diameter banded turbines with up to nine blades and resting on an Open Web Steel Joist (OWSJ) platform. The banded turbine configuration is supported off of a main shaft hub assembly, which is supported by forward and aft pillow block bearing assemblies. The banded turbine allows for a protective screen for bird- and bat-kill prevention. Each banded turbine employs DC alternators to provide a switchable output which is subsequently fed to a dedicated set of high efficiency grid-compatible solid state invertors or, alternatively, to energy storage.
US08496427B2	Front-loadable refuse container having side-loading robotic arm with motors and other mass mounted at rear of container and use of same with front-loading waste-hauling vehicle having hydraulic front forks or other retractably engageable lift means A modular front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle has a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and a side-loading robotic arm. To reduce mechanical stresses, a major portion of the mass of the robotic arm mechanism is situated to the rear of the intermediate container so that a mass and beam combination is defined where the mass-supporting beam has reduced length. More specifically, hydraulic and/or other relatively massive motor devices of the robotic arm mechanism are mounted to the rear of a refuse-containing wall of the intermediate container. Elastomeric and/or other dampening devices may be interposed between the vehicle and the bulk mass of the combination of the intermediate container and robotic arm mechanism for converting into heat some vibrational energy. A modular sled system may be provided for supporting different robotic arms in combination with refuse containers made of different materials.
US08496426B2	Pick and place apparatus for electronic device inspection equipment, picking apparatus thereof, and method for loading electronic devices onto loading element A technology related to a pick-and-place apparatus for electronic device inspection equipment is provided. The pick-and-place apparatus includes the guiding unit that can interact with a loading element and can guide the picker to load the electronic devices at a correct position on the loading element. Therefore, the pick-and-place apparatus can allow the electronic devices, for example, semiconductor devices having a ball type of electrical contact lead (BGA, FBGA, etc.), to electrically contact the tester in a stable manner when the tester inspects the electronic devices.
US08496424B2	Fixing arrangement for a work piece An arrangement for fixing a work piece (14) to an end of a boom (1) in a working machine, like an excavator, in which arrangement the end of the boom comprises at least a tilting device (13) for the work piece (14), the moveable body of said device can be limitedly tilted in relation to the end of the boom (1) and to the moveable body of said device the work piece (14) is fixed either directly or by fitting a device (10), (11) of an other type as a distance piece, said device adjusting position of the work piece (14). An auxiliary body (9) is mounted between the pins (5), (6) of the articulation points locating in the ends of the tilting device (13) and the boom (1), to said auxiliary body the tilting device (13) is fixed from both ends of its non-rotating part essentially in a point of the axis line (15) which is rotating axis (15) of the tilting part of the tilting device (13) and that for getting the fixing point of the work piece (14) nearer the articulating pin (5) in the boom (1) end, the counter articulating point (17) which is placed in the auxiliary body (9) and which can be coupled to the articulating pin (5) in the boom (1) end is fitted to pass the axis line (15) and to extend towards the work piece (14).
US08496421B1	Ferrule lock nuts Apparatus and Method of use for an improved lock nut type of fastener. On a threaded rod, a set of one or two cavity locknuts are used with a sleeve like ferrule to lock a nut in a set position on the rod. For example a nut that is clamping a workpiece can be held in place (resisting if not preventing loosening) by suitable application of the ferrule and cavity locknut. The cavity locknut has a tapered funnel-like cavity in a nut face around the nut's threaded hole. Locking is accomplished by immobilizing the ferrule on the rod and against the nut to be held, orienting the cavity side of the cavity locknut toward the ferrule, and forcefully torquing the cavity nut against and around the ferrule so that it is crimped against the threaded rod by the tapered cavity in the nut.
US08496413B2	End mill with different helix angles End mill, primarily for coarse machining, has even number of main flutes spiraling around the periphery of the mill, the flutes having a relatively smaller and a relatively larger helix angle relative to the axis of the mill and wherein uneven-numbered main flutes are defined in that they include the smaller helix angle with the axis. Directly at the end face, distances between peripheral angles of successive main flutes in the direction of rotation are smaller between uneven-numbered main flutes and subsequent even-numbered main flutes than the distances between peripheral angles between even-numbered main flutes and subsequent uneven-numbered main flutes. The end mill is better able to prevent vibrations of the tool due to intermittent engagement with a work piece by having all distances between peripheral angles at the end face of the mill different from one another.
US08496412B2	System and method for eliminating process gas leak in a solids delivery system A system for controlling gas leakage in a solids delivery system is provided. The system includes a bulk solids pump comprising an inlet for a particulate material and an outlet for discharge of said particulate material. The system also includes a buffer gas channel configured to impede backflow of process gas into the bulk solids pump, such as from a downstream system or process. The system further includes a pressure differential system configured to control a flow rate of the buffer gas and maintain a positive differential in pressure between the buffer gas and the process gas.
US08496410B2	Method and apparatus for penetrating particulate substrates A method or corresponding apparatus in an example embodiment of the present invention relates to penetrating a particulate substrate using a compact, low-energy, reversible, and dynamic device for burrowing through particulate substrates. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one vessel and a displacement module coupled with the vessel. The actuation of the displacement module fluidizes the particulate substrate proximate to the vessel and thereby reduces resistance of the particulate substrate to movement of the vessel and causes further penetration of the apparatus through the particulate substrate. The example embodiment utilizes volume contraction and localized fluidizing to move through substrates.
US08496408B1	Spring lock culvert pipe liner Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for forming rolled up spiral shaped tubular inserts of interlocking seams of elongated strip material and for inserting the inserts into damaged channels such as damaged culverts, sewer lines, pipes, and the like. The inserts are released to expand outward and unravel until the walls of the unraveling insert abut against interior walls of the damaged channel forming a protective interior wall for the damaged channel. One side of the insert strips can have a hook, and an opposite side of the strips can have a longitudinal groove wherein the hook attaches to and slides within the groove. Slidable surfaces such as bushings, Teflon coatings and O-rings can be used along the interlocking seams to allow for reduced friction as the strip materials are rolled into contracted positions and later expanded out.
US08496407B2	Seismic cable with adjustable buoyancy A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is disclosed. In one embodiment, the seismic cable includes a first cable segment and a second cable segment coupled together by a connector that prevents transmission of power and data signals between the first cable segment and the second cable segment. Each cable segment includes an inner jacket defining a hollow core, a braided strength fiber surrounding the inner jacket, and an outer jacket circumferentially surrounding the braided strength fiber, wherein the connector isolates the first and second cable segments.
US08496406B2	Positioning a sinking tunnel section A positioning apparatus includes a frame and two substantially vertically extending legs. The frame includes a suspension device adapted to suspend a sinking tunnel section. The legs include upper ends connected by a substantially horizontally extending beam and lower ends vertically movable relative to the sinking tunnel section. The legs include clamping members for engaging opposite transverse sides of the tunnel section that are settable substantially in a plane defined by the legs and beam of the frame. The frame is devised for extending with its legs outwardly of the two opposite transverse sides of the tunnel section and extending with the beam above a roof of the tunnel section.
US08496397B2	Precast concrete slabs and related systems, methods of manufacture and installation Precast concrete slabs, methods of manufacture and installation are provided. In this regard, a representative precast concrete slab includes: a first portion, substantially triangular in shape and exhibiting first, second and third sides, the first and second sides being positioned along an exterior of the slab and residing in a first plane; and a second portion, substantially triangular in shape and exhibiting first, second and third sides, the first and second sides of the second portion being positioned along the exterior of the slab and residing in a second plane, the second plane being non-parallel with respect to the first plane; the third side of the first portion and the third side of the second portion being positioned adjacent to each other and forming a transition between the first plane and the second plane.
US08496396B1	Wire mesh for pervious concrete A mesh assembly for the formation of pervious pavement is disclosed. The mesh is defined by a plurality of elongated structural members. The mesh has a first side and a second side. A plurality of conduits are coupled to and extend through the mesh. Each conduit has a first end defining a first opening, a second end defining a second opening, and a passageway extending between the first opening and the second opening. The plurality of conduits each have at least one of the elongated structural members extending through a sidewall of the conduit such that the first opening is positioned on the first side of the mesh and the second opening is positioned on the second side of the mesh.
US08496394B2	Connecting arrangement and connecting method, in particular by way of non-positive connection on all sides A method or arrangement for clamping at least one first and one second component to each other with a connection by force on all sides is disclosed. The connecting arrangement comprises a bolt extending from a first component through a through opening in a second component, a clamping nut which is screwed on the bolt for clamping the components, and a cone pair comprising an inner cone with a split and an outer cone. One part of this cone pair is formed as a conical clamping element, which is arranged and axially moveable for radial clamping on the bolt between the components and the clamping nut. A locking nut is screwed on the conical clamping element and clampable against an abutment surface of the second component to limit moveability of the clamping element.
US08496393B2	Refillable toothpaste dispensing toothbrush A refillable toothpaste dispensing toothbrush has a toothpaste containing capsule for dispensing toothpaste through the bristle head of the toothbrush. The toothpaste capsule can be filled using any standard toothpaste tube. Grooves in the toothpaste passageway prevent clogging of toothpaste in the toothbrush. In an alternate embodiment, the dispensing toothbrush also contains a sonic vibrating device.
US08496389B2	Shutter device When a second cam gear and a first cam gear rotate one turn, a shutter device changes to a first state, a second state, and a third state in this order. In the first state, the second cam gear charges a mirror lever drive spring and a blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear holds the blade lever. In the second state, the second cam gear releases charging of the mirror lever drive spring and charges the blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear releases holding of the blade lever. In the third state, the second cam gear releases charging of the mirror lever drive spring and charging of the blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear releases holding of the blade lever.
US08496384B2	Reversible fiber optic connector A re-terminable, no-crimp ST-type optical connector assembly includes a spring-loaded ferrule holder assembly and a reusable activation system for termination of the assembly. The optical connector can be terminated by a suitable cam activation tool. The connector includes a housing, such as a bayonet, matable to a mating adapter, a backbone retained within a rear of the housing, a ferrule holder provided within the backbone, and a cam provided between the ferrule holder and the backbone. The ferrule holder includes an alignment key exposed to mate with a cam activation tool to lock rotation of the ferrule holder relative to other connector components. The cam includes a cam activation cutout at a front face thereof that mates with a cam activation tool interface to enable rotation of the cam between de-activated and activated positions, the cam activation cutout also receiving the alignment key of the ferrule holder therethrough.
US08496379B2	Systems and methods for determining device temperature Circuitry for measuring and/or monitoring device temperature may include a first node coupled to ground, and a second node and a first resistor coupled in series to ground and in parallel to the first node. A first current driven to the first node and a second current driven to the second node can be selected such that a first voltage measured at the first node and a second voltage measured at the second node are substantially equal. The circuitry may also include a third node and a second resistor coupled in series to ground. A third current driven to the third node can be selected such that a third voltage measured at the third node is substantially equal to a reference voltage. Measures of the second and third currents and measures of the first and second resistors can be used to determine device temperature.
US08496376B2	Dual source auto-correction in distributed temperature systems An automatic and continuous method is presented to improve the accuracy of fiber optic distributed temperature measurements derived from Raman back scatterings utilizing two light sources with different wavelengths, by choosing the wavelengths of the two sources so the primary source's return anti-Stokes component overlaps with the incident wavelength of the secondary light source thereby canceling out the non-identical attenuations generated by the wavelength differences between Stokes and anti-Stokes bands.
US08496374B2	Differential scanning calorimeter A differential scanning calorimeter (1) includes: a sample container (2) for receiving a measurement sample; a reference substance container (3) for receiving a reference substance; a heat sink (10); a thermal resistance (5), which is connected between the sample container and the heat sink, and between the reference substance container and the heat sink to form heat flow paths therebetween; a sample-side thermocouple (7), which is thermally connected to the thermal resistance at a portion in the vicinity of the sample container with its hot-junction (7c) being insulated; and a reference substance-side thermocouple (8), which is thermally connected to the thermal resistance at a portion in the vicinity of the reference substance container with its hot junction (8c) being insulated, in which the sample-side thermocouple and the reference substance-side thermocouple output a heat flow difference signal indicating a temperature difference between the measurement sample and the reference substance.
US08496369B2	Display element and display device A display element includes a light source, an optical waveguide, a light-extracting portion. The optical waveguide has two ends and a side surface. One of the two ends is near the light source. The other of the two ends is far from the light source. The side surface extends from the one end to the other end. The light-extracting portion is provided near the side surface to extract light out of the optical waveguide. In addition, the other end changes a light path of forth-traveling light so that an incident angle of back-traveling light is smaller than the incident angle of the forth-traveling light.
US08496368B2	Light guide plate and backlight module A light guide plate is adapted for a backlight module having at least one light emitting device, and the light guide plate includes a light emitting surface, a surface opposite to the light emitting surface, a light incident surface connected with the light emitting surface and the surface, and a plurality of microstructures disposed on the light emitting surface or the surface. 90 percent or more of the surface or the light emitting surface is flat. At least one of the light emitting devices is disposed beside the light incident surface and capable of emitting a light beam. The light incident surface is capable of making the light beam enter the light guide plate and the light emitting surface is capable of making the light beam transmit outside the light guide plate. A backlight module is also provided.
US08496364B2	Secure lighting fixture for light source and method of manufacture thereof A housing for a light source, the housing including a base having a plurality of sidewalls which define an opening of a cavity for containing the light source; a flange having a z-shaped cross section attached within the cavity to a sidewall of the sidewalls; a hinge having first and second portions which are rotatably coupled to each other, the first portion attached to the flange; and a cover having a frame and a lens attached to the frame, the frame having an opening and being attached to the second portion of the hinge such that the cover and the base rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation.
US08496361B2	Illumination device including light source, light diffuser and light shield, and manufacturing method thereof An illumination unit including: a light source; a light guide-diffuser that guides and diffuses source light from the light source; a selective translucent unit that reflects external light or reduces the transmission of external light, while also transmitting light guided from the light guide-diffuser; and a presentation surface that presents the source light that has been guided from the light guide-diffuser and transmitted through the selective translucent unit.
US08496360B2	LED lighting apparatus with reflectors An LED lighting apparatus and method provide efficient illumination in a downward and forward direction toward a preferential side, by mounting a plurality of LED devices to the apparatus in at least one horizontal row oriented perpendicularly to the downward and forward direction; mounting a vertical reflector behind and parallel to the horizontal row; and orienting the LED apparatus such that the vertical reflector extends substantially straight downward. A two axis orthogonally symmetric secondary lens is associated with each LED and the vertical reflector has a specular reflective front surface facing the LEDs. The vertical reflector may be curved around ends of the row of LEDs. Also it may be continued further downward, on the outside of a cover lens, by a backlight shield with a straight linear outer edge that extends horizontally across an uplight ring shield. The backlight shield may have a specular or diffuse reflecting front surface.
US08496357B2	Dissipation module for a light emitting device and light emitting diode device having the same A light emitting diode device is provided. The light emitting diode device comprises a composite substrate and a light emitting diode disposed on the composite substrate. The composite substrate comprises a first carbon fiber composite layer which is able to conduct heat rapidly in the direction of carbon fiber, such that the heat generated from the light emitting diode module can be dissipated rapidly.
US08496355B2	Reflector element of lighting unit A reflector element is provided for a lighting device and includes a light transmission/reflection component that includes a light conductor containing therein light diffusion particles. The light transmission/reflection component includes a light entrance section, a light transmission/reflection section, and a light emission section. The reflector element is coupled to a light-emitting diode (LED) lighting unit, or a heat dissipation element, or a cover. The light entrance section of the reflector element is set in front of the LED lighting unit and the light transmission/reflection section is set at an opposite side to the light entrance section in order to redirect an incident light to the light emission section. Due to the effect provided by the light diffusion particles for refraction, light is uniformly distributed and emitted through the cover.
US08496354B2	Beam control system for an LED luminaire Described are an improved automated multi source luminaire and luminaire systems. More particularly an multicolor LED array luminaire system with a series of lenses and light louvers to control the light beam.
US08496352B2	Wavelength conversion A wavelength conversion device comprising a plurality of regions. Each region for absorbing radiant energy and emitting light having a characteristic dependent upon which region of the device emits the light.
US08496349B2	Uniform light emitting lamp structure The present invention discloses a uniform light emitting lamp structure including a lamp holder, an electric connection portion and a planar portion disposed on both end surfaces of the lamp holder respectively, and the planar portion includes a circuit board electrically coupled to the electric connection portion. The lamp structure further includes an LED light source, a lamp cover and a light guide column with a refractive index n1. After the light of the LED light source is projected from an environmental medium with a refractive index n2 to the light guide column, a portion of the light is reflected from the critical plane in a direction corresponding to the lamp holder through reflections and refractions, such that the light of the LED light source is projected in the environmental medium to achieve the uniform light emitting effect.
US08496348B2	Linear light source and electronic apparatus A linear light source (20), which emits light by causing light to propagate in a linear material (11) in which incoming light can be propagated, includes: a light emitting device (12), provided on a side of one end of the linear material (11), which emits light so that the light enters the one end of the linear material (11); and a light receiving device (21), provided on a side of the other end of the linear material (11), which detects the light which has propagated in the linear material (11). With the configuration, it is possible to provide: a linear light source in which an abnormal condition, such as breaking of a linear material, can be detected; and an electronic apparatus including the linear light source.
US08496347B1	Modular lighting system and method A modular lighting system and method that can utilize a wide variety of members, connectors, power sources, light sources, and light source covers. The system can be implemented in a variety of different ways, with some embodiments involving fully interchangeable components. Some members can be rigid or substantially rigid to allow substantially rigid assembly structures. Light source covers can be removed and added to customize the individual impact of an individual light source as well as the aggregate display of the entire assembly.
US08496345B2	Sound control candle light A sound control candle light includes a candle light having a lampshade shaped like the flame of a candle and a light-emitting device surrounded by the lampshade, a sound generator having an enclosed sound pipe with a mouthpiece and a reed mounted inside the enclosed sound pipe adjacent to the mouthpiece and vibratable to produce a sound at a predetermined frequency when a person blows in the mouthpiece, a sound sensor mounted inside the enclosed sound pipe for sensing the sound produced by the reed and providing a corresponding sensing signal, and a control circuit adapted for receiving the sensing signal provided by the sound sensor to drive on/off the light-emitting device. Thus, a specific sound frequency different from surrounding noises can be produced, enabling the sound control candle light to be alternatively turned on and off when it is blown by the user, assuring high control reliability.
US08496343B2	Walking stick structure with an LED light inside the stick body A walking stick structure with an LED light inside the stick body has a holding part, a footing, joint holding parts, LED illumination components, and reflecting devices. The stick body is a highly translucent glass fiber inner tube with combination of a hollow external tube, and the hollow external tube is configured with a plurality of translucent parts. A battery seat and a battery are provided. The LED illumination component is connected on either end of the battery seat, and the battery seat is combined with a switch to turn on/off the LED illumination component. The reflecting device is configured inside the glass fiber inner tube and opposite to the irradiation direction of the LED. The light beams from the LED can be reflected by the reflecting device and go out from the translucent parts. Thus, the intensity and scope of illumination is considerably enhanced.
US08496340B2	Retroreflective articles and retroreflective elements comprising a spherical core and two concentric optical interference layers Retroreflective elements and articles that include such elements. The retroreflective elements (100) include a solid spherical core (110) having an outer surface. A first complete concentric optical interference layer (112) overlays the outer surface of the core providing a first interface between the core and the first optical interference layer, and a second complete concentric optical interference layer (122) overlays the first optical interference layer to provide a second interface between the first optical interference layer and the second optical interference layer. In some embodiments, a third complete concentric optical interference layer overlays the second optical interference layer to provide a third interface between the second optical interference layer and the third optical interference layer. The retroreflective articles include a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface with a plurality of the retroreflective elements affixed along the first major surface of the substrate.
US08496338B2	Lens module with spacer A lens module includes a lens barrel, a first lens, a second lens, and a spacer. The lens barrel includes an object-side end and an image-side end opposite to the object-side end. The first lens is received in the lens barrel, and adjacent to the object-side end. The second lens is received in the lens barrel, and adjacent to the image-side end in relative to the first lens. The spacer is an annular plate, and includes an object-side surface, an image-side surface opposite to the object-side surface, and an inner sidewall. The spacer is positioned between the first lens and the second lens. The object-side surface faces the first lens, and the image-side surface faces the second lens. The intersection of the object-side surface and the inner sidewall forms a chamfer.
US08496335B2	Illumination apparatus, projector, and illumination method A projector includes an illumination optical system, a light modulation element, and a projection optical system. The illumination optical system includes a first light source section, a plurality of second light source sections, and an optical axis conversion element. The optical axis conversion element emits the light beam, which is input from the first light source section, so that an exit optical axis of the light beam approximately matches with an illumination optical axis, and emits the light beams, which are respectively input from the plurality of second light source sections, so that exit optical axes of the light beams intersect the exit optical axis of the light beam from the first light source section between the optical axis conversion element and the light modulation element.
