| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07673852B2 |
Fence mounting device
A fence post sleeve designed to allow the quick and easy erection of a temporary fencing structure without the use of installation tools. The fence post sleeve is a generally tubular structure having at least two barrier fence clips and a longitudinal slit. The fence post sleeve is designed to cooperate with a number of common fence posts. The barrier fence clips releasably secure flexible barrier fencing to the fence post sleeve, and thus the fence post. The fence post sleeve is particularly useful in the installation of construction fencing and other forms of temporary barrier fencing. |
| US07673846B2 |
Tube configured pressure regulating valve
A pressure regulating valve includes a body having an outer surface, the interior of the body defining an inlet chamber adapted to receive a fluid at a process pressure, and an outlet chamber. The body includes at least one inlet passage communicating with the inlet chamber and the outer surface, and at least one outlet passage communicating with the outer surface and the outlet chamber. A reference housing is adapted to be disposed in fluid communication with a fluid at a predetermined reference pressure. An annular membrane is disposed between the body and the reference housing, so as to circumscribe the inlet and outlet passages. The membrane is arranged such that, when the reference pressure is higher than the process pressure the membrane engages at least one outlet passage, and when the process pressure is higher than the reference pressure, the membrane is not engaged with the outlet passage. |
| US07673845B2 |
Leveling assembly
Embodiments of the present invention provide a leveling assembly configured to be secured to an appliance. The leveling assembly supports the appliance on a floor, and includes a base having a column integrally connected to a ledge, which is integrally connected to a stem. The assembly also includes a spring positioned around the stem, and a sleeve secured to the stem and positioned around the spring. The spring exerts equal and opposite forces into the sleeve and the ledge, respectively. |
| US07673844B2 |
Pivotable support shaft for display
A pivotable support shaft for connecting a display with a base member and supporting the display is disclosed. The support is designed to enable the display to have different postures in working condition and package and transporting condition. For example, in the working condition, the screen of the display may be pivotable between a pitch-up angle of about 20° and a pitch-down angle of about −20°, and in the package and transporting condition, the screen of the display may be pivoted down to a pitch-down angle of about −90° where the screen faces downwardly to reduce the package size and improve the transportation stability. |
| US07673843B2 |
Rotatable pedestal
A pedestal comprising lower and upper vertical columns having different vertical axes, and a horizontal support which is rotatably connected to the top of the lower column and the bottom of the upper column. The pedestals are particularly useful in the catering and hospitality industries for supporting food and beverage containers, tableware, flower vases and sculptures. |
| US07673840B2 |
Supporting arm for a projection apparatus and presentation apparatus having a supporting arm
A supporting arm for a projection apparatus has first and second arm sections and an articulation apparatus therebetween for interconnecting the arm sections. The projection apparatus can be fastened on a free end of the second arm section. The articulation apparatus permits the second arm section to rotate relative to the first arm section between a first position, in which the longitudinal axes of the arm sections run substantially mutually parallel, and a second position, in which the longitudinal axes of the arm sections run substantially mutually at right angles. A spring apparatus is coupled to the arm sections and has a spring force selected to compensate for a weight force of the second arm section and of the projection apparatus fastened thereon over substantially an entire rotational excursion of the second arm section relative to the first arm section. A presentation apparatus having the supporting arm is also provided. |
| US07673833B2 |
Protective shield assembly for space optics and associated methods
A protective shield assembly capable of being deployed from a launch vehicle is provided, and methods for assembling and deploying the protective shield assembly are also provided. The protective shield assembly includes a shroud, and a flexible sheet of material within the shroud. The flexible sheet of material is capable of substantially conforming to a contour of at least a portion of the launch vehicle to provide a protective barrier. |
| US07673832B2 |
Aircraft component exposed to streaming surrounding air
An aircraft component, such as a wing, has perforations through an outer wall for boundary layer suction. In the space between the outer wall and an inner wall partition walls form pressure channels and suction channels that are adjacent to each other and alternate, which channels communicate with the perforations. For example, alternating channels may be formed by a corrugated structure having trapezoidal corrugations providing a larger area for the suction channels than for the pressure channels. The pressure channels may be coupled to a hot-air reservoir by a control device, lines and valves, and the suction channels may be coupled to a vacuum reservoir, unless a short-circuit valve is used to cross connect the lines. |
| US07673830B2 |
Tape cartridge
A tape cartridge is provided having an improved fit between a reel hole and a drive shaft of a drive. A reel hole that fits with a drive shaft provided in a drive for rotationally driving a reel is formed in the reel. The drive shaft includes a fitting shaft that fits with the reel hole and a guide shaft that enters the reel hole before the fitting shaft and has an outer dimension increasing toward the fitting shaft. A chamfered portion is formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the reel hole. The chamfered portion is constituted by an inclined face joining an inner peripheral face of the reel hole to the surface in which the reel hole is formed. When the reel hole is viewed from a side facing an opening portion of the reel hole, a portion of the reel hole that fits with the fitting shaft has a polygonal shape, and the inclined face contains a portion in which the width of the inclined face varies along an edge of the polygonal shape. |
| US07673828B1 |
Pepper mill
A peppermill includes a receiving unit that surrounds an axis and that defines a receiving space for receiving peppercorns, a grinding unit that includes a coupling shaft disposed rotatably in the receiving space and having a shaft hole extending therethrough along the axis, and that is operable for grinding the peppercorns to result in ground pepper, and a closure unit that includes a connecting rod extending movably through the shaft hole along the axis, and a closure member secured to the connecting rod and disposed under the grinding unit. Movement of the connecting rod results in corresponding movement of the closure member between a closed position for blocking discharge of the ground pepper through a discharge end of the receiving unit, and an opened position for permitting discharge of the ground pepper through the discharge end. |
| US07673824B2 |
Drink maker
A drink maker for processing foodstuff and dispensing the processed foodstuff therefrom. A base encloses a motor and a jar including a first recirculation surface is removably mountable to the base. A processing cup including a second recirculation surface is removably mountable to the jar and the jar and processing cup comprise a container in an assembled configuration. A recirculation chamber is defined by the first and second recirculation surfaces. The base includes an arcuate-shaped mounting wall extending from its top surface and the jar includes a skirt having a first wall and a second wall positioned radially outwardly from the first wall. The first and second walls define a mounting gap and the mounting wall is positioned in the mounting gap in the assembled configuration. |
| US07673823B2 |
Food processor lid
A lid for a bowl of a food processor for processing a relatively large size or large volume of foodstuff including a top lid wall and a feed tube extending from the top lid wall along a feed axis. The feed tube including an inner feed surface defining a feed cavity and a mouth for accessing the feed cavity. A feed tube lid is movably secured to the mouth of the feed tube. A food pusher is movably mounted to the feed tube lid. The food pusher and feed tube lid cover the mouth of the feed tube when the feed tube lid and food pusher are in a working position. The food pusher is movable relative to the feed tube in first and second directions in the working position. The first direction is generally parallel to the feed axis and the second direction is generally perpendicular to the feed axis. |
| US07673820B2 |
Subminiature thermoelectric fragrance dispenser
A dispenser for dispensing a liquid includes a chamber holding a supply of liquid, an annular conduit substantially filled with liquid from the chamber, and a thermoelectric transducer near one end of the annular conduit. Upon application of electrical current to the thermoelectric transducer, the transducer operates to cause boiling of a quantity of liquid in the annular conduit. Expansion of a resulting bubble forces liquid out the end of the annular conduit. The dispenser may include battery powered electronic control circuit that includes a supercapacitor. The liquid may be dispensed in periodic bursts. In one application, the dispenser is especially suited to automatically and unobtrusively dispense a fragrance, perfume, or other personal care liquid worn by a person. In some applications, the dispenser may be worn on or under an article of clothing, or attached to an article of jewelry. |
| US07673815B2 |
Line striper
A line striper (10) is provided with a relatively small engine (16) operating a reciprocating piston pump (20) and having a centrifugal clutch (18) which actuates when a predetermined engine speed has been reached. A pressure bypass device (22) which opens at either a fixed or adjustable pressure is provided to bleed off excess pressure and maintain a consistent spraying pressure. A double acting trigger (30) is provided for the operator to actuate the spray gun (40) and raise the engine speed simultaneously. |
| US07673814B2 |
Vehicle windshield cleaning system
Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet. |
| US07673811B2 |
Injection valve and compensating element for an injection valve
A compensating element (30) for an injection valve has a cup-shaped body (32) with a cup base (34) and a recess. Furthermore, the compensating element has a piston (36) which makes a clearance fit in respect of the recess of the cup-shaped body (32) on an axially extending guide segment (41) of the piston (36) and which is arranged at least partially axially moveable with the guide segment (41) in the recess of the cup-shaped body (32). A sealing element (44) is arranged on the side of the guide segment (41) facing away from the cup base (32) and couples the cup-shaped body (32) with the piston (36). A hydraulically and/or pneumatically sealed system is delimited by the cup-shaped body (32), the piston (36) and the sealing element (44). The coupling of the sealing element (44) with the cup-shaped body (32) and/or the piston (36) is friction-fit. |
| US07673810B2 |
Rail clip
A rail fastening clip is used with a rail clip support having a rail clip slot of the kind used in K plates. The rail clip is formed from a U shaped member made of metal plate having a base and two arms tapered from the base to their tips, with the arms being bent inwardly beyond the base in a large arc and the tips are bent back toward the base and oriented for contact with the foot of the rail. The base is adapted to fit in the K plate slot of the rail clip support. The base of the clip has a leading edge remote from the arms that contacts the upper interior surface of the support slot to form at least a line of contact with the upper interior surface of the slot. The line of contact is about 6 mm. The design overcomes the problem of rotation of the clip within the support slot and is a more cost effective clip than that currently used with K plates. |
| US07673805B2 |
Mini card adapter
A mini card adapter for removably holding and fixing a mini card in a secure manner is provided. The mini card adapter holds a mini card having the same thickness as the standard card and outline dimensions smaller than those of the standard card. The mini card comprises a reference wall having the same thickness as the standard card and a bulging section formed on the top surface of the reference wall. In the reference wall, a card pocket for is formed for loading therein the mini card. The land section is formed in a region corresponding to the emboss section of the standard card, and a part of the land section bulges over the card pocket. As a result, an eaves wall for supporting one side of the mini card is formed. The eaves wall has a boss which fits in a hole formed in the mini card. A receiving nail for receiving the periphery of the mini card in corporation with the eaves wall is provided on the peripheral lower surface of the card pocket. |
| US07673799B2 |
Card reader for use with web based transactions
A card reader for use in web based transactions is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for establishing a secure connection between a card reader and a server, the method including receiving a first challenge request, generating a response to the first challenge request using a first encryption key, sending the response to the first challenge request, sending a second challenge request, receiving an encrypted response to the second challenge request, verifying the encrypted response to the second challenge request; and, if the encrypted response is verified, reading data card information from a data card, the data card information including an intrinsic magnetic characteristic and recorded data on the data card, generating a magnetic fingerprint based on the intrinsic magnetic characteristic, and sending the magnetic fingerprint to authenticate the data card. |
| US07673798B2 |
Card reader with symmetrical contact spring
A card reader comprises two rows of electric contacts in the form of elastically deformable contact springs for contacting the electric contact fields of a card inserted into the card reader, wherein the contact springs extend parallel to the card insertion direction and wherein each contact spring comprises a contact section projecting into the card path for contacting one of the contact fields of the card, a connecting section for connecting to a write/read device, an intermediate U-shaped joining section, and a mounting section for mounting the contact spring to the card reader housing, all being formed in one piece with the contact spring. In accordance with the invention, the contact section, the U-shaped joining section and the mounting section are symmetrical relative to the center plane of the contact spring. |
| US07673786B2 |
Welding shield for coupling heaters
Systems for coupling end portions of two elongated heater portions and methods of using such systems to treat a subsurface formation are described herein. A system may include a holding system configured to hold end portions of the two elongated heater portions so that the end portions are abutted together or located near each other; a shield for enclosing the end portions, and one or more inert gas inlets configured to provide at least one inert gas to flush the system with inert gas during welding of the end portions. The shield may be configured to inhibit oxidation during welding that joins the end portions together. The shield may include a hinged door that, when closed, is configured to at least partially isolate the interior of the shield from the atmosphere. The hinged door, when open, is configured to allow access to the interior of the shield. |
| US07673785B2 |
Method for manufacturing a cutting pick and the resulting pick
A cutting pick comprising a cutting tip 10 formed such as from SiC-D and a metal pick body 11. The pick body 11 has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the cutting tip 10. The pick body 11 includes a generally cylindrical cavity 14 within which is received a generally cylindrical anchor portion 13. The tip 10 includes a coating 17 bonded to the outer surface of the anchor portion 13. An annulus 24 is left between the coating 17 and the cavity 14 within which is a solder or braze material which bonds to each of the coating 17 and the cavity 14. The pick body 11 employs the difference in thermal expansion to exert pressure on the anchor portion 13 to fix the tip 10 to the pick body 11. |
| US07673784B2 |
High production welding fixture
A welding fixture for supporting first and second workpieces in a coaxial relationship along a workpiece axis relative to each other includes a base, a left clamp on the base for holding a first workpiece, and a right clamp on the base for holding a second workpiece on an opposite side of a welding plane in a coaxial relationship with the first workpiece. The fixture also includes a left handle on the base for operating the right clamp, and a right handle on the base for operating the left clamp. |
| US07673781B2 |
Surgical stapling device with staple driver that supports multiple wire diameter staples
A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling device. The stapling device has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil that is moveable between open and closed positions. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a first plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver has an upper staple supporting surface for supporting one of the staples such that, when actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the anvil. The upper staple supporting surface supports staples of different wire diameters in an upright position. |
| US07673778B2 |
Tablet cutter
The invention is directed to a pill cutter that has a protected cutting edge. The pill cutter includes a guard, a base, and a cover. The components are arranged such that the guard slides over the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in an open position and the guard exposes the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in a closed position. The invention is also directed at a method for assembling the pill cutter and a method of using the pill cutter to cut a pill or tablet. |
| US07673774B2 |
Transitions for containers
A transition for dispensing a composition from a container comprises a collar; a spout comprises an opening, said spout being capable of directing the flow of the composition out of the container; a drip concentrating member having at least one drain hole functionally connecting the collar and the spout; wherein the drip concentrating member is at least partially non-planar. |
| US07673772B2 |
Method for dispensing medications
A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring unit-based doses of certain medications to be administered to a patient. The dispenser includes a frame and one or more cartridges that may be mounted onto the frame. A set of slots sized for holding unit-based doses of medication extend through a body portion of the cartridge. A movement device is also positioned relative to the frame and is configured to induce movement of selected unit-based medication doses out of associated slots in the cartridge, so that the dispensed doses may be retrieved. |
| US07673769B2 |
Storage bin with moveable lid and attached scoop
A storage bin comprises a cover panel and a scoop. The cover panel may be slidably or rotatably moved to expose the interior of the storage bin. The scoop is stored internally in the storage bin and is exposed when the cover panel is open. The design of the cover panel provides advantages to consumers by providing a durable and versatile method of access to the contents of the storage bin. The storage of the scoop within the storage bin limits contamination of the scoop during storage and provides easy access to the scoop when the cover panel is open. A reusable labeling surface allows the consumer to conveniently identify a variety of stored items over the storage bin's lifetime. |
| US07673767B2 |
Interconnecting food container system
The claimed invention is a novel container system that adds utility and convenience for the consumer “on-the-go”. The container system claimed includes a main tray member that holds food product (e.g. carrots), and lid member that is configured so that, when it is inverted, it acts as a secondary tray member that holds food product (e.g. condiment) and is further attachable to the rim of the tray member via an interference fit or snap-fit grip fit. The resulting utility is that the consumer is able to hold the main tray member with one hand or have held the main tray member (e.g. in a recess in an automobile consol) and access the contents of both trays with a free hand. |
| US07673765B2 |
Hot fill container having improved vacuum panel configuration
A hot fill container of the type that is used package fruit juices and other beverages includes a vacuum panel configuration that provides optimal volumetric efficiency, material usage and container strength and is particularly suited for use with smaller containers. The vacuum panel configuration includes a plurality of cageless vacuum panels that are separated by longitudinally extending outwardly projecting creases that are defined in a sidewall of the container. This arrangement maximizes the effective surface area of the vacuum panels relative to the external surface area of the container. Each of the longitudinally extending outwardly projecting creases has a curved outer surface that is convex when viewed in longitudinal cross-section. The cageless vacuum panels are constructed and arranged to be convexly curved when a pressure within the container is equal to an external pressure, but become concavely curved when a predetermined partial vacuum condition exists within said container. |
| US07673764B2 |
Container with narrow rib
A substantially smooth container sidewall containing a narrow vertical rib, the rib having a width that is less than about 35% of the diameter of the sidewall, a container including the substantially smooth sidewall, and method of making both the sidewall and the container are the subject of the present invention. |
| US07673763B1 |
Child resistant container and cap
A locking cap and container is provided for a container having an opening surrounded by a neck with container threads thereon that are sized and located to threadingly engage cap threads formed on a skirt of the cap. A shaped distal end is formed on a distal end of the container threads and a barb is formed on the distal end of the cap threads. A resilient locking tab extends from the container, and is located below the shaped distal end and spaced apart from the shaped distal end a distance sufficient to allow passage of the barb beyond the shaped distal end but sufficiently close to resiliently urge the barb into overlapping rotational alignment with the shaped end. The shaped end is configured to lockingly engage the barb when the tab holds them in alignment. Pushing down on the cap pushes the thread against the locking tab and allows disengagement of the barb from the shaped distal end and movement of the barb past the shaped distal end to unlock the cap. |
| US07673760B2 |
Support cradle for rolled coils and other cylindrical objects
A cradle unit for supporting metal coils, and other cylindrical objects, consists of two, parallel and separate saddles preferably made of polyurethane having an approximate hardness range of between 50 Shore A and 90 Shore D, which saddles are connected together via a pair of parallel steel angle-brackets that provide inherent structural integrity to the cradle unit itself, while still allowing the unit to conform to the shape or level of the underlying support structure. The single cradle unit may be as a mobile support-device, or may be bolted or otherwise attached to a surface for a specific location of the stored product. The cradle unit of the invention may, also, be attached to the bed of a transportation vehicle, such as a truck trailer or rail car, in order to provide secure, protective storage and location of the items. In this case, the nature of the resilient or soft material from which the cradle unit is made provides shock-absorption qualities for the transported coil. The cradle unit is generally concave-shaped and has a first main or central lower concave curvature of a first radius, and a middle or secondary transitional curvature that connects the first main lower curvature to an upper, tertiary concave curvature of a second radius greater than the first radius, so that coils or rolls of different diameter may be safely and firmly supported. |
| US07673757B2 |
Adsorbent filter media for removal of biological contaminants in process liquids
Adsorbent filter media particularly suited for removal of biological contaminants in process liquids. A porous fixed bed of adsorbent material is formed, using only a granular adsorbent and a water-insoluble thermoplastic binder. The resulting composite filter allows for a higher amount of adsorbent with smaller adsorbent particles than conventional depth filters. Elimination of cellulose fiber, as well as the elimination of the thermoset binder, results in reduced contamination of the process liquid. |
| US07673752B2 |
Drug card
A drug card having a tamper proof serrated pull tab on the back. The pull tab is partially removed from the back of the drug card to provide access to a plurality of individually sealed doses of medicine. A single dose of medicine is removed from the plurality of individually sealed doses of medicine, after which the remaining individually sealed doses of medicine are placed back in the card and the card resealed. The integrity of the drug card is thereby maintained while presenting a brand name of the product to the consumer at all times. |
| US07673749B2 |
Folding photo case
A folding photo case includes a pair of exterior case members coupled to each other by a first hinge and a pair of interior frame members coupled to respective exterior case members by respective second and third hinges. The first, second and third hinges are preferably torsion bar hinges with the first hinge biasing the exterior case members to an open position and the second and third springs biasing the interior frame members toward interior surfaces of the exterior case members. One or both of the exterior case members are preferably provided with a latch structure which allows the folding case to be latched in a closed position. The dimensions of the folding case are preferably such that the case can be carried in a pocket or purse when it is folded into the closed position. |
| US07673747B2 |
Molded pulp container
The invention provides a container which can store a product which is constituted of a plurality of devices therein integrally and in a compact manner, and can also facilitate the packing of the product. A molded pulp container includes a storing recessed portion which has an opening at an upper surface thereof and is molded in conformity with a shape of a first material to be stored, a partition portion which is connected to the brim portion of the opening of the storing recessed portion and is foldable toward the storing recessed portion side to be placed on at least a portion of the brim portion of the storing recessed portion and, at the same time, forms a base on which a second material to be stored is placed, and a lid portion which is molded in conformity with a shape of the second material to be stored and is connected to the brim portion formed on the storing recessed portion and is folded to the storing recessed portion side to cover the partition portion from above. |
| US07673746B2 |
Recycling container for the collection and temporary storage of mercury contaminated wastes in dental facilities
The present invention is directed to a container for the collection and temporary storage of amalgams and other mercury wastes. The container can include a hollow body with air-tight lid, and one or more mercury sorbents contained in a filter bag. The filter bag covers the inside surface of the hollow body and has holes that allow air exchange between the air in the hollow body and the sorbents. As air exchange occurs, mercury vapors released from dental wastes binds to the mercury binding materials. A self-closing door was made on the lid, which automatically closes after each waste disposal. |
| US07673745B2 |
Case for portable electronic device
Cases for portable electronic devices, including cases that provide support as well as protection. Cases may be configured to contain a video-capable electronic device (601) and may both protect the device and allow it to maintain a hands-free viewing position. Embodiments include a first panel (110) having an upper portion (111) and a lower portion (112) separated from each other by a hinge line (113), a second panel (120) spaced apart from and coupled to the upper portion of the first panel by a first sidewall (160) and a second sidewall (170), and a third panel (130) spaced apart from and coupled to the lower portion of the first panel by a third sidewall (180) and a fourth sidewall (190). The first panel is capable of being folded along the hinge line into a flexed position. |
| US07673743B2 |
Material handling apparatus
A conveyor conveys sheets and deposits the sheets at a location to be stacked. The conveyor includes a sensor for determining the presence of a sheet before the sheet arrives at the location. A controller is coupled to the sensor and responsive to sensor inputs for controlling a movable support for projecting into a projected orientation to receive the sheets as the sheets exit the conveyor. The movable support moves to a retracted orientation to assist a stack to be withdrawn therefrom. Apparatus for manipulating pallets includes a conveyor, a mechanism for tilting the conveyor between a generally horizontal orientation and an orientation in which a first end of the conveyor is elevated above a second end of the conveyor, a first shifting mechanism to shift the conveyor horizontally along a first axis, a second shifting mechanism for shifting the conveyor horizontally along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis, and an elevator mechanism for raising and lowering the conveyor along a third axis generally perpendicular to the first and second axes. Apparatus for dispensing a pallet includes vertically spaced magazines, conveyors, and an elevator. The conveyors and elevator are selectively operable to deliver a pallet from the magazine in which that pallet is located to a common location. |
| US07673736B2 |
Conveyor system with gate reader assembly
A gate reader assembly for positioning and identifying articles carried by conveyor systems. The gate reader assembly including a main housing for attachment to said conveyor adjacent a conveyor line of the conveyor; a sprocket rotatably mounted on said housing and having a plurality of gullets formed thereon, each gullet configured for receiving one of said articles. In addition, said sprocket is configured to rotate about an axis normal to said conveyor line via a horizontal force from said articles such that said rotating sprocket is configured to receive and move said articles along said conveyor line. The gate reader assembly additionally includes a detent mechanism disposed on the housing and slidably coupled to the sprocket for releasably restraining said sprocket from rotation thereby inhibiting said article against further movement along said conveyor line. The gate reader assembly further includes a reader subassembly for mounting on said housing and for identifying said articles when restrained by said detent mechanism. |
| US07673735B2 |
System for transporting substrate carriers
In a semiconductor fabrication facility, a conveyor transports substrate carriers. The substrate carriers are unloaded from the conveyor and loaded onto the conveyor without stopping the conveyor. A load and/or unload mechanism lifts the substrate carriers from the conveyor during unloading operations, while matching the horizontal speed of the conveyor. Similarly, during loading operations, the load/unload mechanism lowers a substrate carrier into engagement with the conveyor while matching the horizontal speed of the conveyor. Individual substrates, without carriers, may be similarly loaded and/or unloaded from a conveyor. |
| US07673733B2 |
Packaging apparatus including product metering system
In a packaging system for packing cases with product, a product metering system is provided. The product metering system includes a first product lane along which a first product travels and a second product lane along which a second product travels. The second product is different from the first product. A first movable barrier has a first position that obstructs progress of the first product along the first product lane and a second position that allows progress of the first product along the first product lane past the first movable barrier. The first product lane and second product lane merge into a first common lane downstream of the first movable barrier, wherein when the first movable barrier is in the first position only the second product is metered to the first common lane. |
| US07673731B2 |
Two-way clutch
A two-way clutch has a rotational driving unit, a rotational driven unit, a roller interposed between the rotational driven unit and a collar, which is a fixed member and is not rotatable. A recess is formed in an inner peripheral surface of the collar, so that the roller is engaged with the recess. As a result, a locked condition between the rotational driven unit and the collar by means of the roller is not easily released. Therefore, the rotational driven unit is stably held at its locked position, even when a high vibration, a high load and/or a large pulsation is applied to the rotational driven unit. |
| US07673729B2 |
Layout structure of clutch lever shaft
To provide a layout structure of a clutch lever shaft capable of realizing compact layouts of a whole power unit in which a starter centrifugal clutch and a transmission manual multi-plate clutch are provided, and of a whole vehicle on which the power unit is mounted. A centrifugal clutch shaft and a manual multi-plate clutch shaft are disposed in parallel. The clutch lever shaft of the manual multi-plate clutch is disposed orthogonally and substantially vertically upward in relation to a pressing direction of a friction plate in a vicinity of an end portion of a lifter pin. The clutch lever shaft is disposed between the centrifugal clutch and the manual multi-plate clutch when viewed from a top of the power unit. |
| US07673725B2 |
Disc brake system
A disc brake system comprises a mounting hub and at least one disc supported by the mounting hub. The mounting hub has a center portion and an outer portion substantially perpendicular to the center portion and defines a central axis extending perpendicular to the center portion. A plurality of grooves comprising a U-shape are defined within the outer portion and are spaced radially about the central axis. Each of the grooves extends axially relative to the central axis. A bearing is disposed in each of the plurality of grooves and operatively connects the mounting hub and the disc such that the bearing rotates about a bearing axis and moves axially within the groove in response to axial movement of the disc. |
| US07673724B2 |
Brake mechanism
A brake mechanism includes a connecting element that is fixed to a wheel axle of a motor vehicle or is embodied monolithically therewith, and a fastening flange of a disk brake caliper. The fastening flange is fixed to the connecting element. The brake mechanism is configured in such a way that the fastening flange is retained in a positive manner on the connecting element in the circumferential direction of the wheel axle. |
| US07673718B2 |
Leg-wheeled-traveling mechanism
A leg-wheeled traveling mechanism is provided with a seat portion, two follow-up legs, each having an end portion that is freely rotatably connected to the seat portion, with a distance between the end portion and a tip portion having a foot-rest portion being retractable, two or more support legs, each having an end portion that is freely rotatably connected to the seat portion, with a distance between the end portion and a tip portion having a wheel portion being retractable, a foot-position measuring unit that measures relative positional changes of the foot-rest portions and foot portions of a rider, and a control device that controls operations of the follow-up legs and the support legs, based upon the relative positional changes measured by the foot-position measuring unit so as to allow the foot-rest portions to move virtually in the same directions as those of the foot portions. |
| US07673715B2 |
Geared motor for electric wheelchair