US08496324B2	Ink composition, digital printing system and methods An ink composition has controlled conductivity, and a digital printing system and a method of printing an ink employ an offset inkjet printing platform. The ink composition includes pigment particles dispersed in an oil-based dielectric carrier fluid with an oil-soluble dispersant. A concentration of dispersant is a fraction of a concentration of the pigment particles sufficient to render an electrical conductivity of the ink composition less than 100 pico Siemens per centimeter (pS/cm). The printing system includes an ink having an electrical conductivity less than or equal to about 300 pS/cm, an inkjet print head, a transfer medium, a developer, a remover and an image transferer. In the method of printing, the ink is nonelectrostatically jetted to the transfer medium, and developed into a fixed image. A portion of a supernatant is removed from the fixed image, and the fixed image is transferred to a media substrate.
US08496317B2	Metalized printhead substrate overmolded with plastic A liquid ejector includes an electrically insulating support having a first surface and a second surface. An electrical trace begins on the first surface of the support and ends on the second surface of the support. An ejector die is positioned on the first surface of the support and electrically connected to the portion of the electrical trace located on the first surface of the support. A polymer material is molded on a portion of the ejector die and at least a portion of the first surface of the support. A portion of the electrical trace remains free of the polymer material.
US08496316B2	Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus A liquid ejection head includes a head main body which discharges liquid, a flow path member main body on which a liquid reception member for receiving liquid supplied from the outside is formed, a first case, a second case, and a first insertion portion which is provided on the flow path member main body and through which a securing member for securing the first case, the second case, and the flow path member main body to one another is inserted. In the liquid ejection head, the first insertion portion is formed such that the outer wall covers an exposing portion from which the securing member is exposed.
US08496315B2	Registration adjustment value determination method, recording system, and registration adjustment method A recording system for relatively easily and rapidly performing a registration adjustment in a recording device having a plurality of recording units which record divided recording images on the same recording medium. The recording system causes each of recording units (108A-108F) to record a registration adjustment pattern. Based on the recorded pattern, an inter-unit adjustment that is a registration adjustment among the plurality of recording units and an intra-unit adjustment that is a registration adjustment among the plurality of recording heads in each recording unit are performed.
US08496314B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus Liquid ejecting apparatus including conveyor belt driven by driving device for feeding recording medium on which liquid is ejected by liquid-ejecting head to print image according to stored image data, medium attraction portion disposed in opposition to the conveyor belt and having two electrodes to attract the recording medium to the conveyor belt, variation amount estimating portion to estimate, during printing of the image and on the basis of the stored image data, amount of variation of volume of the liquid to be deposited in subject area of the recording medium which includes a gap-opposition area opposed to gap formed between the two electrodes, and sheet feeding control portion configured to control the driving device to change drive force for driving the conveyor belt, so as to restrict variation of feeding speed of the recording medium by the conveyor belt, during excessive variation period during which the estimated amount of variation of the liquid exceeds upper limit.
US08496307B2	Door assembly and method of replacing a door of an electronics cabinet Disclosed are rack enclosures for electronic equipment including at least one door configured to define a space between an edge of the door and a wall or frame of the cabinet, kits for retrofitting rack enclosures to include such a door, and methods of installing such.
US08496306B2	Opening mechanism of slide assembly The opening mechanism includes a fixing member, a movable member, a locking member, a first resilient member and a second resilient member. The fixing member is fixed to a first rail and has a guide portion, a stop and a room. The movable member is movably connected to the fixing member and has a first leg, a second leg and an engaging portion. The first leg slidably contacts the guide portion and the second leg extends into the room. The locking member is pivotably connected to a second rail and includes a locking portion. The first and second resilient members respectively provide a force to a third rail and the movable member. When the second rail is forcibly pulled out relative to the first rail, the movable member is moved and pivots at an angle so that the locking portion is disengaged from the engaging portion.
US08496301B2	Vehicle brake mechanism and method for controlling the vehicle brake mechanism A vehicle brake mechanism includes a master cylinder operated with a brake pedal. A first fluid channel connects a first hydraulic chamber of the master cylinder to a first-circuit wheel cylinder. A second fluid channel connects a second hydraulic chamber of the master cylinder to a second-circuit wheel cylinder. A master cut valve is provided in the first fluid channel and is capable of hindering communication between the first hydraulic chamber and the first-circuit wheel cylinder. A slave cylinder is connected to the second fluid channel and is driven by an actuator to generate a hydraulic pressure. A third fluid channel is provided downstream of the master cut valve and the slave cylinder and connects the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel to each other. A connection control valve is provided in the third fluid channel to close the third fluid channel.
US08496300B2	Wheel rim guard A wheel rim guard comprising a resilient circular disc having a gap extending from a central inner opening to a circumferential edge of said disc; said disc is shaped to form a body of frusto-conical or cylindrical shape. The wheel rim guard further includes a guide strap received through the disc. One end of the guide strap is fastened proximate to a first edge of the body, the other end of the guide strap is fastened to the body between the first edge and a second edge. The wheel rim guard further includes a hook assembly having at least one hook and a washer attached by a cord, wherein the hooks are received through the central inner opening of the disc and attached to the wheel rim such that tightening the cord on the fixing member secures the wheel rim guard to the wheel rim.
US08496299B2	Omnidirectional wheel and method for the assembly thereof An omnidirectional wheel has a hub that is rotatable around a rotational axis, and two wheel discs connected to the hub and spaced coaxially on the hub. A number of roller bodies are located between the wheel discs, evenly distributed around a circumferential edge of the wheel. The respective roller axes of the roller bodies are aligned at a diagonal angle relative to the rotational axis, and are each supported in a freely rotating manner between the wheel discs at opposite ends thereof. Each roller body is mounted in a freely rotating manner in respective modules respectively attached to the wheel discs.
US08496292B2	Ergonomic bench In one aspect, the invention is directed to an ergonomic bench that includes a horizontal base; a vertical support structure; a seat support assembly that is height-adjustable; a chest support assembly that is height-adjustable and pitch-adjustable; a knee support assembly that is height-adjustable; and a heel rest assembly. In one aspect, the ergonomic bench includes wheels and a handle. In one aspect, the ergonomic bench includes a tool tray assembly. In one aspect, the ergonomic bench includes a horizontal base that is sectional. In one aspect, the ergonomic bench includes bumper guards.
US08496289B2	Foldable frame structure A pitman-style foldable frame structure has an innovative and unique assembled design. The frame structure includes foldable panels, a central spindle, lateral frames, oblique connecting rods, a control device, and a central connecting frame. The frame structure offers improvement over the prior art in lowering the material cost and increasing structural support strength and rigidity of the pitman-style foldable frame and achieves practical advancement and better industrial utilization effect.
US08496285B2	Dynamically adjustable aerodynamic vehicle devices Adjustable aerodynamic devices are controlled to control the drag on a vehicle. In one form, control is accomplished in response to pressure from a plurality of pressure sensors. In another form, control is accomplished in response to air movement measurements, such as of wind speed and direction at a location that a vehicle has yet to reach. In another form, the position and location of air vortices between a cab and trailer can be determined and adjusted to adjust the drag by controlling aerodynamic devices.
US08496282B2	Door for cabin in construction machine A cabin in a construction machine has a door having a vertically extending door frame and a door glass attached to the door frame. The door frame has a pulling handle portion which is attached to the cabin frame pivotally around a vertical pivot axis and projects in a direction having a component extending away from the door glass. The pulling handle portion is aligned with the riding handle in front and rear directions outside the cabin when the door is fully opened. The pulling handle portion satisfies at least one of a first condition that the height position of the second gripped portion is offset upward from the height position of the riding handle, and a second condition that the second gripped portion of the pulling handle portion extends in a second extending direction different from the first extending direction.
US08496278B2	Portable device for preventing movement of a door A portable device (10) for preventing movement of a door (5), the device (10) comprising: a support frame (11) having a base portion (12); and a leg (20) connected to the support frame (11); wherein the leg (20) is adjustable in height such that a distal end of the leg (20) is made to contact the ground when at least part of the base portion (12) is inserted beneath the door (5) in order to prevent movement of the door (5).
US08496277B2	Latching system A latching system includes a handle mechanism with a housing having a recessed channel, a handle base, and a handle member connected to the handle base. The handle base and handle member are configured to be selectably moveable relative to the housing to define an extended orientation, a first retracted orientation corresponding to an open state of the handle mechanism, and a second retracted orientation corresponding to a closed state of the handle mechanism. The handle base and handle member are further configured to be disposed in the recessed channel and extended in a first direction or a second direction. The handle member is operable for rotation about an axis of rotation to control transition between the open state and the closed state of the handle mechanism. The handle mechanism may include a panel having a lift-slide operation.
US08496276B2	Locking system for vehicle door The combination of an over-the-road vehicle and a locking system. The vehicle has a frame bounding a cargo space and at least one access door. The one door has a first latch assembly thereon that cooperates with a second latch assembly on one of: a) the vehicle frame; and b) a second door to releasably maintain the one door in its closed position. The locking system includes a first locking assembly on the first door and a second locking assembly on the one of the vehicle frame and second door. The first and second latch assemblies are secured to the vehicle using fasteners. The first and second locking assemblies are secured to the vehicle using these same fasteners. The first and second locking assemblies can be maintained together either inside or outside of the cargo space.
US08496266B2	Gas generating system A gas generating system usable in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system is provided. The system includes an outer housing having an outer diameter varying within a range of approximately 16 millimeters to approximately 20 millimeters. A vehicle occupant protection system and an airbag module including the gas generating system are also provided.
US08496263B2	Foldable stroller frame with an auto-extending wheel distance adjustment A foldable stroller frame with an auto-extending wheel distance adjustment is provided with at least a front support rack, a rear support rack, a pushing rack and a pair of power transmitting rods. A pair of first sliding-and-pivoting connectors is mounted for moving along the front support rack and permitting the pair of rear wheel sets capable of moving toward the front wheel set for shortening the wheel distance between the pair of rear wheel sets and the front wheel set. The pushing rack has an upper pushing section and a lower pushing section pivoted to the lower portion of the upper pushing section. The pair of power transmitting rods is connected between the rear support rack and the pushing rack for driving the rear support rack by rotating the pushing rack.
US08496262B2	Aerodynamic bicycle frame A bicycle that includes a main frame, a front wheel mounted for rotation relative to the main frame, a rear dropout, and a rear wheel mounted for rotation relative to the rear dropout. The rear wheel defines a center plane of the bicycle. The bicycle further includes a rear stay that couples the rear dropout to the main frame. The rear stay has an inner surface facing the rear wheel and an outer surface facing away from the rear wheel. The rear stay includes a steep portion having an outer surface at a steep angle of between about 25 degrees and about 75 degrees relative to the center plane.
US08496260B2	Wheelchair bag transporting mechanism A storage apparatus (10) attachable to a wheelchair (44) is pivotable and slidable from a storage position against the back of a wheelchair backrest to an access position adjacent to a wheelchair armrest. Pivoting and sliding is accomplished under power of an operator with the storage apparatus and slide mechanism (11) rotating substantially 90 degrees around vertical pivot member (30) and then sliding on a block member (18). A handle (24) is used to aide with the movement of the storage apparatus and to operate a locking mechanism (28), which secures the storage apparatus in access and storage positions.
US08496257B2	Knee walker Knee walker assemblies and methods of manufacturing a knee walker assembly are provided herein. One concept of the present disclosure is directed to a knee walker assembly that includes a frame, a support platform and a handle mounted to the frame, at least one rear wheel mounted proximate the rear end of the frame, and at least two front wheels swivel mounted proximate the front end of the frame. A locking mechanism is operatively engaged with the at least two front wheels. The locking mechanism is configured to substantially simultaneously lock both of the at least two front wheels in a rigid-type mounting configuration.
US08496255B2	Clamping beam The invention relates to a clamping system for clamping a number of tools wherein said system comprises: a body; an elongated groove arranged in the body for reception of a clamping part of at least one tool; at least one pusher element extendable into the groove for pushing the clamping part of a tool against a wall of the groove; wherein shape imposed displacement means for displacing the at least one pusher element from a first position substantially freeing the groove, enabling insertion of the clamping part of a tool into the groove, towards a second position, in which the at least one pusher element extends into the groove.
US08496253B2	Metallic flat gasket The invention relates to a metallic flat gasket comprising a gasket layer (2) having at least one combustion chamber through-opening (3) which is surrounded by an elastically deformable sealing element (4) which is configured in the form of an undulatory profiling (40) in the gasket layer (2) in such a way that on each of the surfaces (21, 22) of the gasket layer (2) at least two wave crests (41) and two wave troughs (42) are present. The thickness (hyl) of the gasket layer (2) in the region of the sealing element (4), in the unloaded state, is greater than the original thickness (alpha) of the gasket layer. Apart from the undulatory profiling (40), no further sealing or support elements are present around the combustion chamber through-opening (3). The sealing element has, when subjected to linear compression of from 500 to 2,800 N/mm in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the plane (E) of the gasket layer, a thickness which is greater by from 0.05 to 0.3 mm than the original thickness (d) of the gasket layer which has at least 4 through-openings for fastening means (51) and also at least one further through-opening (5) for lubricant or coolant that is surrounded by an elastomer sealing element (6), the combustion chamber through-opening (3) having a diameter of less than 200 mm.
US08496252B2	Seal A seal includes a supporting body; a disk-shaped sealing element fixed to the supporting body so as to form a static seal and to include a free end; and a sealing body disposed at the free end so as to form a dynamic sealing edge, wherein the sealing body includes a material that is a different from a material of the sealing element.
US08496246B2	Thickness detector of paper A paper-sheet-thickness detecting device includes a reference roller provided on a fixed rotation shaft; a detection roller provided to face and come into contact with the reference roller; a detection block in which the detection roller is provided at one end and the other end is rotatably fixed around a fulcrum shaft so that the detection block is turned and displaced according to a thickness of a paper sheet passing through between the reference and detection rollers; a holding block that holds the fulcrum shaft; a first pressing member fixed to the holding block to maintain contact between the detection and reference rollers by pressing the detection block, the first pressing member being displaced according to rotation and displacement of the detection block when the paper sheet passes through between the reference and detection rollers; and a displacement detector that detects a displacement amount of the first pressing member.
US08496242B2	Media cassette A media cassette comprises: a base on which a stack of media items may be placed, a pusher plate biased towards the base and a plurality of drive rollers located beneath the profiled surface and partially protruding through apertures defined in the profiled surface. The base includes a profiled surface extending from a central low region disposed along an axis of the base to higher regions on opposing sides of the central low region. The pusher plate is operable to urge a stack of media items onto the profiled surface. The plurality of drive rollers are operable to drive a media item in contact with the profiled surface out of the media cassette.
US08496241B2	Sheet feeder, image scanner provided with the sheet feeder, and printer provided with the image scanner A sheet feeder includes a separation roller having a circumferential surface that contacts a first sheet to be fed first among stacked sheets and picks up the first sheet and one or more second sheets adjacent to the first sheet, a separation arm that is closer to the circumferential surface of the separation roller downstream in a feeding direction and configured to apply higher frictional resistance to the second sheets than the first sheet to feed the first sheet ahead of the second sheets, and a guide member including a guide portion that has a lower-friction surface than the separation arm and extends from the separation arm with a distal end thereof in contact with or close to the circumferential surface of the separation roller. The guide portion guides the first and second sheets along the circumferential surface of the separation roller.
US08496240B1	Automatic document feeder An automatic document feeder includes an upper cover, a document pick-up module, and a conveying channel. The upper cover has a first hooking element. The document pick-up module is arranged between the upper cover and the conveying channel. In addition, the document pick-up module has a second hooking element. When the automatic document feeder is operated in a standby mode, the document pick-up module is swung to a position near the upper cover and the second hooking element is engaged with the first hooking element, so that the document pick-up module is fixed on the upper cover. Since the document pick-up module is not contacted with the document when the automatic document feeder is operated in the standby mode, the possibility of causing an erroneous action of the document pick-up module will be eliminated.
US08496237B2	Apparatus for fabrication of structural members An apparatus for rotation of a structural beam during fabrication thereof comprises spaced mounting members, each mounting member including a base frame and a circular support bracket supported for rotation by spaced rollers mounted on said base frame. At least one of the spaced rollers includes a drive mechanism to rotate the support brackets with a beam located therein. Each support bracket comprises a beam clamp mechanism with a stationary portion and a movable portion pivotably mounted thereto to form opposable jaws to receivably locate said beam therein.
US08496235B2	Suspension thrust bearing device and strut The suspension thrust bearing device comprises a rolling bearing 44 forming an axial stop and a support element 42 for the rolling bearing forming bearing means for a spring, the rolling bearing comprising a bottom ring 48 in contact with the support element, a top ring 46 and a plurality of rolling elements 50 positioned between the rings. The support element 42 comprises a body 60 and a stiffening insert 66 at least partly covered by the body. The body is formed of a rigid material 62 for the transmission of axial forces between the spring and the rolling bearing and a flexible material 64 to provide at least one dynamic seal 84b, 86b inside the device. At least a part of the rigid material is situated radially between the flexible material and the stiffening insert.
US08496230B1	Winch mounting system A mounting system for securing a winch to a hauling platform has a mounting base with a mounting base table. The mounting base has an anchoring attachment, a leg, and a mounting attachment. Upon installation, a bottom member bottom surface rests against a hauling platform vertically projecting component expanded top lip top surface. A rear member front surface rests against a hauling platform vertically projecting component outside surface. A vertical clamp component front surface rests against a hauling platform vertically projecting component inside surface. An “L”-shaped screw clamping fastener clamps against a bottom surface of the hauling platform vertically projecting component expanded top lip. A screw clamping fastener is tightened to affix the mounting attachment into position. A leg second end rests against and is located on the hauling platform vertically projecting component inside surface. The system has a winch attached to the anchoring attachment.
US08496228B2	Planetary gear ball valve A stemless ball valve comprising a first flange, second flange, ball, inner magnetic cartridge, outer magnetic cartridge, and planetary gear assembly. The inner magnetic cartridge is situated inside of the outer magnetic cartridge, and the inner and outer magnetic cartridges actuate the valve. The planetary gear assembly is situated between the inner magnetic cartridge and the ball. The planetary gear assembly comprises one or more planetary gear phases, each planetary gear phase comprising a step-down gear. Each planetary gear phase comprises one or more planetary gears that engage with the inner teeth of the outer ring of the planetary gear assembly and with a step-down gear. The invention further comprises a pressure equalization system comprising inner and outer equalization tubes, a piston situated between the inner and outer equalization tubes, and either a piston spring or spring washer stack that biases the piston in the direction of the clean oil.
US08496226B2	Floating ball valve seal with bellows and C-seal A seal assembly is provided for a rotary ball valve having a top-mounted bonnet, thereby allowing the seal assembly to be installed and removed without removing the valve from the pipeline. In an embodiment, the seal assembly may include a seal ring disposed within the valve interior and biased toward the ball element of the valve. A seal carrier may be disposed between the seal ring and the valve body, and the seal carrier may be removably secured to the valve body by a plurality of bolts disposed in the valve interior. A primary leak path may exist between the seal ring and the seal carrier and a secondary leak path may exist between the seal carrier and the valve body. A bellows seal may prevent fluid flow through the primary leak path, and an auxiliary seal may prevent fluid flow through the secondary leak path.
US08496224B1	Tunable valve assembly A tunable valve assembly attenuates valve-generated vibration at one or more predetermined assembly resonant frequencies. The assembly comprises a valve body having a peripheral groove spaced radially apart from a central reservoir. An adjustable preload flange is centrally coupled to the valve body for changing assembly compliance and for imposing a shear preload by partially constraining a viscoelastic element in the reservoir. Assembly resonant frequencies are thus predictably altered. Further, the vibration spectrum is narrowed and its amplitude reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy at each such altered resonant frequency. At least a first predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through adjustment of shear preload, and at least a second predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through choice of a viscoelastic or composite element in the peripheral groove. The peripheral groove itself may be fenestrated, thereby increasing responsiveness to longitudinal compressive force on the tunable valve assembly.
US08496209B2	Device for deploying and aiming structural elements in a space environment A device for deploying and aiming structural elements designed to be placed in Earth includes at least one locking/unlocking device making it possible to deactivate the first coupling mode and to activate a second coupling mode allowing a portion of the device to be aimed at a target. The device uses: a plurality of structural elements linked together by articulations, the assembly forming an articulated arm linked to a payload via a root section; the articulations having at least one pivoting connection making it possible to have two consecutive structural elements pivot relative to one another; a motor making it possible to activate at least one pivoting connection of an articulation; and a system for coupling the articulations making it possible to link the pivoting of all of the structural elements comprising a first coupling mode.
US08496207B2	Connection of cabin components, cabin component and method for connecting cabin components A connection device for a plurality of cabin components of an aircraft includes a rail extending in a longitudinal direction of an aircraft structure, wherein the plurality of cabin components is disposed on the rail; and a plurality of adjustment devices configured to self-adjust each of the plurality of cabin components in the longitudinal direction.
US08496204B1	Method and system for minimizing axial backlash in a dual load path fail-safe aircraft actuator system The actuator locking mechanism is a bi-directional secondary load path lock that operates under both compression and tension loads via a radial locking wedge and axial slide lock system. This locking mechanism is designed to effectively protect against structural disconnect after a primary load path failure occurs and to minimize the axial play in the engaged secondary load path. To avoid the dormancy of such a failure, the activated mechanism jams/stalls the actuator drive thereby alerting the aircrew and the maintenance crew of the fault condition and allowing safe continued flight and landing. This locking mechanism is impervious to relative deflection between the primary and secondary load path such that under a non-failed condition, the mechanism will not jam. A jam only occurs when axial displacement (tension or compression direction) is greater than a predetermined relative deflection. This axial displacement is eliminated by the slide locking system minimizing the axial play. The makeup of this radial locking design also features a cageless roller implementation which captures the rollers within the features of the V-shaped ramp design.
US08496201B2	High capacity heat sink A heat sink is used to absorb heat produced by a vehicle. The heat sink uses a steam reformer to create an endothermic reaction between two fluids. Excess heat from the vehicle's engine is used to heat the reactor to facilitate the endothermic reaction. In some embodiments, the reactant fluids are pre-heated by absorbing heat from various components of the vehicle. Excess heat from the various components or from the vehicle engine is used to vaporize the fluids before the fluids enter the reactor.
US08496199B2	System and method for limiting cyclic control inputs A control system having a first loop configured to provide a longitudinal blowback value of a rotor blade during flight and a second loop associated with the first loop, the second loop being configured to provide a design maximum total flapping value and a lateral flapping value. A method includes calculating a flight control limit from the design maximum total flapping value and the lateral flapping value. An upper longitudinal cyclic control limit is calculated by adding the flight control limit to the longitudinal blowback value. A lower longitudinal cyclic control limit is calculated by subtracting the flight control limit from the longitudinal blowback value.
US08496196B2	Asphalt material recycling system and method An asphalt roofing material recycling system and method is used to recycle new and used (post consumer) asphalt materials, such as asphalt shingles, rolled roofing and tar paper that may include granules, fibers or other particles. The asphalt material, which may be in bundles, is broken up and separated and then provided to a cooled recycling vessel. Dry ice is added along with the asphalt material to be recycled. The dry ice removes any moisture present and super-cools the material making it brittle and easier to chip and break up. The recycle vessel includes a number of high speed shippers having tulip hear chipping teeth as well as one horizontal mixer element which stirs the material and makes sure all material is ground. The resulting course to fine powder can be separated by screening and stored as power or compressed into bricks or briquettes.
US08496192B2	Outward opening fuel injector A fuel injector provided with: an injection valve comprising an injection nozzle; a mobile needle for regulating the fuel flow through the injection valve and ending with a shutting head, which engages a valve seat of the injection valve, is arranged externally with respect to injection valve and presents a predetermined sealing diameter; an actuator for displacing the needle between a closing position and an opening position of the injection valve; a closing spring which tends to maintain the needle in the closing position of the injection valve pushing the shutting head against the valve seat itself in a sense contrary to the feeding sense of the fuel; and a supporting body having a tubular shape and presenting a feeding channel within which a needle is arranged; the needle, at an opposite end of the shutting head, is coupled to a balancing channel, which is at ambient pressure.
US08496189B2	Methodology for improved mixing of a solid-liquid slurry Disclosed herein is a mixing apparatus for mixing solids and liquids comprising a mixing chamber defined within a plurality of sides radially arranged about a central axis, the mixing chamber comprising an eductor, the eductor comprising a first chamber inlet separated along the central axis from a chamber outlet by a frusta conical venturi throat arranged coaxial with a central axis; the eductor further comprising a second chamber inlet disposed through one or more of the plurality of sides and located between the first chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, the second chamber inlet having a plurality of second inlet opening diameters, each determined perpendicular to the central axis at the point at which the second chamber inlet intersects with an outer wall of the venturi throat, wherein the second inlet diameters are each less than the diameter of the venturi throat at each of the points at which the second chamber inlet intersects with the outer wall of the venturi throat. A method of mixing solids with a liquid is also disclosed.
US08496186B2	Barcode label and method of using the same A shipping label includes a shipping label and an advertising label, and a tear-off tab is formed in the back liner sheet by a score line. After removing the tear-off tab and forming an exposed adhesive layer portion, the label part where the second barcode is printed is folded to the back side of the label to form a back-folded portion, which is held to the back side of the label by the exposed adhesive layer portion. The liner sheet portion contiguous to the tear-off tab is then removed, and the label is attached to the product. Because the second barcode is hidden on the back, only the first barcodes containing tracking information can be read, while the second barcode can be read as needed by unfolding the back-folded portion to the front.
US08496185B2	Secure ID A secure identification card is created. The secure identification card includes a first identifying item of information. A first covert marker is applied to the secure identification card. The first covert marker is associated with the first identifying item of information such that the secure identification card is recognized as authentic only if the association between the first covert marker and the first identifying item of information is recognized. The association between the first covert marker and the first identifying item of information is stored at a site that can be used to monitor the use of the secure identification card at a plurality of locations.
US08496183B2	Non-contact IC card communication controller and non-contact IC card holder Provided is a non-contact IC card communication controller of a simple configuration which can easily be manufactured at a reasonable cost. The non-contact IC card communication controller (100) includes: a copper plate frame (101) having a cut-off portion (20); and a copper plate piece (30a) which arbitrarily closes the cut-off portion (20). When the controller (100) is arranged so as to be overlapped with a non-contact IC card, the copper plate frame (101) and a coil antenna built in the non-contact IC card are partially or entirely overlapped. If the cut-off portion (20) is in the open state, it is possible to read information recorded on the non-contact IC card. If the cut-off portion (20) is in the closed state, it is impossible to read the information recorded on the non-contact IC card.
US08496180B2	Managing mobile device interactions using barcodes A system allows a connecting a mobile device with a barcode scanner to a stationary device by scanning a barcode displayed on a display of the stationary device. The system allows connecting only one mobile device to the stationary device at any given time and allows connecting the mobile device to only one stationary device at any given time. Once connected to the stationary device, the mobile device may be used to scan additional printed barcodes and barcodes displayed by the stationary device or elsewhere, sending data corresponding to the scanned barcodes to the stationary device as if the data were entered by an input device of the stationary device. The barcode scanning functionality may also allow other ways of controlling the mobile device, including performing speed dialing, call transfer, or other telephone functionality based on barcode scanning Encryption and other similar techniques may be employed for additional security.
US08496176B2	Scanning apparatus and method for entering a user input into the apparatus using a non-electrical control device A scanning apparatus and method for entering a user input into the apparatus uses a non-electrical control device having a target undersurface, which can be manually manipulated to a particular setting. The particular setting of the non-electrical control device is determined by processing an image of at least a portion of the target undersurface captured by a scan sensor of the scanning apparatus.
US08496174B2	Smart card operating system and method The present invention relates to the smart card field, and more specifically to a smart card operating system and method, to avoid the failure of non-contact communication of the smart card operating system resulting from its inability to obtain the information of access to the non-contact field in the prior art. In the present invention, the communication state control module detects whether the smart card operating system enters and/or leaves the a non-contact field; and sets the communication state of the non-contact communication module of the smart card operating system based on the detection result. By applying the technical scheme of the present invention, we can avoid the communication failure which results from the non-contact communication module inability to respond properly to the inquiry from the non-contact terminal when the smart card operating system re-enters the non-contact field. Therefore, the non-contact communication can be maintained between the smart card operating system and the non-contact terminal equipment.
US08496170B2	Contactless portable object capable of providing an indication on the performance of a contactless reader The invention concerns a contactless portable object (11) featuring an electronic circuit (14) and an antenna (12) connected together enabling coupling between the electronic circuit and a reader associated with the portable contactless object. According to the main characteristic of the invention, the contactless portable object includes a set of field indicators (18) that provide the user with a measurement of the value of a physical quantity proportional to the quantity of the electromagnetic field which passes through the antenna (12).
US08496167B2	Cash tracking system A system of tracking the location of cash is disclosed.
US08496164B2	Method and apparatus for customer/passenger specific interactive flight information data notification using boarding pass barcode scanning capabilities on low-cost display devices A low-cost display unit that displays travel-related information to a traveler in a public travel-related area is disclosed and may include a communication interface that facilitates receiving of travel-related information, a machine-readable marking reader that determines the presence of a travel document having one or more machine readable markings, scans the one or more machine-readable markings, and decodes the scanned one or more machine-readable markings, wherein the one or more machine-readable markings contain encoded traveled-related information pertaining to the traveler, and a display control unit that receives the decoded one or more machine-readable marking, and displays the travel-related information contained in the decoded one or more machine-readable markings to the traveler on the low-cost display unit.
US08496161B2	Device and method for brazing a heat pipe The present invention relates to a device and method for brazing a heat pipe assembly with copper-silver alloy filler rings to improve heat dissipation efficiency of a heat pipe. The device comprises a brazing furnace and a conveyor. The brazing furnace comprises an open ended passage with a multi-stage brazing heater and cooler. The conveyor comprises an input bracket assembly, an output bracket assembly and a steel mesh belt. The method comprises steps of (A) providing multiple heat pipe components, (B) assembling the heat pipe components to form heat pipe assemblies, (C) injecting mixed gas, (D) turning on the multi-stage brazing heater and cooler, (E) placing the heat pipe assemblies on the conveyor, (F) brazing the heat pipe assemblies to form heat pipes, (G) cooling the heat pipes and (H) removing the heat pipes from the conveyor.
US08496151B2	Staple gun wire guide A staple gun tacker includes a wire guide mechanism in its forward end which includes a wire guide plate having a recessed lower end for engaging a wire when the plate is in an extended position and a rotatable cam for moving the plate between extended and retracted positions which includes a circular slot formed therein having one end thereof located closer to the axis of rotation of the cam then the other receiving and engaged with a projection on the cam plate so that rotation of the cam is translated into linear movement of the wire guide plate.
US08496141B2	Frozen confection machine having simultaneous dispensing of two flavors with clog inhibiting mechanism A frozen beverage freezer machine is provided with two side-by-side freezer cylinders containing different flowable frozen beverage products. Draw valves are provided to draw the beverages separately for dispensing separately from the two beverage freezer cylinders. An additional draw valve, generally centered relative to the freezer cylinders, is provided to draw beverages from the two cylinders simultaneously for dispensing a mix of the two beverages. Clog breaker blades are coupled to the center draw valve assembly to inhibit clogging of passageways from the frozen beverage cylinders to the center valve, to facilitate reliable flow and mixing of the two beverages when the center valve is opened to dispense the mix into a user's receiver cup.
US08496140B2	Piston wiper plate for pressing units for melting systems for bags and melting system for bags provided with said piston wiper plate A piston wiper plate for a pressing unit for melting systems for bags includes a single-piece wiper plate having an axial upper side and an axial bottom side made of elastically resilient material, and a radially outer wiper edge that surrounds the periphery in the relaxed state. The sealing and sliding properties thereof remain within a predetermined range even when the temperatures fluctuate more drastically in that in the wiper plate includes at least one recess that is inserted in the axial upper side and/or in the axial bottom side and/or between the axial upper and bottom sides thereof and that allows for at least a radial compression of the wiper plate. At least one expandable restoring element can be inserted into the recess.
US08496137B2	Solenoid valve assembly for a dispensing system A solenoid valve assembly is adapted to control product flow through a dispensing system. The dispensing system includes a housing. A plunger is disposed within the housing and has a first axial surface. A stopper is also disposed within the housing and has a second axial surface facing the first axial surface. At least one flow pathway is provided on at least one of the first and second axial surfaces.
US08496135B2	Method and apparatus for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.
US08496134B2	Pet waste bag dispenser A pet waste bag dispenser includes a housing defining an interior compartment and having at least one opening in communication with the interior compartment. A positioner is located within the interior compartment of the housing and configured to position at least one box containing rolled pet waste bags relative to the opening such that the rolled pet waste bags can be dispensed through the opening in the housing. The positioner is also configured to position a plurality of stacked pet waste bags relative to the opening such that the stacked pet waste bags can be dispensed through the opening in the housing.
US08496133B2	Container for housing a mask blank, method of housing a mask blank, and a mask blank package A mask blank container adapted to house a mask blank with a resist film. The container comprises a container body 5 for receiving the mask blank; a cap member 6 to be put on the container body; and a fixing member 9 adapted to fix the container body and the cap member to each other when the cap member is put on the container body. The container body and the cap member have fitting portions 51 and 61 made of a resin material and fitted to each other, respectively. The fixing member comprises a first member 91 having an engaging portion 91 a to be engaged with the fitting portion of the cap member, and a second member 92 having an engaging portion 93 to be engaged with the fitting portion of the container body. A distance between the engaging portions of the first and the second members is desired to be variable.
US08496132B2	Can end A can end having a countersink bead, an inclined chuck wall and a strong seam, resists distortion from its circular profile when subjected to thermal processing or when packaging carbonated beverages. This high hoop strength affects the manner in which the can end ultimately fails when placed under extreme abuse conditions, even if buckle pressure performance is within industry specified standards. The can end of the invention has control features introduced which control the failure mode whilst maintaining specified buckle pressure performance. In one embodiment, the can end has a two part wall and a control feature that comprises expansion of the countersink bead to act as a trigger for local peaking, together with a groove in the chuck wall which prevents the peaking force from being concentrated at a single point which could result in leaking by the production of a pin hole.
US08496131B2	Cap for a lug-type closure A cap 80 for sealing a container having a closure assembly with lug members on the container for sealing with corresponding lugs on the cap 80 has a top panel 84 and a circumferential side wall panel 82, has a top panel 84 and a circumferential side wall panel 82. The top panel 84 is positioned about a longitudinal axis 50 and extends radially outwardly therefrom. The circumferential side wall panel 82 is integral with an outer peripheral edge of the top panel 84 and has first, second, and third segments 90, 92, 94. The first segment 90 extends downwardly. The second segment 92 extends radially outwardly at a first angle to the first segment 90. The third segment 94 extends downwardly from the second segment 94 at a second angle to the second segment 92.
US08496130B2	Hot-fill container having movable ribs for accommodating vacuum forces A one-piece plastic container includes a container body and an upper portion having a finish. Integrally formed with the finish and extending downward therefrom is a shoulder region. The shoulder region merges into and provides a transition between the finish and a sidewall portion. The sidewall portion extends downward from the shoulder region to a base portion having a base. The sidewall portion defines a series of horizontal lands and horizontal ribs. The horizontal lands and horizontal ribs extend continuously in a vertical direction from the shoulder region to the base portion. The horizontal ribs are designed to achieve optimal performance with regard to vacuum absorption, top load strength capabilities and dent resistance.
US08496129B2	Cap and covered container Provided are a cap capable of being easily and reliably opened and unsealed not limited in design even if an inner cap with a small diameter is used for the cap, producing no refuse after the unsealing, and not unnecessarily large in size, and a container with the cap. When an over cap (3) is rotated in the opening direction, a pair of screw threads (10a, 10b) as opening means are advanced in the direction in which they are tightened together, and this cuts off a planned opening section (4) from the inner cap (2). Thus, the cap has a relatively simple structure and can be simply and reliably unsealed by small force. Also, the planned opening section (4) is integrated with the over cap (3) after unsealing the inner cap (2), so that no refuse is produced after the unsealing, eliminating the need to clear it away from a table.
US08496128B2	Rotary coupler for a railway car A railcar coupler system that includes a yoke comprising a front end, a rear end, a top strap, and a bottom strap. The top strap and the bottom strap are positioned between the front end and the rear end. The front end comprises an internal bearing surface that is obliquely angled with respect to a central axis of the yoke that extends from the front end to the rear end of the yoke. The system also includes a connector configured to rotate within the yoke such that an axis of rotation of the connector is substantially aligned with the central axis of the yoke when the connector is positioned within the yoke. The connector includes an external bearing surface that is obliquely angled with respect to the axis of rotation of the connector and configured to correspond to the internal bearing surface of the yoke.
US08496121B2	Macroporous copolymers with large pores The present invention provides a macroporous copolymer having large pores, typically in the range of 5,000-200,000 Å and a typical breaking weight of at least 175 g/bead. The macroporous copolymers can be made using an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) techniques. These macroporous copolymers may also form macroporous resins. The present invention also provides methods of using the macroporous copolymers and resins.
US08496120B2	Filter network The present invention relates to a filter unit for cleaning fluids, filter systems comprised of a plurality of said filter units, and the use of the filter unit or of the filter systems for filtering sludge and floating algae from water, or for purifying gases.
US08496119B2	Two piece non-metallic relief valve A fluid filter is described, which includes a housing having a first end portion defining fluid inlet and fluid outlet areas, a filter media disposed in the housing, having inlet surfaces communicating with the fluid inlet and outlet surfaces communicating with the fluid outlet, and a relief valve assembly for selectively opening a filter bypass connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The relief valve assembly has a media plug for anchoring it in the filter media, the media plug having a bypass aperture connecting to the fluid outlet, and a valve element secured to the media plug. The valve element has a valving portion cooperating with the bypass aperture in the media plug for resiliently closing the bypass aperture when an inlet fluid pressure is below a threshold pressure, and for opening the bypass aperture when the inlet fluid pressure is above the threshold pressure.
US08496118B2	Filtration device including a loop and a circulation pump A device for the tangential filtration of a fluid to be processed and intended to be divided into a filtrate and a retentate includes, in an outer case, a series of filtration elements of tubular form lying parallel to each other, at least one output for the filtrate, communicating with the filtrate collection receptacle, a first communication chamber in which are fitted the separation resources, communicating with respectively a first series and a second series of filtration elements forming the go and return circuits of a circulation loop for the fluid to be processed, where the separation resources include a turbine of a circulation pump. The input for the fluid to be processed opens into the first communication chamber of the outer case between the turbine of the circulation pump and the filtration elements of the series forming the return circuit of the circulation loop.
US08496117B2	Self cleaning, continuously operating filter apparatus for fluids The filter apparatus for an incoming liquid which includes a retentate and a permeate includes a housing with a frame and a hollow drum assembly mounted for rotation within the housing. An inlet assembly delivers the incoming liquid under pressure to the drum assembly. A filter assembly is mounted to the inside of the drum. A trough assembly is mounted so as to be in a fluid-tight relationship to the interior surface of the filter assembly as the drum rotates past the trough assembly. A manifold is fixedly mounted and configured to cover successive columns of openings of the drum wall as the drum rotates. Pressurized gas is directed to the manifold, so that as the drum turns, and retentate is collected on the interior surface of the filter, pressurized fluid from the manifold dislodges the retentate into the trough and out an outlet assembly.
US08496116B2	Peripheral sealing system for pre-tensioned screens A method of forming a shaker screen includes forming a frame, and attaching a first sealing element to at least one side of an outer perimeter of the frame, wherein the attaching comprises aligning a first mating surface of the frame to a second mating surface of the first sealing element, and wherein the first mating surface of the frame includes an extension, and the second mating surface of the first sealing element includes a groove configured to align with the extension. A system of sealing shaker screens includes a first screen and a second screen disposed adjacent the first screen, wherein a first sealing element of a first frame and a portion of the second screen interact to provide a seal between the first screen and the second screen.
US08496113B2	Insert for carrier board of test handler An insert for a carrier board of a test handler is disclosed. In a first aspect, the latch block applying to the insert is detachably coupled to the insert body. The latch block can be reused, and thus this reduces wastage of resources and eliminates the insert replacement fee. In a second aspect, the insert pocket having hooks is detachably coupled to the insert body. The insert body can be reused. The latch unit is installed to the insert pocket, so that the damaged latch unit can be easily replaced. The insert forms a plurality of holes in the bottom of the loading part thereof, to expose the leads of the semiconductor devices through the holes downwardly. Thus, the insert can load semiconductor devices regardless of the dimensions of the semiconductor devices.
US08496110B2	Sequentially placed shipping and packing label system A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.
US08496109B2	Carton with insert A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. At least two end flaps can be overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. A reinforcing insert comprises a central panel and at least one reinforcing end flap. The central panel can be at least partially disposed in the interior of the carton, and the at least one reinforcing end flap can comprise a base portion and a distal portion foldably connected to the base portion. The base portion extends in an oblique direction from the central panel toward the closed end of the carton, and at least a portion of the distal portion is positioned outwardly of at least one of the end flaps.
US08496106B1	Kits for use by airline travelers and methods of their operation A kit for use by an airline traveler having an item of carry-on luggage in an airport having a security checkpoint where the traveler is required to remove the traveler's shoes for security inspection. The kit includes a pair of socks configured for wearing on the traveler's feet in order to keep unhygienic substances in proximity of the checkpoint away from the feet when the traveler walks through the checkpoint without the shoes. The kit includes a handheld travel pouch having an inner space and a pocket. The inner space is configured for storing the pair of socks. The pocket is configured for storing a card for providing proof of identity of the traveler. The pocket is configured for allowing of quick removal of the card for display at the checkpoint. The kit includes a means for securing the pouch to the item, the means coupled to the pouch.