A geared motor for driving an electric wheelchair, which can realize features such as light weight, compact size, low noise, and low vibration at the same time, as well as high performance at low cost. In a driving device of an electric wheelchair for driving a wheel shaft by the power of a motor, the motor is disposed in such a manner that a motor shaft thereof is orthogonal to the wheel shaft. A hypoid speed reduction mechanism having a hypoid pinion and a hypoid gear intervenes between the motor shaft and the wheel shaft. |
| US07673714B2 |
System and method of torque converter lockup state adjustment using an electric energy conversion device
A hybrid vehicle propulsion system including, an internal combustion engine, a torque converter including a lockup clutch the torque converter having an input and an output, the input coupled to the internal combustion engine, an electric energy conversion device coupled downstream of the torque converter output, and a control system for adjusting torque output of the hybrid propulsion system, the control system adjusting the torque output of the electric energy conversion device during a torque converter lockup clutch engagement transition event. |
| US07673709B2 |
Earth-boring bit with shear cutting elements
An earth-boring bit has a bit body and at least one cone for rotation relative to the bit body. The cone has a gage surface and a nose area separated by a central area. A nose insert is located in the nose area. The nose insert has a barrel located within a hole in the nose area and an outer end protruding from the cone, the outer end has a perimeter that is a plane perpendicular to a barrel axis of the nose insert. |
| US07673702B2 |
Impact wrench
An impact mechanism includes a shaft, a hammer and an anvil coupled to the hammer. The shaft has a first helical groove and the hammer has a second helical groove. A ball is received in the first and second helical grooves to rotationally couple the hammer to the shaft and permit axial travel of the hammer relative to the shaft. An axial stop inhibits axial travel of the hammer along a first travel path and permits axial travel of the hammer along a second travel path. The axial stop includes first and second stop members, the first and second stop members having a first relative position to inhibit axial travel of the hammer and a second relative position to permit axial travel of the hammer. |
| US07673701B2 |
Power tool having control means for monitoring screw tightening operations
A power tool includes a driving unit for performing screw tightening operations; a motor for rotatably driving the driving unit; a rechargeable battery pack; a trigger switch for turning on and off the motor; and a control circuit, accommodated in a main body of the power tool, for monitoring the screw tightening operations. The control circuit has a screw tightening completion detection unit for detecting completion of a screw tightening operation, a screw tightening count unit for counting the number of detected tightening operations, a screw tightening number setting unit for presetting the number of screws to be tightened, a screw tightening completion notifying unit for notifying completion of the screw tightening operations when the number of detected tightening operations reaches the preset number. Further, the screw tightening number setting unit and the screw tightening completion notifying unit is disposed at a lower front portion of a grip portion. |
| US07673700B2 |
Push block for a scraping device
An earthmoving scraping device including a bowl-shaped frame having a front end, a back end, and opposing first and second side walls extending upwardly from a floor. The first side wall, the second side wall, and the floor define an interior of the frame for transporting material over a surface. A mechanism is configured for adjusting the frame to change the height of the frame relative to the surface. A push block is mounted adjacent the back end of the frame and includes a bumper. A linkage system pivotally connects the push block to the back end of the frame and is configured to maintain a consistent height of the push block from the surface when the mechanism adjusts the frame to change the height of the frame relative to the surface. |
| US07673699B2 |
Sway restrictor bracket for a draft link of a three point hitch
The sway restrictor includes a bracket attachable between the draft link or arm and an adjacent upwardly and downwardly extending structural element of a work machine, and is operable for substantially restricting or preventing relative sideward movement therebetween, particularly swaying of the hitch, while allowing relative upward and downward movements thereof, including tilting movements. |
| US07673698B2 |
Perfect planting tool
A gardening hand tool for digging holes is provided. The tool further comprises a pair of shovel blades aligned parallel to each other and are pivotally attached to the bottom of a shaft member. A handle is attached to the upper end of a shaft member and is pivotally connected to the shovel blades. |
| US07673693B2 |
Hydraulic coiled tubing retrievable bridge plug
A zonal isolation device comprises a packer assembly and an internal setting mechanism operable to actuate the packer assembly from an unset position to a set position, wherein the zonal isolation device is resettable and retrievable. Another zonal isolation device comprises a packer assembly, a setting mechanism operable to actuate the packer assembly from an unset position to a set position in response to hydraulic pressure alone, and a locking mechanism operable to lock and unlock the packer assembly from the set position in response to hydraulic pressure alone. A method for setting a zonal isolation device within a well bore comprises running the zonal isolation device in an unset position within the well bore on a work string, applying a differential pressure between the work string and the well bore, and actuating the zonal isolation device to a set position in response to the differential pressure alone. |
| US07673692B2 |
Eutectic material-based seal element for packers
The present invention relates to a seal element for a wellbore which includes a support member, a bag positioned on the support member and a eutectic material positionable in the bag. The bag may be axially compressed and axially extended along the support member thereby permitting sealing and unsealing of an annulus in a wellbore. The eutectic material may be a phase changing salt. |
| US07673691B2 |
Apparatus for retaining two strings of tubulars
An apparatus for retaining two strings of tubulars characterized in that said apparatus comprises body parts of a device for retaining a single string of tubulars and a converting member. A device for retaining a string of tubulars, said device comprising at least one body part having a curved tapered surface upon which inserts are located for engagement with said string of tubulars characterized in that said curved tapered surface comprises a recess for the passage of cables. |
| US07673690B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic application management in sub-sea well installations
A method for updating a software of a sub-sea controller (31) located under the sea level. The sub-sea controller manages a plurality of tools in a sub-sea well. An application module (35) is downloaded into the sub-sea controller. The application module is executed using a virtual machine (36) implemented within the sub-sea controller. |
| US07673689B2 |
Dual flapper barrier valve
The present invention generally relates to a wellbore tool for selectively isolating a portion of a wellbore from another portion of the wellbore. In one aspect, a method of selectively isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided. The method includes the step of positioning a downhole tool in the wellbore. The downhole tool includes a bore with a first flapper member and a second flapper member disposed therein, whereby each flapper member is initially in an open position. The method also includes the step of moving the first flapper member to a closed position by rotating the first flapper member in one direction. Further, the method includes the step of moving the second flapper member to a closed position by rotating the second flapper member in an opposite direction, whereby each flapper member is movable between the open position and the closed position multiple times. In another aspect, an apparatus for isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided. |
| US07673688B1 |
Casing wiping dart with filtering layer
A dart may include a foam body, a filtering material at least partially covering the foam body, and a mandrel. The foam body may surround the mandrel. |
| US07673687B2 |
Cement compositions comprising crystalline organic materials and methods of using same
A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a composition comprising cement, water, and a heat sink material into a wellbore, and allowing the composition to set, wherein at least a portion of the heat sink material undergoes a phase transition by absorbing at least a portion of the heat released upon hydration of the cement. A method of completing a wellbore, comprising forming a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising permafrost, gas hydrates, or both, preparing a cement composition comprising cement, water, and a heat sink material, placing the cement composition into an annulus formed between a casing and the wellbore, and allowing the composition to set, wherein at least a portion of the heat sink material undergoes a phase transition by absorbing at least a portion of the heat released upon hydration of the cement, thereby reducing an amount of heat transferred from the annular cement to the surrounding permafrost and/or gas hydrates. |
| US07673686B2 |
Method of stabilizing unconsolidated formation for sand control
The invention provides a method for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The method comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a composition through the wellbore into the subterranean formation, wherein the composition comprises: (i) a solvent consisting essentially of an aqueous dissolvable solvent comprising any solvent that is at least 25% by weight soluble in water, wherein the solvent is from about 90% to about 99.9% by weight of the composition; and (ii) a curable resin, wherein the curable resin is from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition; wherein the curable resin and the solvent are mutually selected such that, for the ratio of the curable resin to the solvent, the curable resin is soluble in the solvent; and (b) installing a mechanical sand control device into the wellbore either before or after introducing the composition into the wellbore. |
| US07673684B2 |
ESP/separator assembly and method
An ESP/separator assembly (10) is positioned downhole in a well on a tubular string (18) to pump downhole fluids to the surface. The assembly includes an electric submersible pump (12) and an electrically powered motor (20) positioned below the pump. An electrical cable (22) extends downhole past the motor and to the pump. A generally cylindrical shroud (26) is positioned circumferentially about the pump, the motor, and a portion (24) of the cable extending past the pump and to the motor. A separator (60) is provided at the lower end of the shroud, such that the shroud supports substantially the weight of the separator. |
| US07673683B2 |
Well tool having magnetically coupled position sensor
A well tool having a magnetically coupled position sensor. In operation of a well tool, relative displacement is produced between members of the well tool. A magnetically coupled position sensor includes one magnet assembly attached to a member for displacement therewith and another magnet assembly movably attached to the other member and magnetically coupled to the first magnet assembly for displacement therewith. The position sensor further includes a magnetically permeable material which increases a magnetic flux density between the magnet assemblies. In another position sensor, one magnet assembly includes a magnet having a pole axis, the other magnet assembly includes another magnet having another pole axis, and the pole axes are aligned with each other. |
| US07673682B2 |
Well casing-based geophysical sensor apparatus, system and method
A geophysical sensor apparatus, system, and method for use in, for example, oil well operations, and in particular using a network of sensors emplaced along and outside oil well casings to monitor critical parameters in an oil reservoir and provide geophysical data remote from the wells. Centralizers are affixed to the well casings and the sensors are located in the protective spheres afforded by the centralizers to keep from being damaged during casing emplacement. In this manner, geophysical data may be detected of a sub-surface volume, e.g. an oil reservoir, and transmitted for analysis. Preferably, data from multiple sensor types, such as ERT and seismic data are combined to provide real time knowledge of the reservoir and processes such as primary and secondary oil recovery. |
| US07673676B2 |
Electric submersible pumping system with gas vent
A technique is provided for pumping fluids from a wellbore. An electric submersible pumping system is deployed in a wellbore on a tubing. Free gas can potentially accumulate around the electric submersible pumping system, but a gas vent is positioned to remove free gas. |
| US07673673B2 |
Apparatus for isolating a jet forming aperture in a well bore servicing tool
An embodiment of a well bore servicing apparatus includes a housing having a through bore and at least one high pressure fluid aperture in the housing, the fluid aperture being in fluid communication with the through bore to provide a high pressure fluid stream to the well bore, and a removable member coupled to the housing and disposed adjacent the fluid jet forming aperture and isolating the fluid jet forming aperture from an exterior of the housing. An embodiment of a method of servicing a well bore includes applying a removable member to an exterior of a well bore servicing tool, wherein the removable member covers at least one high pressure fluid aperture disposed in the tool, lowering the tool into a well bore, exposing the tool to a well bore material, wherein the removable cover prevents the well bore material from entering the fluid aperture, removing the removable member to expose a fluid flow path adjacent an outlet of the high pressure fluid aperture, and flowing a well bore servicing fluid through the fluid aperture outlet and flow path. |
| US07673669B2 |
Investment casting cores and methods
To manufacture a casting core, one or more recesses are formed in at least one face of metallic sheetstock. After the forming, a piece is cut from the metallic sheetstock. The piece is deformed to a non-flat configuration. |
| US07673665B2 |
Cordless flexible window covering
A window covering comprises a flexible panel having a top edge and a bottom edge. At least one lift cord is provided for raising and lowering the bottom edge. Each lift cord is connected to one end of a stiffener at a first point and the opposite end of the stiffener is connected to approximately the bottom edge of the flexible panel. The stiffener prevents the folding of the flexible panel between the bottom edge and the first point. The top edge may be connected to a head rail and the bottom edge may be connected to a bottom rail. A motor may be located adjacent the top rail where the lift cord is connected to the motor. |
| US07673663B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having non-linear rib
A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion provided with a nonlinear rib having an amplitude having a center in the tire axial direction. In a normally loaded condition of the tire, the tread portion has an outside tread edge and an inside tread edge when the camber angle of the tire is 0 degrees. In the normally loaded condition, when the a camber angle of 4 degrees is given to the tire to inline towards the outside tread edge, a foot print shape of the tire has a maximum circumferential length at an axial position MC which is off the tire equator towards the outside tread edge. The nonlinear rib is positioned off the tire equator towards the outside tread edge such that the axial position MC lies within the amplitude of the nonlinear rib, and one of the edges of the nonlinear rib on the outside tread edge side is chamfered. |
| US07673662B2 |
Planer/sander wood machine
A guide for a machine tool or tool drive (7) means for moving a surfacing tool over the substantial surface of a work piece (1), said guide comprising a guide means adapted for positioning over said work piece, said guide means including two horizontal spaced apart guide rails (2) and a gantry (3) adapted for linear travel in an X-axis along said guide rails wherein said gantry includes a gantry rail (4) adapted to bridge said spaced apart guide rails, a pair of gantry arms (5) fitted to either end of said gantry rail each gantry arm having a gantry foot for co-operating with said guide rail wherein said tool drive (7) is fitted to said gantry by a gantry mount adapted for lateral movement along the length of said gantry Y-axis, said mount including a vertical Z-axis height adjustment face plate (9) for mounting said tool drive wherein the fitting of said gantry rail to said guide rails is adjustable about said X-axis and the fitting of said tool drive to said gantry mount is adjustable about said Y-axis such that the cutting face of a tool fitted to said drive can be adjusted to correspond to the surface on planar face of said work piece without the need to clamp said work piece to said guide. |
| US07673660B2 |
Filling tubes with catalyst and/or other particulate
Particulate filling devices and methods are disclosed that utilize a swivel connector, a mounting surface connected to the swiveling connector, and several obstacles mounted on the mounting surface. The obstacles are positioned consecutively to form a helix-pattern. |
| US07673659B2 |
Spill avoidance system and venting system for a storage tank using pressure transfer methods
A system for preventing overflow in a storage tank which is fillable via a nozzle inserted in a fill passage includes a nozzle stop such that when an end of the nozzle contacts the nozzle stop, the nozzle is in a fill position. The system also includes a sealing device within the fill passage, which forms an inner sealing space via a first seal around the nozzle below a hole in the nozzle and a second seal around the nozzle above the hole in the nozzle. An airtight passage connects the inner sealing space to an interior of the storage tank. The system may also include a venting system including a tank vent passage between the storage tank and an end of the fill passage and an atmospheric vent passage between the tank vent passage and the external atmosphere. |
| US07673658B1 |
Load line connection spillage container
An injection-molded load line connection spillage container for catching and retaining liquid spilled when liquids are pumped between storage tanks and tankers provides an injection-molded reservoir and an injection-molded cover attached to the reservoir by hinges. Reinforcing ribs molded into the reservoir provide strength and ruggedness without the need for reinforcing steel collars and saddles. Gussets molded into the reservoir hinge brackets ensure repeated stresses produced by energetic opening of the cover does not result in failure of the hinge brackets. An optional load line mounting assembly permits secure mounting of the load line container directly onto the load line. An optional cleanout assembly provides a valved suction line for removing retained spillage, and an optional sampling assembly provides a valved sample line for sampling the liquid being transferred. |
| US07673655B1 |
Composite wrap repair of internal defects
A system and method for repairing and reinforcing a pipeline includes a pair of opposing composite wrap bands that are located on the external surface of the pipeline and positioned a predetermined horizontal distance from a defect area. A composite wrap is then applied over the bands to create a bridge that spans the bands and forms a cavity above the defect area. The bridge eliminates the need to clean the surface of the pipeline directly over the defect area. A second pair of bands located on the external surface of the bridge provides structural support. An actuator within the bridge monitors the pressure within the cavity and activates upon the presence of internal pressure, indicating a through-wall defect has occurred. A fitting may also be inserted into the bridge in order to pressurize the cavity and test the repair. |
| US07673650B2 |
Sensitive fluid balancing relief valve
A pressure regulating valve comprising a diaphragm for control of process pressure is provided. The diaphragm has a reference pressure on a first side and a process pressure on a second side. The second side is engagable with a process void and at least one vent void such that when the process pressure is below the reference pressure the diaphragm is engaged with the vent void. When the process pressure is above the reference pressure the diaphragm is not engaged with the vent void. |
| US07673647B2 |
Inflation valve with pneumatic assist
A pneumatically assisted inflator for gas cylinders comprises an inline configuration such that gas contained within the gas cylinder flows axially through the inflator to be exhausted therefrom and inflate an inflatable article. The inline configuration of the inflator reduces the stress otherwise imparted to the component parts thereof and thereby allows most of the component parts to be manufactured from an injection molded high-strength plastic or the like. The inflator comprises an inflator piston positioned within a piston cylinder that moves against a rotatable cam surface, such as a rotatable collar connected to a pull lanyard, to force a pierce pin to make at least a small pin hole in a frangible seal and allow high pressure gas from the gas cylinder to flow into the piston cylinder, whereupon the high pressure gas in the piston cylinder further moves the inflator piston to more fully force the pierce pin into the frangible seal to fully open the frangible seal. |
| US07673643B2 |
Collapsible canopy having wheels
A collapsible canopy frame is provided that includes elongated side poles each having a side and an end; and a plurality of wheel assemblies each having a mounting post and a wheel. The mounting post of each wheel assembly is supported on and extends transverse to a corresponding one of the elongated side poles. |
| US07673638B1 |
System and method to monitor particles removed from a component
Disclosed is a system and method to monitor and count particles removed from a component. The particle monitoring system includes a jet spray device, a snow generator, a particle collection device, and a particle counter. The jet spray device includes an outlet that is disposed locally relative to the component. The snow generator is operable to generate cleaning snow comprising a stream of ice particles, wherein the cleaning snow is emitted from the outlet of the jet spray device onto the component to cause the ejection of particles from the component. The particle collection device includes a collector that is disposed locally around the component to collect particles ejected from the component. The particle counter is coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the particle collection device. The particle counter is operable to detect and count particles ejected from the component. |
| US07673636B2 |
Powder container
A loose powder container is provided. The powder container includes a cap and a receptacle for storing the loose powder. The cap includes a brush integrated into the cap. The cap also comprises two sections, such that, in an initial position an upper section is aligned with respect to a lower section of the cap. Clockwise rotation of the upper section in order to misalign it with the lower section of the cap, results in the brush protruding from the cap. The brush is completely protruded when the upper section of the cap is re-aligned with the lower section of the cap upon a 180 degree rotation in the clockwise direction. The fully protruded brush is twirled around to pick loose powder through a perforated layer comprised in the receptacle. The brush is retracted upon anti-clockwise rotation of the upper section, to align it in the initial position with the lower section. |
| US07673629B2 |
Safety system and method of a tunnel structure
A breathable air safety system and method having at least one fill site is disclosed. In one aspect, a method of safety of a tunnel structure is disclosed. A prescribed pressure of an emergency support system is ensured to be within a threshold range of the prescribed pressure by including a valve of the emergency support system to prevent leakage of breathable air from the emergency support system. The prescribed pressure of the emergency support system is designated based on an authority agency that specifies a pressure rating of the breathable air apparatus. An air extraction process is expedited from the emergency support system by including a RIC (rapid interventions company/crew)/UAC (universal air connection) fitting to a fill panel to fill a breathable air apparatus. |
| US07673626B1 |
Archery bow having a shooting force greater than drawing force
A bow having a string trained around a string track of a cam wherein the configuration of the string track is variable with respect to the axis of the cam. In one configuration, the string track yields a mechanical advantage when the bowstring is pulled from an at rest position to a drawn position. When the bowstring is released from the drawn position, the string track assumes another configuration. The different configurations that the string track assumes results in the draw force, that is the force required to pull the string from the at rest position to the drawn position, being less than the shooting force, which is the force imparted to an arrow by the string when the string is released from the drawn position. |
| US07673622B2 |
Air filter, secondary air charging system and seal arrangement for a secondary air charging system
A seal arrangement for a secondary air charging system includes a seal sealing a gap between an intake opening of the secondary air charging system and a downstream surface of an air intake filter. |
| US07673619B2 |
Gas vapor control system and method thereof
A gas vapor control system may include a canister for capturing gas vapor that is generated from a fuel, a throttle valve that is disposed substantially in the middle of an intake passage through which air flows into a cylinder of the engine, a gas passage that communicates from the canister to one side downstream of the throttle valve, a purge control valve that is disposed on the gas passage, and a control portion that stops an engine in an idle state and controls a real fuel injection amount that is to be injected while restarting the engine according to a first fuel amount that is included in gas vapor that is discharged into the intake passage. |
| US07673615B2 |
Internal combustion engine knocking judging device and knocking judging method
An engine ECU executes: calculating 15-degrees integrated value integrating vibration intensity for each of six crank angle ranges; detecting an amount of change in the 15-degrees integrated value between ignition cycles; specifying two ranges having larger amounts of change; specifying a crank angle having intensity larger than that of a neighboring crank angle in a search range determined to be the same as the specified ranges; calculating a coefficient of correlation K corresponding to a difference between a vibration waveform and a knock waveform model while the specified crank angle is matched with a timing at which intensity peaks in the knock waveform model; and, if the coefficient of correlation K is larger than a threshold value K(0), determining that knock has occurred. |
| US07673612B2 |
Engine control apparatus and engine control method
A target engine torque after an environmental correction is calculated by interpolating it between an environmentally corrected maximum engine torque and an environmentally corrected minimum engine torque such that a ratio of a nominal target engine torque between a nominal maximum engine torque and a nominal minimum engine torque under a predetermined environmental condition becomes essentially equal to a ratio of the target engine torque between the environmentally corrected maximum engine torque and the environmentally corrected minimum engine torque. The environmentally corrected maximum engine torque is obtained by multiplying the nominal maximum engine torque and a correction coefficient according to the environmental condition together. |
| US07673611B2 |
Leisure vehicle
A leisure vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine as a power unit to drive the leisure vehicle, including a drive wheel, a slip sensor unit configured to detect a slip of the drive wheel, a throttle device mounted to the internal combustion engine, a throttle valve position changing device configured to change a position of a throttle valve of the throttle device, a throttle close operation sensor unit configured to detect that a rider has performed a throttle close operation to close a throttle of the throttle device, and a controller configured to control an operation of the throttle valve position changing device. |
| US07673609B2 |
Internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine in which air-intake valves reciprocate in parallel to the direction of reciprocal motion of pistons, an air-intake structure of an internal combustion engine includes an outward projection of the air-intake port that is reduced to achieve a downsizing of a cylinder head. An air-intake structure includes air-intake valves that are supported by a cylinder head having integrally formed air-intake ports so as to reciprocate in parallel with the direction of reciprocal motion of the pistons. Fuel injection devices are formed integrally with a throttle body on intake manifolds to be connected to the air-intake ports. The air-intake ports extend toward the cylinder head cover along a recess formed on the outer surface of the cylinder head that is connected to the intake manifolds at positions just before reaching the identical plane to a mating surface between the cylinder head and the cylinder head cover. |
| US07673608B2 |
Engine starting for engine having adjustable valve operation
A method for controlling an engine including at least a first cylinder having a first piston and a second cylinder having a second piston, at least one of said first and second cylinders having at least an adjustable valve, the method comprising before engine rotation: closing electrically actuated valves in at least the first and the second cylinder; fueling at least said first cylinder with a first fuel amount based on a position of the first piston and said second cylinder with a second fuel amount based on a position of the second piston; performing a first spark in at least one of said first cylinder and said second cylinder; and applying a starter motor to assist engine starting rotation; after engine rotation, firing each cylinder of the engine in a sequential firing order without changing a number of strokes in any cylinder of the engine. |
| US07673607B2 |
Tappet carrier for barrel engine
A tappet carrier for a barrel type internal combustion engine includes a body having a central bore that is coaxial with a camshaft of a barrel engine. The tappet carrier further comprises a plurality of radially extending bores that are continuous with the central bore so as to allow mechanical communication between the tappets and the camshaft. |
| US07673605B2 |
Rocker arm and method of manufacturing same
A rocker arm that is rockably attached to a cylinder head actuates a valve by a guide groove that is formed at an end thereof engaging with an upper end of a valve stem, and a roller that is mounted in a roller housing portion of the arm main unit contacting against a cam and rocking. The guide groove is formed by press working ends of the arm main unit in the thickness direction of the plate material to form a pair of walls, and thereafter applying sandwiching pressure in the lateral direction to the walls to increase the height thereof. |
| US07673601B2 |
Valve lifter assembly for selectively deactivating a cylinder
A valve lifter assembly for deactivating a cylinder in an internal combustion engine. The valve lifter assembly is provided with a plunger movably disposed within a bore of a main body member to controllably isolate the cam lift from the rocker arm and valve of the engine. The plunger is normally locked in an extended position to transmit cam lift to reciprocatingly operate the valve. At least one locking pin is moveably disposed within the plunger to engage an inner annular groove of the main body member. Pressurized oil is provided to dislodge the locking pins from the annular groove and allow the plunger to move within the main body member, thereby isolating the cam lift from the rocker arm and valve. The deactivating lifter is preferably disposed within the recess conventionally provided for hydraulic valve lifters. |
| US07673598B2 |
Electric camshaft adjuster
The invention relates to an electric camshaft adjuster for adjusting and securing the phase angle of a camshaft of an internal combustion engine with respect to its crankshaft, having a three shaft gearing which is embodied as a harmonic drive (19, 19′) of sleeve design, and a drive wheel (1) which is fixed to the crankshaft and has a first ring gear (2) as well as an output component (4) which is fixed to the camshaft and has a second ring gear (5) arranged next to the first ring gear (2) and an adjustment shaft (10, 10′, 10″, 10′″) which can be driven by an electric adjustment motor, with a wave generator (17, 17′, 17″) which has means for elliptically deforming a flexurally elastic, externally toothed sleeve (18).A way of improving a harmonic drive of sleeve design is for the expenditure on the construction of the harmonic drive (19, 19′) to be lowered by changes to the wave generator (17, 17′, 17″), and for the axial installation space thereof to be lowered by integrating the ring gears (2, 5) into the drive wheel (1) and output component (4) which are pushed axially one into the other. |
| US07673596B2 |
Six-cycle internal combustion engine
Described is a six-cycle internal combustion engine. Four of the cycles are the standard “Otto” cycles, namely intake, compression, power and exhaust plus two additional cycles, a primary intake cycle and a transfer cycle. The two additional cycles act as a supercharger to provide compressed air to the intake port of the “Otto” cycle. The benefit is reduced fuel consumption due to 1 power stroke per every 3rd crankshaft revolution and the ability to vary the intake pressure and create a more favorable torque curve at low to mid RPM. |
| US07673595B2 |
Rotor-piston internal combustion engine
The invention relates to an internal combustion engine comprising a rotor which is mounted in such a way that it can be rotated about a central axis in a housing, and in which cylinders are arranged in the same plane, pistons being introduced into said cylinders, the inner end of said pistons being connected to an eccentrically arranged axis in an articulated manner. The cylinders are rotatably mounted in the outer edge of the rotor respectively with the outer ends thereof, and end in the outer envelope of the rotor. At least one combustion chamber is arranged in the housing, the inner end of the chamber ending in the inner housing wall that surrounds the outer envelope of the rotor. The combustion chamber is arranged at an angle of between 45 and 90 degrees, especially between 70 and 85 degrees, to the radius of the rotor. |
| US07673590B2 |
Method for exhaust heat generation by variable stroke combustion cycles and valves
A method for operating an engine having at least a first and second cylinder, comprising operating the first cylinder with a spark timing more retarded than a spark timing of a second cylinder; and operating one of said first cylinder and second cylinders with a first number of strokes per cycle different from other cylinders of the engine for at least one combustion cycle, wherein said first cylinder operates with valve timing different from said second cylinder. |
| US07673589B2 |
Engine-driven work machine
An engine-driven work machine is provided in which elastic support members (11, 11) are disposed between a lower part of a work unit (U) having an engine (3) and a frame (2) having the work unit (U) mounted thereon, the elastic support members (11, 11) being disposed beneath a crankshaft (17) of the engine on either side of a vertical plane (V) passing through the axis of the crankshaft (17), and restricting means (122) is provided between the work unit (U) and the frame (2), the restricting means (122) restricting the amplitude of swing of the work unit (U) around the crankshaft (17) to within a predetermined angle, and the restricting means (122) being disposed between upper parts of the work unit (U) and the frame (2). Even when the work unit receives a large external force in the lateral direction, swing of the work unit can thereby be restricted to within the predetermined angle. |
| US07673585B1 |
Decorative cat litter box enclosure