US08496103B2	Conveying apparatus A conveying apparatus (1) moves a transport unit (3) having at least one running section (4, 5). The running section (4, 5) can, in particular, be configured as a runner of a skid. The conveying apparatus (1) has a support (6, 8) which takes up the weight of the transport unit (3) on the running section (4, 5). The conveying apparatus (1) includes at least one drive roller (20) which interacts with the running section (4, 5) of the transport unit (3) for a rolling movement and subjects the transport unit (3) to a force (FK) for movement along the support (6, 8). The drive roller (20) is operatively connected to a force-generating device (44) for providing a press-on force (FP) pressing the drive roller (20) against the running section (4, 5) of the transport unit (3).
US08496094B2	Spring suspension for a handlebar-steered vehicle A coil spring suspension designed for a handlebar-steered vehicle. The coil spring suspension generally includes a first tube, a coil spring, a shaft and a guide. A first end of the coil spring is disposed within the first tube and fixedly supported proximate a first end of the first tube. The coil spring extends beyond a second end of the first tube. The shaft fixedly supports a second end of the coil spring. The shaft and the first tube are slidably displaced relative to each other upon suspension loading to lengthwise compress the coil spring. The guide is disposed within the first tube and connected to the coil spring between the first and second ends of the coil spring. The guide is displaced with the coil spring under suspension loading and limiting lateral displacement of the coil spring.
US08496087B2	Fitting system for a hydraulic tuning cable A tuning tube that can be easily changed out without destroying the hydraulic hose assembly in which it is located where the tuning tube is retained on the sleeve section of a secondary fitting and the secondary fitting has a collar section that is held in a receiving bore formed in an inlet cavity. The connector is connected at an inlet end to a hydraulic system component such as a pump and is connected at an outlet end to a hydraulic hose. The tuning tube extends into the hydraulic hose from the secondary fitting and the connector.
US08496085B2	Motor control device and electric power steering apparatus An angular velocity estimate (ωe) used in motor control of an electric power steering is obtained as follows. In a first state period during which the motor substantially stops its rotation, a resistance calculation unit calculates a motor resistance value (Rc) on the basis of a detected value (Vm) of motor voltage and a detected value (Im) of motor current. An average calculation unit obtains an average value (Rav) of the calculated resistance values (Rc) in a retained period. A current-resistance characteristic that associates motor current with motor resistance is held in a characteristic holding unit, and a characteristic updating unit updates the current-resistance characteristic on the basis of the average value (Rav). An estimate calculation unit calculates the angular velocity estimate (ωe) on the basis of the detected value (Vm) of motor voltage, the detected value (Im) of motor current and a motor resistance value (Rm) obtained from the current-resistance characteristic.
US08496084B2	Throttle sensor mounting structure A throttle sensor mounting structure for suppressing the influence on the arrangement of a lighting device located on the front side of a head pipe. A throttle sensor mounting structure in a saddle seat type vehicle includes a handle, a throttle grip rotatably mounted on the handle, a throttle sensor for detecting an operational amount of the throttle grip, a controller for controlling a power unit according to a detection value from the throttle sensor, a pair of right and left main frames extending to the rear from a head pipe, and a headlight provided on the front side of the head pipe. The throttle sensor is located on the rear side of the head pipe and between the right and left main frames so as to be superimposed on the main frames as viewed in a side elevation.
US08496083B2	Rear wheel suspension device of motorcycle A rear wheel suspension device of a motorcycle has rear end portions of an upper arm member and a lower arm rotatably joined to a knuckle member, which pivotally supports a rear wheel. The rear wheel suspension device can obtain a progressive cushion property while avoiding an increase in the number of parts. At the same time, the rear wheel suspension device can make the acquisition of extra rigidity of the vehicle body frame unnecessary. One end of a rear cushion unit is joined to one of an upper arm member and a lower arm member. A rear end portion of another of the upper arm member and the lower arm member is rotatably joined to a knuckle member in front of a rear wheel support portion of the knuckle member. Another end of the rear cushion unit is joined to one of another arm member and knuckle member.
US08496082B2	Two-wheeled vehicle A two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The two-wheeled vehicle may include a passenger hand grip which is stowable under a straddle seat of the vehicle. The two-wheeled vehicle may include saddlebags having an open bottom.
US08496078B2	Semi-autonomous vehicle providing cargo space A semi-autonomous vehicle includes a chassis having a repository on a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system, a steering system, a braking system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system of the semi-autonomous vehicle is operatively coupled to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system and signally connected to the extra-vehicle sensory system and the extra-vehicle communications system. A non-load-bearing coupling mechanism of the semi-autonomous vehicle includes a connector, a flexible mechanical link element and a communications link.
US08496076B2	Polycrystalline compacts including nanoparticulate inclusions, cutting elements and earth-boring tools including such compacts, and methods of forming such compacts Polycrystalline compacts include non-catalytic nanoparticles in interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline hard material. Cutting elements and earth-boring tools include such polycrystalline compacts. Methods of forming polycrystalline compacts include sintering hard particles and non-catalytic nanoparticles to form a polycrystalline material. Methods of forming cutting elements include infiltrating interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline material with a plurality of non-catalytic nanoparticles.
US08496070B2	Folding hitch lift arm A lift arm assembly is provided for a hitch having a hitch frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. The lift arm assembly includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frame and having a having a pivot bore therein. A second arm is adapted for coupling to an implement and has a pivot pin which is rotatably and slidably received by the pivot bore. The second arm is slidable with respect to the first arm from an inboard position to an outboard position. When the second arm is in its outboard position, the second arm is pivotal about the pivot pin from a lowered position to a raised position.
US08496068B1	Draft force sensor assembly A draft sensing mechanism includes a draft frame adapted to be attached to a frame of a vehicle. The draft frame has left and right supports adapted to be coupled to corresponding left and right draft links. A draft strap has a left end fixed to a front side of the left support and a right end fixed to a front side of the right support. The draft strap is deflectable in response to draft forces applied to the left and right supports. A draft sensor is attached to the draft strap. The sensor generates a draft signal in response to deflection of the draft strap.
US08496066B2	Methods for increasing oil production A method of recovering petroleum from dormant oil wells or increasing the production of oil wells. An alkali or alkali earth carbonate is introduced into a water layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir and/or an explosive composition is introduced into an oil layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir. CO2 gas is produced by reacting the alkali or alkali earth carbonate with an acid and/or by detonating the explosive composition. An explosive composition can be introduced and detonated to achieve sufficient CO2 gas production to increase pressure within the subterranean petroleum reservoir. Petroleum recovery can be further enhanced through the use of techniques to reduce petroleum viscosity including sonication.
US08496064B2	System and method for engaging completions in a wellbore A technique is provided for engaging and disengaging an upper completion with a lower completion positioned in a wellbore. The upper completion comprises an upper communication line, and the lower completion comprises a lower communication line. The upper completion is mechanically latched with the lower completion and the communication lines are coupled in a manner that enables selective engagement and disengagement. A communication line union is used to connect the upper communication line and the lower communication line in a plurality of rotational orientations of the upper completion relative to the lower completion.
US08496063B2	Separation of drill cuttings from drilling fluid on a seabed A method and device for recovering drilling fluid used in connection with the provision of a subsea well, in which the drilling fluid is circulated from a vessel on a sea surface via a drill string and out through a drill bit into an annulus which is defined by a borehole and the drill string. The device includes a filtering device which is connected, in respect of fluid, to an annulus and which is arranged to contain drill cuttings and drilling fluid. A fluid line extends from a portion of the filtering device to the vessel, the fluid line being arranged to carry drilling fluid which has been separated from the drill cuttings back to the vessel.
US08496058B2	Well fishing method and system A well fishing method and system is described. In at least one example of the invention, a method of retrieval of material (e.g., a tubing string) having broken control or monitoring lines from a cased well is provided. The method comprises: isolating, from the well casing, broken lines above the material to be retrieved, thereby creating a substantially axial work passage; grasping the material to be removed through the substantially axial work passage; and pulling the material to be retrieved and the restrained lines from the well. Example shrouds, probes and other members are also described.
US08496053B2	Erosional protection of fiber optic cable A method and apparatus for preventing erosion of a cable for use in a wellbore is described herein. The cable has one or more optical fibers adapted to monitor and/or control a condition in the wellbore. The cable includes a layer of elastomeric material at least partially located on an outer surface of the cable. The elastomeric material is adapted to absorb energy due to the impact of particles in production fluid or wellbore fluid against the cable.
US08496052B2	Bottom set down hole tool A flow back plug, a bridge plug, a ball drop plug and plug with a disintegratable check therein are made from a common subassembly including, in some embodiments, a mandrel, a slips/seal section, a setting assembly and a mule shoe. In other embodiments, the common components are a mandrel, a slips/seal section and a mule shoe. To make the flow back plug, a ball check is placed in the mule shoe. To make the bridge plug, an obstruction is inserted in the mule shoe. To make the ball drop plug, the mule shoe is left unobstructed so any ball dropped in a well seats in a tapered inlet to the mandrel. To make a plug with a disintegratable check, a ball dropped in the well is of a type that disintegrated in frac liquids. The setting assembly includes a setting rod connected to a setting device in the mandrel passage. When the plug is expanded into sealing engagement with a production string, the setting rod pulls out of the setting device leaving a passage through the mandrel and through the setting device. Another embodiment is an improved adapter sleeve used on conventional setting tools.
US08496050B2	Arrangement used in oil field wells for lifting hydrocarbons Arrangement for the lifting of hydrocarbons in oil field wells, comprising a lifting assembly formed by a fluid collecting hose and a fluid suction tube within the well casing. The suction tube extends along the collecting hose, which has an open upper end, through which passes the upper section of the suction tube, which has an end attached to the pulling cable of the “collecting hose/suction tube” assembly.
US08496049B2	Heat sinks with distributed and integrated jet cooling A heat sink with distributed jet cooling is provided. The heat sink includes a base for thermal connection to at least one heated object, an array of fins thermally coupled to the base, and at least one multi-orifice synthetic jet or multiple single orifice jets disposed on a side of the array of fins. A heat sink with distributed and integrated jet cooling is also provided and includes a base and an array of fins. Respective ones of at least a subset of the fins comprise a synthetic jet configured to eject an ambient fluid into an ambient environment of the fins and base. Another heat sink with distributed and integrated jet cooling is provided and includes a base, an array of fins and multiple synthetic jets coupled to respective ones of the fins. The synthetic jets are provided for at least a subset of the fins.
US08496040B2	Method and apparatus for fixing the length of a pull cord An adjustable cord restraining device for a blind assembly having a head rail, a bottom rail and at least one pull cord extending through a cord passage of the head rail and coupled to the bottom rail includes an annular member sufficiently sized to prevent entry of the annular member into the cord passage of the head rail and further travel of the pull cord through the head rail. A method of preventing the further extension of a pull cord includes obtaining an annular member sized larger than a pull cord passageway of a head rail pinching a mid-section of the pull cord and inserting the pinched portion of the mid-section through the annular member, forming a loop with the pull cord, inserting a free end of the pull cord through the loop to form an adjustable knot.
US08496038B2	Sliding door with anti-sway trolley assembly The present invention provides at least one anti-sway trolley assembly used in conjunction with either a single sided partition set or sandwiched between first and second partition side in a double sided partition set. The anti-sway trolley assembly comprises a floating rod affixed at a first end to a trolley. Affixed at a rod second end is a floor contact member which provides frictional resistance to lateral displacement of the door. Each anti-sway trolley assembly rides in a chain guide and is affixed to a partition hinge rod. In this manner, a floor channel is not required to achieve resistance to lateral displacement forces.
US08496034B2	Methods for predicting warp at a given condition Methods are provided for predicting warp of a lumber product at a given condition, such as relative humidity, temperature, moisture content, or the like. Note that this methodology may apply to any of crook, bow, twist, cup, or combinations of these quantities. The method involves measuring an original warp of a first wood product at a known condition; changing the condition of the first wood product to a new condition; measuring a second warp of the first wood product at the new condition; developing a prediction model based on data from the original warp and condition and the second warp; measuring an original warp and condition of the given wood product; and inputting data from the original warp and condition of the given wood product to the prediction model to determine warp at a given condition.
US08496029B2	Extreme flow rate and/or high temperature fluid delivery substrates A flow substrate including a body having a first surface and a second opposing surface, a plurality of pairs of ports defined in the first surface of the body, a plurality of fluid pathways extending between each respective pair of ports and in fluid communication with each port of the respective pair of ports, and at least one cap. Each fluid pathway is formed in the second surface of the body. The at least one cap has a first surface constructed to seal at least one fluid pathway, and a second opposing surface. At least one of the body and the at least one cap includes a weld formation formed in at least one of the second surface of the body and the second surface of the at least one cap constructed to surround the at least one fluid pathway and facilitate welding of the at least one cap to the body along the weld formation.
US08496026B2	Valve A valve comprising a first pan (10′) defining a first array of apertures (20′) and a second part (50) defining a second array of apertures (60′), the first pan (10′) being moveable relative to the second part (50) between a first configuration in which passage of a fluid through the valve is substantially prevented and a second configuration in which passage of fluid is allowed. In one embodiment, the first pan (10′) comprises a flexible plate-like member configured to engage a sealing face of the second part (50) when in the second configuration and lock in the second configuration in response to a pressure differential across the valve. The plate-like member is sufficiently flexible to conform to a profile of the sealing face in response to a pressure differential across the valve.
US08496019B2	Tent A tent includes a tent cloth and a tent frame to support the tent cloth. The tent frame comprises a top module and a plurality of supporting poles which are radially pivoted to the top module. The top module includes a modular main body, a top cap and a quick-pitch assembly. The modular main body includes a plurality of pivot sockets which are integrally formed with the modular main body. Each pivot socket is pivotally connected with a connector. The connector is further connected to the respective supporting pole. The connector has a top engaging portion at a pivot end thereof to mate with the quick-pitch assembly. The top cap is coupled to the modular main body to form a middle space. The quick-pitch assembly is located in the middle space and able to move up and down.
US08496016B2	Cleaning apparatus and cleaning method A cleaning apparatus includes: a supply unit to supply at least an initial amount of cleaning solution to a specific portion of an object to be cleaned; an agitator to induce agitation in the cleaning solution supplied to the object; a monitoring unit to monitor an amount of the cleaning solution and to provide a signal indicative thereof; and a control unit to detect a threshold amount of reduction in the cleaning solution based on the signal from the monitoring unit and accordingly to control the supply unit to supply an additional amount of cleaning solution to the specific portion of the object.
US08496005B2	Breathing mask and regulator for aircraft The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.
US08496002B2	Powder inhaler devices An improved inhalation device is provided for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device includes a staple assembly comprising a plunger and staple that are securely and robustly coupled to one another. Embodiments of the inhalation device have a cap that prevents or reduces the amount of dust and grime entering into the device. The cap is additionally configured to prevent or reduce inadvertent and unintentional operation of the device. The body portion and first casing portion of certain embodiments of the inhalation device are sealably coupled, restricting or reducing undesirable flow pathways that have an adverse effect on the operation of the device.
US08496000B2	Dry snorkel A snorkel adapter apparatus is disclosed. The snorkel adapter apparatus includes a snorkel tube, a float, a mouthpiece, and a single pivot point. These pieces combined together create a snorkel breathing apparatus that allows the user to submerge the snorkel in water and prevent water from entering the snorkel tube and mouthpiece. When the snorkel is submerged in water, the float rotates around a coupler attached to the pivot attachment point and closes the open end of the snorkel tube. The buoyancy of the float in the water causes it to rotate and seal the snorkel tube closed.
US08495999B2	Airway intubation device An airway intubation device having a one-piece molded body of biocompatible material with an ergonomically designed hand piece for left hand manipulation. The body includes a cap piece and linear-curved-linear insertion piece having a channel in one side thereof for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The channel has a wide entry portal disposed ahead of the hand piece so that a clinician may load the channel with a tube while the insertion piece is in the mouth of the patient without having to view the entry portal. The device includes illumination means and viewing means comprising an eye piece or a video display unit mounted to the cap piece so that a clinician can view the insertion of the tube between the vocal cords of a patient without contact.
US08495996B2	Fuel alcohol content detection via an exhaust gas sensor Various systems and methods are described for an exhaust gas sensor coupled to an exhaust system of an engine. One example method comprises, during selected engine fueling conditions, alternating between applying different voltages to the sensor; and identifying an amount of alcohol in fuel injected to the engine based on sensor outputs at the different voltages.
US08495990B1	Pre-injection fuel atomization system A pre-injection fuel atomization system for a combustion engine that reduces droplet size of incoming fuel at air intake, creating an aerosol that is injected by fuel injectors into the combustion chambers. The system uses a vibrating crystal in a transducer, the vibrations atomizing the fuel into an aerosol. The droplet size is reduced to around 0.1 microns, providing more surface area available for fast surface combustion. The fuel droplets are maintained in a stoichiometric ratio to oxygen in the air so that burning is complete and clean.
US08495985B2	Fuel delivery pipe with damper function A fuel delivery pipe with damper function, being constructed of an elongate lower case provided at its bottom with a plurality of injection sockets for connection with fuel injection valves to be opened and closed by a controller unit; an upper case coupled with the lower case in a liquid-tight manner to form an internal space to be filled with fuel under pressure supplied from a fuel pump; a hollow partition wall member the whole periphery of which is brazed to an inner surface of the lower or upper case to form an air chamber isolated from the internal space; and a vent hole formed in the lower or upper case and sealed after communicating the air chamber with the atmosphere therethrough.
US08495978B2	Drive configuration and method thereof A drive configuration for driving one or more rotating sprockets (e.g., of an engine drive train), including a flexible force transmitting member forming a closed curve enclosing an area; a drive sprocket situated outside the area and driving the force transmitting member; first and second pulleys situated at least partially within the area and on opposing sides of the drive sprocket so as to urge the force transmitting member against the drive sprocket; and one or more driven sprockets each coupled to the force transmitting member. The drive configuration may include a cartridge including a base, one or more secondary pulleys being situated on opposing sides of the first pulley such that a timing belt is urged into contact with a drive sprocket and each of the pulleys. Accordingly, a timing belt may be rapidly installed or removed by inserting or removing the cartridge according to the present invention.
US08495971B2	Animal litter comprising a surfactant encapsulated fragrance nanoemulsion The present invention is directed to litter compositions including a litter substrate in the form of granules and a stable fragrance coating applied over at least some of the litter granules. The stable fragrance coating provides a fragrance litter composition exhibiting no or a reduced tendency for fragrance to be lost over time. Furthermore, the fragrant litter composition is able to reform a stable fragrance coating after being wetted, upon redrying. The stable fragrance coating comprises a nanoemulsion including an aqueous surfactant continuous phase and a dispersed phase comprising one or more fragrance oils. The fragrance oil is dispersed within the continuous phase as nano-sized droplets having an average diameter of no more than about 100 nm.
US08495970B2	Feed dispenser An improved animal feed dispenser is provided having a slow speed paddle wheel and a high speed distributor wheel. The high speed distributor wheel transports feed out of an opening in the device to spread it on the ground. The slow speed paddle wheel moves feed at a measured rate from a storage hopper and feeds it to the distributor wheel. A detachable mounting plate is used to attach the dispenser to a storage hopper, and is releasable therefrom without emptying the hopper of feed. The slow speed paddle wheel is formed from a material flexible enough to prevent feed jams caused by water absorption of the feed and other events.
US08495964B1	Elastic anchor rope An elastic anchor rope has an elastomeric core over most of its length. The core stretches during mooring to permit discharge of persons and items such as on a beach with subsequent retraction of the craft to an offshore location. A bow line permits retraction of the craft to the beach for loading purposes. Tensile loads are transferred from the elastomeric core to an intermediate cord and from the cord to end portions of the rope that do not have the core.
US08495956B1	Twine tensioning system for a baler A twine tensioning system for a baler in which adjacent lengths of upper and lower twine lengths are knotted and passed around a bale that is being compressed in a baler. Knots are formed to connect twine at the forward and rearward end of the bales. A slack arm maintains tension during the process of knotting and severing the twines and a stop bar is removably positioned to provide a lower stop for the slack arm when the bales are being passed through the system to minimize wear.
US08495955B1	Tree limb bundling tool A tree limb bundling tool includes a cylindrical base container having a bottom surface, a continuous, upstanding outer wall and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. A pair of diametrically-opposed notches extend from the open top to an intermediate portion of the wall. The device also includes a compactor having a circular upper surface with a cylindrical shroud depending therefrom. The shroud likewise includes a pair of opposing notches extending from an intermediate portion to a lower edge. Accordingly, a worker compiles limbs and places them within the notches on the base container. The compactor is inserted into the container with the shroud notches substantially aligned with the base container notches. The worker then either sits or kneels on the upper surface of the compactor at which time a tie or string is wrapped about each end of the compressed limbs.
US08495953B2	Apparatus for molding cooked rice There is provided a cooked rice molding apparatus which enables a rice mat to be easily moved and the rice mat to be stored. A rice mat formed into a plate shape by a forming section 3 is spread over a pick plate 5 placed on a slide tray 4, and the rice mat, along with the pick plate 5, is removed from the slide tray 4.