A decorative cat litter box enclosure having a furniture like appearance with a pivotal ramp having a lip on three side and a mesh-like material extending between the sides so that when the ramp is closed the interior ramp edge arcs over the litter box depositing any captive litter from the cat's paws back into the litter box. Also provided is a based positioned hinged door to access the litter box which has a plastic liner and drawstring that work in conjunction with an extendable retractable latch located on the exterior front that when extended prevents removal of the litter box while the drawstring is used to close the plastic liner bag. The latch is then retracted and the litter bag is removed for disposal. Also provided on the exterior surface are a plurality of hooks for attaching accessory items as desired by the user which may include dust pan, brush and rubber gloves along with attachable removable food and water dishes. Other decorative elements may be included such as interior scenic landscapes in bright colors and a plant placed on the exterior top of the housing. |
| US07673584B2 |
Vertical pet excrement collection device
A vertical pet excrement collection device. The device is an absorbent fabric collecting sheet mounted on a frame and maintained in a substantially vertical orientation to catch pet excrement emitted that would not land on or be absorbed by a horizontal collection device. In one embodiment, the device is incorporated with and connected to an existing horizontal collection device such as a litterbox. In a second embodiment the collection device is a frame on which an absorbent sheet is mounted, the frame having an interconnected horizontal frame and vertical frame defining a horizontal pad and a vertical pad. Simple and quick removal and replacement of the absorbent material is provided so that a solid sheet may be easily replaced. |
| US07673583B2 |
Locally-efficient inductive plasma coupling for plasma processing system
An inductively coupled plasma source is provided with a peripheral ionization source for producing a high-density plasma in a vacuum chamber for semiconductor wafer coating or etching. The source has a segmented configuration with high and low radiation segments and produces a generally ring-shaped array of energy concentrations in the plasma around the periphery of the chamber. Energy is coupled from a segmented low inductance antenna through a dielectric window or array of windows and through a segmented shield or baffle. An antenna for the source is provided having concentrated conductor segments through which current flows in one or more high efficiency portions that produce high magnetic fields that couple through the high-transparency shield segments into the chamber, while alternating low efficiency conductor segments permit magnetic fields to pass through or between the conductors and deliver only weak fields, which are aligned with opaque shield sections and couple insignificant energy to the plasma. Conductor cross-sectional area or turn density differences may be used to distinguish high and low efficiency sections of the antenna conductor. Coil loops are provided in the high efficiency sections to locally increase inductance. |
| US07673582B2 |
Apparatus and method for removing an edge bead of a spin-coated layer
An edge bead removal device for a spin coater apparatus and methods of edge bead removal that overcome the deficiencies of conventional edge bead removal techniques. The edge bead removal device includes a coater cup and a head situated within the coater cup proximate to a peripheral edge of a substrate. The head is movable in a radial direction relative to an azimuthal axis of a rotatable substrate support inside the coater cup. The position of the head relative to a rim of the peripheral edge is mapped using an optical sensor. When the substrate support rotates the substrate and the head is used to dispense edge bead removal chemical, the radial position of the head is adjusted, as guided by the map, relative to the azimuthal axis to maintain a constant gap between the head and the substrate's peripheral rim. |
| US07673580B2 |
Apparatus and method for coating polyimide layer
An apparatus for coating a polyimide layer includes a print table for receiving a substrate thereon, an inkjet head positioned over the print table and having a jetting surface with a plurality of nozzles for jetting polyimide liquid onto the substrate, and a polyimide liquid supply tank for supplying polyimide liquid, and a wiper movable from one side of the jetting surface to an other side of the jetting surface while the wiper contacts the jetting surface of the inkjet head. |
| US07673578B1 |
Mooring device for boats
A mooring device for mooring a boat at a selected nominal distance from a mooring point, with the boat being movable resiliently toward and away from the mooring point while biased into the selected nominal distance. First and second members are engaged with one another for movement relative to one another in longitudinal directions along the mooring device, and are resiliently biased, by a resilient biasing arrangement, into a nominal length which establishes the nominal distance. A band couples the first and second members for selected relative movement and enables ready adjustment of the length of the mooring device to any desired length within a range of length. A locking arrangement secures the band against movement to retain the first and second members at the selected length. Longitudinal forces exerted upon the mooring device are accommodated by the resilient biasing arrangement which militates against damage that might otherwise occur if the boat were held at a fixed distance from the mooring point or were permitted to collide with the mooring point. |
| US07673572B2 |
Custom planter and method of custom planting
A method of planting test plots of different seeds in a field includes loading a multi-row planter with a first seed, and traversing the field and planting a test plot of the test plot of the first seed in a portion of the test field; automatically removing the first seed from the multi-row planter and loading a second seed into the multi-row planter, and traversing the field and planting a test plot of the test plot of the second seed in the field. |
| US07673567B2 |
Turbofan powered locomotive and monorail
A track and linkage device for a locomotive designed to run on a track and powered by a turbofan engine comprises a track defining a channel having an open upper end and a plurality of ball bearings in the channel such that at least a portion of the ball bearings project through the open upper end of the channel. The ball bearings are at least partially coated with a material for reducing friction. A connector is associated with locomotive and has a slide surface thereon which slides on the ball bearings in the track. The slide surface includes a material on at least a portion of thereof for reducing friction when moving over the ball bearings. |
| US07673562B2 |
Method of forming a reconfigurable relief surface using microvalves
A structure and method of using a reusable master printing plate is described. In one embodiment, the method uses an electric field to control a series of microvalves. The microvalves control a fluid flow that raises or lowers selected regions on a flexible printing surface to create a desired relief pattern. After creating the relief pattern, the pattern is fixed and used for printing. After completion of printing, the relief pattern is removed from the master printing plate and the printing plate may be reused by applying a new pattern. |
| US07673560B2 |
Brewing apparatus for a coffee machine
A brewing apparatus for a coffee machine, in particular for domestic use, comprises a housing (10) which encloses a brewing chamber (19) and has a nozzle assembly (8, 9, 11) arranged on one side and a base (12) with an outflow (40) for the brewed fluid arranged on an opposite side, a sealing element (20) being provided between the nozzle assembly (8, 9, 11) and housing (10). According to the invention, the sealing element (20) is retained on the nozzle assembly (8, 9, 11) such that it can be moved in the direction of the housing (10) and of the brewing chamber (19). Sealing can thus take place straightforwardly and, in addition, it is possible to configure the volume of the brewing chamber (19) in a variable manner via the sealing element (20). |
| US07673558B2 |
Insert, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages
An insert for use in a beverage preparation machine of a type comprising a brew head comprising an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to the brew head and a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage produced by the machine. The insert comprises, or is adapted to contain in use, a quantity of beverage ingredients in a brewing volume. A lower surface of the insert comprises an inlet and an outlet arranged to communicate respectively with the inlet and outlet of the brew head of the beverage preparation machine when the insert is inserted into the machine such that, in use, water from the inlet of the brew head passes upwardly through the inlet of the insert into the brewing volume and such that beverage produced from the water and the quantity of beverage ingredients passes downwardly through the outlet of the insert to flow out of the outlet of the brew head. The lower surface of the insert further comprises a RFID or barcode which, in use, is readable by a RFID or barcode reader of the beverage preparation machine for controlling operation of the beverage preparation machine, wherein the barcode or RFID is located on the lower surface of the insert such that a line joining the outlet of the insert to a center of the barcode or RFID and a line joining the outlet of the insert to the inlet of the insert separated by a minimum angular separation of greater than 70 degrees. |
| US07673556B2 |
Coffee maker and method of use
A coffee maker is provided that is structured to control the temperature of water entering the brewing area, releasably secure a coffee pot in the coffee maker, detect the presence or absence of a coffee pot or mug in the coffee maker, provide a seal between the brewing basket and coffee maker to prevent excess steam from escaping and provide a water supply pressure detection system. A structure for preventing water leaking from an in-wall coffee maker from entering a wall cavity is also provided. A system and method of filtering sediment from water supplied to a coffee maker or other appliance is also provided. |
| US07673555B2 |
Machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee and related method
An embodiment of a machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston assembly disposed in the chamber. The chamber is operable to receive a liquid such as water and a flavor base such as ground coffee, and to allow the beverage to brew from a mixture of the liquid and the base. The piston assembly is operable to filter a solid such as spent coffee grounds from the brewed beverage by moving in a first direction, and to force the filtered beverage out of the chamber by moving in a second direction. By modifying or automating some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, such a machine may control one or more of the brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup. Furthermore, such a machine may brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee. |
| US07673552B2 |
Countermeasure system and method of using the same
The present invention relates to a countermeasure system having a substantially vertical launch tube that is at least generally rotatable about a vertical reference axis that extends through and along a length of the launch tube. This rotation capability of the launch tube may be used to affect an aiming of an associated countermeasure cartridge at least generally disposed therein. One or both the launch tube and countermeasure cartridge of this countermeasure system are generally equipped with a rotation inhibitor for substantially preventing independent rotation of the countermeasure cartridge relative to the launch tube at least when the countermeasure cartridge is disposed within the launch tube. The present invention is also designed to enable the associated countermeasure cartridge to be pitched over to a predetermined pitch angle (relative to the reference axis of the launch tube) to affect a desired flight path after launch of the countermeasure cartridge. |
| US07673551B2 |
Aerial-supported procedure for the detection of landmines
The present invention refers to an aerial-supported procedure for the detection of landmines, duds or similar explosive bodies using a fluorescence procedure, including aerial-supported geo-referencing of the detected locations by means of a digital terrain model. |
| US07673550B2 |
Fiber-reinforced composites for dental materials
A formable fiber-reinforced composite having an inner core of fiber-reinforced composite surrounded by a sheath of fiber-reinforced composite material. The inner core of fiber-reinforced composite has a plurality of longitudinally extending fibers disposed in a resin matrix material and formed in the shape of a rod. The sheath has woven or braided fibers impregnated with a resin matrix material in the form of a sleeve. A method of manufacturing the formable fiber-reinforced composite material is provided. The longitudinally extending fibers in resin matrix material is cured to provide a solid rod. A sheath is placed around the rod. The rod with sheath is treated (e.g., heat, chemical solution, or both) to remove the resin matrix material. Thereafter, the rod and sheath are impregnated with a resin matrix material. The resin is left uncured or partially cured to provide a formable fiber-reinforced composite material. The formable material may be flattened. |
| US07673548B2 |
Cutting workstation rip fence and miter gauge
A cutting workstation which includes a miter gauge. The miter gauge consists of a clamping means whereby the gauge may be fixed to any location upon the length of cutting station work surface. The miter gauge arm is hinged to clamping means by a plate which may be rotated and then fixed at any angle. The arm is extendable and at its distal end exhibits a T shaped plate and fence which itself may be rotated to any angle. The ability to fix the miter gauge at any position along the cutting station work surface along with two means of adjusting angles allows the fence to guide the work piece at virtually any angle. |
| US07673547B2 |
Miter saw capable of displaying angle coincident with predetermined angle
A miter saw including a base, a turntable, and a circular saw unit supported to the turntable. A turntable is rotatable about its axis, and a rotation limit mechanism is provided for limiting rotation of the turntable at a predetermined angle such as 45 degrees. A rotation amount detection unit is provided for detecting rotation amount of the turntable. A control unit is provided for displaying the rotation angle at a display. The control unit computes correction value that makes a rotation angle to be displayed at the display to be coincident with the predetermined rotation angle when the turntable is rotated to the predetermined rotation angle. The rotation angle is computed based on the correction value and on the rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detection unit. |
| US07673546B2 |
Microtome having a cooling device
A microtome (1), having a knife (9) for sectioning a specimen (5) for subsequent microscopic examination, is described. The microtome (1) comprises a cooled specimen holder (2) for receiving the specimen (5), the specimen holder (2) being connected to a coolant circuit (3). Additionally associated with the specimen holder (2) is a cooled thermal conduction plate (4) that can be placed over the specimen (5). |
| US07673543B2 |
Apparatus for making a fracture cut between the cup and the safety ring in plastic caps
An apparatus for making a fracture cut between the cup and the safety ring in plastic caps, which comprises rotary elements provided with at least one mandrel that can be arranged inside the cup and is suitable to produce the rolling, about its own axis of symmetry, of the side wall of the cup along the cutting edge of a blade for making the cut, the blade being associated with an inlet path portion adapted to axially offset the cup with respect to the rotation axis of the mandrel by clamping the side wall against the mandrel; the apparatus also comprises elements for recentering the cup with respect to the rotation axis. |
| US07673541B2 |
Colored razor blades
Colored razor blades are provided. Methods for manufacturing such blades are also provided, including methods involving depositing an oxide coating prior to heat treatment of the blade material and heat treating under conditions selected to enhance the color of the coating. |
| US07673540B2 |
Debris apparatus and method for collecting debris from a drive shaft channel in a transmission apparatus
A debris apparatus and method are provided for collecting small particle debris such as dust and dirt from a transmission apparatus. The transmission apparatus can include a housing having a drive shaft channel for receiving a drive shaft. The debris pocket can include one or more radial ribs, which can be spaced apart when there are two or more, disposed peripherally along an inner wall of the drive shaft channel. The debris pocket can collect small particle debris so that at least a portion of the debris is prevented from further movement along the drive shaft channel where it could potentially interfere with desirable rotational movement of the drive shaft. |
| US07673537B2 |
Parallel manipulator
A manipulator for supporting and displacing an object comprises a base. A moving portion supports the object. Two articulated mechanisms each having five rotational joints between links, with each articulated mechanism being connected to the base by two of the rotational joints. The moving portion is connected to both the articulated mechanisms by moving-portion joints. The articulated mechanisms and moving-portion joints are arranged with respect to each other between the base and the moving portion so as to constrain movement of the moving portion to displacements in two translational degrees of freedom and two rotational degrees of freedom with respect to the base. Four actuators are each operatively connected to a different one of the rotational joints between the base and the articulated mechanisms so as to selectively control the displacements of the moving portion in any one of the four degrees of freedom of the moving portion. |
| US07673536B2 |
Industrial robot
An industrial robot (10) comprising three power transmission units (21, 22, 23) arranged concentrically and three drive means for driving the three power transmission units, respectively, is disclosed. The drive means for at least one of the three power transmission units includes two motors (31, 34). Also, all of the three power transmission units and the three drive means are desirably built into the base (15) of the industrial robot. This configuration makes it possible to have high-duty operation with a comparatively compact structure. |
| US07673533B2 |
Sampling head and sampling device for intact vehicle paint chips in forensic applications
The present invention discloses a sampling head and a sampling device for intact vehicle paint chips for forensic applications, and the sampling head includes: a body being a non-metal cylindrical body and having a circular groove at the external periphery of the body, and an installing groove disposed axially at a front end of the body; at least one O-ring sheathed onto the circular groove and protruded slightly from the surface of the body; a metal head, embedded and fixed axially into the installing groove, and having a small portion protruded from the front distal surface of the body, and the metal head front distal surface has a groove; and a plastic layer, installed in a groove of the metal head, and an external lateral surface of the plastic layer is protruded from the front distal surface of the metal head to form a gluing surface for collecting a sample. In a sampling process, the sampling head is placed into a pneumatic sample pushing device, and the gun muzzle is attached onto the sampling paint position, and the internal compressed air in the air chamber injects the sampling head at the surface of a vehicle, and uses an instant dynamic force to touch and destroy the paint at the surface of a steel plate, plastic steel or plastic substrate of a car body to separate the substrate, and thus the sampling head will contain the removed sample containing the intact paint chip. |
| US07673526B2 |
Apparatus and method of lensing an ultrasonic beam for an ultrasonic flow meter
A method for sensing flow within a pipe having an internal passage disposed between a first wall portion and a second wall portion is provided, comprising the steps of: 1) providing a flow meter having at least one ultrasonic sensor unit that includes an ultrasonic transmitter attached to the first wall portion and an ultrasonic receiver attached to the second wall portion and aligned to receive ultrasonic signals transmitted from the transmitter; 2) selectively operating the ultrasonic transmitter to transmit a beam of ultrasonic signal, which beam has a focal point such that within the pipe, the beam is either colliminated, divergent or convergent; and 3) receiving the ultrasonic signals within the beam using the ultrasonic receiver. An apparatus operable to perform the aforesaid method is also provided. |
| US07673514B2 |
Acceleration sensor having single and multi-layer substrates
An acceleration sensor in accordance with an aspect of the present invention comprises a first substrate, a multilayer second substrate and a sensor portion. The multilayer second substrate is opposed to the first substrate. The multilayer second substrate is provided with an electrode drawing opening. Further, the multilayer second substrate consists of a plurality of layers. The sensor portion (a movable mass body and a fixed electrode) is provided in a sealed cavity portion which is formed between the first substrate and the multilayer second substrate which are opposed to each other. |
| US07673513B2 |
Non-contact shock sensor
The invention relates to a sensor device for monitoring accelerations to which an object is subjected. In order to detect whether a value has exceeded or is below a threshold for the acceleration to which objects have been subjected in the past, i.e. without having visual contact with the sensor, the inventive sensor device includes an acceleration sensor, which is permanently linked to the object to be monitored, so that a relative movement between the acceleration sensor and the object is prevented, and an RFID transceiver for non-contact coupling of electrical energy into the acceleration sensor and for sending out radio signals as a function of the physical state of the acceleration sensor. |
| US07673512B2 |
Angular velocity sensor and electronic device
An angular velocity sensor includes a base portion, three arm portions that extend as one piece from the base portion to an approximately same direction, a piezoelectric film formed on one surface of each of the arm portions, drive electrodes for excitation formed on the piezoelectric films of at least two outer arm portions, and detection electrodes for angular velocity detection formed on the piezoelectric film of at least a center arm portion. Among the three arm portions, the two outer arm portions are excited in phase, and the center arm portion is excited in opposite phase with the two outer arm portions. The drive electrodes excite the arm portions in a first direction vertical to surfaces on which the piezoelectric films are formed. The detection electrodes detect a vibration in a second direction parallel to the surfaces on which the piezoelectric films of the arm portions are formed. |
| US07673510B2 |
Dual axis vibration rate gyroscope
A dual-axis rotational rate sensor having two vibratory masses coupled to a restoring element and driven in a resonant counter-phase motion, wherein the two masses vibrate with equal but opposite amplitudes along a single axis. The vibratory structure also accommodates motion of the masses in a plane orthogonal to the vibratory axis. Measurement of the motion of the masses in two axes in this plane provides signals directly responsive to rotation of the sensor about two orthogonal axes. Measurement and drive is facilitated by the use of magnetic masses and electromagnetic drive and sense transducers. |
| US07673509B2 |
Magnetically coupled drive for a sealed liquid level sender
The internal movement of one embodiment of a sealed fuel level sender employs two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about a pivot. The actuator that is operated by in-tank fuel level has two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about the axis with one pole of each magnet of the actuator confronting an opposite pole of a respective magnet of the movement to provide the magnetic coupling for causing the movement to follow the fuel level while minimizing, and preferably substantially eliminating, cross thrust on the pivot. Pole pieces may be associated with the magnets in a further embodiment. Still another embodiment employs magnets to only one side of the pivot, but with pole pieces that reduce cross thrust. |
| US07673508B2 |
Thermal type fluid flow sensor
A thermal-type fluid flow sensor technology for measuring more precisely the temperature of the heater for an improved sensibility of detecting flow measurements. The thermal-type fluid flow sensor for measuring the air flow rate includes a heating resistive element formed on the semiconductor substrate through a first insulating layer, temperature-measuring resistive elements for heating resistive element for measuring the temperature of the heating resistive element, upstream and downstream temperature-measuring resistive elements for detecting the temperature of air on the upstream side and the downstream side of the air heated by the heating resistive element, and an air temperature measuring resistive element for measuring the temperature of the air heated by the heating resistive element, and at least the temperature-measuring resistive element for the heating resistive element is disposed in the upper layer or lower layer of the heating resistive element. |
| US07673506B2 |
Apparatus and method for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler
An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356). |
| US07673503B2 |
Method for estimating an engine exhaust temperature and method for diagnosing a cylinder pressure sensor using an exhaust temperature estimate
A method for estimating exhaust temperature on an output of an internal combustion engine cylinder, the cylinder including a crankshaft transforming into a rotation a translational movement of a piston mounted sliding in the cylinder, the piston closing a combustion chamber of the cylinder. The exhaust temperature is estimated based on the temperature inside the cylinder at a time of opening of the valve, the temperature inside the cylinder being itself estimated from an angle of rotation of the crankshaft, cylinder pressure, volume of air injected into the cylinder, and flow rate of recycled gases. A method diagnoses a cylinder pressure sensor based on an estimate of the exhaust temperature. |
| US07673502B2 |
Inspection of a continuously variable transmission belt member
A belt (3) of a continuously variable transmission comprises a pair of endless rings (2a) and plural elements (1) held between the pair of endless rings (2a). The endless rings (2) are formed of plural laminated thin plates (2a). A prestress in a compression direction is applied beforehand to the surfaces of the thin plates (2a) by a nitriding treatment. In this process, a defect part (2b) is formed as a hollow in the thin plate (2a) due to scatter in the nitriding treatment. This invention measures the depth of the defect part (2b), and if the measured depth exceeds a predetermined tolerance value, it is determined that the prestress is insufficient. Due to this determination method, a highly precise inspection of the thin plates (2a) forming the endless rings (2) can be performed in a short time. |
| US07673500B2 |
Fluid monitoring apparatus and method
A fluid monitoring apparatus for monitoring a fluid in a fluid mains supply, the apparatus comprising means for connecting the apparatus to the mains supply, a testing chamber, a fluid tester, testing a variable of a fluid in the testing chamber and a purger for purging a volume of fluid from the testing chamber which volume of fluid is substantially larger than the volume of the testing chamber, thereby replacing the fluid in the testing chamber with a new fluid volume. |
| US07673498B2 |
Sealing process inspection device
In a first object the present invention provides a method for the inspection of the quality of the sealing of a packages and more specifically the method of the present invention allows the on-line inspection of the air-tightness of a package. Said method comprising the following steps of (i) acquiring the noise signal generated by the sealing equipment during the sealing of the package, (ii) analyzing the signal in order to determine the values of at least one physical parameter characterizing the noise signal and (iii) deciding on the quality of the sealing by comparing the determined value to a reference value for said physical parameter. |
| US07673490B2 |
Method of making an easy open can end with high pressure venting
An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed. |
| US07673489B2 |
Forging method, forged article and forging apparatus
An axial intermediate portion of raw material is held with a holding die in a state in which the intermediate portion is prevented from being enlarged in diameter. The axial end portions of the raw material is inserted in forming dented portions formed at axial end portions of the holding die. The scheduled diameter-enlarging portions are inserted in insertion passages formed in guides. Then, the scheduled diameter-enlarging portions are simultaneously pressed with punches to fill the material of the scheduled diameter-enlarging portions in corresponding forming dented portion while moving each guide in a direction opposite to a moving direction of each punch, thereby enlarging each scheduled diameter-enlarging portion. |
| US07673487B2 |
Method for forming hollow shaft with a flange and product with hollow shaft formed by the same
There is provided a method for forming a hollow shaft with a flange directly in sheet metal. This method is a method for forming a hollow shaft having a flange portion 17 at the end thereof based on stamping performed on sheet metal 20. The method includes forming an upright portion 14 which is upright with respect to the surface of the sheet metal 20 by using a burring punch 320 and a burring die 310, and bending outward the free end portion of the upright portion 14 radially with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion by using a bending punch and a bending die. Here, the formed hollow shaft has the upright portion 14 protruding upright with respect to the surface and the flange portion 17 radially extending from the end of the upright portion. |
| US07673485B2 |
Hot press forming method
Hot press forming of a steel material is made possible by coating the surface of the steel material with a plated layer of zinc or a zinc alloy and forming thereon a barrier layer which prevents the vaporization of zinc even when heated to 700-1000° C. Corrosion resistance can also be guaranteed without requiring post treatment, and hot press forming of high tensile steel sheet and stainless steel sheet is made possible. The barrier layer is formed by forming an upper plated layer, by surface oxidation, by contact with an oxidizing agent, by contact with Zn and an oxidizing agent, by anodic electrolysis, by cathodic electrolysis, or by coating with a ZnO sol. |
| US07673481B2 |
Key safe apparatus and method
A remotely activated and monitored key safe to allow storage and retrieval of at least one key including: a housing having a generally elongated shape and having a longitudinally extending cavity open through a first axial end of the housing, in fixed relation to a structure: a key holding tray adapted to be slideably loaded into the housing, the tray having a front cover fitted to cover the first axial end of the housing, and the tray having a locking/unlocking mechanism; a communications and command subsystem powered by a power source, the communications and command subsystem adapted to receive remote commands to activate the locking/unlocking mechanism; and a backup power subsystem adapted to allow backup power to be applied to contacts presentable on an accessible surface of the key safe in case of a failure of the power source. |
| US07673479B2 |
Seal seat ring component with locking and venting features
A seal assembly includes a ring component for coupling a seat component to a shaft. The ring component includes a first portion having an annular shape and configured to have a sealed engagement with the shaft. The ring component also includes a second portion having a flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. The ring component is configured to receive the seat component between the flange and the first portion and thus form a seal seat assembly. The flange is configured to mechanically lock the seat component relative to the ring component when the seal seat assembly is disposed on the shaft. |
| US07673474B2 |
Refrigerator with integrated water supply
A refrigerator with a thermally insulated housing and integrated elements, suitable for the supply of potable water which can be connected to an external potable water supply. The surfaces of the integrated elements, provided for coming into contact with the potable water, are at least partly provided with a finish which is effective against microbes and/or fungi. |
| US07673473B2 |
Dehumidification cooling apparatus for an indoor sports facility
A dehumidification cooling apparatus for an indoor sports facility is provided which is capable of realizing dehumidification and cooling at a low operating cost in the indoor sports facility. This apparatus includes: an ice chamber for turning water into ice and storing it; an air supply-and-exhaust pipe which is disposed from the ice chamber to the indoor sports facility, leads to the ice chamber and leads to the upper space of the indoor sports facility; a fan which is disposed in a supply pipe of the air supply-and-exhaust pipe; and a heater which is disposed in the supply pipe of the air supply-and-exhaust pipe. The fan supplies air cooled with the melting heat of ice made in the ice chamber, from the ice chamber through the supply pipe to the upper space of the indoor sports facility; the heater heats the air inside of the supply pipe, to reduce its humidity to a predetermined level; and through an exhaust pipe of the air supply-and-exhaust pipe, the air of the upper space of the indoor sports facility is returned for circulation to the ice chamber, so that dehumidification and cooling are conducted in the space of the indoor sports facility. |
| US07673470B2 |
Refrigerator
According to one aspect, there is provided a refrigerator including a refrigerating chamber formed at a relatively upper portion of a refrigerator body and a freezing chamber formed at a relatively lower portion of the refrigerator body, which comprises an ice-making chamber which is partitioned in the refrigerating chamber by insulating walls and includes an icemaker for making ice and an ice storage for storing the ice made in the icemaker. The temperature in the refrigerating chamber can be accurately controlled, the loss of cold air can be minimized and the structures for supplying water into the icemaker and the dispenser can be simplified. |
| US07673463B2 |
Cooling system methods and apparatus for a refrigeration device
A refrigerator includes a housing defining at least one chamber and a condenser system in which a refrigerant flows. The condenser system includes a condenser, a switching device, and a hot gas loop in flow communication with one another. The condenser system is configured to be in heat transfer relation with the chamber and the switching device is configured to allow the refrigerant to bypass the hot gas loop when a thermal demand of the refrigerator is met. |
| US07673458B2 |
Turbofan engine nozzle assembly and method for operating the same
A method for operating a turbofan engine assembly including a core gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes varying an operating speed of the turbofan engine assembly from a first operating speed to a second operating speed. The method also includes selectively positioning a first arcuate portion and a second arcuate portion of a split cowl assembly to vary a throat area of a fan nozzle duct defined downstream from the core gas turbine engine to facilitate improving engine efficiency at the second operating speed. The split cowl assembly is downstream from the core gas turbine engine and inside the fan nozzle duct. A turbofan engine assembly and nozzle assembly are also provided. |
| US07673454B2 |
Combustor of gas turbine and combustion control method for gas turbine
In a combustor, divisional fluid passages of a first group, and divisional fluid passages of a second group are present on an inner peripheral side, and divisional fluid passages are also present on an outer peripheral side, and swirl air flows are gushed from the divisional fluid passages. When the total amount of fuel supplied to the combustor is small as in a speed increasing state or in a low load state, fuel is injected only into the divisional fluid passages of the first group. Since a fuel injection region is limited to a position on the inner peripheral side, particularly, a specific position, the concentration of a fuel gas comprising a mixture of fuel and air is lean, but is higher than a flammability limit concentration, even when the total amount of fuel is small. |
| US07673450B2 |
Integrated torque converters and assemblies
More efficient, economic vehicular torque converters comprising novel integrated one-piece turbine/impeller blade-core assemblies with innovative fluid coupling means for greater torque capacities. |
| US07673449B2 |
Torus shapes for torque converters
A torque converter in which the inner turbine output diameter or the inner pump input diameter is smaller than the inner stator passage diameter. |
| US07673448B2 |
Diesel exhaust article and catalyst compositions therefor
A self-cleaning diesel exhaust particulate filter system is disclosed wherein burn-off of collected particulate matter is accomplished at normal exhaust gas temperatures, the filter system being provided with a catalyst mixture of a co-formed ceria-zirconia composite and, optionally, a base metal oxide, the presence of which allows regeneration of filters at temperatures that are readily achieved in diesel exhaust systems, including operating conditions that are at low load where lower exhaust temperatures exist. |
| US07673444B2 |
Exhaust gas purification apparatus
An exhaust gas purification apparatus includes an NOx reduction catalytic converter disposed in an engine exhaust passage to reductively purify NOx in exhaust gas using ammonia or its precursor as a reducing agent, a first concentration sensor which detects an ammonia concentration in an exhaust gas moving on a downstream side of the NOx reduction catalytic converter, and a control unit which incorporates therein a computer. The control unit conducts calculation to estimate an ammonia concentration in the exhaust gas moving on the downstream side of the NOx reduction catalytic converter, and when a difference between the ammonia concentration detected by the first concentration sensor and the estimated ammonia concentration by the calculation becomes larger than a first predetermined value, determines that the NOx reduction catalytic converter is deteriorated. |
| US07673436B2 |
Loading assembly for packaging system
A loading assembly for a packaging system includes a carriage coupled and reciprocally moveable relative to a support structure. The carriage is moveable relative to the support structure along a longitudinal axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite said first direction. A continuous loop configured with a plurality of spaced apart receptacles is moveably supported by the carriage. The loop includes a first portion that is moved at a continuous speed relative to the support structure, and a second portion that is alternatively moved and stopped relative to the support structure. Various methods of loading a receptacle are also provided. |
| US07673432B2 |
Double-skin tubular structural members
This invention provides double-skin tubular structural members having fiber-reinforced polymer outer tubes, steel or otherwise generally metallic inner tubes and generally a bound aggregate such as concrete in between the tubes. |
| US07673428B1 |
Boxable mesh adhesive drywall corner trim
A boxable drywall corner trim that can include an elongated semi-rigid member that forms a pair of flanges joined at a grooved hinge along a centerline. Each of the flanges can have a thinner part and a thicker part joined at a step that is approximately parallel to the centerline a predetermined distance from the centerline. The thicker part of the flanges can form a protruding nose member that makes the piece boxable by preventing the cross-over of wet drywall mastic or mud from one flange to the other. The thinner portion of the flange may optionally be perforated with a pattern of punched holes of any configuration throughout the flange assembly. The piece can have a wall-facing paper or other fibrous layer of material that has a tacky adhesive on its wall-facing side. The adhesive can be in a pattern of dots, ridges, lines or any other pattern, or the adhesive can be continuously coated on the surface. This tacky adhesive allows the piece to be applied to the corner, moved, removed and re-applied if necessary. |
| US07673424B2 |
Mobile structure
The invention relates to a mobile structure which is intended for various different uses and purposes and which is of the type that comprises a flat floor chassis with wheels, towing means such that it can be towed by a vehicle and floor support means. The invention is characterized in that the structure comprises: an upper structural shell consisting of two outer frames and at least one intermediate frame, which are connected at the top by lateral and central longitudinal joists, and crossbars forming a plurality of upper cavities which are covered either by laminar sections or skylight elements; and a plurality of independent panels forming the walls of the structure, which are disposed around the structural shell and which can take the form of solid panels or panels comprising a window, a door or an air-conditioning system. The panels are disposed peripherally around the structural shell such that adjacent panels are joined as well as being connected at the bottom to peripheral assembly means belonging to the floor of th chassis and fixed in place using coupling means. The panels are made from frames comprising a pair of hollow lateral posts which are equipped with a plurality of longitudinal grooves on the inner face thereof (racks) and which are connected by a plurality of crossbars and external, internal and lateral cover sheets. The aforementioned racks are designed to receive hooks, supports or brackets or similar furnishings and interior fittings. |
| US07673422B2 |
Modular buildings
A building module has an open-ended box structure and comprises a plurality of interconnected coaxial module segments. Each segment is moulded as an open-ended box structure from a composite material. The segments are held together by elongate tie bars that form part of a lifting frame and extend substantially along the length of the module. The lifting frame comprises end frames that are embedded in end segments of the modules and that are connected to each other by the tie bars. |
| US07673418B2 |
Irrigation system
A horticultural irrigation system comprising a plant growth container. The plant growth container comprises a receptacle for a plant growth medium, a reservoir, a container inlet, a float valve and an outlet means. The container inlet supplies water to the reservoir. The float valve is adapted to close the container inlet when the water in the reservoir reaches a pre-determined level. An outlet means allows the passage of water from the reservoir to the receptacle. |
| US07673417B2 |
Method for self-orienting a planting pot on a tray
Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction. |
| US07673415B2 |
Apparatus and method for regulation of carbon dioxide content in atmosphere
An apparatus to promote plant growth in vast desert areas is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a blocking plate pivotally jointed to at least two support posts. The blocking plate is operated by an electrical motor to turn wheels secured to a rotary rod to extend or pull back cables connecting the blocking plate and the wheels in order to swing the blocking plate between an approximately horizontal position and one or two approximately vertical positions in order to protect the plants underneath and promote plant growth. The apparatus can include a solar cell layer in the blocking plate, or attach a wind turbine at the top of one of the support posts to generate electrical energy from the extreme desert sunlight and windstorm. Further, rain gutters can be formed onto the blocking plate to collect and distribute rainwater. |
| US07673413B2 |
Firearm stock conversion method
A method for upgrading a non-recoil suppressing (NRS) stock to a special operations (Spec Ops) stock with full recoil suppression. The new parts are the slide member and lever that has a cam member mounted on its upper end and an extension spring attached to its bottom end. A locking pin is removed from the stationary slide member and two retainer pins are inserted from the sides into the new slide member to facilitate spring action. This structure functions in the same manner as the recoil reduction structure illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,195. A replacement sleeve has a rib member extending downwardly from its bottom surface. Replacement sleeve and extension spring are assembled in a tubular member to form a second recoil reduction assembly. This recoil reduction structure functions in the same manner as the structure illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,466. |
| US07673412B2 |
Collapsible firearm stock assembly
A collapsible firearm stock system is generally provided and preferably includes a shoulder stock system adapted to receive a buttstock thereon, and a locking linkage having a first linkage portion, a second linkage portion, and a hinge pin operatively uniting the first and said second linkage portions. One of the linkage portions is carried by the shoulder stock assembly so as to define a terminal end therefore, the other of the linkage portions being adapted to be carried by a firearm. Each of the linkage portions are adapted so as to automatically unite in locking engagement upon axial alignment of the shoulder stock assembly with the firearm about the hinge pin. |
| US07673410B1 |
Portable shopping aid
This disclosure provides a portable shopping aid used to mount a shopping list, coupons, or other documents. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the aid is configured to sacrifice a writing surface in favor of portability, by providing a small body that may be easily inserted into a pocket or handbag. The body includes a clamp for mounting the aid onto a push bar of a shopping cart, for hands free viewing during shopping, as well as a document clip mechanism that clips documents by their ends closest to the push bar. In order to provide structural rigidity to retained documents, and notwithstanding the absence of a writing surface or clipboard, the clip mechanism is configured to crease documents. The shopping aid also includes feet for standing the aid upright, on a flat surface, and means for mounting the aid magnetically on a refrigerator wall, in all cases such that retained documents are presented in a convenient reading orientation. The aid is further designed so that it can be made in a single mold, thereby lowering design costs. |
| US07673404B2 |
Electric steam iron
An electric steam iron includes a housing, a water tank within the housing, a bottom plate to which the housing is secured, a heating device in the bottom plate for heating the bottom plate, a boiling chamber inside the bottom plate, and a further independent steam boiler above the bottom plate, and having an inlet in fluid communication with the water tank and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the boiling chamber, such that steam from the steam boiler will be supplied to the boiling chamber in the bottom plate and further heated by the high temperature of the bottom plate, so that little drops in the steam will be fully boiled, thereby providing a high purity of the steam sprayed out of the bottom plate. |
| US07673402B2 |
Self-propelled work machine
A self-propelled work machine, in which the load of the work unit increases according to an increase in the travel speed. The self-propelled work machine includes electric motors for driving the travel units, an engine for driving the work unit, a work drive instruction unit for instructing the work unit to turn on, and a control unit for controlling the electric motors. The control unit reduces the actual speed of the electric motors by using PID control so that the actual rotational speed of the engine returns to a reference rotational speed when the actual rotational speed of the engine falls below the reference rotational speed in the state in which the work unit is turned on by the work drive instruction unit. The reference rotational speed is a reference value used when the work unit is driven by the engine. |
| US07673401B1 |
Snow removal apparatus
The snow removal apparatus has a tubular handle having a first end spaced apart from a second end, a threaded cap selectively fitted to the second end. A cavity within the handle is extended from the second end to proximal to the first end. The scoop has a scoop front spaced apart from a scoop back, a first side spaced apart from a second side, the scoop back affixed to the first end of the handle. An outlet exits the handle first end and is joined to the scoop back. The scoop has a floor extended from the scoop back to the scoop front and from the first side to the second side. A button is disposed on the handle for selectively releasing a material from the cavity into the scoop, such materials useful in snow melt and in aiding auto traction, for example. The bristles disposed on the scoop front are especially useful in snow removal from auto glass. |
| US07673400B2 |
Golf shoe outsole
The present invention is directed towards a golf shoe outsole that is comprised of a generally soft, and flexible base having a plurality of raised portions on the lower surface of the base, a pair of flexing supports that are placed on the lower surface of the base in an abutting relationship with the raised portions, a pair of chassis that fit over and about the base and a two-piece arch support that acts as a shank for the arch section of the base. The base has a plurality of raised portions that are of a size shape, and number to correspond and mesh together with a plurality of cleat containing pods that are molded to both chassis. The two-piece arch support allows for the necessary rigidity in the arch area of the shoe which is vital for a good golf swing. |
| US07673398B2 |
Shoe for sports
A shoe for sports that includes a shoe upper portion that is adapted to cover a user's foot, a ground friction device that is adapted to increase friction on a ground and an outer sole that is adapted to surround the user's foot together with the shoe upper portion. The outer sole includes one or more through holes, a top surface that supports the user's foot and a bottom surface. The ground friction device is assembled to the outer sole by being inserted into the through holes. The through hole includes a hole threaded portion, a lower end that is adjacent to the bottom surface of the outer sole and an upper end that is adjacent to the top surface of the outer sole. |
| US07673395B2 |
Dryer bar apparatus of a dryer
A dryer bar apparatus of a dryer for drying a web in a papermaking machine includes a number of turbulence bars circumferentially spaced equidistantly around the inner surface of the dryer shell for generating turbulence within a layer of condensate. The arrangement is such that uniformity of the transfer of thermal energy in the cross machine direction is maximized while the transfer of thermal energy through the dryer shell from the inner to the outer surface is minimized. Also, the number of turbulence bars is determined by the equation: N=int{2πRi/[4π(Ri/d)½+W]} in which: N=the number of turbulence bars in the dryer shell; int=an integer number of a value in { } brackets; π=3.1415; Ri=the inside radius of the inner surface of the dryer shell in inches; d=an average depth of the layer in inches; W=a width of each of the turbulence bars in inches. |
| US07673394B2 |
Template for cutting wall board to fit fluted deck ceilings
It is extremely important that wall board form a tight seal between the top of wall board and when fluted deck is the roof that meets the wall board. The present invention relates to a template useful for preparing wall board or related building material to match the fluting pattern of fluted deck panels to form a seal between the decking panels and walls of a building. |
| US07673390B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing hub assemblies
A method and apparatus for assembling bearings and a stub into a bore of a hub. The apparatus includes a block defining a receiving position for the hub. A feed mechanism arranges plurality of bearings in the form of an annular array. A first mandrel is axially displaceable toward one side of the hub to push the annular array of bearings into the bore of the hub. A second mandrel is axially displaceable toward an opposite side of the hub to push a stub within the annular array of bearings in the bore of the hub. The stub includes at least one outwardly biased detent for retaining the bearings in the hub. |
| US07673389B2 |
Cold plate apparatus and method of fabrication thereof with a controlled heat transfer characteristic between a metallurgically bonded tube and heat sink for facilitating cooling of an electronics component
Cold plate apparatuses and methods of fabrication are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronics component. The fabrication approach includes: forming a tube with a first metal and having first and second ends with a heat transfer region disposed therebetween; positioning the heat transfer region of the tube within a mold and casting a heat sink member around the tube by contacting a second metal in molten form over the tube, wherein the first and second metals react peritectically to form an alloy layer between the tube and the heat sink member, and a metallurgical bond is formed between the tube and heat sink member with cooling of the molten second metal; and controlling casting of the heat sink member to minimize a thickness of the alloy layer to enhance a heat transfer characteristic of the metallurgical bond formed between the tube and the heat sink member. |
| US07673388B2 |
Method of forming fracture start portion of ductile metal part and fracture start portion forming device
This is a method of forming a fracture start portion of a ductile metal part on an inner circumferential face of a through hole by irradiating laser to an opposing position of the inner circumferential face of the thorough hole of the ductile metal part having a predetermined through hole and by forming a large number of recess portions separated with a predetermined distance at a predetermined interval from one opening to the other opening of the through hole, in which a recess part is formed, instead of by focusing the laser exactly onto the inner circumferential face of the through hole, by irradiating it onto the inner circumferential face of the through hole while defocusing from the inner circumferential face of the through hole by a predetermined amount as well as by supplying an assist gas to a position of the laser irradiation, and the laser is moved linearly at a predetermined speed from one side opening to the other side opening on the inner circumferential face of the through hole while irradiating the laser onto the inner circumferential face of the through hole at a predetermined pulse. |
| US07673386B2 |
Flip-chip component production method
The electrical and mechanical connection between a component chip and a carrier substrate having electrical wiring is realized by means of bumps. A support frame that is adapted in its height to the height of the bumps is arranged between the carrier substrate and the component chip and has a planar or planarized surface, so that it contacts closely to the bottom side of the component chip. Different covers are proposed for the additional encapsulation. |
| US07673385B2 |
Laminated structure method
A laminated structure having an electrode hard to peel off and a method of manufacturing the laminated structure. The laminated structure has: a backing substrate; a lower electrode including an adhesive layer containing a metal oxide and a conductive layer formed on the backing substrate with the adhesive layer therebetween; a dielectric layer disposed on the lower electrode; and an upper electrode disposed on the dielectric layer. Further, the method includes the steps of: (a) disposing a lower electrode by forming a conductive layer on a backing substrate with an adhesive layer containing a metal oxide therebetween; (b) disposing a dielectric layer by spraying powder of a dielectric material to the lower electrode for deposition; (c) heat-treating the dielectric layer; and (d) forming an upper electrode on the dielectric layer before or after step (c). |
| US07673384B2 |
Nut runner and hexabot robot
A six degree of freedom servo driven robot having a seventh axis servo motor for rotating servo driven nut runners affixed to swing arms about a radius. The robot offering flexibility within high production manufacturing and automotive assembly processes by realizing translational movement of servo driven nut runners about seven degrees of translation for fastening component parts of a work product within a work envelope. |
| US07673383B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing a complete wire harness from a plurality of partial harnesses
An apparatus for manufacturing a complete wire harness from a plurality of wire harnesses have a first transferring unit, an inserting unit and a removing unit. The first transferring unit transfers a wire clamping bar, which holds a partial harness having a plurality of electric wires, to a wire-harness fabricating station. The inserting unit inserts terminals disposed at ends of the plurality of electric wires into predetermined terminal accommodating chambers of predetermined connectors set on a connector receiving jig. The removing unit removes the emptied wire clamping bar. |
| US07673381B2 |
Method of manufacturing head suspension
A method of manufacturing a head suspension includes forming a rigid part chain product where the rigid parts are provided continuously, including forming a plate-like framework for formation of the rigid part including formation margins for formation of the rails and forming a deformable part along a longitudinal curve of each formation margin and forming the rails by bending the formation margins to rise, forming a resilient member chain product where the resilient members are provided continuously, forming the flexures, forming the bases, and a stacking and coupling step stacking and coupling the rigid part chain product, the resilient member chain product, the bases, and the flexures, to form a stacked set, and cutting and separating respective head suspensions from the stacked set. |
| US07673378B1 |
Method of manufacturing decorative carpet tile
A method of producing a decorative carpet tile may include providing a carpet tile in accordance with the prior art techniques and then treating the carpet tile in one of various manners to provide a separation internal to side edges of the carpet tile. The treatment can include tip shearing side portions relative to an internal portion to provide at least one discontinuity, dripping colors to provide a frame, carving, burning, or otherwise providing a separation internal to the side edges of the carpet tile in various disclosed embodiments. |
| US07673377B2 |
Fastener insertion apparatus and method
A rivet is inserted into a workpiece by an apparatus that includes an internal roller screw linear actuator in which rotational movement of an internally threaded cylinder is converted into linear movement of a fastener insertion actuator assembly. The cylinder is driven in rotation by a servo-controlled motor. The angular velocity of the cylinder required to deliver the required energy to effect fastener insertion is calculated and the motor is first controlled to accelerate the cylinder up to the calculated angular velocity, the actuator assembly simultaneously being moved by the cylinder towards the workpiece. The motor is then controlled to maintain the angular velocity of the cylinder at not less than the calculated magnitude at least until insertion of the fastener. The cylinder stores kinetic energy by virtue of its inertia. Using this inertia to insert fasteners eliminates the need for position or force feedback control. The process allows for a rapid cycle time and the apparatus is compact. |
| US07673376B2 |
Device for fabricating a toothing at a three-dimensional body produced by forming and fine blanking
A device for fabricating a toothing at an inner facing edge of a three-dimensional pot-shaped body produced by forming and fine blanking exclusively implemented by cutting and/or shaving with a fine blanking die and/or a shaving device. The device includes a base plate and a pressure pad between which the pot-shaped body is receivable. A pilot die is received within a hollow space of a die and is biased in an advancement direction of the die such that a portion of the pilot die protrudes from the hollow space and contacts the base of said pot-shaped body before the die when the die is advanced in the working direction. A groove is thereby created between said curved edge of the pot-shaped body and the pilot die for leading a fine blanking burr or shaving chips into the recess of the pot-shaped body. Further advancement of the die fixing and pressing the burr or the chips into the recess. |
| US07673373B2 |
Frameless glass door clamp
A frameless glass door clamp has a clamping member, a base cover and a cap cover. The clamp member has a base side surface and a cap side surface. The base cover is mounted on the base side surface and has a panel, multiple flanges, a tapered face and multiple rounded outer edges. The cap cover is mounted on the cap side surface and has a panel, a multiple flanges, a tapered face and multiple rounded outer edges. Because the outer edges of the base and cap covers are rounded, the frameless glass door clamp is much less likely to injure people or damage objects and is easier to manufacture. |
| US07673372B2 |
Block and tackle balance assembly with brake shoe
A sash balance brake shoe assembly (2) is disclosed for counterbalancing a sash window (3) slidably supported within a master frame (5). The assembly generally includes a balance assembly preferably in the form of a block and tackle balance assembly (7) and a brake shoe (28). The balance assembly has a balance channel (6). The brake shoe (28) has an extension member (36) that is received by the balance channel (6). A fastener (42) directly connects the brake shoe (28) to the balance channel (6). |
| US07673371B1 |
Vacuum broom apparatus
A vacuum broom apparatus for removing particulate debris from surfaces such as those of floors includes a housing which has an upper wall from which protrudes a vacuum inlet tube connectable to a vacuum power source. The housing includes a shroud which protrudes downwardly from the upper wall and peripherally surrounds a broom which protrudes downwardly within the shroud through a bottom opening thereof. One or more vacuum nozzles which communicate with the vacuum inlet tube are positioned adjacent to the broom. Optionally, a front wall of the shroud is elastically flexible to thereby effect an air dam between a lower edge of the front wall and a floor surface against which it may be pressed. Also, the broom may take the form of a block which at least partly encloses a lower entrance opening of the shroud, the block having a lower surface from which bristles protrude downwardly, and a plurality of vacuum passageways interspersed within the bristles and which have lower debris entrance openings in the lower surface of the block, and upper debris exit openings through an upper surface of the block which communicates with a negative pressure region of an interior region of the shroud. |
| US07673365B1 |
Adjustable tool for finishing concrete surfaces
A tool assembly includes a handle section including operably connected linear sections. A proximal section has a handle portion and a distal section has a fixed longitudinal length protruding away from the proximal section. A float is included having planar top and bottom surfaces. The assembly also includes mechanisms for pivotally connecting the float to the handle section, for pivotally attaching the proximal section to the distal section, and for rotatably connecting the proximal section to the distal section. A mechanism is also included for telescopically adjusting a length of the proximal section. A carrying case is included for housing the float and the handle section therein, and is provided with an articulated lid attached thereto. The pivotally connecting mechanism, the pivotally attaching mechanism, the rotatably connecting mechanism, and the telescopically adjusting mechanism are independently and simultaneously operable. |
| US07673362B2 |
Wheel cleaning apparatus for a wheelchair or the like
A tire-cleaning device for a wheelchair or other wheeled device, such as a scooter, which includes a pair of rotatably-mounted rollers positioned to support at least one wheel of the wheelchair. A rotatably-mounted cleaning brush is positioned between the rollers. The rollers are activated in a direction opposite that to the brush such that the rollers and brush rotate in opposite directions causing the brush to rotate in a direction opposite the tire of the rotating wheel of the wheelchair in order to effect the best cleaning mode. Cleaning fluid is drawn to the tire of the wheelchair by the rotating brush. |
| US07673361B2 |
Unitary sheet and air filter for cleaning implement
A cleaning implement having a dirt bin for collecting debris from a floor, a cleaning sheet and an air filter. The cleaning sheet and air filter comprise a unitary assembly. When the user discards a soiled sheet, the soiled air filter is likewise discarded. This process prevents the air filter from becoming unduly clogged, and diminishing the performance of the cleaning implement. |
| US07673360B2 |
Dental cleaning device
An electric toothbrush with a removable brush section having a transponder communicating with a handle portion of the toothbrush via a non-contacting inductive coupling. |
| US07673357B1 |
Bottle opening and portable data storage apparatus
An apparatus for opening bottles and storing data has an enclosure formed from a pair of semi-enclosed casings that includes a gripping member having a pair of tabs for grasping and removing caps from bottles. The enclosure provides a protective shell for a portable data storage device that may be pivoted outwardly from within the enclosure when the device is in use. The data storage device includes a universal serial bus plug and can be used with any electronic device having a universal serial bus port, such as a desktop computer, notebook computer, communications device, and the like. The apparatus may be carried separately or can be attached to another carrying device or hung on a hook. |
| US07673356B1 |
Head and neck support apparatus
A flexible tubular frame, comprising an upper section and a lower section, supports a person's neck and head for hygienic, therapeutic, or cosmetic purposes. The upper section has a depressed portion shaped for supporting a person's neck when the person lies within the open ends of the base frame and the upper frame. |
| US07673349B2 |
Headwear with integrated spectacles
A cap in combination with spectacles that are removably coupled to the underside of the cap's visor. The spectacles are pivotally movable from a first deployed position, where the lenses are disposed in front of a user's face to a second stowed position, where the spectacles underlie the visor. The pivoting mechanism is axially biased to provide constant pressure to hold the spectacles in substantially any position. |
| US07673348B2 |
User wearable wire control system
A user wearable wire control system and associated processes that can be utilized to control a dangling wire along a user's body. The user wearable wire control system includes a first layer and second layer that are configured to form a sleeve with a hollow portion disposed therein. The sleeve is adapted to encase a least a portion of a wire. The sleeve includes a first aperture at a first end portion configured to allow at least a portion of the wire to enter the sleeve and a second aperture at a second end portion configured to allow at least a portion of the wire to exit the sleeve. As such, a wire that would otherwise dangle loosely along the body of a user may be at least partially encased in the sleeve and may reduce the danger and/or inconvenience of a dangling wire. |
| US07676846B2 |
Binding content to an entity
The present invention enforces digital rights within the confines of a content license by validating an entity certificate. Cryptographic information within a entity certificate is utilized to unlock protected content and authenticate the entity certificate. The entity certificate includes personal credentials, which have information that the entity is unwilling or uncomfortable to share publicly. For example, the personal credentials may include private information, or information associated with a personal object that cannot consume the protected content, or both. |
| US07676845B2 |
System and method of selectively scanning a file on a computing device for malware
In accordance with this invention, a system, method, and computer-readable medium that selectively scans files stored on a computing device for malware is provided. One or more files may be sent from a trusted source to a computing device that implements the present invention. The integrity of the files that originate from a trusted source is validated using a signature-based hashing function. Any modifications made to files stored on the computing device are tracked by a component of the operating system. In instances when the file is not modified after being validated, an aspect of the present invention prevents the file from being scanned for malware when a scanning event is directed to the file. As a result, the performance of the computing device is improved as static files from trusted sources are not repeatedly scanned for malware. |
| US07676844B2 |
Signal reproducing system
Based on user identification data transmitted together with a compressed data from a portable reproducing apparatus, if an apparatus recognizes that a user who purchased and downloaded the compressed data is the same as a user who owns the apparatus, the audio apparatus stores and holds the compressed data after reproducing the signal from the compressed data by the decoder unit and the data processing unit. Alternatively, if it recognizes that the user who purchased and downloaded the compressed data is not the same as the user who owns the apparatus, it removes the compressed data after reproducing the signal from the compressed data by the decoder unit and the data processing unit. |
| US07676842B2 |
System and method for detecting malicious code
A method of detecting malicious code in computer readable code includes performing an initial determination to determine whether a first portion of the computer readable code may potentially have malicious code and if it is determined that the computer readable code potentially has malicious code, performing another determination to determine whether a second portion not including the first portion of the computer readable code has malicious code. |
| US07676839B2 |
Systems and methods for access control
The disclosure describes various systems and methods for access control. One such method includes providing an access control module that is capable of operating at least a first carrier frequency and a second carrier frequency. In addition, the method includes providing a first access credential that operates at the first carrier frequency, and providing a second access credential that operates at the second carrier frequency. Various other systems, methods and features are also described herein. |
| US07676836B2 |
Firewall system protecting a community of appliances, appliance participating in the system and method of updating the firewall rules within the system
The invention relates to the protection by firewall of a domestic community of interconnectable appliances.The invention allows distributed and totally decentralized management of the firewall policy, implemented at the level of each appliance, which is consistent and adapts dynamically to the changes occurring within the domestic network. We shall speak of ubiquitous firewalls. |
| US07676835B2 |
System and method for regulating access to objects in a content repository
A content management system integrated with a web caching proxy that delivers content according to access control rules. An access control token is generated using a secret key when a user selects a desired object (to be provided only upon token validation, thus the object retrieval and delivery task can be delegated). However, tokens for other content and/or for other users could be generated by a rogue resource manager. If the desired object is already cached, the proxy asks the resource manager to validate the token and then selectively provides the desired object without contacting a library server. Alternately, the proxy itself performs the token validation, but must coordinate with the library server to ensure it has the latest secret key. Finally, the tokens may contain digital signatures generated with a private key and validated with a corresponding public key, so that private keys need not be distributed. |
| US07676833B2 |
Login screen with identifying data