US08495952B2	Skewered food removal device A food removal device for removing food from a skewer, which device includes a body portion with a slot therein for fitting over a skewer so that the food or portion thereof may be removed from the skewer. The body portion of the device is connected to a handle via an arm at an angle with the body portion so as to facilitate the removal of the food from the skewer.
US08495951B2	Disposable combined squeezer/stirrer/dispenser/brewer device A disposable packaging form is provided for brewed, hot drinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze out the brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each action can be performed multiple times before disposal. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention dispenses sweeteners, creamers, flavorings and condiments. The present invention frees the user of the inconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers, squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually.
US08495946B2	Camouflage utilizing nano-optical arrays embedded in carbon matrix A camouflage material comprising an electromagnetic energy (EME) absorbing layer comprising an array of carbon nanotubes and a plurality of energy transmitting elements embedded within the absorbing material. The energy transmitting elements are operative to convey energy to at least a portion of an outer surface of the absorbing layer.
US08495940B2	Tool units for cutting devices A tool unit for a cutting device includes a rotary blade, a blade case for covering at least a part of the blade case, and a drive device mounted to the blade case for rotatably driving the rotary blade. A handle is attached to the drive device. The blade case has a front support portion. The handle has a rear support portion. When the tool unit is used for a portable cutting device, the front support portion can be vertically pivotally supported by a front portion of the base, and the rear support portion can be supported by a guide member such that a position of the rear support portion can be changed relative to the guide member for enabling adjustment of a cutting depth of the rotary blade into the workpiece. When the tool unit is used for a table cutting device, the front support portion can be vertically pivotally supported by the table.
US08495936B2	Wrench The disclosure relates to a wrench. The wrench includes a body, a torque sensor, a stick and an actuator. The body includes a cavity therein. The torque sensor is used to sense a torque applied by the body. The stick is located in the cavity of the body. The actuator is applied to move the stick to hit the body when the torque is greater than a predetermined value.
US08495934B2	Flexible socket wrench extension A tool extension for a socket wrench includes a jointed, articulated series of square-drive male/female adapter ends with intermediate couplers having hex ball-head and socket joints. Three such intermediate couplers together in one series allow for an overall 90-degrees of flex. Each coupler has a bell body over which a pliable control cover is stretched. Each hex ball head and socket joint is bridged over by a corresponding pliable control cover which then snaps over a retaining lip just under a neck.
US08495933B1	Adjustable wrench An adjustable wrench includes two plates, a handle unit, a rotary unit and a control unit. Each plate has a first toothed portion. The handle unit is located between the two plates and includes a handle and a toothed ring. The handle has a second toothed portion. The toothed ring has multiple third teeth and multiple fourth teeth. The third teeth are engaged with the second teeth. The fourth teeth are located between the first toothed portions of the two plates. The rotary unit is located between the two plates and has a first jaw and a second jaw. The control unit includes having a controlling member and a resilient member. The controlling member is connected to the plate and has fifth teeth defined in one end thereof. The resilient member contacts the controlling member to engage the fifth teeth with the first and fourth teeth.
US08495929B2	Lead connection and alignment tool A tool for applying a bending or impact load to one or more conductors in a dynamoelectric machine is provided. The tool includes an elongate, substantially tubular handle having an opening at a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, and the handle has a handle axis. A head is connected to the second end of the handle, and includes a striking surface for applying impact loads, and an interchangeable tool socket located opposite to the striking surface. The head has a head axis oriented orthogonal to the handle axis. The interchangeable tool socket can accept one of a plurality of tool inserts and the tool inserts may be rotated generally around the head axis and locked in at least one position within the interchangeable tool socket so that the angle of each tool insert can be adjusted to user preferences.
US08495927B2	Hexapod platform and jack that can be used in the hexapod platform A hexapod platform and a jack that can be used in the hexapod platform are provided. The jack includes a body, a piston capable of translational movement with respect to the body and a rod connected to the piston to follow its translational movement and by means of which the jack applies load. The rod is connected to the piston by means of a ball joint. The hexapod platform comprises six jacks according to the invention.
US08495925B2	Gearbox for a motor-vehicle double clutch transmission A gearbox includes two coaxial primary shafts carrying fixed gearwheels acting as driving gearwheels of the gear trains associated with the forward gears and with the reverse gear, a secondary shaft carrying idle gearwheels acting as driven or intermediate gearwheels of the gear trains associated with the forward gears and with the reverse gear and a lay shaft, and a lay shaft carrying a fixed gearwheel acting as parking gearwheel. The lay shaft is permanently cinematically connected to the secondary shaft via a gear train comprising a first fixed gearwheel carried by the lay shaft, a second idle gearwheel coaxial with the two primary shafts and a third fixed gearwheel carried by the secondary shaft, the first and third fixed gearwheels meshing permanently with the second idle gearwheel.
US08495924B2	Electric actuator In an electric actuator, a connector is coupled to one end of a screw shaft that makes up a displacement mechanism, the screw shaft being rotatably supported by first and second bearings. Further, on the other end of the screw shaft, a support ring is disposed through a holder, wherein the support ring is slidable along an inner circumferential surface of a piston rod. On the outer circumferential surface of a piston, a rotation-stopping member is provided, which includes projections thereon that project in a radial direction from the outer circumferential surface, the projections being inserted into grooves of said body.
US08495923B2	Testing device for testing rivets A testing device for testing of rivets is provided. The testing device includes a first holding element and a second holding element that can be driven toward the first holding element to cooperatively define at least one hole on which at least one type of rivet can be installed. The second holding element also can be driven to separate from the first holding element to release the installed rivets for analysis.
US08495919B1	Test apparatus and method for determining at least one characteristic of a plurality of test specimens A test apparatus and method for determining at least one characteristic of a test specimen. An exemplary test specimen is a shape memory metal alloy and an exemplary characteristic is a transformation temperature of the shape memory metal alloy. The test apparatus may include a chiller unit including a tank containing a chilling medium, such as isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol, which holds a removable fixture tray that can accommodate up to ten specimens, or more. The fixture tray holds the test specimens in an initial deformed condition, and the cooling medium may be gradually heated to induce transformation of the specimens. The test apparatus may include a vision-based optical system which includes a camera that tracks the specimens within its field of view.
US08495917B2	Apparatus, method, and computer program product for sensing flexural deformation A sensing device is provided for measuring flexural deformations of a surface. Such a sensing device may be used as a user interface in portable electronic devices. The sensing device comprises at least one cell. The cell comprises a first electrode, a central electrode, a second electrode, a first piezoelectric sensing layer placed between the first electrode and the central electrode, a second piezoelectric sensing layer placed between the central electrode and the second electrode, and a circuit connected to the first, second and the central electrodes. The circuit is configured to measure a first electrical signal between the first electrode and the central electrode, and a second electrical signal between the second electrode and the central electrode. At least one of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal is responsive to an external stress applied on the sensing device.
US08495915B2	Ultrasonic testing method and manufacturing method of seamless pipe or tube A circumferential angle of incidence αi of an ultrasonic wave transmitted from an ultrasonic probe 1 upon a tubular test object P and an axial angle of incidence βi of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 upon the tubular test object P are set based on a ratio of thickness to outer diameter t/D of the tubular test object P so that an internal refraction angle θk calculated from the circumferential angle of incidence αi, the axial angle of incidence βi, and the ratio of thickness to outer diameter t/D of the tubular test object may be not less than 35° and not more than 60°.
US08495910B2	Air-fuel ratio estimating/detecting device An air-fuel ratio estimating device can include an amount of fuel injected calculating unit which can estimate the amount of fuel injected GF for each cycle on the basis of a driving time Tout of a fuel injection valve. A proportional constant calculating section determines a proportional constant K, using the estimated charging efficiency CE and the amount of fuel injected Gf, when the output value of a sensor is in a transition region R. When the sensor output value is not in the transition region R, an air-fuel ratio A/F is estimated from the determined proportional constant K, a charging efficiency CE calculated by a calculating section, and the amount of fuel injected Gf.
US08495908B2	Method and system for simulating various engine operating conditions to evaluate engine emissions test equipment A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine control module, a valve control module, and a level determination module. The engine control module controls an engine mounted in one of an engine dynamometer and a chassis dynamometer based on a predetermined schedule specifying a desired speed with respect to time. The valve control module controls a valve to inject a first quantity of a substance into an exhaust system to simulate the engine outputting an emission. The level determination module determines an emissions level of the emission in the exhaust system based on the predetermined schedule and the first quantity.
US08495905B2	Gas concentration detection device A gas concentration detection device includes: a first sensor having a resistance layer exposed to a gas, and an electrode covered by the resistance layer, the first sensor producing an output according to a gas component ratio on the electrode surface; and a second sensor having a pump cell that pumps oxygen into a gas chamber that contains part of the gas or discharges oxygen out of the gas chamber, and a sensor cell that produces an output according to a gas component ratio in the gas within the gas chamber, the second sensor producing an output based on the pump cell current when the pump cell is operated such that the output of the sensor cell is a predetermined value; and a hydrogen concentration detection unit that detects a hydrogen concentration in the gas based on an output difference between the first sensor output and the second sensor output.
US08495902B2	Crimping device A crimping device including a first jaw having, across its width and extending at least partially along its length, spaced multiple crimp members. A second jaw also includes, across its width and extending at least partially along its length, spaced multiple crimp members. Multiple crimps are created in a crimp tube when the first and second jaws are brought together about the crimp tube using a first handle for the first jaw and a second handle for the second jaw.
US08495898B2	Cam lock with retractable bolt A cam lock for cabinets, drawers, drug cabinets, credenzas, sliding doors, lockers, mail boxes and other door type applications is compact in size, fits an existing cam lock opening and provides electronic access via a keypad or other electronic access. Using batteries, such as AAA size batteries or smaller, the lock has electronics that release a lock turn knob or handle when the correct code is entered. Preferably a set of electronic contacts is included at an accessible position on the lock housing to allow both master access and power jumping with a common manager's implement, for situations of lost codes and/or battery failure. In a particular embodiment the lock is long, narrow and low in profile so as to fit on the margin of a steel or wood file cabinet, compatible with the cam lock opening already provided.
US08495896B2	Process, apparatus, and material for making silicon germanuim core fiber A process and apparatus for making silicon or silicon/germanium core fiber is described, which uses a plasma process with reducing agent to make preform. The process also makes the recommendations in selecting the adequate cladding tube for better fiber properties. An improved fiber drawing apparatus is also disclosed in order to draw this new type of preforms.
US08495895B2	Bent glass sheet shaping method A bent glass sheet shaping method which is capable of reducing occurrence of visibility distortions and a bent glass sheet with reduced visibility distortions. A glass sheet is heated to a shapeable temperature, a cover material is mounted onto a press die such that a direction of waves in the cover material is diagonal to a direction of distortions in the glass sheet, and the heated glass sheet with the press die is pressed.
US08495894B2	Heat exchanger in particular with cold reservoir The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular, an evaporator (1), in particular for a motor vehicle air-conditioner, with a number of closely arranged refrigerant tubes and at least one cold reservoir (4), in which a refrigerant medium is provided. The evaporator (1) comprises two parallel regions (1′ and 1″) running across the total width, the first region (V) corresponding to a conventional evaporator in design, the cold reservoir (4) being arranged in a separate second region (1″), through which at least a partial flow of refrigerant can flow which also flows through at least a part of the first region (1′) and the first and the second region are connected to each other by at least one overflow opening (13).
US08495890B2	Cooling member A cooling member for a variable speed drive is disclosed. The cooling member includes including at least two channels, each channel including at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a first passageway configured to provide fluid to the at least two channels through the at least one inlet of each channel, a second passageway configured to receive fluid from the at least one outlet of each channel the at least two channels, and a connector to connect the cooling member to a second cooling member.
US08495887B2	Liquid galley refrigeration system for aircraft The liquid galley refrigeration system for cooling food carts for aircraft employs an intermediate working fluid to transfer heat from one or more food carts to one or more remote chillers, allowing the carts and chillers to be advantageously distributed in the aircraft. While the chiller working fluid undergoes a phase change in order to transfer heat from the intermediate working fluid to the cooling air, the intermediate working fluid remains in its liquid phase throughout its circulation. A recirculation pump circulates the intermediate working fluid through a distribution system that may link a plurality of chillers to a plurality of food carts, and the temperature of the food carts is regulated by a combination of controls.
US08495886B2	Model-based alarming A method includes calculating an energy consumption model for at least one component of a building system, accessing actual weather data, applying the actual weather data to the energy consumption model, and determining an expected energy consumption value for the at least one component of the building system based on the applying.
US08495884B2	Thermoelectric power generating systems utilizing segmented thermoelectric elements A thermoelectric system includes a first thermoelectric element including a first plurality of segments in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system further includes a second thermoelectric element including a second plurality of segments in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system further includes a heat transfer device including at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is sandwiched between the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element. The second portion projects away from the first portion and configured to be in thermal communication with a working medium.
US08495882B2	Syngas cleanup section with carbon capture and hydrogen-selective membrane A syngas cleanup section includes a water-gas shift reactor, a first operation unit and a second operation unit. The first operation unit includes a high permeance membrane with H2/CO2 selectivity in flow communication with the water-gas shift reactor to provide a H2-rich permeate stream and an H2-poor retentate stream. The second operation unit recovers H2 and CO from the retentate stream to produce a single, CO2-rich product stream, the entire content of which has a minimum pressure of at least about 10.0 bar. In one embodiment, the second operation unit includes a membrane with Knudsen selectivity for permeating H2, CO and CO2. In this embodiment, the permeate streams are combined to produce a H2 and CO-rich fuel stream used by a combined cycle power generation unit to produce electricity, and the retentate stream is sent to a catalytic oxidation unit to produce the CO2-rich product stream. In another embodiment, the second operation unit is the catalytic oxidation unit.
US08495880B2	Thermal management using topological isomerization of fuel Embodiments of a system are disclosed that include a heat source, an endothermic process module, and a fuel source configured to supply fuel to the endothermic process module and to receive isomerized fuel from the endothermic process module. A controller includes logic instructions operable to receive information regarding temperature of fuel received by the endothermic process module, and regulate application of heat from the heat source to the fuel at the endothermic process module. The endothermic process module includes a catalyst that increases the thermal carrying capacity of the fuel by isomerizing fuel from the fuel source.
US08495871B2	Hydraulic system A hydraulic system includes an engine driven adjustable hydraulic pump which supplies fluid to a hydraulic consumer, and an electronic control unit. The adjustable pump includes flow controller for controlling a pressure difference between the consumer and the adjustable pump to a pre-determined control pressure difference. The flow controller includes an actuator controlled by the control unit, through which the pressure difference can be controlled. The electronic control unit receives an engine speed signal and controls the actuator to control the pressure difference, in order to make power delivery of the adjustable pump conform to the operating conditions of a vehicle.
US08495870B2	Work machine Disclosed is a work machine having a traveling apparatus and a work implement driven by an engine. A hydraulic system mounted on the work machine includes an HST pump comprising a swash plate, variable displacement pump driven by the engine, an HST motor connected in a closed circuit to the HST pump and a pair of speed-changing oil passageways, the HST motor being driven by an amount of oil supplied by the HST pump, thereby to drive the traveling apparatus, a main pump driven by the engine, the main pump supplying pressure oil to the work implement, a pilot pump driven by the engine, a swash plate positioning circuit configured to effect positioning of a swash plate of the HST pump with pilot oil supplied from the pilot pump, and a bleed circuit configured to drain, via a throttle, a portion of the pilot oil supplied to the swash plate positioning circuit.
US08495866B2	Mixing and/or evaporation device and respective manufacturing method The invention relates to a mixing and/or evaporation device for an exhaust system, an internal combustion engine, having a tubular body on whose one axial end are arranged several blades adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction, protruding radially inward and leaving free a central passage such that the blades are set at an angle to the axial direction. For inexpensive manufacturing, the tubular body may be manufactured from a single sheet metal body by shaping together with the blades.
US08495864B2	After-treatment heating with engine combustion feedback A method of operating an engine having an after-treatment system that treats exhaust gas from the engine with an oxidation catalyst includes adjusting the operation of the engine to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas, continuously sensing a cylinder pressure with a pressure sensor disposed at at least one cylinder of the engine to identify a unstable combustion event, i.e., an engine misfire, and adjusting the operation of the engine to prevent a future unstable combustion event when the unstable combustion event is detected.
US08495863B2	Tank ventilation device and associated operating method The present invention relates to a tank ventilation device (1) for a motor vehicle, with at least one storage device (2) for storing hydrocarbon gas, the tank connection (9) of which is connected via a ventilation line (12) to a fuel tank (5) of a vehicle, the engine connection (10) of which is connected via a regeneration line (13) to a fresh gas system (6) of an internal combustion engine (4) of the vehicle, and the environment connection (11) of which communicates via an environment line (15) with the environment (7) of the vehicle.In order to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, at least one conversion device (3) can be provided, which is used for materially converting hydrocarbon gas and is connected directly or indirectly to the fuel tank (5) via a feed line (18) on the input side.
US08495862B2	System and method for detecting low quality reductant and catalyst degradation in selective catalytic reduction systems A control system for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes a conversion efficiency determination module, an ammonia slip determination module, and a diagnostic module. The conversion efficiency determination module determines a conversion efficiency of an SCR catalyst. The ammonia slip determination module determines an amount of ammonia slip across the SCR catalyst when the conversion efficiency is less than a predetermined threshold. The diagnostic module determines pass/fail statuses of a reductant supply and the SCR catalyst based on the amount of ammonia slip and at least one ammonia slip threshold.
US08495861B2	Fault detection system for PM trapper An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables detection of a fault of a PM trapper with improved accuracy. In the present invention, a pressure sensor 20 that measures a differential pressure across a PM trapper 11 is provided, and a fault of a PM trapper is determined based on an amount of change in the differential pressure across the PM trapper 11 between two different operation states of an internal combustion engine 1 in which the ambient temperature around the pressure sensor 20 falls within a specific temperature range. Since variations in the offset error of the differential pressure sensor 20 caused by changes in the ambient temperature around the differential pressure sensor 20 is made small, the amount of change in the differential pressure across the PM trapper 11 can be measured more accurately, and a fault of the PM trapper 11 can be detected with improved accuracy.
US08495860B2	Approach for detecting reductant availability and make-up An engine system having a reductant delivery and storage system is described. In one example, a physical condition associated with a reductant storage device is correlated with a characteristic of a fluid stored in the reductant storage device to determine the availability and make-up of the stored fluid. In response, engine operation may be adjusted.
US08495859B2	Heat recovery system and method The present invention provides an exhaust gas waste heat recovery heat exchanger including a housing having a working fluid inlet, a working fluid outlet, an exhaust inlet, and an exhaust outlet, an exhaust flow path extending through the housing between the exhaust inlet and the exhaust outlet, and a working fluid flow path extending through the housing between the working fluid inlet and the working fluid outlet and having a first portion and a second portion. A flow of working fluid along the first portion of the working fluid flow path can be substantially counter to a flow of exhaust along the exhaust flow path, and the flow of working fluid along the second portion of the working fluid flow path can be substantially parallel to the flow of exhaust along the exhaust flow path.
US08495853B2	Inserting apparatus and method for inserting postal items into envelopes An inserting apparatus is equipped with a circulatable member arranged downstream of an envelope feeding path and rotatable about an axis transverse to the envelope feeding path. The circulatable member has envelope flap catcher members, each having a free edge arranged for entering between a flap and a body of an envelope fed along the envelope feeding path for engaging the flap and for holding the flap while the circulatable member is circulated so as to turn the flap to an opened position. An envelope support is provided for holding an envelope of which the opened flap is held by one of the catcher members of the circulatable member in an inserting position.
US08495852B2	Methods and systems for insulating a building Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for insulating a component of a home or building. An insulated component may include a generally planar surface and a frame positioned atop one side of the generally planar surface. The frame may include a plurality of outer studs coupled together to form an outer periphery and inner studs that divide the frame into one or more sections. One or more of the sections may include a cavity or hollow space. The insulated component may also include a first layer of insulation within one or more of the cavities. The first layer of insulation may include a pour insulation material that transitions from a liquid state or phase to a solid state or phase.
US08495850B1	Building block assembly A two-piece building block assembly includes a hollow block and an inner piece. The hollow block has a plurality of studs extending from a top thereof, an opening defined in an underside thereof and a plurality of ribs extends from side walls thereof. The inner piece is corresponding to and received in the opening of the hollow block. A plurality of recesses is defined in the periphery of the inner piece and located corresponding to the studs. The inner piece includes support boards. Each support board is defined between the adjacent recesses and disposed between the two adjacent ribs that are located on the same side wall of the hollow block. The inner piece reinforces the opening of the hollow block to prevent the opening from being deformed. Thus, the building block assembly does not have to be made of high-stiffness or high-density materials.
US08495849B2	Floor covering and locking systems Floorboards with a mechanical locking system that allows movement between the floorboards when they are joined to form a floating floor.