Techniques are described which may be employed to provide a login screen with identifying data. In an implementation, a login screen is displayed having an image that identifies a user. Credentials are received via the login screen to log the user onto a service provider over a network. |
| US07676831B2 |
Role-based access control management for multiple heterogeneous application components
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to access control and provide a method, system and computer program product for access control management for a collection of heterogeneous application components. In a first embodiment, a data processing system for role-based access control management for multiple heterogeneous application components can include at least one business role descriptor associating a business role with multiple, different application roles for corresponding, disparate application components. The system also can include at least one access policy associating a user with the business role. Finally, the system can include policy deployment logic include program code enabled to process the access policy to assign the user to the different application roles in the disparate application components. |
| US07676826B2 |
Technique for communicating relatively high and low priority data between a terminal and a remote location
In a cable network providing, among others, interactive video services, data cells carrying real-time data concerning, e.g., trick mode commands (pause, rewind and fast-forward) initiated by a user are instantly transmitted to a headend facility for immediate processing. The invention is premised upon a recognition that such real-time data typically does not fully utilize the transport capacity of the data cells. In accordance with the invention, non-real-time (NRT) data to be transmitted to the headend facility, although accorded a lower priority than the real-time data, is inserted into those underutilized data cells before their transmission, thereby fully exploiting the transport capacity of the data cells. |
| US07676825B2 |
Method for transmitting audi-visual programs proposed by users, terminal and server
The present invention concerns a method of receiving audiovisual programs transmitted to terminals. The users of the terminals choose a program from a catalogue and make a proposition to a server to download it to their terminals. The proposition is accompanied by a price and/or deadline. The server analyzes the propositions it receives and, taking account of its profitability constraints, decides whether or not it will transmit the program. Depending on the case, it sends the acceptance to each user who has made a proposition with profitable parameters for the transmission of the program and gives the users the means of receiving the program for viewing. The decision to transmit the program is determined according to various strategies the common criterion of which is profitability. The invention also concerns a terminal and a server for the implementation of the method. |
| US07676822B2 |
Automatic on-screen display of auxiliary information
A system, method and apparatus for displaying real time auxiliary information from a secondary source or input signal in combination with a program from a separate primary source. The auxiliary information (e.g. textual, graphical or video images) is selectable and is received through a second, integral or stand-alone tuner. The selected information can be displayed (1) continuously, (2) at predefined regular intervals, or (3) as the (defined) event(s) occur either in real time or in memory to provide a short delay time. The auxiliary information may be part of a currently transmitted data stream or as a separate data stream. |
| US07676816B2 |
Systems and methods for integrating services
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for executing a service using a set of software plug-ins. The method may include generating, at a first computer, a service request to execute the service. The method may also include processing, at a second computer, the generated service request using the set of software plug-ins associated with the service to create a modified service request by executing each of the software plug-ins in a sequence. Further, the method may include executing, at a third computer, the service using the modified service request and processing, by a second set of software plug-ins based on the sequence, a result from the executing step. |
| US07676814B2 |
Four layer architecture for network device drivers
The present invention is a four layer architecture that includes reusable components that can be used in varied operating environments and with varied network devices. The architecture includes an operating system dependent layer, an operating system independent layer, a media independent layer, and a media dependent layer. The operating system dependent layer can vary for differing operating system. In contrast, the operating system independent layer is identical or substantially similar for differing operating systems. Similarly, the media independent layer is identical or substantially similar for different network devices (e.g., a family or group of network devices). The media dependent layer can vary according to differing and varied network devices. |
| US07676809B2 |
System, apparatus and method of enhancing priority boosting of scheduled threads
A system, apparatus and method of enhancing priority boosting of scheduled threads are provided. If, while being executed by a second CPU, a second thread determines that it has to wait for a lock on a shared resource held by a first thread that is scheduled to be executed by a first CPU, the second thread may boost the priority of the first thread by passing its priority to the first thread if its priority is higher than the first thread's priority. Further, to enhance the priority boost of the first thread, the second thread may reschedule the first thread to be processed by the second CPU. By having been rescheduled on the second CPU, the second thread may be dispatched for execution right thereafter. |
| US07676807B2 |
Method and system for cascaded processing a plurality of data objects
Systems and methods are provided for cascaded processing a plurality of data objects. Each data object may be assigned to a folder among a plurality of folders, wherein a main process distributes the plurality of folders to a corresponding number of parallel processes of a first tier of processes. Each parallel process may select the data objects to be processed for the respective folder, split the selected data objects into packages of appropriate size, respectively, and distribute the packages similar to a cascade to a corresponding number of further parallel sub-processes of a second tier of processes, whereupon each package is processed. |
| US07676805B2 |
Wireless sensor node executable code request facilitation method and apparatus
A wireless sensor node can request, responds to requests for, and maintain executable code (101), including executable code for which the wireless sensor node is itself tasked with executing. Upon receiving (102), however, a request for executable code that the wireless sensor node is not itself tasked with executing, one determines (103) whether to forward that request. This determination can be based upon any of a variety of decision-making criteria as may pertain to a given application setting (such as whether a different wireless sensor node is, in fact, already responding to this request for executable code, information regarding a number of hops to a known point of executable code injection as may be required to facilitate transport of the executable code from that source to a requesting wireless sensor node, and whether the wireless sensor node itself has locally cached the requested executable code). |
| US07676804B2 |
Systems and method for remotely modifying software on a work machine
A method and system are provided to perform a process of wirelessly providing software updates to a target module located in a work machine. In one embodiment, the process includes determining whether a software update condition exists for software stored in the target module and when such a condition does exist, delivering software update data from a remote off-board system to the work machine. Further, the work machine may determine a location of the target module and whether an update delay condition exists. Also, the process may include delivering the software update to the target module if no update delay condition exists, and delaying the delivery of the software update data to the target module if an update delay condition does exist. |
| US07676802B2 |
System, and associated method, for downloading an application
A method for facilitating the downloading of an application from a server computer to a client device, whereby the client device generates to the server computer an initiation request for information describing available applications. In response to receipt of the initiation request, the server computer retrieves, for each available application, information describing the respective application, and a link to an application descriptor for the respective application. The server computer transmits the information and link to the client device, which in turn displays the information and stores the link. When the user selects an application, the link for the selected application is recalled and is reached on the server computer for retrieval of the application descriptor. From the application descriptor, the client device may determine whether the application fits the device profile and, hence, whether to download the application. |
| US07676801B1 |
Scanning of evacuated objects in a generation managed by the train algorithm
In computer systems including memory which execute programs of instructions, vtables associated with objects contain pointers which invoke operations to be performed by the program which are related to the objects. The operation invoked may include the step of modifying the pointer such that upon a subsequent reference to the vtable a different operation is invoked. In one embodiment, such vtables are utilized in conjunction with garbage collection methodologies such as those that invoke the train algorithm, such that operations such as reference processing, insertion and scanning during garbage collection may be invoked by pointers in vtables associated with cars or objects in the cars, and the vtables may invoke differing versions of the said operations depending on the characteristics and past history of the car or object, and upon an operation being executed the operation may change the pointer so that a different version of the operation is performed upon a subsequent reference to the vtable associated with the car or object. |
| US07676799B1 |
Address simplification by binary transformation
A method for optimizing executable code includes identifying a plurality of instructions in the executable code matching a predetermined instruction pattern, assessing whether the binary number conforms to a predetermined bit pattern, and transforming the plurality of instructions into transformed instructions when the binary number conforms to the bit pattern. |
| US07676790B1 |
Plasma processing system component analysis software and methods and systems for creating the same
A method for generating plasma processing system component analysis software is provided. The method includes defining component specifications for a plurality of components. Each of the plurality of components implements at least one of a user-interface function, a logic operation function, an input function, and an output function for analyzing a plasma processing system component. Defining includes selecting the plurality of components from a component panel of a visual integrated design editor architecture (VIDEA), thereby causing the plurality of components to be disposed in a layout format in the VIDEA. Defining also includes specifying properties of each of the plurality of components by performing at least one of selecting from predefined properties and defining parameters for the properties. The method also includes saving the plurality of components after the defining in a mark-up language configured to be executable by a browser without requiring prior compiling. |
| US07676788B1 |
Architecture and method for executing program builds
A method is described comprising: scheduling jobs for a program build to execute in parallel across a plurality of nodes; predicting the files required to complete each of the jobs; and preloading the files to each node prior to the execution of each job. |
| US07676781B1 |
Method and mechanism for implementing a minimum spanning tree
Disclosed is an improved method, system, and mechanism for using and constructing a minimum spanning tree. In one approach, each iteration of the process for constructing a minimum spanning tree calculates at most two additional point-pairs for nearest neighbors of points previously added to the tree. These additional point-pairs are appended to a list of point pairs, and the point-pair having the shortest distance is selected and added to the minimum spanning tree. Any metric can be employed to determine nearest neighbors, including Euclidean or Manhattan metrics. An advantage is that not all point-pairs need to be examined, greatly increasing speed and efficiency. Since every point-pair does not have to be examined, a preprocessing step is not required to reduce the number of point-pairs being considered. The resultant minimum spanning tree can be used to facilitate the routing process for an integrated circuit. |
| US07676779B2 |
Logic block timing estimation using conesize
A system for logic block timing analysis may include a controller, and storage in communication with the controller. The storage may provide delay-versus-conesize values of a logic block. The system may further include a fitting module to provide a delay-cone based upon the delay-versus-conesize values of the logic block. The system may also include a conesize parser that uses the delay-cone to provide delay values through the logic block. The conesize parser may be used to validate the design of the logic block by comparing the delay-cone with a desired cycle time. |
| US07676777B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting verification, and computer product
A verification support apparatus receives description data. Upon receiving the description data, the apparatus automatically generates and outputs a verification property, a verification scenario, specification data, review information, etc. In addition, the apparatus checks the description data for any element of deficiency or inconsistency before the automatic generation of the verification property. Therefore, the amount of description data can be reduced by sorting out the types of verification items and listing parameters, and various verification properties can be automatically generated by allowing a computer to read verification data. Furthermore, a design TAT can be reduced by generating the specification data. Furthermore, even a designer not familiar with a verification language such as PSL can easily execute assertion-based verification. |
| US07676775B2 |
Method to determine the root causes of failure patterns by using spatial correlation of tester data
A method for determining the root causes of fail patterns in integrated circuit chips is provide wherein a known integrated circuit chip layout is used to identify a plurality of potential defects and a plurality of potential fail patterns in the integrated circuit chip. Correlations between the potential defects and the potential fail patterns that result from those defects are identified. Based on this identification, the potential fail patterns are grouped by common potential defect. An actual integrated circuit chip that is manufactured in accordance with the test layout is tested for failure patterns. These failure patterns are then compared to the groupings of potential fail patterns. When a match is found, that is when a given group of fail patterns is found in the actual integrated circuit chip, then the potential defect associated with the potential fail patterns to which the actual fail patterns are matched is identified. This defect is the root cause of the failure pattern in the actual chip. |
| US07676768B1 |
Automatic asynchronous signal pipelining
An electronic design automation (EDA) tool alters a user's netlist to provide timing success for distribution of asynchronous signals. Distribution networks are used with the addition of pipeline registers before and/or after the distribution buffer. Or, a tree of pipeline registers is inserted between the asynchronous source and the destination registers. Or, any number of distribution networks are stitched together and pipeline stages may be inserted before and/or after each distribution buffer. Or, beneficial skew is utilized by introducing a delay component that skews a clock signal. The skewed clock signal drives a pipeline register that is inserted before a distribution buffer in order to improve timing margin. Any of various compilation techniques may be used within the EDA tool to solve the problem of distributing high-speed, high-fanout asynchronous signals. The technique has utility for high-performance FPGAs and structured ASIC families, as well as for low-cost FPGAs and other types of logic devices. |
| US07676767B2 |
Peel back user interface to show hidden functions
A user is able to access additional functions not represented in a current image displayed by a graphical user interface. At least one function not presented on the current image is represented by a symbol on an underlying image that is at least partially covered by the current image. When the user performs a predetermined user input (e.g., selecting a corner of the current image), the underlying image and the at least one function represented thereby become accessible. When the user input is performed, a visual effect depicts the current image being at least partially removed from over the underlying image, thereby revealing and permitting access to the at least one additional function. The user input is made by the user performing an action with the user's hand or another object adjacent to a responsive display, or by using a pointing device to manipulate a displayed image. |
| US07676766B2 |
Graphic object designating to edit apparatus, method, and computer readable medium thereof
A graphic object designating apparatus for designating a graphic object to be edited among graphic objects present in an edit area of a graphics editing system according to the position of a mouse cursor. The apparatus includes an object managing section that manages object information and the mouse cursor position, and a rule storage section in which assignments of key entries for indicating a direction in which the mouse cursor should move and for designating an object directly under the mouse cursor have previously been stored as rules. A trigger processing section generates a mouse cursor moving trigger or an object designating trigger according to the key entries and the rules. An object designating section moves the mouse cursor or designates the object to be edited on the basis of the object information and the triggers. The apparatus allows an operator to designate a desired object easily within the object display screen. |
| US07676765B2 |
Three dimensional graphical manipulator
A method and apparatus for manipulating a computer generated model and visualizing a change in projection plane before entering a projection creation command. After selection of a projection plane on the 3-D model, a generative drafting document can be created wherein the projection plane becomes the plane of the screen. The system can display a visualization of the projection of the model in plane with the screen, without generating a fully computed projection. Display of the visualization can provide increased efficiency in processing time as compared to a fully computed projection. The system can also display a graphical manipulator including a circular central region with a button in the middle, wherein clicking on the button can be used as a command to the system requesting creation of the projection. The graphical manipulator software tool can also include quadrants, wherein each quadrant is associated with a direction in relation to an orthogonal axis. The four quadrants can be defined as left, right, up and down: Clicking on a quadrant can cause the projection plane to rotate by 90 degrees, or other predetermined amount, around two orthogonal axes of the model in the projection plane. The direction of rotation will correlate with the quadrant selected. In addition, the manipulator tool can include a pin tracking the circumference of a circle displayed on a computer screen. Selection of the pin and rotation can cause the projection plane of a computer generated model to rotate about an axis which is perpendicular to the projection screen. |
| US07676758B2 |
Interactive inventor's menu
An interactive inventive pictorial menu is provided, which may be superimposed over internet art obtained, for instance, from the internet. The interactive inventive pictorial menu provides controls by which images can be created, manipulated and supplemented by overlaying additional images accessed through menu software providing Internet Art Programs and Menu Art Programs. The combination of images may be utilized to facilitate creating further inventions or creative prospects. In one non-limiting embodiment, the images created by the user of the interactive inventive pictorial menu may then be used with the Inventor's Menu Tic Tac Toe model. The internet art and program or menu art may be adjusted in size and location to produce an image that is well proportioned and realistic. The user may draw over the art to produce innovations and creations. Also, the art selected from menu and program art, and internet art, may be selected from a wide ranging list of subjects in menus or sub-menus. Innovations and creations may also be produced on a touch screen embodiment using the images displayed on the interactive inventive menu. |
| US07676757B2 |
User customization of language of menu items
Mechanisms are disclosed that enable a user to customize selection elements of a GUI. For example, menu entries in a GUI can be customized so that the user can specify the font, the language, character sets, color, and other attributes of the text of one menu item (or less than all menu items); to have the ability to selectively activate multimedia options associated with selected menu items (e.g., to play a sound whenever the cursor/pointer passes over a particular menu item); and/or to assign an animation sequence that is unique to selected menu items. The menu item properties are defined by the user, using, for example, a dialog box that allows specification of the attributes. When the application is installed, a default set of menu item properties is defined by the software manufacturer, which can be further customized by the user. |
| US07676755B2 |
Apparatus and method for linking objects created in a rapid application development environment
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to invoke a rapid application development graphical user interface to define fields associated with a set of objects. The creation of new objects derived from the set of objects is facilitated using the rapid application development graphical user interface to select existing fields of the set of objects and define new object fields. Tabs are associated with the new objects. A set of tabs is selected to create a new application. |
| US07676753B2 |
Methods, systems, devices and computer program products for collecting and sharing selected personal data
Methods, systems, devices and computer program products obtain and share personal data of celebrities and others over a communications network. The methods include; (a) electronically capturing personal data associated with a plurality of celebrities; (b) electronically storing the captured data in a database of electronic personal data records, the records being correlated to a respective celebrity; (c) accepting user input to request data of interest for a particular celebrity; (d) electronically automatically extracting records in the historical data base related to the user input; and (e) electronically publishing celebrity personal data to the user based on the extracting step. |
| US07676750B2 |
Method of printing, scanning, and faxing using device location
A method of printing includes providing a computer server linked to a plurality of printers, initiating a print job on a user computer device, querying the computer server for one or more available printers; transmitting identification information and location information of each printer from the computer server to the user computer device; displaying the information in the form of a list to the user computer device; selecting by a user one of the printers in the list; transmitting the selection to the computer server; transmitting configuration information for the selected printer to the user computer device; configuring the print data by with the configuration information; and transmitting the configured print data from the user computer device to the selected printer for printing. |
| US07676748B1 |
System graphics for security shield
A method for providing a secure lockout from executing application programs is provided. An opaque graphical component obscures graphical components for all executing software (applications) programs on a display apparatus and prevents events from reaching the executing application programs. |
| US07676745B2 |
Document segmentation based on visual gaps
A document may be segmented based on a visual model of the document. The visual model is determined according to an amount of visual white space or gaps that are in the document. In one implementation, the visual model is used to identify a hierarchical structure of the document, which may then be used to segment the document. |
| US07676744B2 |
Automated markup language layout
Methods and computer programs for automatically creating a text layout in a markup language design for a product to be printed. A number of defined text elements are available for user text. The layout is based on the text elements having user text content. Text elements without text content are disregarded. Positioning of the text elements is determined based on the height of the text elements, defined text element spacing distances, and a defined positioning order. Creating a layout may include positioning design elements relative to the text elements. Font sizes and spacing distances are automatically reduced if necessary to create a suitable layout. |
| US07676743B2 |
Applying type fitting across grouped text frames in a page layout application
Methods are disclosed for type-fitting text in multiple text frames of a page layout application. The text frames are associated with a group, and permissible variances of parameters of type fitting attributes are assigned to the group using a graphical user interface. In one embodiment, to type-fit the text, a best-individual-fit setting for the text of each text frame is first individually assessed to determine parameters of the attributes that would result in the text substantially fitting within its associated text frame. Thereafter, one best-group-fit setting for all frames in the group is determined by sorting through the best-individual-fit settings for each of the frames to determine which frame's best-individual-fit parameters results in the highest degree of text shrinkage or the least degree of text expansion. In accordance with this embodiment, the frames, when fitted, will be uniformly scaled in accordance with a scaling factor. |
| US07676742B2 |
System and method for processing of markup language information
A system and method for processing of markup language information, such as extensible markup language (XML) based control information is disclosed. The system comprises a compression sender entity and a decompression receiver entity. The sender entity uses its internal, binary representation derived from textual XML-based protocol header and encodes the binary representation as a tag-length-value (TLV) binary value. The TLV binary value is embedded as encoded data in a specifically marked comment, which may be detected by the receiver entity. The receiver entity builds up an internal, binary data structure based on the encoded data representing the original XML data. The system avoids the usage of string data to represent a small set of well known strings and uses a more compact binary encoding which reduces space and time to process the data. |
| US07676741B2 |
Structural context for fixed layout markup documents
Techniques relating to structural context for fixed layout markup documents are described. In one instance, a process defines content and associated positional information of a document with a set of content markup. The process also specifies a structural configuration for the document relative to at least some of the content markup, such that the structural configuration is separate from the content markup. |
| US07676740B2 |
XML serialization and deserialization
An object instance is serialized to a serial format, such as an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) document, based on a mapping between an arbitrary annotated source code file and a schema. The arbitrary annotated source code contains at least one programming type that describes a shape of an object instance and the schema describes a format of a document having a serial format. The mapping defines a correspondence between the shape of the object instance and the format of the document having the serial format. Subsequently, an object instance is converted to the serial format by converting public properties, public fields and method parameters of the object instance to a document having the serial format based on the mapping. Once the mapping is defined, an XML document can also be converted to an object instance based on the mapping. |
| US07676735B2 |
Forward error-correcting (FEC) coding and streaming
In a data decoder for decoding data from received symbols received over a channel from an encoder, a method for decoding data wherein the received data includes erasures and includes source symbols and repair symbols organized into one or more source blocks. The decoder uses a generator matrix, any square submatrix of which is invertible, such that the decoder performs decoding operations concurrently with the arrival of the source symbols and repair symbols that are a part of a source block. Novel methods for interleaving and specifying encoding structure for a large class of FEC codes, scheduling the sending of packets and the like, are also applied in conjunction with the method for decoding data. |
| US07676730B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing error correction coding in a random access memory
Apparatuses and methods for utilizing error correction code in a data buffer or data storage device. In one variation, a single memory device is utilized to store both the data and the associated error correction code. The data and the associate error correction codes are stored on separate memory banks on the memory device. The error correction code may be consolidated into one or more regions on the memory device to improve the utilization of the available memory space on the memory device. In addition, by utilizing separate memory banks to store the data and the associated error correction code, the data and the error correction code can be accessed in an overlapping manner. |
| US07676729B2 |
Data corruption avoidance in DRAM chip sparing
A memory controller, system, and methods are disclosed. The system comprises a memory controller interconnected to a plurality of memory chips. Each memory chip stores data at a plurality of locations. The memory controller performs a sparing transaction comprising reading data from a given location of one or more of the memory chips including a first memory chip, writing the data to a given location of one or more of the memory chips including a second memory chip, wherein during writing, data from the first memory chip is written to the second memory chip, and allowing additional memory transactions directed to the memory chips between the start of reading and the end of writing unless the additional memory transaction is targeted to the given location. In a further embodiment, the sparing transaction comprises correcting errors in the data before writing the data. |
| US07676725B1 |
Method of code generation that minimizes error propagation
A method of generating a code that minimizes error propagation by selecting integers m, n, mrl, and a range of fractions od, where m represents the number of bits in an unencoded sequence, where n represents the number of bits in an encoded sequence, where mrl represents the maximum run length of an encoded sequence, and where od represents a range of ones densities of an encoded sequence. Next, generating an encoding map M that maps each unencoded sequence to an n-bit encoded sequence that satisfies od and mrl. Next, generating a decoding map N that maps each n-bit sequence to an m-bit sequence. Next, determining an error-propagation score for M and N. Then, returning to the step of generating M if a user requires a lower error-propagation score. |
| US07676724B2 |
Feedback for data transmissions
Methods and apparatus are presented for dynamically controlling the re-transmission scheme of acknowledgment signals. A source transmits a first data packet over a slot s1. If channel conditions are favorable, source transmits a second data packet over slot s2, which precedes the reception of any acknowledgment signals. A destination receives first data packet over slot d1 and second data packet over slot d2. Destination decodes first data packet during slots d2 and d3, and second data packet over slots d3 and d4. Destination transmits an acknowledgment signal (ACK1) associated with first data packet during slot d4. Rather then transmitting the second ACK1 associated with first data packet over slot d5, destination preempts this slot with an acknowledgment signal ACK2, which is associated with second data packet transmitted by source. Hence, destination is configured to overwrite the repetition of a previous acknowledgment in order to transmit a new acknowledgment. |
| US07676722B2 |
Multimedia content delivery using pre-stored multiple description coded video with restart
An embodiment of the present invention includes a buffer, a selector, and an analyzer. The buffer stores at least a default stream coded by a multiple description (MD) coding and a restart stream coded by a predictive coding. The default and restart streams correspond to a media content. The selector selects a transmit frame from the default and restart streams according to a transmission status. The transmit frame is transmitted to a receiver. The analyzer provides the transmission status based on feedback information provided by the receiver. |
| US07676714B2 |
Extender strip and test assembly for testing memory card operation
A system and method are disclosed for testing operation of a memory card within an electronic host device. The system includes a flat flexible cable, or strip, for electrically coupling between the memory card slot in a host device and a test assembly. The test assembly may have a card slot for accepting an external memory card, and a debug header for receiving a cable connected to a debug apparatus such as a logic analyzer and/or an oscilloscope. |
| US07676711B2 |
Test circuit for testing command signal at package level in semiconductor device
A test circuit for testing a command signal at a package level in a semiconductor device includes: a logic level determining unit for determining logic levels of a plurality of command flag signals in response to a plurality of internal command signals in a test mode; a storage unit for storing the plurality of command flag signals in response to a store control signal and outputting the plurality of command flag signals in series in response to an output control signal; and an output unit for driving an output signal of the storage unit to a data pad. |
| US07676705B2 |
User interface messaging system and method permitting deferral of message resolution
A user interface messaging system and method that allows a user to defer resolution of the substance of a message, such as a user-initiated error, and adds the message to a queue. The messaging system may remind the user to resolve the substance of the messages in the queue. After a message has been added to the queue, the message layer may be closed, allowing the user to continue using the application. |
| US07676704B2 |
Resource management for scalable file system recovery
A system and method for storing data. In one embodiment, a file system stores data including associated metadata. In response to detecting that a file system error has occurred, the file system identifies a container including data in which the error occurred and performs a consistency check of the data included in the container. If a bidirectional link exists between the container and another container and if an error is found in the bidirectional link, the file system performs a consistency check of data included in the other container and determines if another bidirectional link exists between the other container and a third container. If another bidirectional link exists between the other container and a third container and if an error is found in the other bidirectional link, the file system performs a consistency check of data included in the third container. |
| US07676702B2 |
Preemptive data protection for copy services in storage systems and applications
A common interface and communication methodology are provided for interaction between the components of a storage area network for them to activate “triggers” that cause actions to be taken by the devices to utilize copy service functions to create additional copies of data, and to potentially route load to other resources. The actions can be taken by any of the elements of the storage area network to mitigate the impact of the pending failure. The advantage of this system over current methods is that it can detect both failure and impending failure in any component in the system and use resources in any other component to mitigate the failure. This creates a much more comprehensive recovery strategy and the potential to save more data than in current systems. |
| US07676701B2 |
Computer readable medium storing an error recovery program, error recovery method, error recovery apparatus, and computer system
A computer readable medium stores a program causing a computer to execute a process for error recovery. The process includes: when an error is detected during transfer of dummy data for maintaining a link, executing device reset to recover from the error, and monitoring whether or not another error occurs during an error monitoring period starting from the device reset; when the other error occurs during the error monitoring period, executing the device reset to recover from the other error, monitoring whether or not still another error occurs during the error monitoring period starting from the device reset; counting number of the successive error monitoring periods in each of which the error occurs; and judging an error occurrence state based on a result of the counting. |
| US07676690B2 |
Mirroring of activity between electronic devices
Two or more electronic devices each include an output engine and an output device for presenting data, including mirrored data. A consumer electronic device receives a request from a mirroring device for mirrored data or transmits a request for customer service to the mirroring device. Thereafter, the consumer electronic device provides the mirrored data to the mirroring device. The mirroring device may be similar or different from the consumer electronic device. The mirroring device presents the mirrored data to a user of the mirroring device. Alternately or additionally, the mirroring device analyzes the mirrored data to identify problems with the consumer electronic device. The consumer electronic device and/or the mirroring device can transmit identifiers associated with the other device over a network connection to determine whether the other device is online. |
| US07676689B1 |
Browsing and selecting items in recovery storage groups to perform recovery onto production server
A method and system for restoring data on a production server by recovering individual data objects from a recovery storage group to a database residing on the production server. In one example method, a recovery interface accesses a recovery storage group containing a recovered database. The recovered database has been recovered from a backup storage location and contains a copy of a database residing on the production server. The method then identifies each data object residing in the recovery storage group and displays each of the data objects on a graphical user interface configured to allow a user to select and individual data objects for recovery from the recovered database. The selected data objects are restored to the appropriate location on the production server. |
| US07676688B1 |
Concurrent data broadcast of selected common groups of data blocks
Mechanisms for data source computing system(s) to provide data to data targets. The data source(s) access an identification of common groups of blocks, each group being common amongst all or a subset of the data target(s). The common groups of blocks may have different scope such that one common group of blocks is to be provided to a different set of the data targets than another common group of blocks. Optionally, a selection mechanism may be used to assign priority in initiating multicasting of the identified common groups of blocks. The data source(s) then initiate multicasting of the common groups of blocks in the appropriate order to the appropriate data targets. Since the common groups of blocks are provided in a single multicast, rather than separately, the data is provided in a more efficient manner to the data targets. |
| US07676681B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for identification number authentication
A computer based method, system and apparatus of authentication which compares a first number associated with a user with a second number, wherein the second number is a mathematical function of at least two predetermined digits within the user's identification number, preferably a Social Security Number. A computer based method, system and apparatus for authenticating a user's identification number, which compares a first code associated with a user with a second code, wherein said second code is an alphabetic translation of at least two predetermined digits within the user's identification number. |
| US07676676B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing mutual authentication within a network
A method and apparatus for mutual authentication of a first and a second node is provided herein. During operation the first node sends a first authentication message to the second node comprising information needed for the second node to authenticate the first node and information needed by the second node for the second node to be authenticated by the first node. A second authentication message is received from the second node comprising information needed by the first node for the first node to be authenticated by the second node and information needed for the first node to authenticate the second node. Because the first and the second authentication messages comprise information needed for both the first and the second node to authenticate each other, messaging within the network is greatly reduced. |
| US07676675B2 |
Architecture for connecting a remote client to a local client desktop
Architecture for generating and maintaining a terminal services connection from an external client to an internal intranet client behind a firewall and/or router. The external user is first authenticated after which the external client is passed to a remote user portal. A listing of available internal computers is presented to the external client user, the selection of one that initiates an intranet server to create a listening socket thereon, and a socket on the selected internal client. The server creates a thread that manages the terminal services connection between the external client and the internal client by listening for traffic and forwarding the traffic between the ports. |
| US07676666B2 |
Virtual BIOS firmware hub
A baseboard management controller (BMC) of a blade server module in an information handling system may operate as a virtual system BIOS firmware hub that may have automatic firmware updating through a TFTP transfer from a chassis management controller (CMC) or for rack/tower servers from a remote assistant card (RMC). The system BIOS may be stored in a RAM drive or a ROM of the BMC. Valuable printed circuit board real estate and hardware for a firmware hub is no longer necessary since the BMC may have the capacity to act as a virtual system BIOS firmware hub in addition to its other functions. |
| US07676664B2 |
Symmetric multiprocessor operating system for execution on non-independent lightweight thread contexts
A multiprocessing system including a multithreading microprocessor and multiprocessor operating system (OS) is disclosed. The microprocessor includes a first and a second plurality of thread contexts (TCs), each TC having a program counter and a general purpose register set for executing a thread. The microprocessor also includes a first and a second shared privileged resource, shared by the first and second respective plurality of TCs rather than being replicated for each of the respective first and second plurality of TCs, and privileged to be managed only by operating system-privileged threads rather than by user-privileged threads. The OS manages the first and second shared privileged resource and schedules execution of both the operating system-privileged threads and the user-privileged threads on the plurality of TCs. |
| US07676658B2 |
Data processing apparatus configured to load a program corresponding to each of a plurality of functions into a memory and execute the loaded program, and method for loading programs in the data processing apparatus
A data processing apparatus and method configured to load a program corresponding to each of a plurality of functions into a memory, the apparatus and method including storing a program for a specific function from among the plurality of functions, storing a program for a function different from the specific function from among the plurality of functions, loading the program for the specific function into the memory, and loading the program for the function different from the specific function into the memory after power is supplied to the second storage unit based on a request for accessing the second storage unit generated during execution of the program for the specific function. |
| US07676655B2 |
Single bit control of threads in a multithreaded multicore processor
A method and mechanism for controlling threads in a multithreaded multicore processor. A processor includes multiple cores, each of which are capable of executing multiple threads. A control register which is shared by each of the cores is utilized to control the status of the threads in the processing system. In one embodiment, the shared register includes a single bit for each thread in the processor. Depending upon the value written to a bit of the shared register, one of three results may occur with respect to a thread which corresponds to the bit. In one embodiment, writing a “0” to a bit of the shared register will cause a corresponding thread to be Parked. Writing a “1” to a bit of the shared register will cause a corresponding thread to either be UnParked or be Reset. Whether writing a “1” to a bit of the register causes the corresponding thread to be UnParked or Reset depends upon a state of the processor. |
| US07676654B2 |
Extended register space apparatus and methods for processors
Methods and apparatus for accessing an extended register space associated with a processor are disclosed. In an example method, an instruction indicating a tag value is received. It is then determined whether information is stored in a first group of registers or a second group of registers based on a comparison of the tag value and an identifier value indicative of the second group of registers. The information is then accessed in the second group of registers in response to the tag value matching the identifier value. |
| US07676652B2 |
Executing variable length instructions stored within a plurality of discrete memory address regions
Within a system supporting execution of variable length instructions a program is stored within discrete memory regions with a variable length instruction spanning a gap between two such discrete memory regions. When execution is attempted of such a variable length instruction spanning a gap, an abort handler is initiated which serves to copy the end portion of one of the memory regions together with the start portion of the other memory region into a separate fix-up memory region where these may be concatenated such that the whole of the variable length instruction will appear in one place. Execution of that variable length instruction from out of the fix-up memory region can then be triggered. This execution is constrained by the setting of a single step flag which causes the hardware to only execute the single instruction which span the gap before returning control to a single step exception handler which can then restore program flow to the point in the following memory region after the variable length instruction which spanned the gap. |
| US07676648B2 |
Method for manipulating data in a group of processing elements to perform a reflection of the data
A method for generating a reflection of data in a plurality of processing elements comprises shifting the data along, for example, each row in the array until each processing element in the row has received all the data held by every other processing element in that row. Each processing element stores and outputs final data as a function of its position in the row. A similar reflection along a horizontal line can be achieved by shifting data along columns instead of rows. Also disclosed is a method for reflecting data in a matrix of processing elements about a vertical line comprising shifting data between processing elements arranged in rows. An initial count is set in each processing element according to the expression (2×Col_Index) MOD (array size). In one embodiment, a counter counts down from the initial count in each processing element as a function of the number of shifts that have peen performed. Output is selected as a function of the current count. A similar reflection about a horizontal line can be achieved by shifting data between processing elements arranged in columns and setting the initial count according to the expression (2×Row_Index) MOD (array size). The present invention represents an efficient method for obtaining the reflection of data. |
| US07676647B2 |
System and method of processing data using scalar/vector instructions
A processor device is disclosed that includes a register file with a combined condition code register for scalar and vector operations. The processor device utilizes the combined condition code register for scalar and vector operations. Further, a compare operation can store resulting bits in the combined condition code register and a conditional operation can utilize the combined condition code register bits for evaluating a condition. |
| US07676643B2 |
Data interface device for accessing memory
The data interface device accesses a memory operating in synchronization with a clock. A board clock and selective data capturing improve the operating rate of a memory interface and time-synchronize data flow from memory to memory controller with a internal clock produced by the memory controller; or time-synchronize data flow from the memory controller with the board clock. The internal clock is passed through a sequential path of an output pad of the memory controller, the memory, and an input pad of the memory controller and then re-inputted into the memory controller thereby the feedback clock is generated. The selective data capturing uses a register part for storing data inputted into the memory controller. The register part for storing the data is configured by double registers that are operated in an alternative manner according to a correlation between the inputted data and the feedback clock. |
| US07676638B2 |
Combined pessimistic and optimistic concurrency control
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that improve implementation of concurrency control modes in a transactional memory system. A transactional memory word is provided for each piece of data. The transactional memory word includes a version number, a reader indicator, and an exclusive writer indicator. The transactional memory word is analyzed to determine if the particular concurrency control mode is proper. Using the transactional memory word to help with concurrency control allows multiple combinations of operations to be performed against the same memory location simultaneously and/or from different transactions. For example, a pessimistic read operation and an optimistic read operation can be performed against the same memory location. |
| US07676633B1 |
Efficient non-blocking storage of data in a storage server victim cache
A network storage server has a non-volatile mass storage facility, a main cache and a victim cache. A technique of efficient, non-blocking storage of data in the victim cache includes, responding to a caller process by, without blocking the caller process, selecting a first storage unit for eviction from the main cache, destaging the first storage unit for storage in the victim cache without copying the first storage unit, and identifying a second storage unit to the caller process as available to be overwritten in the main cache. |
| US07676631B2 |
Methods for operating a CPU having an internal data cache
A CPU 3 having a processor 1 and an internal data cache 7 IS operated in combination with a dummy interface 13 which simulates the existence of an external memory 17 having the same address space as the cache memory 7 but which does not store data written to it. In this way, a conventional CPU can be operated without read/write access to an external memory in respect of at least part of its memory address space, and therefore with a higher performance resulting from faster memory access and reduced external memory requirements. The CPU 3 may be one of a set of CPU chips 20, 21 in a data processing system, one or more of those chips 20 optionally having read/write access to an external memory 23. |
| US07676627B2 |
Single segment data object management
A single segment data structure and method for storing data objects employing a single segment data object having a header and a data record. The header includes a segment length field describing the length of memory reserved for the data record and the data record contains at least one data instance object. Each of the data instance objects has a data instance header and data field. The header includes a data instance state field and a data instance length field. The data instance length field contains data representing the length of the data instance data field allowing for variable length “in place” updating. The data instance state field contains data representing an object state of the instance data. Only one of the data instance objects of the data record of the single segment data object has a valid object state. The state field facilitates a power loss recovery process. |
| US07676625B2 |
Cross-coupled peripheral component interconnect express switch
A plurality of PCIe switch complexes are interposed between a plurality of I/O devices and a plurality of microprocessor complexes. Each PCIe switching complex comprises a plurality of PCIe switches wherein each switch possesses at least one non-transparent port. The non-transparent port is used to cross-couple each PCIe switch creating an active matrix of paths between the HBAs associated with each I/O device and each microprocessor. The paths between each HBA (I/O device) and each microprocessor are mapped using a recursive algorithm providing each I/O device with direct memory access to each microprocessor. |
| US07676623B2 |
Management of proprietary devices connected to infiniband ports
Methods and systems for discovering whether a given connection to an InfiniBand port is a standard InfiniBand connection or a non-standard connection (e.g., indicating the presence of a proprietary device) are provided. The discovery may be performed by an end node, such that the end node interoperates with all standard InfiniBand components. Specific actions that are vendor unique, and potentially not compliant with the InfiniBand architecture, may not be done until after the discovery is complete and it has been verified that the noncompliant action will only be directed to entities know to be capable of processing them. These actions may include assuming the configuration responsibilities that would have been performed by the Subnet Manager in a standard InfiniBand network. |
| US07676621B2 |
Communications bus transceiver
A computer system is disclosed that includes: a communications bus implemented in accordance with an Inter-IC bus specification; a bus controller coupled to the communications bus; a send machine coupled between a host processor and the bus controller; and a first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer coupled to the send machine and coupled between the host processor and the bus controller. |
| US07676619B2 |
Portable computer apparatus with thermal enhancements and multiple modes of operation
A portable computer adapted for electrical connection to a docking station having multiple power modes of operation is described. The portable computer has one or more CPU chips which have at least two power modes of operation, a low power mode and a high power mode. When the portable computer is operated as a stand-alone computer, it operates in the low power mode. When the portable computer is operated while electrically connected to the docking station, it operates in a high power mode. The docking station has greater cooling capacity than the portable computer alone to provide enhanced cooling of the high power mode of operation. |
| US07676616B2 |
Method, apparatus and program storage device for providing asynchronous status messaging in a data storage system
A method, apparatus and program storage device for providing asynchronous status messaging in a data storage system Asynchronous events are returned from a target to an initiator in response to a Read Message from the initiator. The return status message may or may not be associated with a previously given command or Logical Unit (LUN). |
| US07676614B2 |
Redundant storage virtualization computer system
A redundant storage virtualization computer system is provided. The redundant storage virtualization computer system comprises a host entity for issuing an IO request, a redundant storage virtualization controller set coupled to the host entity for performing an IO operation in response to the IO request issued by the host entity, and a plurality of physical storage devices for providing storage space to the computer system. Each of the physical storage devices is coupled to the redundant storage virtualization controller set. The redundant storage virtualization controller set comprises a first and a second storage virtualization controller both coupled to the host entity, the storage virtualization controllers communicate therebetween via a PCI-Express interconnect. In the redundant storage virtualization controller set, a storage virtualization controller will take over the functionality originally performed by the alternate storage virtualization controller when the alternate storage virtualization controller is not on line. |
| US07676612B2 |
Video camera device and control method thereof
A device determines whether a speed mode between the device and an external device is a first speed mode or a second speed mode, communicates with the external device at first speed if the speed mode is the first speed mode, and communicates with the external device at second speed slower than the first speed if the speed mode is the second speed mode. The device enables transfer of image data and displays the image data being transferred to the external device, if the speed mode is the first speed mode. The device disables the transfer of the image data and stops displaying the image data, if the speed mode is the second speed mode. |
| US07676608B1 |
System for extending Multiple Independent Levels of Security (MILS) partitioning to input/output (I/O) devices
The present invention is a system for providing Multiple Independent Levels of Security (MILS) partitioning. The system includes a memory, a bus controller communicatively coupled to the memory via a memory bus, and a MILS controller communicatively coupled to the bus controller via a host-side bus, the MILS controller configured for monitoring and controlling system transactions. The system further includes a plurality of input/output (I/O) devices communicatively coupled to the MILS controller via a plurality of corresponding device-side buses. The system further includes a MILS separation kernel configured for mapping regions of the memory to a plurality of user partitions. Each I/O device included in the plurality of I/O devices is allocated to a partition included in the plurality of partitions and is isolated from MILS separation kernel space. The MILS separation kernel is configured for guaranteeing isolation of the partitions of the memory. The system further includes a processor connected to the bus controller via a processor front-side bus. The MILS controller is configured for extending MILS partitioning to the plurality of I/O devices. |
| US07676606B1 |
Method and system for monitoring and controlling status of programmable devices
A method for programming programmable devices includes monitoring a status pin for each of the programmable devices, maintaining state information for the programmable devices indicating whether each programmable device is programmed, and transitioning each programmable device from a programmed state to an operating state. A monitoring module includes detectors, a memory and a processor. The detectors detect indications on the status pins of programmable devices that the programmable devices are programmed. The memory stores state information about the programmable devices. The processor communicates control signals to the programmable devices instructing them to transition from the programmed state to the operating state. |
| US07676604B2 |
Task context direct indexing in a protocol engine
A method and apparatus for managing task context are provided. Upon initialization, a protocol engine provides context resources available for processing tasks to a task issuer. Based on available context resources, the task issuer creates and manages a free list of available task context indices and assigns an index to a task prior to storing task context in a context memory accessible to both the task issuer and the protocol engine and issuing the task to the protocol engine. |
| US07676601B2 |
Method and system for processing financial data objects carried on broadcast data streams and delivering information to subscribing clients
A system for delivering data objects containing data subject to periodic updates to a plurality of clients is disclosed and which is configured to connect to at least one input data stream which carries a specific type of data objects, such as objects related to financial product offerings, and also establish a communication session with various clients. Each client has an associated profile which indicates data stream to which the client has subscribed and further contains rules related to how data in the streams should be treated. When an object is received on a data stream, a local data cache is updated and the rules specified by clients subscribing to that data stream are executed to determine whether information about the object should be forward to the various subscribing client. In a particular configuration, the data channels are provided by one or more information managers which pre-process raw data from source data providers, format and type the data, and broadcast it on appropriate channels in substantially real time. |
| US07676595B2 |
Anycast addressing for internet protocol version six
A protocol associated with an Internet protocol version six (IPv6) network address included within a network packet provides both unicast and anycast addressing, while having the same bit locations and bit functions associated with a top-level aggregation identifier, a next-level aggregation identifier, and a site-level aggregation identifier. A prefix associated with the three most significant bits of the network address identifies the network address as being a unicast address, an anycast address, or both a unicast and an anycast address. The prefix that identifies the network address as being both a unicast and an anycast address allows routers to have smaller routing tables. |
| US07676593B2 |
Method of bandwidth control by rewriting ACK number
A network relay apparatus installed with a TCP shaper has a packet converter that changes an ACK number of a confirmation reply packet in response to downstream data transmitted from a WAN side host to a lower value while transferring the packet. |
| US07676592B2 |
10/100 Mbs network device
A scheme by which a network device may be made to locate data signals from a plurality of potential data sources in the context of a network environment having devices that employ autonegotiation over an autonegotiation period. The scheme involves switching an input port on the network device between the various potential data sources on a one-by-one basis. If an idle signal indicating no ensuing autonegotiation period is detected, the switching action is terminated and the input port assignment is maintained for as long as the link is detected. Thereafter, the device returns to the switching state. If an idle signal indicating an ensuing autonegotiation period is detected, the switching action is stopped for a period equal to or longer than the autonegotiation period. Thereafter, if an idle signal is detected, the input port assignment is maintained for as long as the link is detected. |
| US07676591B2 |
System and method for transferring multiple data channels
A system and a method transfer multiple data channels between a server and a terminal via a stream session over a network. The system and the method utilize a bitstream switching, a fast buffer filling and/or a fast playback start to facilitate a switch from a first data channel and a second data channel. The first data channel and/or the second data channel is delivered to and/or is transferred to the terminal from the server over the network via a streaming session. The server transfers second data of the second data channel to the terminal via one or more tracks which are encoded at more than one bitrate and/or are configured in one or more configurations. The terminal requests a change between the first track and/or the second track without terminating the stream session for the first data channel between the terminal and the server. As a result, the system and/or the method minimizes the delay period of time between requesting the switch to the second data channel and displaying the second data channel. |
| US07676588B2 |
Programmable network protocol handler architecture
An architecture that achieves high speed performance in a network protocol handler combines parallelism and pipelining in multiple programmable processors, along with specialized front-end logic at the network interface that handles time critical protocol operations. The multiple processors are interconnected via a high-speed interconnect, using a multi-token counter protocol for data transmission between processors and between processors and memory. Each processor's memory is globally accessible by other processors, and memory synchronization operations are used to obviate the need for “spin-locks”. Each processor has multiple threads, each capable of fully executing programs. Threads within a processor are assigned the processing of various protocol functions in a parallel/pipelined fashion. Data frame processing is done by one or more of the threads to identify related frames. Related frames are dispatched to the same thread so as to minimize the overhead associated with memory accesses and general protocol processing. |
| US07676580B2 |
Message delivery with configurable assurances and features between two endpoints
A single programming model is provided for accessing a plurality of distinct message transports while developing one or more applications for message delivery between two endpoints. The programming model allows for independently configurable assurances and features for transporting the messages. The configurable assurances may be selected from at least once delivery, at most once message delivery, in order message delivery, and message time to live. The independently chosen features may include a session state storage, an extension of time to live, and transacted message buffering. |
| US07676577B2 |
Scalable presence distribution system and method
Scalable presence distribution system and method are described. In one embodiment, a presence distribution system comprises a plurality of presence servers and a centralized management function for coordinating registration of a presentity with one or more of the plurality of presence servers. |
| US07676576B1 |
Method and system to clear counters used for statistical tracking for global server load balancing
Server load-balancing operation-related data, such as data associated with a system configured for global server load balancing (GSLB) that orders IP addresses into a list based on a set of performance metrics, is tracked. Such operation-related data includes inbound source IP addresses (e.g., the address of the originator of a DNS request), the requested host and zone, identification of the selected “best” IP addresses resulting from application of a GSLB algorithm, and the selection metric used to decide on an IP address as the “best” one. The data includes a count of the selected “best” IP addresses selected via application of the GSLB algorithm, and for each of these IP addresses, the list of deciding performance metrics, along with a count of the number of times each of these metrics in the list was used as a deciding factor in selection of this IP address as the best one. This tracking feature allows better understanding of GSLB policy decisions (such as those associated with performance, maintenance, and troubleshooting) and intelligent deployment of large-scale resilient GSLB networks. The counters can be cleared as needed and without having to reload the system. |
| US07676572B2 |
Diagnostic information management system
A diagnostic information management system having a field controller which sends diagnostic information indicating contents of a failure which occurs in the field, to a viewer via a network; and the viewer which displays the diagnostic information sent from the field controller, on a screen. The field controller has a storage section which stores diagnostic information that becomes master diagnostic information of the whole system. The viewer compares the diagnostic information held by itself with the master diagnostic information, and obtains the difference diagnostic information from the field controller side. |
| US07676561B1 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive load balancing
Determining server capabilities during a discrete time period, or interval, allows for more efficient processing of client requests. Updating a proportional server capability load balancing information encoding at intervals allows a load balancer to handle client requests without the overhead of determining current server capabilities. Decision-making can be reduced to quick selection of one of a group of servers without considering the server's capability, since the server's capability has previously been considered when collecting the load balancing information. |
| US07676558B2 |
Configuring shared devices over a fabric
Provided are a method, system, and program for configuring shared devices over a fabric. A module in a first processing complex configures a first part of a fabric enabling communication with a set of devices accessible through the first part of the fabric. The module detects a located device accessible through a second part of the fabric, wherein a second processing complex is designated to configure the second part of the fabric and the located device. The module determines whether the second processing complex is available in response to detecting the uninitialized device. The module passes to a device driver in the first processing complex an uninitialized property for the located device. The device driver requests the module to configure the second part of the fabric to enable access to the located device over the second part of the fabric in response to determining that the located device has the uninitialized property. |
| US07676557B1 |
Dynamically adaptive portlet palette having user/context customized and auto-populated content
An event to initialize a portlet palette within a user interface having an open portal to which the portlet palette is associated can be detected. The portlet palette can be a user interface control that includes a portlet set of at least one portlet. The portlet palette can be configured so that a selection of a portlet from the portlet set causes the portlet to be added to the open portal. A set of portlets can be automatically determined from a set of stored portlets that are relevant to the open portal based upon previously defined programmatic rules and contextual information associated with the open portlet. The portlet palette can be dynamically populated with the determined set of portlets. The populated portlet palette can be presented within the user interface. |
| US07676552B2 |
Automatic provisioning of services based on a high level description and an infrastructure description