US08495846B2	Formwork assembly for fabricating composite structures including floor and roof structures A system for fabricating a slab from a construction material having both unhardened and hardened states includes a form panel unit and a pair of spaced structural supporting members. The supporting members are adapted for assisting in supporting said slab made the construction material. The form panel unit includes a panel member adapted for use as part of a form to retain said construction material when in an unhardened state and has generally opposed upper and lower surfaces. The panel unit also has at least one reinforcement unit having at least one reinforcement member mounted above the upper surface of the panel member is interconnected to the panel member. The form panel unit is configured so that the panel member can be positioned between the supporting members, such that said unhardened construction material can be retained above the upper surface of the panel member to permit hardening of said construction material from its unhardened state to its hardened state. The reinforcement member has a portion mounted on at least one of the supporting members so that the panel member is at least in part suspended from at least one supporting member, and wherein the supporting member has an upper portion extending above the upper surface of said panel member so as to be embedded in the construction material.
US08495844B1	Self-adjusting trim assembly at flexible ceiling and stationary wall junction A self-adjusting trim assembly used at the junction of a wall and ceiling where the wall finishes are to remain stationary while the ceiling is expected to flex due to loads on ceiling structure and normal variations in the height of the supporting structures due to temperature, moisture, creep or other factors effecting the height of the support structures. This trim assembly has two interlocking components comprised of a retainer clip having a vertical back portion (1a), a horizontal projecting tongue (1b) and the interlocking hook portion (1c) and also of a trim strip having a horizontal top portion (2a), a vertical face portion (2b) and an interlocking hook portion (2c) with the vertical face portion of the trim strip designed to cover the gap between stationary wall finishes and a flexing ceiling while trim strip remains flush with the ceiling structure, thus leaving no unsightly gap.
US08495838B2	Side seal members for a dock seal Side seal member for a loading dock seal are disclosed. An example dock seal includes a backer to couple the dock seal to a wall and a resiliently compressible member supported by the backer. A pliable cover encases the compressible member. The pliable cover has a first end overlapping a second end to define a separable joint that is to be disposed between the backer and the wall when the dock seal is coupled to the wall.
US08495836B2	Door hardware drive mechanism with sensor A drive mechanism for door hardware, such as a pushbar exit device, includes a driver for moving a component of the door hardware, a controller for controlling the operation of the driver, a sensor for detecting motion of the moving component and a spring connected between the driver and the door hardware component. The spring allows the driver to move for a period of time after the component has stopped moving. The controller monitors the sensor and moves the component until the sensor indicates that the driven component has stopped moving. The sensor produces an output signal and the controller detects an inflection point in the output signal when the component stops moving while the driver is still operating.
US08495835B2	Through door arm access porthole assembly A through-door arm access porthole assembly includes a first porthole member securely mounted upon an exterior side of a door. The first porthole member is a rigid plate having a front side, a back side, an opening disposed therethrough, and further having a tubular portion aligned with the opening and extending from the back side. The tubular portion extending through the door from the exterior side to an interior side thereof. A second porthole member is securely mounted upon exterior surface of the door. The second porthole member is a rigid plate having a front side, a back side, and further having an opening disposed therethrough. The first porthole member and the second porthole member are fastened together with fasteners with the opening of the first porthole member and the open of the second porthole member in alignment. A seal member is disposed across the opening of the first porthole member and across the opening of the second porthole member and includes a plurality of resilient flap members.
US08495833B2	Live plant box A device for decorative purposes, for the vertical cultivation of plants, includes: i) a cultivation support containing a cultivation substrate, and having holes on the front face thereof for the opening out of the above-ground part of the plants, ii) a rigid frame extending in a substantially vertical plane, defining a window in the front face of the cultivation support, and iii) a water reservoir, the cultivation support being placed over the water reservoir, and including at least one hydrophilic wick extending from the cultivation substrate to the water reservoir tank. The cultivation support is hydrated by a continuous supply of water by one or more hydrophilic wicks immersed in the reservoir. It may include an internal framework to give it rigidity and to prevent settling of the substrate in the lower part of the support. A method for obtaining such a plant box is also claimed.
US08495832B2	Magazine dependent safety mechanism of a handgun The invention discloses a safety mechanism of a handgun which depends on a magazine and which prevents the triggering of a handgun when the magazine is removed. Additionally, a mechanism enables handgun disassembly without need for the triggering after the magazine has been removed from the handgun. A safety mechanism is positioned inside the handgun receiver; including a magazine, sear catcher, sear catcher spring, grip safety pin, sear, sear pin, firing pin safety lever and firing pin. When the magazine is inserted into the handgun, the sear catcher is pushed into position in which it cannot block the firing pin safety lever nor catch the sear. When the magazine is removed from the handgun, the sear catcher spring pushes the sear catcher into position in which it blocks the firing chain by blocking the firing pin safety lever. At the same time it brings the sear catcher into position where it can hold the sear below the plane of the cocking of the firing pin as soon as the sear is sufficiently rotated around the sear pin by retracting the slide.
US08495831B1	Two shot pistol A small, lightweight multi-shot pistol, preferably includes a readily field removable receiver having two barrels in an over/under configuration. The butt of the pistol includes a storage chamber holding two spare cartridges. The single trigger is a double action trigger. The configuration of the pistol is such that two shots may be rapidly fired in a “double tap” manner, and the receiver can then be released using a thumb latch, whereby the receiver will be tilted upward and an auto-ejector will eject the spent cartridges. The spare cartridges are held together using a speed loader device which holds them so that they are properly aligned for speedy insertion into the breach of the tilted receiver.
US08495824B2	Distributor plate for fluidized bed equipment The invention refers to a distributor plate (12) for fluidized bed equipment (9) with openings (3) and deflector strips (1) arranged directly above them. It is characterised by the deflection strips (1) having an oblong shape, being mounted longitudinally in the fluidized bed equipment (9), in parallel to the main flow direction (19) of the product above the openings (3) in the base plate (2), and having spacers (6) that form an outflow cross-section around the periphery of the deflection strip (1) for the fluidizing gas, where the base plate openings (3) can be designed advantageously with an oblong cross-section. This ensures good fluidization of the material, while also conveying it.
US08495820B2	Angle-measuring device An angle-measuring device including a first component group and a second component group, the component groups being disposed in a manner allowing rotation relative to each other by a bearing. The first component group includes a housing having a connecting device, as well as a scanning unit. The second component group includes a shaft to which a code disk is attached, and a flow channel having a directional component parallel to the axis. The angle-measuring device is configured such that a negative pressure is able to be applied to the connecting device, so that a fluid surrounding the angle-measuring device with a pressure flows through the angle-measuring device to remove contaminants by suction. At the applied negative pressure, a first mass flow of the fluid which flows through the flow channel is greater than a second mass flow which flows through the bearing gap.
US08495816B2	Method for adjusting the throttling action of a valve Method for adjusting the throttling action of a valve comprising a valve body with at least one through-channel for a working medium, where the working medium is throttled by at least one valve disk which covers the throttle channel. By making use of the effect of the heat of a laser beam to change the elastic pretension of the disk, deviations from a predetermined throttling action are minimized. The laser beam is used to cause partial local melting in the minimum of one valve disk, the heat thus introduced having the effect of working at least one defined bending axis into the disk.
US08495813B1	Method of making an energy-assisted magnetic recording apparatus A method of making an energy-assisted magnetic recording apparatus is provided. The method comprises the step of aligning a first wafer including a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) with a second wafer including a plurality of magnetic recording heads, such that an emitting region of each of the plurality of VCSELs is disposed over a light redirecting structure of a corresponding one of the plurality of magnetic recording heads. The method further comprises the step of bonding the first wafer to the second wafer.
US08495811B2	Bench and method for the support and manufacturing of parts with complex geometry A bench for the support and manufacturing of parts with complex geometry includes a support base on which one or more mobile units of support/manufacturing move. The mobile units of support/manufacturing can move and relocate independently from other ones on the surface of the support base. The mobile units of support/manufacturing include at least two adhesion feet configured to connect to anchoring elements distributed on the surface of the support base. The anchoring points are distributed on the surface of the support base with a predefined distribution according to a geometry, such that the distance between any anchoring point, and the corresponding anchoring element, from any other said anchoring point, and the corresponding anchoring organ, in the immediate vicinity of the anchoring point and the corresponding anchoring organ, is constant and equal to the radius of a predefined circle.
US08495806B2	Tooling An expander for concentrically expanding a cylindrical member, the expander with a tapered block, a plurality of segments, each having an inner surface at least partially in contact with the tapered surface of the tapered block and the segments arranged to move in concert with each other relative to the block, and a pair of engaging features being provided for each segment, each pair comprising a first engagement feature on one of the segments and a second engagement feature on the block, the pairs of engaging features being arranged to maintain equal circumferential spacing of the segments around the block and to constrain movement of the segments in a direction that is coaxial with the block, each pair of engaging features being located away from the circumferential edges of their respective segment.
US08495805B2	Apparatus for needling a fibrous web An apparatus is described for needling a fibrous web having at least one needle bar. On its underside, the needle bar carries a needle board with a multiplicity of needles, wherein the needle bar is guided via a movably held bar carrier. The bar carrier is driven in an oscillating manner with a superimposed horizontal and vertical movement by a crank mechanism drive. To this end, a phase shifting device is provided, by which the crankshafts of the crank mechanism drive can be adjusted depending on the phase relation. Here, the movement of the bar carrier is guided by a guide device. In order to obtain stable guidance with high flexibility in every situation, according to the invention the guide device is formed by a steering rod which is connected at one end to the bar carrier by a rotary joint and which is coupled with the other end to a steering gear by a second rotary joint.
US08495804B2	Quick-release buckle for a shoulder strap and preventing unintentional release when tension is exerted by the shoulder strap A quick-release buckle for a shoulder strap and preventing unintentional release when tension exerted by the shoulder strap. The buckle includes a socket member, a plug member, and a locking member. The plug member has the shoulder strap connected thereto, and is replaceably engaged with the socket member. The locking member is an operative part of the socket member. The plug member replaceably engages in the locking member in such a manner so to be released therefrom, the locking member is released and the plug member has to be pulled in a direction opposite to that in which tension from the shoulder strap is exerted so as to prevent the unintentional release of the quick-release buckle when the tension is exerted by shoulder strap, while the tension exerted by the shoulder strap when the plug member is engaged in the locking member assures unintentional release of the quick-release buckle.
US08495802B2	Clip According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clip including: a flange to be abutting a panel having an attaching hole; and a leg portion to be inserted into the attaching hole. The leg portion includes: an engaging part; and a guide part connected thereto. The guide part include: a distal-end tapered part formed to be gradually reduced in an outer diameter toward an inserting direction of the leg portion; a base-end reversely tapered part formed to be gradually reduced in an outer diameter toward the opposite direction; and a diameter enlarged part formed therebetween to have an outer diameter largest among the guide part. The largest outer diameter of the diameter enlarged part is larger than that of a distal end part of the engaging part.
US08495801B2	Clamping device A clamping device includes a holding member including a space for allowing an item to be disposed therein, and a tightening mechanism operable to make the holding member clamp the item in the holding member. The space is varied in size depending upon the external diameter of the clamped item. Additionally, the tightening mechanism is provided for enabling a satisfactory securing condition for any size of items.
US08495800B2	Systems and methods for controlling rope A device for controlling movement of a rope has a main part and a bar part. The main part has first and second side members and first and second end members. The bar part defines an opening, and the first side member extends through the opening. The bar part is displaced to allow a portion of the rope to be arranged within the central opening and at least partly around the bar part. The bar part is displaced such that the main part and the bar part define first and second opening portions of the central opening and the portion of the rope extends through the first and second opening portions and at least partly around the bar part.
US08495796B2	Opening-and-closing mechanism and latching mechanism Provided is an opening-and-closing mechanism that can be latched at a predetermined opening angle, wherein the latching can be disengaged with a small force in the opening direction whereas the latching is gradually disengaged in the closing direction. An opening-and-closing mechanism includes first and second supporting members disposed relatively rotatable around a rotary axis; a plurality of protruding portions provided on the first supporting member; and a plurality of depressed portions provided on the second supporting member and engaged with the plurality of protruding portions, wherein, when the first and second supporting members are in a plurality of predetermined relative alignments, some of the plurality of protruding portions and some of the plurality of depressed portions are engaged, and wherein forces required for disengaging the protruding portions and the depressed portions by rotating at least one of the first and second supporting members differ first and second rotation directions.
US08495794B2	Rotating module and electronic device using same A rotating module includes a fixing member, a rotating member rotatably mounted on the fixing member, a swinging arm and a first elastic member. The swinging arm includes a first end and a second end. The first end is hinged to the rotating member, the second end is slidably and rotatably mounted to the fixing member. The first elastic member is fastened between the fixing member and the second end, the rotating member is rotated relative to the fixing member to drive the second end to slide on the fixing member to compress or release the first elastic member.
US08495789B2	Surface treating appliance A surface treating appliance includes a plurality of frusto-conical cyclones arranged in parallel. Each cyclone has a relatively wide, rigid frusto-conical portion and a relatively narrow, flexible frusto-conical portion connected to the relatively wide portion. The relatively wide portion includes at least one dirty air inlet, and the relatively narrow portion includes a dirt outlet. The relatively narrow portion vibrates during use of the appliance is dislodged dirt from the inner surface of the relatively narrow portion, the dislodged dirt being expelled from the dirt outlet.
US08495781B2	Cleaning device A cleaning device for cleaning a floor includes a base body, a rotatable roller brush disposed on the base body, a dirt container disposed on the base body, a liquid container configured to receive a cleaning liquid disposed on the base body; and a sponge configured to receive a soiled cleaning liquid disposed on the base body.
US08495773B2	Bed sheet A bed sheet to cover a mattress may include a top sheet to cooperate with the substantially the top surface of the mattress, and a connector sheet to cooperate with the top sheet to stabilize the top sheet with respect to the mattress. The connector sheet and the top sheet may define an aperture to cooperation with a bottom corner of the mattress. The aperture may be substantially a rectangle, and the connector sheet may be substantially T-shaped. The connector sheet may be an inverted T-shaped sheet, and the connector sheet may include a base portion to connect the bottom edge of the top sheet. The connector sheet may include a top portion to connect to a side edge of the top sheet.
US08495771B1	Potty seat with sanitary removable bowl and backrest handle The present invention relates to a child's potty seat that utilizes a combination waste collection bowl with an integral backrest and handle to isolate the handle away from the bowl contaminated with bodily wastes. The potty seat is made up of a seat portion and a removable bowl portion that is sanitary easy to clean and can be used as a handle.
US08495770B2	Nozzle device and hygienic washing device In a nozzle device a spray hole for spraying washing water and a pipe forming a first flow path that introduces the washing water to the spray hole is provided. Further, the spray hole is provided in a cover that surrounds the pipe. The cover is integrally formed of a cylindrical metal whose front end is closed. A space between an outer surface of the pipe and an inner peripheral surface of the cover member forming a second flow path that introduces the washing water to the spray hole. Further, the second flow path surrounds surface of the pipe in a circumferential direction of the cover member.
US08495767B2	Protective clothing ensemble with two-stage evaporative cooling A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.
US08499359B1	Data loss prevention using an ephemeral key A user requests to store a file to a storage device and a DLP module receives the request. The DLP module receives data for the file, encrypts the data using an encryption key and stores the encrypted data to the storage device. Next, the DLP module determines whether the encrypted data in the file is in compliance with a DLP policy. To determine compliance, the DLP module decrypts the data using the encryption key and examines the decrypted data for compliance. If the decrypted data is not in compliance with the DLP policy, the DLP module deletes the encrypted data from the storage device.
US08499358B2	Program executing processing and controlling A processing device is provided in which unauthorized processing is prevented from being preformed at the time of executing a program or others. The processing device includes a processing portion for executing processing, a program memory portion for memorizing a program that makes the processing portion execute processing, a judge portion for judging whether or not the program is permitted to start, and a control portion for controlling the processing portion so that processing is executed in accordance with the program when the judge portion determines that the program is permitted to start, and for controlling the processing portion so that processing based on the program is not executed when the judge portion determines that the program is not permitted to start.
US08499354B1	Preventing malware from abusing application data An attempted exploit of a vulnerability of an application executed by a computer is detected. The exploit attempts to call an application programming interface (API) and abuse application data through a malicious parameter of the call. The API of the application is hooked and monitored for a call made to the hooked API. A parameter of the call is analyzed to determine whether the parameter has a malicious characteristic indicating an attempt to use data within an address space of the application to execute malicious software. A remediation action is taken responsive to determining that the parameter has a malicious characteristic.
US08499352B2	Obfuscated malware detection Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for detecting obfuscated malware. In one aspect, a method includes identifying call instructions in a binary executable; executing the call instruction; executing instructions subsequent to a target of the call instruction; determining that an address identified by a stack pointer is different from the return address; in response to the determination that the address is different, determining if there is a non-obfuscation signal; if there is a non-obfuscation signal, identifying the call instruction as a non-obfuscated call instruction; if there is not a non-obfuscation signal, identifying the call instruction as a possibly obfuscated call instruction; determining whether the call instructions identified as possibly obfuscated call instructions exceeds a threshold; in response to the determination that the call instructions identified as possibly obfuscated call instructions exceeds the threshold, identifying the executable as an obfuscated executable.
US08499351B1	Isolated security monitoring system Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for security monitoring. In one aspect, a device includes an integrated processing unit, including a user system and an auditor system. The user system includes a first processor and a first computer storage medium. The auditor system includes a second processor that is isolated from the first processor and a second computer storage medium that is isolated from the first computer storage medium. The second computer storage medium stores instructions that cause the second processor to load auditing data in isolation from the user system, monitor processes on the user system, determine from the auditing data that one of the processes is an unauthorized process, and perform one or more security processes on the unauthorized process.
US08499350B1	Detecting malware through package behavior A file on a computer system is evaluated against trust criteria to determine whether the file is compatible with the trust criteria. Responsive to the file being incompatible with the trust criteria, the file is assigned to a package. Files assigned to the package are tracked to determine whether the files collectively perform malicious behavior. The package is convicted as malware responsive to the files in the package collectively performing malicious behavior.
US08499349B1	Detection and restoration of files patched by malware A monitor agent monitors every write request for files that are capable of being patched (executable files). Once a write request is requested for one of these files, the agent creates a copy of the file and also saves the original file version number. If the program that is requesting the write access has not been digitally signed then that program is flagged as being suspicious. The write request is allowed to proceed and the file is modified by the requesting program. After the modification, if the file version number is not higher then the write is flagged as being suspicious. If both the requesting program has been flagged as suspicious and the file version number has been flagged as suspicious, then the requesting program is labeled as being malware. The monitor agent restores the modified file using the original copy. If either the requesting program is flagged as suspicious or the file version number is flagged as suspicious, then the requesting program is labeled as being suspicious.
US08499347B2	Document use managing system, document use management method, temporary use license issuing apparatus, document using apparatus, and computer-readable medium A temporary use license issuing apparatus includes a communicating unit, an instruction receiving unit, and an issuing unit. The communicating unit communicates with a document use managing apparatus storing pieces of management information prescribing scopes of operation authority of respective users over documents and manages users' operations on documents according to the pieces of management information. The instruction receiving unit receives, from a user, an instruction to issue a temporary use license for a document. The issuing unit issues the temporary use license containing document identification information of the document to which the issuance instruction is directed, and operation authority information indicating a scope of operation authority over the document, the operation authority indicated by the operation authority information being within a scope of the operation authority of the user over the document which is prescribed by the management information.
US08499345B2	Blocking computer system ports on per user basis An approach is provided that receives a user identifier from a user of the information handling system. The user identifier can include a username as well as a user authentication code, such as a password. Hardware settings that correspond to the user identifier are retrieved from a nonvolatile memory. Hardware devices, such as ports (e.g., USB controller), network interfaces, storage devices, and boot sequences, are configured using the retrieved hardware settings. After the hardware devices have been configured to correspond to the identified user, an operating system is booted.
US08499337B1	Systems and methods for delegation and notification of administration of internet access Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer readable media for delegating administrative rights to a third party in an Internet access control application comprising receiving a designation of a third party wherein the designation identifies the third party as a recipient of administrative rights in an access control application, and receiving a selection of administrative rights to be associated with the third party. Further, an invitation can be sent, or caused to be sent, to the third party. Acceptance of said invitation can be received. Also, administrative rights can be granted to the third party. The systems, methods, and computer readable media can be operable within a client/server architecture. Also disclosed are systems, methods, and computer readable media for notification of an access policy violation. Also disclosed are systems, methods, and computer readable media for administration of an access control application by a third party and access policy violation notification.
US08499335B2	Online home improvement document management service An online home improvement document management service includes a host server having a web-based interface adapted to facilitate secure customer access to the host server. The host server is configured to receive home improvement data communicated from the customer through use of a computing device. A processing module is in operative communication with the host server and is configured to process the home improvement data communicated from the customer. A processing software application is trained to classify the processed home improvement data and selectively extract data therefrom based on the classification. The processing software application is configured to selectively present the processed home improvement data for a customer verification via the web-based interface upon at least one of an unsuccessful classification and an unsuccessful extraction of data. A storage device is in operative communication with the processing module and is configured to store the extracted data as metadata upon at least one of the customer verification and the extraction. A content management software application is configured to detect at least one of a customer request through the web-based interface and at least one triggering condition corresponding to the metadata. The content management software application generates at least one report based on the detection of at least one of the customer request and the at least one triggering condition.
US08499333B2	Secure device feature unlock mechanism third party development An apparatus and method for managing device features though a network connection for receiving a request to download a development application from an application developer via a computing device, verifying the status of said application developer before the development application is sent to the computing device, verifying the status of said computing device on which the application is to be run before the development application is sent to the computing device, and for facilitating access to retrieve said development application in order to allow the application developer access to the unlocked features stored on the computing device.
US08499332B2	Electronic board provided with security functions and method for ensuring electronic board security An electronic card is disclosed including circuits of the protected zone include at least one control circuit. The electronic card further includes another zone defining a non-protected environment; the circuits of this zone do not need to comply with the distance constraint. The communication between the circuits of the protected zone and the non-protected environment is carried out by a communication circuit allowing or not allowing the electrical signals to pass. The passage of the electrical signals in the communication circuit is conditioned by an electrical control signal sent by the control circuit. Also disclosed is a method allowing the control circuit to be blocked if the electrical status of the signal controlling the passage of the signals does not correspond to the status imposed by the control circuit.
US08499331B1	Policy based network compliance A network compliance application performs a method of coalescing violation data based on rule and policy violations by retrieving network event data indicative of compliance with a set of policies, in which each of the policies has a set of rules. Policy definition includes a template of rules, definition of rule severity, and a compliance threshold specifying a number of rules of a severity that render the policy non-compliant. The compliance application computes, for each of the policies, violations, each violation indicative of a deviation from a particular rule, and displays a series of views indicative of a plurality of policies in the set of policies, each of the views indicative of violations attributable to each of the policies. From the displayed view, the application receives a detail selection corresponding to a subset of the displayed violations for detailed report display.
US08499328B2	Agile distortion and noise cancellation across multiple channels and ports in a CATV upconverter/modulator A distortion-cancellation method for analog CATV or QAM transmission over cable is provided wherein a single feedback path from the output of a multiple-channel multiple-port upconverter/modulator is down-converted and used to reduce or cancel undesirable noise components including LO leakage, spurious, and modulated noise. The method allows for real-time monitoring, tuning, or control of the CATV/QAM output and of interfering signals and aging effects as compared to a desired performance metric.
US08499326B2	Apparatus and methods for testing cable television receivers Described herein are techniques for facilitating the testing of cable television receivers during manufacturing and remanufacturing. More particularly, described herein techniques for simulating a conditional access module and/or cable television communication network/head-end for use during a testing process. The simulated conditional access module allows for the testing of a cable television receiver without the use of a head-end and/or fully functional conditional access module to verify all communication paths through the cable television receiver.
US08499322B2	Method, system and apparatus for hiding programs The present invention discloses a method, a system and an apparatus for hiding programs. With the technology solution, which involves obtaining a sub-EPG identifier, receiving a total EPG, which contains sub-EPG identifiers and sub-EPGs each of which corresponds to one of the sub-EPG identifiers and which is transmitted by a central front end, searching the received total EPG for a sub-EPG corresponding to the obtained sub-EPG identifier and hiding programs based on the found sub-EPG. With technology solution, the program hiding is realized, and the regional program hiding and the programs hiding from particular subscribers may be realized.
US08499321B2	Locally stored content previews: representative of programming content in an electronic programming guide through a graphic image accessed from the hard drive of a set top box An integrated DSS/WebTV receiver is communicatively connected to an Internet service provider, a DSS service provider, and (optionally) a local broadcast station to provide a display of DSS programs, Internet web sites, and local broadcast channels in a seamless fashion. The DSS/WebTV receiver downloads graphic images, corresponding to DSS programs, from a DSS communication medium or the Internet into a local memory. The graphic images are periodically updated by the DSS service provider or Internet service provider. The DSS/WebTV receiver generates a graphical user interface (GUI), displayed on a television screen, for facilitating a user's navigation through the DSS, Internet, and local broadcast data. The GUI includes a selectable DSS program listing that displays DSS programs that are curl being broadcast or that will be broadcasted in the future. If a user selects a currently broadcasted program, the DSS/WebTV receiver displays the selected program on the television. If the user selects a program that is broadcasted in the future, the DSS/WebTV receiver displays a downloaded graphic image, corresponding to the selected program, on the television. The graphic image may be the selected program's name or logo, still shots from the selected program, short video clips related to the selected program, or advertisements related to the selected program.
US08499318B2	Method and apparatus for programming blackout and retune A method for blackout and retune distribution including receiving a first wide area multiplexed feed, the first wide area multiplexed feed comprising a blacked out feed; and generating a requantized local service feed from a local replacement plus retune service feed, the local replacement plus retune service feed having a retune feed corresponding to a retune programming for the blacked out feed, wherein the requantized local service feed is to be combined with the first wide area multiplexed feed for transmission as a part of an aggregate local outbound traffic. A computer-readable medium, a apparatus and a means for blackout and retune distribution is also disclosed.
US08499316B2	Program identification using a portable communication device According to one aspect, a portable communication device records a program being presented by a media presenting apparatus as media data, generates a query regarding a media channel and a program on that channel, which query includes said media data and sends said query to a system for determining a program on a media channel operated by a program determination service provider. The system receives the query, compares the query media data with data of a number of sets of reference media data related to at least one reception environment, where each set corresponds to a broadcast media channel, identifies the media channel, identifies a program in the media channel through using an electronic program guide, and sends data identifying the channel and the program to the portable communication device.
US08499308B2	Initiator notification method and apparatus In one embodiment of the present invention, a memory system is disclosed to include at least one initiator, a SATA device, and an improved bridge device configured to facilitate communication between the at least one initiator and the SATA device and having at least one input port and operative to receive information through the input port(s) from the initiators, the improved bridge device for processing a notification event wherein notification is sent to the at least one initiators during a notification event, and for performing an action, based on a an event, thereby facilitating ease of communication between the initiator and the SATA device.
US08499305B2	Systems and methods for performing multi-program general purpose shader kickoff Systems and methods for thread group kickoff and thread synchronization are described. One method is directed to synchronizing a plurality of threads in a general purpose shader in a graphics processor. The method comprises determining an entry point for execution of the threads in the general purpose shader, performing a fork operation at the entry point, whereby the plurality of threads are dispatched, wherein the plurality of threads comprise a main thread and one or more sub-threads. The method further comprises performing a join operation whereby the plurality of threads are synchronized upon the main thread reaching a synchronization point. Upon completion of the join operation, a second fork operation is performed to resume parallel execution of the plurality of threads.
US08499304B2	Multiple mode mobile device In one or more embodiments, one or more methods and/or systems described can perform displaying, on a handheld device, multiple icons associated with multiple segments; receiving first user input indicating a first segment of the multiple segments; executing a first virtual machine associated with the first segment on the handheld device; executing a first application on the first virtual machine; receiving second user input indicating a second segment of the multiple segments; executing a second virtual machine associated with the second segment on the handheld device; and executing a second application on the second virtual machine. In one or more embodiments, one or more methods and/or systems described can further perform before executing the second virtual machine, receiving authentication information and determining that the user is authenticated. In one or more embodiments, the authentication information can include at least one of a user name, a password, and/or biometric information.
US08499292B2	Virtual execution environment for streaming languages A virtual execution environment (VEE) for a streaming Intermediate Language (IL), wherein the streaming IL represents a streaming program, communicates streaming data in queues, stores data-at-rest in variables, and determines data by functions, where inputs are read from the queues and the variables, and outputs are written to the queues and the variables.
US08499291B2	Method for dynamically linking program on embedded platform and embedded platform The examples of the present invention disclose a method for dynamically linking a program on an embedded platform and an embedded platform. The embedded platform includes a middle layer which comprises at least one class. An application program to be linked includes at least one class. The application program is compiled into PICs, wherein storage positions of different code sections in the PICs which are obtained by compiling different functions of the application program do not overlap with each other; all the PICs are copied into a memory of the embedded operation system; a class pointer is created, and the class pointer is transferred between the class of the middle layer and the class of the application program to dynamically link the application program.
US08499290B2	Creating text functions from a spreadsheet The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for creating text functions form a spreadsheet. Embodiments of the invention extract functions from spreadsheets and represent the functions in textual form. Representation in textual form promotes code reuse, clarify, expressive power, and better performance. Text can be rendered in virtually any programming language, such as, for example, C#, C++, Visual Basic (“VB”), etc. In some embodiments, programming language extensibility to support spreadsheet compatible data types and functions is utilized.
US08499289B2	Method, device and system for realizing kernel online patching A method, a device, and a system for realizing kernel online patching are provided. The method includes loading a pre-generated patch file in an operating system, setting a first breakpoint at an execution start position of the primitive function when a system thread executes the primitive function and a breakpoint exception occurs during the thread execution process due to the first breakpoint, modifying a returning execution address of the first breakpoint into the destination address of the patch function corresponding to the primitive function according to the first corresponding relation, and removing the first breakpoint. The kernel online patching implementation has a small impact on the normal operation of the operating system. The patch function becomes valid without restarting the operating system, thereby satisfying the high reliability requirements of carrier-class products.
US08499285B2	Method of logging stack trace information A computer system comprises a memory configured to store software instructions; a set of registers; and a processing unit configured to temporarily store passed parameters in the set of registers during execution of the software instructions, the processing unit is further configured to skip save and restore operations when executing a logging function to log the passed parameters.
US08499284B2	Visualizing relationships among components using grouping information A graph processing module is described for visualizing relationships among components, such as software components within a software system. The graph processing module generates group results based on grouping information which identifies groups of individual components. The graph processing module uses the group results to bias component-level analysis that it performs on the components. In one case, the component-level analysis can involve similarity analysis (e.g., using multidimensional scaling) to assess the similarity among components and importance analysis (e.g., using a network page ranking algorithm) to assess the relative importance of the components. The results of the component-level analysis can be presented for visualization. The biasing effects of the grouping results provide insight into the relationships among the components.
US08499282B2	System and method for extending capabilities and execution efficiency of script based applications Scripting Language based applications can be limited in their ability to supply and execute sophisticated logic and complex processing. More traditional programming languages contain explicit function and/or procedure calls to implement more complex functionality, however, these languages use more complicated syntax and traditionally require mosophisticated programming knowledge to use. There are provided systems and methods for extending the capabilities of an application program for execution by a terminal. The application includes a script based workflow and non-executable content. One such method comprises loading the workflow for interpretation by a script interpreter, such that the workflow is configured for having a plurality of executable elements. This method also provides a global symbol structure for reference by the executable elements, the global symbol structure including addressing for coupling selected ones of the executable elements to corresponding external components. The external components are provided by a native runtime environment of the terminal for performing the action specified by the selected executable elements. This method also executes the executable elements in sequence such that execution of the selected ones of the execution elements are redirected to the respective external components through the corresponding global symbols of the global symbol structure. Predefined knowledge of the contents of the global symbol structure is shared by the runtime environment and the workflow of the application.
US08499277B2	Programming support apparatus, programming support method, program for causing computer to implement the method, and recording medium containing the program A shared-label extracting unit extracts a shared label to be associated with a device corresponding to a memory shared by a plurality of control devices. A shared-label write/read information generating unit identifies a control device writing data and a control device reading data with respect to the shared label by referring to a control program, and generates shared-label write/read information. A device batch assigning/associating unit sorts shared labels using the shared-label write/read information, and associates the shared label with an address of the device for each sort based on a result of determining a configuration of the control system.
US08499276B2	Multi-platform graphical user interface The invention provides systems and methods for developing multi-platform graphical user interface (GUI) for a target software application. In invention includes assessing one or more functional requirements of the target software application and defining a functional specification for the multi-platform GUI using the assessed functional requirements. The functional specification is used to develop source code for the graphical user interface. An abstraction framework that evaluates functions of the GUI source code and provides instruction to perform the functions in each of the plurality of operating environments is then developed and used as an intermediary between the GUI source code and each of the plurality of operating environments.
US08499274B2	Computer implemented system and method for leakage calculation A tool includes one or more machine readable storage mediums encoded with data. The data include a list of standard cells included in an integrated circuit (IC) design The data include a nominal leakage value approximating a respective median leakage value for each of the plurality of standard cells at a predetermined temperature and voltage. The data include at least one table including adjustment factors for calculating leakage based on voltage, temperature and process variations. The table includes a respective statistical scaling factor, for computing a mean leakage corresponding to a given median leakage. A processor is programmed to calculate and output a total IC leakage for the IC design at an input voltage and input temperature, based on the list, the nominal leakage values, the input voltage, the input temperature and at least one of the adjustment factors.
US08499272B2	Semiconductor device based on power gating in multilevel wiring structure A semiconductor device includes: first and second circuit cell arrays extending in first direction; first and second power supply lines each extending in first direction and arranged over first circuit cell array, first power supply line being supplied with first power source voltage; third power supply line extending in first direction separately from second power supply line, arranged over second circuit cell array, and supplied with second power source voltage; first transistor coupled between second and third power supply lines; and first circuit arranged on first circuit cell array and operating on first and second power source voltages supplied from first and second power supply lines, respectively.
US08499267B2	Delay library generation apparatus and method based on wiring arrangements A delay library generation apparatus, associated control method, and associated program are provided. The delay library generation apparatus comprises a storage device which stores architecture information of a logic element array, layout data of an overall programmable logic device, a netlist of the overall programmable logic device, and a wiring route extraction unit which refers to the storage device and extracts wiring route information regarding a wiring route section based on the architecture information. Moreover, the delay library generation apparatus comprises an analyzing unit which analyzes the layout data of the logic device and extracts parameters of a parasitic element and a crosstalk between adjacent interconnections. The delay generation apparatus further comprises a delay calculation unit which calculates delay data based on the extracted parameters and a delay library generation unit which generates a delay library of the logic device based on the wiring route information and the delay data.
US08499265B2	Circuit for detecting and preventing setup fails and the method thereof A circuit for preventing a setup fail between a first latch and a second latch according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a mimic combinational logic module and a clock compare module. The mimic combinational logic module is configured to receive a first clock signal for the first latch and to generate a delayed first clock signal, which is a delayed version of the first clock signal. The clock compare module is configured to provide a delayed second clock signal, which is a delayed version of a second clock signal for the second latch, to the second latch after receiving the delayed first clock signal and the second clock signal.
US08499262B1	Method and apparatus for implementing a parameterizable filter block with an electronic design automation tool An electric design automation (EDA) tool for generating a design of a system on a field programmable gate array. (FPGA) includes a graphical user interface to create a block based schematic. The EDA tool includes a library that includes a parameterizable filter block selectable by a designer to include in the block based schematic to represent a component in the design that filters data. The EDA tool includes a design adjustment unit to automatically modify previously programmed and selected components and wires in the block based schematic without input from the designer upon determining a change made to the parameterizable filter block by the designer.
US08499261B2	Method and apparatus of patterning semiconductor device Provided is an apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor device. The apparatus includes a first photomask and a second photomask. The first photomask has a plurality of first features thereon, and the first photomask having a first global pattern density. The second photomask has a plurality of second features thereon, and the second photomask has a second global pattern density. The plurality of first and second features collectively define a layout image of a layer of the semiconductor device. The first and second global pattern densities have a predetermined ratio.
US08499256B1	Methods and apparatus to conditionally display icons in a user interface A method of conditionally displaying an icon to indicate a status within a user interface as part of a media presentation system is described. An example method includes updating a status of content within the media presentation system, displaying at least one icon within a guide menu containing one or more menu sections with each menu section containing a plurality of menu layers, and displaying the icon within a first menu layer to indicate the status of content within menu layers associated with the first menu layer.
US08499252B2	Display of respiratory data graphs on a ventilator graphical user interface The disclosure describes improved systems and methods for configuring the layout of a graphical display in a ventilatory system. Specifically, the present methods provide a user interface for configuring one or more layout categories associated with data on the graphical display. Upon selection of a layout category, a clinician is provided with a preview of the layout of the layout category. The preview consists of one or more parameter positions. Each parameter position is associated with a parameter. The clinician is also provided with a listing of possible parameters. The parameter positions in the preview and the possible parameters in the listing are selectable elements. Once a parameter position is selected, a possible parameter can be chosen to replace the parameter associated with the selected parameter position. If this replacement is acceptable to the clinician, the clinician can access an accept button to implement the replacement in the graphical display.
US08499249B2	Computerized action tool for managing print parameters, queuing actions and archiving actions for a document output management system A method is disclosed comprising selecting an action tool from a set of action tools on a screen display of a computer, the action tool being associated with a set of actions including at least two of the following: (1) a printing action, (2) an e-mailing action, and (3) an archiving action, and applying the action tool to an object with a single user command using the computer, the action tool processing the object in accordance with the associated set of actions. A corresponding document output management system also is disclosed.
US08499247B2	Ranking interactions between users on the internet A server receives an interaction history comprising a set of one-to-one interactions between a first user and other users. The server determines an interaction score for each of the interactions, wherein each interaction score is based on a type of the respective one-to-one interaction and an age of the respective one-to-one interaction. The server then determines a friend rank for each of the other users based on the interaction history, wherein the friend rank indicates a measure of a degree of influence the other users have over the first user and stores the friend rank for each of the other users. The server then receives, from a client, a request for an advertisement to display to the first user, selects one of the other users having a friend rank satisfying a predetermined threshold, and transmits, to the client, an advertisement portraying the selected additional user.
US08499241B2	Virtual community for incentivized viewing of multimedia content A computer implemented method and system for creating a virtual community network for incentivized multimedia content viewing is provided. A first viewer receives the multimedia content for viewing on a client device from a server provided in a networked environment. The first viewer refers the multimedia content to one or more second viewers in the networked environment for viewing and further referrals. The server controls access to the multimedia content and confirms viewing of the multimedia content by the first viewer, the second viewers, and nth viewers from further referrals using a random challenge. The server generates response reports based on viewing of the multimedia content. The server credits the first viewer, the second viewers, the nth viewers, etc. with one or more items of value based on referring of the multimedia content, multimedia content view confirmation, and/or registration of the second viewers, the nth viewers, etc, with the server.
US08499235B2	Method of posting content to a web site Presented is a method of posting content to a web site. A user input is obtained on a machine readable paper with a predefined template. Later, an electronic image of the machine readable paper is captured along with the user input. The electronic image of the machine readable paper is decoded to identify the predefined template and the predefined template is searched against a repository to find a web site corresponding to the predefined template of the machine readable paper. A web site based on user input is created or modified depending upon whether a web site corresponding to the predefined template of the machine readable paper is found.
US08499229B2	Method and apparatus for reading data from flash memory Methods and apparatus are disclosed related to a memory device, such as a flash memory device that includes an array of memory cells. One such method includes detecting values of charges stored in selected memory cells in the memory cell array. The method also includes processing the detected values in accordance with a Viterbi algorithm so as to determine data stored in the selected memory cells. In one embodiment, the flash memory cell array includes word lines and bit lines. Detecting the values of charges includes detecting values of charges stored in a selected row of memory cells by selecting one of the word lines. The Viterbi algorithm provides correct data where inter-signal interference between the cells affects the accuracy of read data. For example, the Viterbi algorithm can decode error correction codes (ECC).
US08499228B2	Method for decoding a succession of blocks encoded with an error correction code and correlated by a transmission channel A method is for decoding a block of N information items encoded with an error correction code and mutually correlated. The method includes carrying out a first decorrelation of the N information items of a block is carried out, and storing the block decorrelated. The method also includes a performing a processing for decoding a group of P information items of the block, and decorrelating at least part of the P decoded information items. The processing for decoding the group of P information items and the decorrelation are repeated with different successive groups of P information items of the block until the N information items of the block have been processed, until a decoding criterion is satisfied.
US08499224B2	Redundant code generation method and device, data restoration method and device, and raid storage device A redundant code generation method includes: dividing original data into data strings; dividing each data string into a number of bit strings that accords with an extended Galois field operation; storing each of the bit string in a different memory area of a memory; and executing an exclusive OR operation among vectors, which are extracted from the respective bit strings stored in the memory, according to an operational expression to compute bit strings that make up redundant code data strings without carrying out a bit shift operation within the vectors. A predetermined plural number of bits is taken as a data unit and the number of bits as elements constituting each vector is equal to the data unit. The operational expression includes a companion matrix of a primitive polynomial of the Galois field and defined the generation of the redundant code data strings.
US08499218B2	System and method for determining quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check codes having high girth A method estimates parameters of 3-phase voltage signals to synchronize a power grid in a presence of a voltage unbalance by transforming the 3-phase voltage signals to αβ-reference signals using a Clarke transformation matrix, and estimating sinusoidal signals and corresponding quadrature signals of the αβ-reference signals using an extended Kalman filter, and determining a phase angle of a positive sequence based on a relationship of the phase angle to the estimated the sinusoidal signals.