The present invention is directed to provisioning and managing computing services in a computing utility system. It receives as an input an infrastructure independent description of a set of requirements on the new desired state of a computing service. It uses a knowledge plane to represent the infrastructure. The method generates a Concrete Model that describes a resource structure that refines the input and is implementable over the infrastructure. It then generates and possibly executes provisioning actions to create an identical resource structure on the infrastructure. The method can be used to create new computing services, to destroy existing computing services, to modify the resource combinations allocated to a computing service, or the configuration of these resources. Provisioning actions can be executed immediately, or saved and executed later, and possibly many times. Provisioning actions may be regenerated using the method whenever infrastructure characteristics, or the service requirements change. |
| US07676550B1 |
Multiple access presence agent
A multiple access presence agent that collects and stores presence information on a presentity from presence contributors is configured to define access rules for each of the presence contributors, in which the access rules define respective rights and privileges of the presence contributors to the presence information of the presentity. The multiple access presence agent is further capable of authenticating one of the presence contributors to determine the access rules associated with that presence contributor, and in response to a valid authentication, enabling access to the presence information of the presentity by that presence contributor based on the access rules associated with that presence contributor. |
| US07676549B2 |
Techniques for providing accessibility options in remote terminal sessions
Techniques relating to enabling accessibility functionality in remote terminal session scenarios are described. In one instance, a process detects a request from an accessibility functionality regarding a display element in a remote terminal session. The process sends a query relating to the request to a component located on a computing device which generated the display element. The process also receives a response to the query. |
| US07676547B2 |
System for processing information including a mail subject of an e-mail not including all contents of the e-mail for controlling delivery of the mail subject requested by a host and method thereof
A system for processing an e-mail is disclosed. The system includes: a host, for issuing a first request to get a mail subject of the e-mail; a first server, for sending a first information associated with the e-mail, wherein the first information includes at least the mail subject and does not include all mail contents of the requested e-mail; a second server, for analyzing a second information to determine whether or not the mail subject is delivered to the host and then outputting an analysis result; and a parser, for receiving the information, outputting the second information to the second server, and directing the mail subject to the host if the analysis result indicates the parser should deliver the mail subject to the host. |
| US07676545B2 |
Method and apparatus for composing, browsing, replying, forwarding e-mail
Method for composing, browsing, replying, forwarding e-mail's in an e-mail system and an e-mail client that can reduce e-mail traffic by not sending the original e-mail content in replying or forwarding e-mail's. In accordance with this invention, each e-mail has a Global-ID and each reply e-mail has a Reply-to-ID which corresponds to the Global-ID of the original e-mail, thereby the content of the original e-mail is not contained in the reply e-mail. During browsing e-mail's, the original e-mail is retrieved from repositories which stores sent and received e-mail's, and is incorporated into the browsed e-mail. |
| US07676537B2 |
Address generation method for combining multiple selection results
A method in an integrated circuit for generating an address value having a contiguous address range from a first selection result and a second selection result each being an one-of-k selection result includes selecting multiple multiplication factors being power-of-two multiplication factors and the sum of the multiplication factors being equal to k; shifting the first selection result towards the most significant bit by each of the multiplication factors to generate multiple shifted input values where each shifted input value is shifted towards the most significant bit by one of the multiplication factors; adding the shifted input values and the second selection result; and generating the address value having a contiguous address range. The method can be extended to combine more than two selection results by applying the shifting and addition steps in a hierarchical manner. |
| US07676536B1 |
Efficiently determining a floor for a floating-point number
An apparatus, method and computer program product for processing a binary floating-point number having a sign bit and a mantissa having a fraction portion. It includes identifying the fraction portion of the binary floating-point number; and replacing each bit of the fraction portion with the sign bit, thereby producing a floor of the binary floating-point number. |
| US07676535B2 |
Enhanced floating-point unit for extended functions
An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to perform floating-point operations. A floating-point (FP) squarer squares a first argument to produce an intermediate argument. The first and intermediate arguments have first and intermediate mantissas and exponents. A FP multiply-add (MAD) unit performs a multiply-and-add operation on the intermediate argument, a second argument, and a third argument to produce a result having a result mantissa and a result exponent. The second and third arguments have second and third mantissas and exponents, respectively. |
| US07676532B1 |
Processing system and method for transform
A system includes M memories, wherein a first mapping assigns each point of an N-point input sequence to one of the M memories. A pipelined data path receives an input from each of the M memories, stores an output to each of the M memories, and iteratively processes pairs of points of the N-point input sequence. A control module designates the pairs of points from the M memories for processing by the data path, wherein only one point of each of the pairs is designated at one time. |
| US07676530B2 |
Duration minimum and maximum circuit for performance counter
A circuit for tracking the minimum and maximum duration of an event of interest is described. The circuit is connected to a counter for counting a number of clock cycles that the event of interest is active and comprises logic for detecting deactivation of the event of interest and generating a duration end signal; logic responsive to the duration end signal for comparing a count value with a shadow value; and logic for updating the shadow value based on results of the comparing. |
| US07676529B2 |
System and method for efficient rectangular to polar signal conversion using cordic algorithm
A system and method is provided for converting an input signal from a sequence of rectangular coordinate pairs to a sequence of polar coordinate pairs. The input signal includes a sequence of input vectors each including a pair of rectangular coordinates. A plurality of N input registers is configured to store an input vector of the input signal. The system includes a plurality of N CORDIC algorithm instances, each in communication with a corresponding one of the N input registers. Each CORDIC algorithm instance is configured to receive the input vector stored in the corresponding input register and to convert the received input vector to a corresponding output vector including a pair of polar coordinates. A recombiner is configured to receive the N output vectors and to recombine at least the N output vectors in sequence to form an output signal. |
| US07676528B2 |
Image data processing apparatus and image data processing method
An image data processing apparatus includes: a data dividing unit dividing arithmetic image data into arithmetic pixel data corresponding to a signal line of a display device; an adder adding first data and second data; and a data delaying unit delaying the added data, wherein the first data is the divided arithmetic pixel data from the data dividing unit, and the second data is the delayed added arithmetic pixel data from the data delaying unit. |
| US07676524B2 |
Hierarchical cursor-based object model
An object data manipulation system is provided. The system includes a definition object model that includes a set of dynamic group definitions over a data hierarchy. A cursor component points to a subset of the data hierarchy, where the subset is loaded into memory for further processing. |
| US07676523B2 |
Method and system for managing data quality
A method and system are described for managing data quality. An example method may include obtaining a first data stream interval including a first group of data items and a first aggregated data quality value associated with a quality of obtaining the first group, each data item including data attribute values, each data quality item including data quality attribute values associated with one of the data items. The first aggregated data quality value, a first indicator associating the first aggregated data quality value with the first group, and the first group may be selected. The first group and the first indicator may be stored in a user table of a database. A data quality table associated with the user table may be determined based on an entry in a system table. The first aggregated data quality value and the first indicator may be stored in the data quality table. |
| US07676520B2 |
Calculating importance of documents factoring historical importance
A method and system for determining temporal importance of documents having links between documents based on a temporal analysis of the links is provided. A temporal ranking system collects link information or snapshots indicating the links between documents at various snapshot times. The temporal ranking system calculates a current temporal importance of a document by factoring in the current importance of the document derived from the current snapshot (i.e., with the latest snapshot time) and the historical importance of the document derived from the past snapshots. To calculate the current temporal importance of a web page, the temporal ranking system aggregates the importance of the web page for each snapshot. |
| US07676517B2 |
Search results injected into client applications
Architecture is provided that transcends a division offered by conventional query architectures by providing a query input box in a client application which provides rich look-ahead query results by integrating results from a network-based service with results from the client application. Realtime network-based search results are injected into the query as the user types the query into a client input box. When a user enters a query character into a query input box of a client application, a search is conducted via an Internet-based index service using the existing query character. In response, the search returns suggested results that are then processed to complete the query as presented for selection by the user in the query input box. |
| US07676514B2 |
Distributed maintenance of snapshot copies by a primary processor managing metadata and a secondary processor providing read-write access to a production dataset
A primary processor manages metadata of a production dataset and a snapshot copy, while a secondary processor provides concurrent read-write access to the primary dataset. The secondary processor determines when a first write is being made to a data block of the production dataset, and in this case sends a metadata change request to the primary data processor. The primary data processor commits the metadata change to the production dataset and maintains the snapshot copy while the secondary data processor continues to service other read-write requests. The secondary processor logs metadata changes so that the secondary processor may return a “write completed” message before the primary processor commits the metadata change. The primary data processor pre-allocates data storage blocks in such a way that the “write anywhere” method does not result in a gradual degradation in I/O performance. |
| US07676510B1 |
Space reservation monitoring in a fractionally reserved data storage system
A mechanism by which a server system executing a host application monitors utilization of a fractionally reserved space on a volume storing application data. The server system executes space reservation policies to ensure that the host application is not halted due to inability to create snapshots on the volume. In one implementation, the server system alerts a system administrator if the rate of change in the size of data snapshots exceeds a specified threshold and initiates deletion of backup datasets stored on the volume if the size of a data snapshot exceeds the available space on the volume. |
| US07676504B2 |
Device and method for processing content and an information file related to the content
It is possible for an information processing device to read or write a large amount of contents-related information more quickly if the device has a relatively small processing capacity. The file format identifier information and the block identifier information that correspond to contents-related information are identified in Step S11 and it is determined in Step S17 if the file format version information read out from the file identified by the file format identifier information and the predefined file format version information agree with each other or not. If it is determined that the two pieces of file format version information agree with each other, the related information is read out from the block identified by the block identifier information of the identified file according to the block position information of the identified file in Step S22. |
| US07676501B2 |
Document integrity verification
A system and method enable reliable tamper detection for printed documents. Embodiments determine whether tampering has occurred and, if detected, isolate it to a specific section, such as a single page of a multi-page document. Embodiments render classes of documents tamper evident with cryptographic level security, where such security was previously unavailable, for example, documents printed using common printers without special paper or ink. Embodiments enable proving the date of document content without the need for expensive third party archival, including documents held, since their creation, entirely in secrecy or in untrustworthy environments, such as on easily-altered, publicly-accessible internet sites. Embodiments can extend, by many years, the useful life of currently-trusted integrity verification algorithms, such as hash functions, even when applied to binary executable files. Embodiments can efficiently identify whether multiple document versions are substantially similar, even if they are not identical, thus potentially reducing storage space requirements. |
| US07676500B2 |
System and method for the transformation and canonicalization of semantically structured data
A method of transforming and canonicalizing semantically structured data includes obtaining data from a network of computers, applying text patterns to the obtained data and placing the data in a first data file, providing a second data file containing the obtained data in a uniform format, and generating interface specific sentences from the data in the second data file. |
| US07676495B2 |
Advanced streaming format table of contents object
A computer memory product having stored thereon a digital media file, the memory product comprising a computer readable memory, and a data file including at least two digital data portions; a header object including a table of contents (TOC) object containing data regarding the data file; and a second data object following the first header object containing data representing digital media wherein the TOC object is disposed between the first header object and the second data object. |
| US07676494B2 |
System and method of matching vehicle ratings using a central database
A computer reservation system matches vehicle ratings using a central database. Vehicle information and rental equipment information are stored in the central database. A user specifies a vehicle description including make, model, and year of the vehicle on a website. The central database is searched based on the vehicle description to find related vehicle information including physical characteristics of the vehicle. The rental equipment in the central database is identified which is compatible with the vehicle as determined by a comparison of the rental equipment information to the vehicle information. The physical characteristics of the vehicle are compared to physical characteristics of the rental equipment to determine compatibility between the vehicle and the rental equipment. The compatible rental equipment is displayed on the website for the user. |
| US07676492B2 |
Migration of database using serialized objects
Methods, systems, and apparatus for migrating a database of a workflow processing system from a current version to a new version by serializing the data into serialized objects and then deserializing the objects into the new version of the database. The current version of the database may include elements of data associated with base features and extension features of the workflow processing system. The new version of the database is initially generated to include only base features associated with a new version of the programmed instructions of the system. Deserializing the serialized objects into the new version of the database is effective to merge the object types of the information in the current version of the database into the object type of the new version of the database. |
| US07676488B2 |
Conditional formatted reporting using syntax checking
A design in a markup language for rendering a report may be generated such that the design and conditions associated therewith are written in a single markup language. Based on this arrangement, both the design and the conditions may be parsed according to a pre-defined grammar to facilitate rapid debugging. |
| US07676486B1 |
Method and system for migration of legacy data into a content management system
Systems and methods are described which facilitate the integration of data into a content management system. Legacy data is inspected, and content types are generated based on a data model. From these content types, content type objects may be generated. The data may then be examined to acquire a key set, and a content instance object generated for each datum found which matches a content type. This content instance object can then be associated with the datum using one or more key values, saved, and subsequently used to manage the data. These methods and systems allow data to be migrated to a content management system without any modification to the existing data repository or its associated structures. |
| US07676481B2 |
Serialization of file system item(s) and associated entity(ies)
A system and method for serialization and/or de-serialization of file system item(s) and associated entity(ies)is provided. A file system “item” comprises a core class which can include property(ies). Through serialization, a consistent copy of the item and associated entity(ies), such as fragment(s), link(s) with other item(s) and/or extension(s),if any, can be captured. The serialization system includes an identification component that identities entity(ies) associated with an item and a serialization component that serializes the item and associated entity(ies). The serialization component can further serialize a header that includes information associated with the item and associated entity(ies). The header can facilitate random access to the item and associated entity(ies). The serialization system can expose application program interface(s) (API's) that facilitate the copying, moving and/or transfer of an item and its associated entity(ies) from one location to another location. |
| US07676475B2 |
System and method for efficient meta-data driven instrumentation
A method for gathering management information about an asset that includes receiving a first request for the management information about the asset, wherein the first request complies with the information model format, identifying a data acquisition (DAQ) definition for the DAQ definition complies with the DAQ format, triggering a protocol handler according to the DAQ definition, receiving the management information from the protocol handler about the asset, and updating a cache entry with the management information. |
| US07676473B2 |
Propagation of user preferences to end devices
In one embodiment, a method of providing propagation of user preferences to multiple end devices can comprise receiving a request for user preference information, the request originating from a requesting end device. One or more sewers storing preference information for a user associated with the requesting end device can be identified. The preference information for the user associated with the requesting end device can be read from the one or more servers and a response message can be generated. The response message can include the preference information for the user associated with the requesting end device from the one or more servers. The response message can be sent to one or more recipient end devices. |
| US07676471B2 |
Graphical, matrixed method for SAS fabric management
In an embodiment of the present invention, in a matrixed method for serial attached SCSI (SAS) fabric management, a user is provided with a graphical dynamic matrix table, which illustrates a plurality of matrixed cells corresponding to a plurality of zone groups in a one-to-one relationship. The matrixed cells are organized as a graphical dynamic table on an X-axis and a Y-axis. The table is a packed table, meaning the X and Y axes only display populated (or active) zone groups. To modify the zoning configuration the user uses a pointing device such as a mouse to left click the appropriate matrixed cell to toggle between states. There are four states ‘mutual access’, ‘previous mutual access’, ‘proposed mutual access’, and ‘no access’. |
| US07676469B1 |
Maintaining and displaying user ordered lists
A system and method for updating a source copy of an ordered list (the source list) comprising a plurality of list items according to modifications made to the order of the list items in a local copy of the ordered list (the local list) is provided. Each list item includes an order value. The order of the list items is determined according to the order values. To update the source list, the list items that have been moved in the local list are identified and placed on a temporary list, retaining the ordinal position in the local list. For each list item in the temporary list, the list item is placed back in the local list and its order value is set according to the average of the previous list item's order value and the subsequent list item's order value. The list item is then written to the source list. |
| US07676465B2 |
Techniques for clustering structurally similar web pages based on page features
Web page clustering techniques described herein are URL Clustering and Page Clustering, whereby clustering algorithms cluster together pages that are structurally similar. Regarding URL clustering, because similarly structured pages have similar patterns in their URLs, grouping similar URL patterns will group structurally similar pages. Embodiments of URL clustering may involve: (a) URL normalization and (b) URL variation computation. Regarding page clustering, page feature-based techniques further cluster any given set of homogenous clusters, reducing the number of clusters based on the underlying page code. Embodiments of page clustering may reduce the number of clusters based on the tag probabilities and the tag sequence, utilizing an Approximate Nearest Neighborhood (ANN) graph along with evaluation of intra-cluster and inter-cluster compactness. |
| US07676462B2 |
Method, apparatus, and program for refining search criteria through focusing word definition
A search engine is provided that includes a refinement mechanism. The search engine receives and parses a search expression and delimits the expression into individual terms or words. The refinement mechanism includes a directory of related terms and a directory of compound terms. The refinement mechanism also includes a hierarchical data structure of refinement terms. The mechanism then identifies related terms for the individual terms in the search expression, compound terms that may be formed from individual terms in the expression, and terms in the expression that have sub structures or “sub trees” in the hierarchical data structure. An interface is generated in a graphical tree structure to present identified related terms, compound terms, and refinement terms. Based upon user interaction with the interfaces, the mechanism forms an enhanced search expression. |
| US07676460B2 |
Techniques for providing suggestions for creating a search query
Provided are techniques for providing suggestions for a search query. As input of a search query is received, it is determined that the input corresponds to a stem. It is determined whether the stem resolves to a predetermined term. In response to determining that the input resolves to a predetermined term, a new query is generated based on the predetermined term and zero or more previously resolved terms. In response to executing the new query, results are received and suggestions for completing the search query are provided based on the received results. |
| US07676458B2 |
System and method for historical diagnosis of sensor networks
A method of querying a hierarchically organized sensor network, said network being sensor network with a global coordinator node at a top level which receives data from lower level intermediate nodes which are either leader nodes for lower level nodes or sensor nodes, wherein a sensor node i at a lowest level receives a signal Y(i,t) at time t, said method including constructing a sketch Swkt=(Swkt1, . . . , Swktn) for an internal node k from S wkt j = ∑ i ∈ LeafDescendents ( k ) ∑ q = 1 i b wiq · r iq j , wherein component Swktj is a sketch of a descendent of node k, ritj is a random variable associated with each sensor node i and time instant t wherein index j refers to independently drawn instantiations of the random variable, bit bwit represents a state of sensor node i for signal value w=Y(i,t) at time t, and LeafDescendents(k) are the lowest level sensor nodes under node k, wherein said sketch is adapted for responding to queries regarding a state of said network. |
| US07676457B2 |
Automatic index based query optimization
A method and apparatus for automatic index query optimization for a Lightweight directory Access Protocol (LDAP) system. Embodiments include a method for receiving a query for an LDAP repository. The method may further include reorganizing search terms in the query based on a uniqueness value of corresponding LDAP indexes to generate a modified query, and executing the modified query. |
| US07676455B2 |
Identifying and/or extracting data in connection with creating or updating a record in a database
The invention provides systems, methods, and computer programs to improve the accuracy and efficiency with which data analysts can use news stories, press releases, and other sources of information to maintain databases that contain information about individuals and businesses and other organizations. Documents containing material information are acquired in computer-readable form and optionally may then be reduced to raw text. One or more computerized systems process the text and tag important terms such as proper nouns, job titles, awards, and other terms indicating professional, educational, corporate, or other developments. The invention provides a user interface with which a data analyst can review, confirm, remove, modify, introduce, and link the tags, ultimately adding the information and links to a database and storing the source document in an electronic warehouse for future retrieval. |
| US07676450B2 |
Null aware anti-join
Techniques for performing a “null-aware” anti-join operation are described. Unnesting using anti-join of NOT IN/ALL subquery uses null-aware anti-join operation, resulting in a rewritten query that, when computed, produces results consistent with the NULL semantics of NOT IN/ALL subquery. The semantics of the “null-aware” anti-join operation allow the query having the NOT IN/ALL subquery to be rewritten even though a no-NULL restriction requirement, for the operands of the anti-join condition in the query, may not be met. |
| US07676449B2 |
Creating and viewing private events in an events repository
Techniques for accessing an events information repository are provided. An events repository contains event records defining real world events. A programmatic interface is exposed to third-party applications for accessing the event records within the repository. Specifically, the programmatic interface provides a set of routines that perform operations on the repository. Using the programmatic interface, third-party applications may call the set of routines to cause operations to be executed on the repository. Further, techniques are provided for creating and viewing private events within an events repository and also for associating user-defined tags with events using the events repository. |
| US07676447B2 |
Control system and method for controlling execution of scientific experiments by laboratory instruments
A scientific experiment control system includes a main controller for high-level control, an experimental manager for lower-level control of scientific experiments, and a roll-up engine for automatically propagating modifications (or “changes”) within the system to ensure consistency across the system and instruments which are linked to it in an automatic and dynamic manner. When any of experiment control objects automatically detects a change event as defined by any of the metrics inherited from the metric objects it transmits a notification to an interface. The latter automatically instantiates a change event object, which is managed in a queue by an input interface of the roll-up engine. The roll-up engine automatically interrogates the network of objects contained in the program object to determine the identity of every object in the hierarchy down to the notifying object which is involved in performance of the current experiment run. It then automatically transmits a notification to each of these identified objects. |
| US07676443B2 |
System and method for processing data elements in retail sales environment
A system for processing rules on data elements is described. The system includes a memory queue configured to receive and store a listing of data elements and a rule processing engine configured to apply one or more processing rules to one or more data elements. The rules processing engine further includes a rule condition processing engine configured to apply a condition to a data element and store the data element in the memory queue if the condition is satisfied and a rule action processing engine configured to iteratively perform an action on the elements stored in the memory queue. |
| US07676435B1 |
Method and system for triggering enhanced security verification in response to atypical selections at a service-oriented user interface terminal
A method and system for prompting a repeat user of a payment card at an interface terminal with additional security-related questions when the user selects responses that deviate from his or her typical selections. The payment card is read at the terminal, its line of credit is authorized, and a profile of the user's purchasing habits is retrieved. The user then enters his or her current selection of options. A determination is then made as to whether the user's current selections match his or her user profile. If the user's current selections match the user profile, the process allows the user to obtain the services or facilities. If the user's current selections do not match the user profile, the process queries the user with additional security questions to ascertain whether the current user is an authorized user. If the user is unable to answer the security questions correctly, the process prevents the user from accessing the services or facilities. If the user is able to answer the security questions correctly, the process allows the current user to begin fueling his or her vehicle. |
| US07676432B2 |
Methods and apparatus for transacting electronic commerce using account hierarchy and locking of accounts
Apparatus and methods are provided for facilitating electronic commerce in an environment in which a service provider handles business transactions between registered users and participating vendors and shipping companies, wherein users may establish and manage primary accounts and sub-accounts to purchase goods and services from participating vendors' web sites. |
| US07676429B2 |
Credit instrument and system providing multiple services including access to credit services and access to a service provider club
An apparatus and methods for a card that allows a cardholder to set up auto-charge payment of dues and fees to a series of clubs, merchants or service providers. The card also may be used for other transactions that accept credit cards. The apparatus includes a database containing information of the associated clubs, merchants and service providers, so that applicants and cardholders can easily configure auto-charging for multiple business concerns in one sitting. The apparatus may process auto-charge transactions in an automated fashion without requiring a cardholder to submit payment authorization or the business concern to submit a charge for each payment. Inconvenience and administrative costs to the cardholder and the business concern are reduced. The system and method provide a competitive advantage to the associated business concerns to secure the initial account and then to maintain it. The system and method encourages card loyalty of both the card members and the business concerns to the card provider. |
| US07676425B1 |
Method and system for providing flexible financing
Methods and systems for providing flexible financing are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a business card product with a customer activated credit line extension for accommodating large ticket purchases where the credit line extension may be linked to other business loan/lease products so that balances may be transferred to a customer's preferred financing product (or products). The purchases may be considered secured or unsecured loans/leases that may be capitalized as well as appreciate and depreciate in value. The purchases may include various types of revenue producing property, such as computer, office equipment, office furniture, copiers, farm equipment, and other types of revenue producing property. |
| US07676423B2 |
Method and system for optimal pricing and allocation with allotments
A method and system for the determination of optimal pricing and allocation of securities in an open, competitive environment. The method and system may also be used in developing pre-markets of other items that are difficult to price and allocate in a competitive manner, such as the underwriting/securitization of contracts for property; future revenue/earning streams from an asset and/or group of assets; underwritten insurance portfolios, intellectual property and other goods and services. The system of price optimization and allocation is accomplished by interactive feedback of information using a display and including competitive participation of individual members of the public (and/or their agents) or institutional buyers over a data network e.g., the Internet, uncovering the nature and identification of demand in a self-organizing fashion. Demand emerges through participants' interaction with the system and with each other, via a graphically-supported, interactive reservation process. Indications of interest (e.g., bids) may be treated as an allotment. |
| US07676422B2 |
Hedge fund weight in a hedge fund index
This invention relates to hedge fund indexing in general and methods and systems for constructing and maintaining investable hedge fund indices in particular. |
| US07676420B1 |
Electronic settlement of petroleum and gas distributions
In one embodiment, a system can include a centralized storage module, for example a database, that stores data relating to petroleum, natural gas and other related products taken from several different sources and entities. The entity storing and maintaining this data can be an entity independent from the operators, producers and/or other working interests. This system can use automated techniques to reconcile distributions to all entities associated with a well due to the removal of a mineral, for example, petroleum, natural gas and/or other related products, from that well, on a periodic basis. These automated techniques include, for example, reconciling all agreements associated with the well, reconciling the amount of mineral removed at the well, reconciling the spot market price associated with the well at the time of removal, automating approval by the removing entity, automating payment and the like. |
| US07676418B1 |
Credit portfolio benchmarking system and method