US08499211B1	Network-based service for the repair of IP multicast sessions A system and method are disclosed for the repair of IP multicast sessions. A repair server polls multiple transmit servers to accumulate as many of the packets missing from the multicast session as possible. A network includes a source of multicast packets in a multicast session and a plurality of multicast recipients in that session. A repair server in the network provides the packets it receives to the recipients. The repair server includes a missing packet detector. There is a plurality of retransmit servers in the network buffering portions of the packets they respectively receive during the session. The repair server maintains an ordered list of the retransmit servers that are most likely to have buffered copies of packets missing from the session. When the repair server detects that there are packets missing from the session it has received, it uses the ordered list to sequentially request the missing packets from respective ones of the plurality of retransmit servers.
US08499210B2	Flash memory device, flash memory system, and method of programming flash memory device A flash memory device includes a plurality of memory cells each configured to store k-bit data, where k is a natural number greater than one. The device is programmed by a method including reading (i−1)-th order data from a selected memory cell connected to a selected wordline before programming i-th order data in one or more adjacent memory cells connected to an adjacent wordline, wherein i is a natural number between two and k, storing as read data the (i−1)-th order data read from the selected memory cell, and programming i-th order data in the selected memory cell based on the stored read data.
US08499205B2	Data reception device, data reception method, and program A data reception device that receives scrambled and transmission data as received data and that descrambles and outputs the data after adjusting the timing with the transmitter has a descramble circuit 10 detect timing adjustment data included in a timing adjustment data set that adjusts the timing with the transmitter in the data which the descramble circuit 10 has not descrambled, and comprises an LFSR suspending signal generation circuit 9 that outputs a required number of LFSR suspending signals, after first normal timing adjustment data has been received, at the output timing of data received thereafter so as to simulate a situation as if a desired number of timing adjustment data included in the timing adjustment data set were received.
US08499203B2	Configurable alert delivery in a distributed processing system Configurable alert delivery in a distributed processing system include for each alert generated by an incident analyzer, applying active alert filters to the alert; wherein applying the active alert filters to the alert includes: creating a list of all active alert filters and a set of all active listeners; and for each active alert filter, running the active alert filter; if the active alert filter indicates that the alert should not go to one or more of the active listeners, removing the one or more active listeners from the set of all active listeners; if the active listeners set is empty, stopping processing of the alert; and if the active listeners set is not empty, selecting, by the incident analyzer, the next active alert filter from the active alert filter list.
US08499202B2	Method and system for recovery of a computing environment during pre-boot and runtime phases A method and system for recovery of a computing environment includes monitoring during a pre-boot phase and a runtime phase of a computing device for selection of a hot key sequence by a user and performing a recovery action in response to the selection of the hot key sequence by the user. The recovery action may be any one of a number of predetermined and/or selectable actions such as restoring system defaults, migrating memory, displaying a menu of options, setting various software flags, restarting or rebooting the computing device, and/or the like.
US08499200B2	Managing code-tracing data A method of managing code-tracing data is described. The method comprises the steps of: receiving code-tracing data from an executing software component; adding the received code-tracing data to a log stored in temporary storage; detecting a property of the received code-tracing data; copying the log to non-volatile storage when the property matches a defined trigger property; and deleting contents of the log according to a caching policy when the property does not match a defined trigger property.
US08499197B2	Description language for identifying performance issues in event traces A description language and a tool for identifying, analyzing and addressing performance issues in event traces. With this language, a behavior descriptor may be defined to describe a simple behavior within a performance trace, by specifying values for a relatively small number of attributes. Even a relatively unsophisticated user can define behavior descriptors, but complex behaviors may be defined based on interactions between multiple behavior descriptors. A trace analysis tool may use a library of behavior descriptors to identify performance issues in performance traces by matching behavior descriptors to the performance trace. This analysis may be used in any number of ways, including reporting to a user detected performance issues reflected in a set of performance traces, filtering a set of performance traces to remove those performance traces corresponding to known performance issues or prioritizing efforts to resolve performance issues.
US08499195B2	Failure cause estimation device and failure cause estimation method A failure cause estimation device includes: a database that manages the causes of failure cases, questions, and replies thereto for each of the failure cases; a condition presentation unit that presents combinations of the questions and replies managed in the database on a display screen as branch conditions used to classify the cause of a failure case; a condition selection unit that selects at least one branch condition from the presented branch conditions according selection operation; a cause estimation unit that estimates a cause satisfying the at least one branch condition from the contents of the database; and a cause presentation unit that presents the estimated cause on the display screen as a cause candidate.
US08499192B2	Tearing-proof method for writing data in a nonvolatile memory A method for writing and reading data in memory cells, comprising, when writing a data in a block of a first memory zone, a step consisting of writing in a second memory zone a temporary information structure metadata comprising a start flag, an identifier of the temporary information structure, an information about the location of the block in the first memory zone, and a final flag, and, after a power on of the first memory zone, searching for an anomaly in temporary information structures present in the second memory zone.
US08499189B2	Unified, workload-optimized, adaptive RAS for hybrid systems A method, system, and computer program product for maintaining reliability in a computer system. In an example embodiment, the method includes performing a first data computation by a first set of processors, the first set of processors having a first computer processor architecture. The method continues by performing a second data computation by a second processor coupled to the first set of processors, the second processor having a second computer processor architecture, the first computer processor architecture being different than the second computer processor architecture. Finally, the method includes dynamically allocating computational resources of the first set of processors and the second processor based on at least one metric while the first set of processors and the second processor are in operation such that the accuracy and processing speed of the first data computation and the second data computation are optimized.
US08499181B2	Method for controlling voltages supplied to a processor A for supplying power to a processor is disclosed. The power supply unit includes a smoothing capacitor, a controller, and an arithmetic circuit. The controller controls an output voltage according to each power state of a processor operating in a transition state where a power state of the processor transitions between an active state and a predetermined sleeping state at a predetermined transition frequency. The arithmetic circuit determines a transition stop condition based on power consumption of the processor and charging loss generated at the smoothing capacitor during the transition of the active state, and outputs a transition stop signal to stop transition to the predetermined sleeping state.
US08499176B2	Information handling system low power image customization Directly powering an information handling system non-volatile storage device through an external connector allows imaging of the non-volatile storage device through the external connector with the information handling system in a powered down state. Imaging in a powered down state by providing power and image data to the non-volatile storage device directly through an external connection allows imaging while the information handling system is packaged, such as at intermediate shipping locations.
US08499172B2	Hardware-based key generation and recovery A system and method of recovering encoded information contained in a device by storing and retrieving at least part of the necessary decoding data by setting and measuring the physical characteristics of the device. Storage and recovery options include, but are not limited to, measurement of electronic or optical characteristics of electrically or optically conductive portions of the device using a range of measurement techniques that include, but are not limited to, time-domain reflectometry.
US08499170B1	SQL injection prevention Hackers and other malicious users are prevented from injecting harmful SQL into a database and from retrieving confidential data. SQL statements formed by an application in response to user input (e.g., user Id and password), are scanned and compared to patterns of SQL commands and data embodied in one or more anti-SQL injection policies. If there is a match, the SQL statement is in violation of the policy. A severity level of the violation may be checked, for example, it may be determined whether the violation is critical or non-critical (normal). Different actions are taken depending on the severity of the violation. If the violation is critical, the SQL statement is dropped and the administrator is notified immediately and a trace of the violation is provided. If the violation is not critical, the data is retrieved and is compared against data in a confidential data registry. If any of the data is found to be confidential, that data is encrypted and then sent to the hacker. The hacker is not able to use or read the encrypted confidential data.
US08499163B2	Serial architecture for high assurance processing A processing system (60) includes an input interface (62), a first processor (64), a second processor (66), and an output interface (68) arranged in a serial configuration. Each of the input interface (62), first processor (64), second processor (66), and output interface (68) computes a digest (92, 100, 110, and 114) using information, e.g., a unique parameter (94, 102, 112, 118), known only by that element (62, 64, 66, 68) and using information generated by that element (62, 64, 66, 68). The digests (92, 100, 110, and 114) are used to validate the integrity of payload data (86) processed by the system (60) to form processed data (104) and the system (60) only outputs the processed data (104) upon validation of data integrity. The serial configuration of system (60) may be implemented to provide high bit rate, redundant cryptographic services.
US08499161B2	Method and apparatus for secure trusted time techniques A method and apparatus to establish a trustworthy local time based on trusted computing methods are described. The concepts are scaling because they may be graded by the frequency and accuracy with which a reliable external time source is available for correction and/or reset, and how trustworthy this external source is in a commercial scenario. The techniques also take into account that the number of different paths and number of hops between the device and the trusted external time source may vary. A local clock related value which is protected by a TPM securely bound to an external clock. A system of Accuracy Statements (AS) is added to introduce time references to the audit data provided by other maybe cheaper sources than the time source providing the initial time.
US08499159B2	Method and system embedding a non-detectable fingerprint in a digital media file The invention relates to a method and system for embedding in a digital media file user fingerprint which the user cannot detect when using the digital media file. In the method, a user-detectable watermark is first embedded in the digital media file. This watermark can be transformed in a client device to a non-detectable fingerprint of the user by utilizing digital media file-specific information issued by a digital media rights owner when the user has bought a user license. Afterwards the digital media rights owner can read the embedded user fingerprint from the digital media file if it is illegally distributed between other users.
US08499153B2	System and method of authenticating a user to a service provider A system, device, computer program product, and method provide authentication of a user to a service provider. The system includes a service provider, a terminal, and a network that allows communication between the service provider and the terminal. The terminal includes a memory, a communication interface, a processor, and an Identity Provider (IDP) application. The communication interface is configured to receive an authentication request from a service provider wherein the authentication request includes an acceptable identity provider and to send the authentication request to the acceptable identity provider if the acceptable identity provider matches a supported identity provider stored in the memory of the terminal. The processor is coupled to the communication interface and to the memory and executes the IDP application. The IDP application is configured to compare the acceptable identity provider with the supported identity provider stored in the memory.
US08499150B1	Selectively trusting signed files A security module on a client detects a signed file at the client and reports signing information identifying a certificate used to sign the file and a file identifier identifying the file to a security server. The security server uses the signing information to determine whether the certificate is compromised. If the certificate is compromised, the security server compares a discovery date of the file with a compromise date of the certificate. The security server generates trust data assigning a trust level to the file responsive to the comparison. The trust data assign a low trust level to the file if the comparison indicates that the file discovery date is after the compromise date and assign a high trust level to the file if the comparison indicates that the file discovery date is not after the compromise date. The security server provides the trust data to the client.
US08499147B2	Account management system, root-account management apparatus, derived-account management apparatus, and program A root-account management apparatus generates an electronic signature based on a survival condition and a secret key when an authentication result of a user of a client apparatus is proper, and transmits derived-account credence element information including the survival condition, the electronic signature and a public key certificate to a derived-account management apparatus. The derived-account management apparatus creates derived-account information which becomes valid when the survival condition is satisfied so that the derived-account information includes both the derived-account credence element information which becomes invalid when a validity term of the public key certificate expires and a biometric information template of the user which is valid regardless of this validity term. Accordingly, even if an authentication element as a root (public key certificate) becomes invalid, a derived authentication element (biometric information template) can be prevented from becoming invalid.
US08499146B2	Method and device for preventing network attacks A method for preventing network attacks is provided, which includes: obtaining a data packet, where a source address of the data packet is a cryptographically generated address (CGA); determining that the obtained data packet includes a CGA parameter and signature information; authenticating the CGA parameter; authenticating the signature information according to the authenticated CGA parameter; and sending the data packet to a destination address when the signature information is authenticated. Accordingly, a device for preventing network attacks is also provided. A CGA parameter used by a data packet is directly used to ensure authenticity of a source address of the data packet, thus preventing network attacks performed by counterfeiting the address. In addition, by authenticating signature information, authenticity of identification of a sender of the data packet and bound address of the sender of the data packet are further ensured. Therefore, illegal data packets are filtered to prevent network attacks on servers, thus improving network security.
US08499141B2	Multi-socket server management with RFID Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags embedded in processors within a computing system provide a separate communication path to other components of the computing system during initialization processing, apart from the system interconnect. Upon powering up, each processor causes its RFID tag to broadcast data regarding the processor's interconnect location and initialization status. A RFID receiver senses the RFID tags in the Platform Control Hub (PCH), and each processor's interconnect location and initialization status data is stored in registers within the PCH. During system initialization processing, the BIOS accesses these PCH registers to obtain the processor's data. The interconnect location and initialization status data is used by the BIOS to select the optimal routing table and configure the virtual network within the computing system based on the optimal routing table and the RFID tag data, without interrogating each processor individually over the system interconnect.
US08499139B2	Avoiding stall in processor pipeline upon read after write resource conflict when intervening write present An apparatus having a processor and a circuit is disclosed. The processor generally has a pipeline. The circuit may be configured to (i) detect a first write instruction in the pipeline that writes to a resource, (ii) stall a read instruction in the pipeline where (a) a first read-after-write conflict exists between the first write instruction and the read instruction and (b) no other write instruction to the resource is scheduled between the first write instruction and the read instruction and (iii) not stall the read instruction due to the first read-after-write conflict where a second write instruction to the resource is scheduled between the first write instruction and the read instruction.
US08499138B2	Demand-based memory management of non-pagable data storage Management of a UNIX-style storage pools is enhanced by specially managing one or more memory management inodes associated with pinned and allocated pages of data storage by providing indirect access to the pinned and allocated pages by one or more user processes via a handle. Direct access of the pinned and allocated pages by the user processes without use of the handles is prevented. Hardware status bits in the inodes are scanned to determine which pinned and allocated pages have been recently accessed and callback communication to each user process is used to determine which of the least-recently accessed pages can be deallocated, defragmented and compacted.
US08499133B2	Cache management for increasing performance of high-availability multi-core systems An apparatus and method for improving performance in high-availability systems are disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, pages of memory of a primary system that are to be shadowed are initially copied to a backup system's memory, as well as to a cache in the primary system. A duplication manager process maintains the cache in an intelligent manner that significantly reduces the overhead required to keep the backup system in sync with the primary system, as well as the cache size needed to achieve a given level of performance. Advantageously, the duplication manager is executed on a different processor core than the application process executing transactions, further improving performance.
US08499132B1	Software module for using flash memory as a secondary permanent storage device Described herein is a flash remapping (FR) layer in a storage operating system for utilizing flash memory as a secondary permanent storage device in a storage system. The FR layer collects particular information (specified by collection parameters) of received access requests for data stored on primary storage devices of the storage system. Based on the collected information and a predetermined access pattern (specified by pattern parameters), the FR layer selects data sets on the primary storage devices to be transferred permanently to flash memory, whereby subsequent access requests to the selected data sets are redirected to flash memory. New parameters may be received by the FR layer (from a user or program) to dynamically reconfigure the functions of the FR layer. The FR layer may be implemented in the operating system without requiring other code of the storage operating system to be modified.
US08499131B2	Capping a number of locations referred to by chunk references As part of a deduplication process, chunks are produced from data. The chunks are assigned to locations in a data store, where the assignments are such that a number of locations referenced is capped according to at least one predefined parameter.
US08499128B2	Methods for implementation of an active archive in an archiving system and managing the data in the active archive According to the disclosure, a unique and novel archiving system that provides one or more application layer partitions to archive data is disclosed. Embodiments include an active archive including a fixed storage. The active archive can create application layer partitions that associate the application layer partitions with portions of the fixed storage. Each application layer partition, in embodiments, has a separate set of controls that allow for customized storage of different data within a single archiving system. Further, embodiments of methods for ensuring storage capacity in the active archive and the application layer partitions within the active archive is also disclosed.
US08499122B2	Asynchronous data binding The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for asynchronously binding data from a data source to a data target. A user interface thread and a separate thread are used to enable the user interface thread to continue execution rather than blocking to obtain updated data, to which elements of a user interface that the user interface thread is managing, are bound. The separate thread obtains updated data from a data source, stores the updated data in a local cache, and notifies the user interface thread of the updated data's presence in the local cache. The user interface thread, upon detecting the notification, accesses the updated data in the local cache and populates the updated data into the user interface.
US08499121B2	Methods and apparatus to access data in non-volatile memory Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to access data are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves generating a key-value association table in a non-volatile memory to store physical addresses of a data cache storing data previously retrieved from a data structure. The example method also involves storing recovery metadata in the non-volatile memory. The recovery metadata includes a first address of the key-value association table in the non-volatile memory. In addition, following a re-boot process, the locations of the key-value association table and the data cache are retrieved using the recovery metadata without needing to access the data structure to re-generate the key-value association table and the data cache.
US08499119B2	Method and apparatus for delivering and caching multiple pieces of content Aspects relate to systems and methods for providing the ability to customize content delivery. A device can cache multiple presentations. The device can establish a cache depth upon initiation of the subscription service. The device can provide an interface to select a cache depth. The cache depth can be the number of presentations the device will maintain on the device at a given time.
US08499117B2	Method for writing and reading data in a nonvolatile memory, by means of metadata A method for writing and reading data in memory cells, comprises the steps of: defining a virtual memory, defining write commands and read commands of data (DT) in the virtual memory, providing a first nonvolatile physical memory zone (A1), providing a second nonvolatile physical memory zone (A2), and, in response to a write command of an initial data, searching for a first erased location in the first memory zone, writing the initial data (DT1a) in the first location (PB1(DPP0)), and writing, in the metadata (DSC0) an information (DS(PB1)) allowing the first location to be found and an information (LPA, DS(PB1)) forming a link between the first location and the location of the data in the virtual memory.
US08499116B2	Managing wear on independent storage devices In a method of managing wear on a plurality of independent storage devices having respective sets of memory cells, access characteristics of the memory cells in the plurality of independent storage devices are monitored. In addition, an instruction to access data on at least one of the memory cells is received and an independent storage device of the plurality of independent storage devices is selected to access data on at least one of the memory cells of the selected independent storage device based upon one or more predetermined selection policies and the monitored access characteristics of the memory cells in the plurality of independent storage devices. Moreover, the selected independent storage device is assigned to access data on at least one of the memory cells of the selected independent storage device according to the received instruction.
US08499115B2	Control method, memory, and processing system utilizing the same A control method for a memory is provided. The memory includes a plurality of storage units, each storing a plurality of bits. In a read mode, a read command is provided to the memory. The value of a most significant bit (MSB) of each storage unit is obtained and recorded. The value of the most significant bits is output. The value of a neighboring bit of each storage unit is obtained and recorded. The neighboring bit neighbors the most significant bit. The value of the neighboring bits is output.
US08499114B1	Virtual machine memory page sharing system Various embodiments disclosed herein including systems and methods for improving allocation of computing resources in a virtual machine (VM) environment. Embodiments maintain data relating to how VM image data is stored in storage devices and loaded into volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM). The data is then used to identify common content in the volatile memory that can be shared across VM instances. In some embodiments, multiple VM instances can share at least a portion of a single common VM image loaded into a shared volatile memory.
US08499113B2	Circuit configurations and method for controlling a data exchange in a circuit configuration In a method for controlling a data exchange between at least one set of data sinks and at least one set of data sources in circuit configurations and circuit sequences, which circuit configurations have at least one arbitration unit, the arbitration unit selects a first data sink (data sink arbitration) and a first data source (data source arbitration) according to a predefined sequence, and outputs an address of a first data source and a request signal and an address of a first data sink and a validity signal. Data of the first data source are stored in the first data sink.
US08499112B2	Storage control apparatus An aspect of the invention is a storage control apparatus, comprising a plurality of processors, a memory, an I/O device coupled to a storage device, a virtualization module that allocates a first processor to a first guest and a second processor to a second guest from among the plurality of processors, and an interrupt control module that receives an interrupt from the I/O device and transmits the interrupt to any one of the plurality of processors, wherein the virtualization module comprises, a state detection module that detects at least one of a state of the first guest and a state of the first processor, and an interrupt delivery destination control module that switches the interrupt with respect to the first processor to the second processor when at least one of the state of the first guest and the state of the first processor becomes a predetermined state.
US08499111B2	Information processing apparatus and clock signal controlling method controlling whether clock signal provided to interrupt signal controlling device An information processing apparatus includes an interrupting signal control device including a mask controller, the mask controller controlling whether or not to mask at least one interrupting signal serving as a trigger signal triggering a predetermined process; and a clock control device including an interrupting clock signal controller, the interrupting clock signal controller sends a clock signal to the interrupting signal control device when at least one interrupting signal is not masked, and stops sending the clock signal to the interrupting signal control device when at least one interrupting signal is masked.
US08499105B2	Buffer manager and buffer management method based on address pointer linked list Embodiments of the present invention provide a buffer manager and a buffer management method based on an address pointer linked list. In the embodiments, address pointers of all buffer blocks in a buffer are divided into several groups, lower bits of address pointers in each group are used to record a linked list between the address pointers in the same group, and an address pointer which is pointed by one predetermined address pointer of each group and is in a different group is further recorded to upbuild a linked list between the groups. Thereby, an address linked list can still be stored without a RAM with a width equal to a pointer depth and with a depth equal to the total number of buffer blocks in the buffer as required by the conventional art, which greatly reduces hardware resources required.

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