A portfolio benchmarking system comprises a repository of trade data, a repository of consumer data, a build computer, and a benchmarking query application. The repository of trade data comprises a plurality of data items regarding trade lines. The repository of consumer data comprises a plurality of data items regarding consumers, wherein at least some information in the consumer data is not in the trade data and at least some information in the trade data is not in the consumer data. The build computer periodically generates at least one data file comprising a plurality of data items, each data item combining information from the trade data and the consumer data, such that searches can be performed on the combined data without joining trade data and consumer data at query run time. The benchmarking query application executes queries on the data file generated by the build computer. |
| US07676417B2 |
Method and system for unified management of plurality of assets using computer network
A method and system for collectively displaying in real-time on the Internet the status of personal assets and transactions. The system comprises a plurality of asset databases corresponding to a plurality of financial institutions; storing portfolio information related to total assets in the above-mentioned plurality of financial institutions; a unified asset management server for receiving asset information from the above-mentioned plurality of financial institutions and storing same respectively in the above-mentioned plurality of asset databases, and preparing the above-mentioned portfolio based on the above-mentioned plurality of asset databases and storing the same; an asset management database for managing a user's assets; and a financial institution server connected to the above-mentioned authentication database, the above-mentioned asset management database, and the above-mentioned transaction management database. The unified asset management server prepares a portfolio of all assets. |
| US07676416B2 |
Systems, methods and computer program products for performing a contingent claim valuation
Systems, methods and computer program products for performing a valuation of a contingent claim, such as a call or a put, are provided that initially determine the present value distribution of contingent future benefits that is attributable to the exercise of a contingent claim, such as according to a jump-diffusion model. The present value of an exercise price, such as a distribution of contingent future investments of a distribution of contingent future investments, required to exercise the contingent claim is also determined. An average of the difference between the present value distribution of contingent future benefits and the present value of the contingent future investment is determined. By utilizing appropriate discount rates, the benefits and investment can be effectively valued, which, in turn, permits the contingent claim project to be effectively valued in an intuitive manner. |
| US07676414B1 |
Annuity having interest rate coupled to a referenced interest rate
An annuity provides a guaranteed rate of return for a guarantee period while at the same time providing upward adjustments to the interest rate if there is a corresponding increase in a specified referenced rate. The guaranteed base interest rate is set at the beginning of the guarantee period, and the annuity account is credited with the base interest rate for an initial pre-defined period. Periodically, the then-current referenced rate is compared to a base referenced rate defined at the establishment of the guarantee period. If the referenced rate has increased, the interest rate that will be credited to the annuity account value will increase by an amount that is based on the amount of increase in the referenced rate. If the referenced rate has not changed or has decreased, the interest rate that will be credited to the annuity account value will be the guaranteed base interest rate. |
| US07676413B2 |
System, method and computer program product for determining a minimum asset value for exercising a contingent claim of an option
A system, method and computer program product are provided for determining a minimum future benefits value for exercising a contingent claim of an option. The method may include determining a present value distribution of contingent future benefits at an expiration exercise point, and present values of respective exercise prices at the expiration exercise point and one or more decision points before that point. Determining these present value distribution and present values may include discounting a distribution and respective values according to first and second discount rates, respectively. The method may also include repeatedly determining, for a plurality of forecasted asset values at a selected decision point, respective values based upon the present value distribution and the present values, where the respective values may be conditioned on the forecasted asset values. A forecasted asset value that maximizes the value may then be selected. |
| US07676411B2 |
Click based trading with intuitive grid display of market depth
A method and system for reducing the time it takes for a trader to place a trade when electronically trading on an exchange, thus increasing the likelihood that the trader will have orders filled at desirable prices and quantities. The “Mercury” display and trading method of the present invention ensure fast and accurate execution of trades by displaying market depth on a vertical or horizontal plane, which fluctuates logically up or down, left or right across the plane as the market prices fluctuates. This allows the trader to trade quickly and efficiently. |
| US07676409B1 |
Method and system for emulating a private label over an open network
According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and a system for emulating a private label network over an open network where settlement occurs at varying discount rates with one or more merchants or providers. A computer implemented method and system for settling a transaction at a discount rate may include receiving an authorization record for the transaction initiated by a customer over an open payment network; identifying payment plan data associated with a transaction; creating a settlement record based at least in part on the authorization record and the payment plan data; determining a discount rate for the settlement record; and settling with a provider for the transaction at the discount rate. |
| US07676406B2 |
Method and system for consolidating commodity futures contracts having guaranteed physical delivery
A guaranteed physical delivery futures contract and method and system for consolidating same are disclosed. The method includes guaranteeing physical delivery for future positions of market participants having open first-nearby time positions of a particular size, making additions to or subtractions from open first-nearby time positions of market participants that are less than the particular size and offsetting the additions to and subtractions from market participants' open first-nearby time positions with opposite positions in a second-nearby time. The system includes one or more servers and communications links, the communications links for receiving position data, including open positions, and the servers are configured to make additions to or subtractions from open first-nearby time positions less than a certain size and adjust market participant second-nearby time positions based on the additions to or subtractions from open first-nearby time positions. In certain embodiments, the underlying commodity is crude oil and the particular size is the size of a cargo shipment, about 600,000 barrels. |
| US07676397B2 |
Method and system for predicting the outcome of an online auction
A method and related system for predicting, possibly a software program executing on a computer system, an online auction outcome for each of a plurality of feedback rules. |
| US07676394B2 |
Dynamic bidding and expected value
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for receiving data associated with a mobile content, calculating an expected value of the mobile content based at least in part on the data received, and determining a bid amount for a sponsorship of the mobile content based at least in part on the expected value. |
| US07676392B2 |
Electronic toll management
Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing a set of toll transaction entries. Each entry in the set designates a toll transaction between a vehicle and the toll system and includes a transaction descriptor and a transaction time stamp. A series of toll transaction pictures is accessed. The series includes a plurality of pictures, each of which is associated with a picture time stamp. A toll transaction entry is identified from the set as a violation transaction entry based on the transaction descriptor. A toll transaction picture is selected from the series. The transaction time stamp of the violation transaction is compared, using a processing device, with the picture time stamp of the selected toll transaction picture. The selected toll transaction picture is identified as a violation picture corresponding to the violation transaction entry based on a result of the comparison. |
| US07676386B2 |
Systems and methods for scheduling and sequencing sessions or appointments
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for scheduling patients in an organized and uniform way using a batch follow-up system. Such batch follow-up methods help a research site conducting research to prepare one or more of study supplies, patient charts, study goals, and data collecting requirements in preparation for the batch follow-up visits. Embodiments of the invention also relate to systems and methods for communicating initial and follow-up visit dates to patients. In certain instances, various communications (e.g., between the patients and the study site or between the study site and the study sponsor) may be electronic communications. Methods of scheduling and sequencing patient visits may be conducted over a network wherein reminders about follow-up visits are electronically generated. |
| US07676385B2 |
Method and equipment adapted for verifying presence of a medical implant within a patient
One embodiment of the disclosures made herein is a method adapted for verifying presence of a medical implant within a patient. Such an embodiment includes performing an operation for authenticating a medical implant patient, whereby the patient includes an authenticated-patient. In response to successfully authenticating the medical implant patient, an operation is performed for creating an authenticated-patient medical implant verification account (MIVA) for the medical implant patient. An operation is performed for issuing an authenticated-patient medical implant verification card (MIVC) to the medical implant patient in response to creating the authenticated-patient MIVA for the medical implant patient. After creating the authenticate-patient MIVA and issuing the MIVC, an operation is performed for facilitating patient-authorized access to the MIVA. |
| US07676383B2 |
Method and article of manufacture for performing clinical trial budget analysis
An electronic method is provided of analyzing budgets for clinical trials. A clinical trial budget is entered into a processor. The budget includes activities and associated activity costs. The activities are classified into a set of standardized service categories. The processor then electronically allocates the associated activity costs with the respective standardized service category so that budget costs can be objectively analyzed. The budget further includes assumption specifications. The processor further calculates per unit costs of the assumption specifications. The activities and the associated activity costs are then equalized against reference assumption specifications using at least the per unit costs via calculations performed in the processor. |
| US07676381B2 |
Medical support system
The present invention provides a medical support system capable of properly supporting entry of medical information by a medical professional. A medical support system stores, as medical data, first medical information entered by a medical professional as an operator, and second medical information entered without direct intervention of the medical professional. Further, the medical support system generates and outputs support information for supporting entry of the first medical information by the medical professional. In the medical support system, the support information is generated on the basis of the first medical information and second medical information being entered. Therefore, in the medical support system, when the first medical information and second medical information being entered changes, the support information to be generated also changes. |
| US07676377B2 |
System for analyzing transportation infrastructure and minimizing repair costs
A system, method, and software product analyzes transportation infrastructure that includes roadways and bridges. Condition indicators are associated with each roadway and bridge, and costs involved with first repairing each bridge and roadway at different points in time considering the condition indicators are determined and compared. Costs involved with maintaining the bridges and roadways are determined and compared. Priority values are associated with each roadway and bridge. Predetermined condition parameters and secondary predetermined condition parameters associated with the priority values are compared to the condition indicators to determine if the roadways and bridges are in need of repair or in definite need of repair. Aggregate costs are determined and compared to current and projected budgets. |
| US07676373B2 |
Displaying text of speech in synchronization with the speech
Displays a character string representing content of speech in synchronization with reproduction of the speech. An apparatus includes: a unit for obtaining scenario data representing the speech; a unit for dividing textual data resulting from recognition of the speech to generate pieces of recognition pieces of recognition data; a unit for detecting in the scenario data a character matching each character contained in each piece of recognition data for which no matching character string has been detected to detect in the scenario data a character string that matches the piece of recognition data; and a unit for setting the display timing of displaying each of character strings contained in the scenario data to the timing at which speech recognized as the piece of recognition data that matches the character string is reproduced. |
| US07676367B2 |
Method of producing alternate utterance hypotheses using auxiliary information on close competitors
A method of constructing a list of alternate transcripts from a recognized transcript includes generating a list of close call records, matching partial sub-histories from the recognized transcript with one of the history pairs stored in each of the records, and substituting the other of the history pairs for the partial sub-history of the recognized transcript. A close call record is generated each time a pair of partial hypotheses attempt to seed a common word. Each close call record includes history information and scoring information associated with a particular pair of partial hypotheses seeding a common word. Alternate transcripts are constructed by substituting close call histories for partial histories of the recognized transcripts, and also by substituting close call histories for partial histories of other alternate transcript. |
| US07676364B2 |
System and method for speech-to-text conversion using constrained dictation in a speak-and-spell mode
For improving the accuracy of a speech recognition system, for the specific task of speech-to-text (dictation style speech) translation, a constrained dictation methodology using speak-and-spell mode is disclosed. The invention is perfectly suited for modern day “text-messaging” applications wherein the number of words being dictated is very small (limited by the 140-160 characters message length constraint). Additionally, the invention adds a control on the way users interact with machines, thereby making the speech recognition task easier and improving system accuracy. |
| US07676359B2 |
System and method for synchronizing languages and data elements
Data languages, executable programs, and user interfaces are synchronized by a database for storing data enumerations in a first language, a configuration file for mapping language neutral tags to the data enumerations, a user interface operable responsive to the language neutral tags for presenting to a user interface view selected data enumerations in the second language; the user interface responsive to user selection at the user interface view of a data enumeration in the second language corresponding to a selected language neutral tag for accessing the configuration file to retrieve a corresponding data enumeration in the first language, and for returning the corresponding data enumeration to the database. |
| US07676357B2 |
Enhanced Chinese character/Pin Yin/English translator
A method for the rapid, dynamic conversion of Pin Yin words is disclosed. The present invention comprises a web-based computer program. The user identifies an input which may be a hybrid or unaccented Pin Yin word. The character is translated dynamically into an accented Pin Yin word, a Simplified Chinese character or a Traditional Chinese character. The translated character is then displayed. The translation is done in the web page without a round trip to the server. |
| US07676356B2 |
System, method and data structure for simulated interaction with graphical objects
Object simulation and interaction of and between computer-generated or graphical objects in a virtual space includes neutral scene graphs, data structures and procedures for using such graphs and data structures. |
| US07676354B2 |
Method of and system for simulating a light-emitting device
A system for simulating a characteristic of a light-emitting device includes a transport calculating module for calculating a concentration of carriers in the light-emitting device. The system includes an optical calculating module for calculating data sets including a total emission power factor of excitons set and a light extraction efficiency data. A diffusion calculating module uses the exciton formation rate and the total emission power factor to calculate a concentration of excitons and a total deactivation rate of the excitons. A device characteristics calculating module uses the light extraction efficiency data set and a radiative deactivation rate calculated from the total deactivation rate to calculate a device characteristic of the light-emitting device. |
| US07676346B2 |
System and a method for observing and predicting a physiological state of an animal
A system for observing and predicting a physiological state of an animal has been provided. The system includes a computer including a processor and being operatively connected to a database, at least one sample providing device for repetitively providing at least one sample of a body fluid of the animal, an analysis apparatus for analyzing the at least one sample, so as to obtain at least one sample value of at least one parameter of the body fluid, a data interface for repetitively entering the sample value of the at least one parameter in the database, where the database is adapted to store multiple database entries representing the sample value of the at least one parameter at various points in time, and where the processor is programmed to: perform at least one mathematical analysis of the at least one sample value, and selecting, on the basis of the at least one mathematical analysis, the point in time for providing a subsequent sample and performing a subsequent analysis of the subsequent sample for at least one of the parameters. |
| US07676342B2 |
Sensor assembly, digital serial bus and protocol, sensor network, and lithographic apparatus and system
An sensor assembly according to one embodiment includes a sensor, an analog-to-digital converter configured to digitize a data signal received from the sensor, and an array of logic elements configured to receive a first data transmission over a serial bus and to transmit a second data transmission including information in the digitized signal over the serial bus. The array of logic elements is configured to transmit the second data transmission according to information received in the first data transmission. |
| US07676341B2 |
Magnetic sensor control device
A magnetic sensor control device has an input section, a selection section, a calculation section, and a setting section. The input section inputs a plurality of magnetic data each having 3 components sequentially output from a 3-dimensional (3D) magnetic sensor. The selection section selects 4 magnetic data satisfying a predetermined 4-point selection condition from the plurality of the input magnetic data. The calculation section calculates a center point equally distant from 4 points corresponding to the 4 selected magnetic data. The setting section sets 3 components representing the center point as an offset of the magnetic data. |
| US07676340B2 |
Geomagnetic sensor and geomagnetic sensor correction method, temperature sensor and temperature sensor correction method, geomagnetism detection device
With regard to a temperature sensor, a control logic circuit conducts control of the temperature sensor. During preparation of the temperature sensor, the control logic circuit reads the result of measurement of the property pertaining to the ambient temperature from the temperature sensor circuit, obtains the initial value and correction value from the result, and stores the pertinent values in the fuse memory. At times of operation of the temperature sensor, the control logic circuit reads the initial value and correction value from the fuse memory, and corrects the measurement values of the temperature sensor circuit using the pertinent values. |
| US07676339B2 |
Apparatus and method of compensating a seat offset for a load applied to the seat
A method of compensating a measurement. The method includes determining a zero-point, determining a rate of change of the zero-point, and compensating the measurement based on the rate of change of the zero-point and/or the zero-point. In one embodiment, the compensated measurement is used to control a safety device in a vehicle. |
| US07676337B2 |
Irreversible-reaction measurement method
An irreversible-reaction measurement method comprising: a step in which a perturbation is applied to one of the divided portions of a measurement sample placed in a light path of a Fourier-transform spectrophotometer to cause an irreversible-reaction while a mirror of the spectrophotometer remains at a data point; a step in which interferogram is detected from the sample portion placed in the path at predetermined time intervals after the application of the perturbation; a step in which the mirror moves to and remains at the next data point after the reaction of the sample portion reaches an end point; a step in which the sample portion placed in the light path is changed to the next sample portion each time the mirror moves to the next data point; and a step in which the irreversible-reaction of the measurement sample is analyzed in accordance with the interferogram obtained by repeating the steps. |
| US07676332B2 |
System and method for processing raw activity energy expenditure data
According to one embodiment, a method is provided for calculating, by an activity monitor comprising one accelerometer, a raw activity energy expenditure data based on movement by a user. The method includes determining if the raw activity energy expenditure data is associated with a high intensity physical activity, wherein the high intensity physical activity causes the raw activity energy expenditure data to differ from an expected activity energy expenditure data. The method includes calculating a corrected activity energy expenditure data, if the raw activity energy expenditure data is associated with the high intensity physical activity, based on the raw activity energy expenditure data, wherein the corrected activity energy expenditure data is substantially identical to the expected activity energy expenditure data. |
| US07676331B2 |
Torque estimating device of compressor
A compressor drive torque estimating device suppresses a discrepancy between an estimated drive torque, which is based on a torque estimating device of a compressor, and an actual drive torque of the compressor. The discrepancy is due to delay in switching between employment of the torque estimating device and the actual drive torque of the compressor in judging the compressor torque. Thus, even in a transitional state immediately after the start of compression, the idling speed of an engine driving the compressor is controlled based on an accurate estimate of the compressor torque, to improve the stability of the engine idle speed. |
| US07676330B1 |
Method for processing a particle using a sensor structure
A method for processing KStore sensors for use by a KEngine in a KStore system to process a K includes providing a stream of particles, instantiating a KStore sensor structure, identifying particles to be included in a sensor set and processing said identified particles. The KStore sensor structure can provide a correspondence between a particle and a sensor K node. Furthermore, the KStore sensor structure can be a list of K nodes, an indexed array or a hash table. |
| US07676328B2 |
Method for identifying cell-specific proteins
The present invention relates to a method for identifying cell-specific proteins comprising the following steps: a) determining cell-specific protein combination patterns of n cells; b) comparing the protein combination patterns of healthy and pathologically or physiologically modified cells of one cell type or comparing the protein combination patterns of cells of a different cell type affected by the same disease; c1) subtracting the coincident parts of the protein combination patterns of healthy and pathologically or physiologically modified cells of one cell type compared in step b) and determining a cell-specific protein resulting therefrom; or c2) subtracting the non-coincident parts of the protein combination patterns of cells of a different cell type affected by the same disease compared in step b) and determining a cell-specific protein resulting therefrom; and d) identifying the resulting cell-specific protein in terms of molecules and spatial structure. |
| US07676327B2 |
Method for optimal wave field separation
A technique for decomposing a recorded wave field represented in a set of multicomponent, marine seismic data centers around a computer-implemented method including: estimating the statistics of the noise terms in each one of a predetermined group of seismic measurements in a seismic data set acquired in a marine survey; modeling the physical propagation of a recorded wave field represented in the seismic data set from the estimated statistics; and estimating a directional component of the recorded wave field from the physical propagation model that minimizes error relative to the seismic measurements. |
| US07676326B2 |
VH Reservoir Mapping
A method and system of detecting and mapping a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir includes determining ratio data for a plurality of orthogonal spectral components of naturally occurring low frequency background seismic data. The ratio data may be compared, plotted, contoured and displayed as a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir map or a hydrocarbon potential map. The ratio data may represent a vertical spectral component of the seismic data over a horizontal spectral component of the seismic data. The subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir map may include contouring the ratio data over a geographical area associated with the seismic data. |
| US07676319B2 |
Intake air amount control apparatus for engine and control method thereof
The present invention provides an intake air amount control apparatus for an engine and a control method of an intake air amount of an engine, in which, when the atmospheric pressure exceeds a threshold value, a target lift amount of an intake valve is determined based on a target intake air amount and an electronically controlled throttle is controlled to generate a target boost pressure. On the other hand, when the atmospheric pressure does not exceed the threshold value because of a vehicle traveling at a high altitude, the target lift amount of the intake valve is fixed to a maximum lift amount and the opening angle of the electronically controlled throttle is determined in response to the target intake air amount. Consequently, an actual intake air amount is controlled to be brought to the target intake air amount thereby generating negative pressure necessary for exhaust gas recirculation. |
| US07676316B2 |
Methods for optimizing the operation parameters of a combustion engine
A method for optimizing operation of an engine driven by an electronic or digital system incorporating at least one parameter or one law or one mapping for engine injection, combustion or post-treatment comprising analyzing fuel composition from at least one sensor located in a fuel circuit of an engine comprising a filling system, a fuel tank, a pump, a fuel filter, an engine fuel system and a return circuit to the fuel tank, and selecting or modifying the parameter, law or mapping for injection, combustion or post-treatment according to a result of the analysis, wherein the fuel composition analysis comprises, spectroscopic analysis of the molecular structure of the hydrocarbons composing the fuel. |
| US07676315B2 |
Vehicle response during vehicle acceleration conditions
A vehicle control method for transitioning through transmission lash regions is described using a variety of information, such as, for example, gear ratio, clutch slippage, etc. Further, different adjustment of spark and throttle angle is used to provide a rapid torque response while still reducing effects of the lash. Finally, transitions taking into account both slipping and non-slipping transmissions are described. |
| US07676314B2 |
Motion control apparatus for a vehicle
When the absolute value of the steering angle equals or is greater than a prescribed angle, a vehicle motion control apparatus sets a control gear ratio so that when an estimated vehicle-body speed is equal to or greater than a prescribed value, the control gear ratio becomes a value equal to or greater than a certain value and which increases with estimated vehicle-body speed as the absolute value of the steering angle increases. When the estimated vehicle-body speed is less than the prescribed value, the control gear ratio becomes a value not greater than the certain value and which decreases with estimated vehicle-body speed as the absolute value of the steering angle increases. The apparatus then calculates a target yaw rate making use of the control gear ratio, and controls a braking force applied to each wheel so that the actual yaw rate coincides with the target yaw rate. |
| US07676311B2 |
Method for controlling a safety device in a motor vehicle
In a method for controlling a safety device in a motor vehicle, wherein the safety device is controlled as a function of at least one preset characteristic of a vehicle seat in the motor vehicle, an electric adjusting mechanism, which is provided for adjusting the preset characteristic of the vehicle seat, detects the measured adjustments, which relate to the preset characteristic, and that the preset characteristic is determined with the aid of the measured adjustments. |
| US07676310B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle steering system
Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle steering system are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a desired front road wheel angle signal at a controller. The desired front road wheel angle signal is indicative of a desired front road wheel angle of vehicle wheels. The method further includes receiving a parking assist request signal at the controller indicating a parking assist operational mode is desired. The method further includes generating a desired motor torque signal for controlling a power steering motor in the parking assist operational mode utilizing the controller, based on the desired front road wheel angle signal and the parking assist request signal. |
| US07676309B2 |
Motor-driven power steering apparatus
A motor-driven power steering apparatus is provided with a self-aligning torque computing means for computing a self-aligning torque based on of a steering angle and a vehicle speed, a friction torque computing means for computing a friction torque in accordance with a steering angle change from a steering angular velocity, an apparent steering torque computing means for computing an apparent steering torque from the friction torque and a steering torque, and a steering torque feedback control means for driving and controlling an assist motor in such a manner that a difference between the self-aligning torque and the apparent steering torque becomes 0. |
| US07676307B2 |
System and method for controlling a safety system of a vehicle in response to conditions sensed by tire sensors related applications
A control system for a vehicle (10) is described for use in conjunction with the safety system (44) of the vehicle (10). A tire sensor or plurality of tire sensors generates tire force signals. The tire force signals may include lateral tire forces, longitudinal (or torque) tire forces, and normal tire forces. Based upon the tire force signals, a safety system (44) may be activated. The tire force sensors may be used to monitor various conditions including but not limited to sensing a roll condition, wheel lift detection, a trip event, oversteering and understeering conditions, pitch angle, bank angle, roll angle, and the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle. |
| US07676305B2 |
Method and apparatus for assigning weighting coefficients for performing attitude calculations with a star sensor
Methods and apparatus for assigning weighting coefficients to measurements of a succession of stars acquired by a star sensor connected to a client device in order to determine a spatial orientation, characterized in that higher or lower preference is given to refreshment of the positions of measurements with the highest weights and/or stars on which these measurements are made by the star sensor and/or its client device, so as to displace part of the power of the error associated with the set of star measurements within the frequency spectrum. |
| US07676303B2 |
System and method for converting an aircraft from a flight condition lying outside a permissible flight condition range to a flight condition lying within the permissible flight condition range
A system and method for converting an aircraft from a flight condition lying outside a permissible flight condition range to a flight condition lying within the permissible flight condition range, that can be assigned to a sensor system and a control device of the aircraft. The system includes a control override module for taking over or returning the control authority over the aircraft based on a control take-over signal and for feeding control set points if the control takeover signal is set; a maneuver selection module; a threshold value generator for calculating the flight range limit on the basis of measured variables of the sensor system; a decision module; a command generator that is functionally connected on the one hand to the decision module and the maneuver selection module and on the other hand to the control override module and, when the control takeover signal is set, calculates the control set points based on the maneuver information and transmits them to the control override module. |
| US07676302B2 |
System and method of operating a cooling fan
A computer program product stored in a computing device has a processor and a communication interface to determine cooling specifications of a remote housing. The computer program product includes a machine-readable storage medium and machine-readable program code, stored on the machine-readable storage medium. The machine readable program code includes instructions, which when executed, to cause the processor, via the communication interface set a speed of a fan within the remote housing, set an alarm condition for the fan within the remote housing, set a temperature threshold for the fan within the remote housing, capture the cooling specifications of the fan for the remote housing, the cooling specification including a measured temperature; and increase the speed of the fan if the temperature threshold is exceeded. |
| US07676298B2 |
Method and apparatus for surface shaping of polymer composite components
A method of precision surface re-profiling of a composite polymeric component comprising a region capable of being re-profiled, comprising the steps of locating the polymeric composite component with a formable surface relative to a supporting fixture, the thickness of component comprising the formable surface being greater than the desired final thickness in a region to be re-profiled, moving a forming head into position into contact with the formable surface of the composite component with the aid of precision location or measurement sensors, causing the formable surface of the component to flow under the tool and creating a precisely defined local thickness or profile of component under the forming tool, and moving the forming head along the region of the component to be re-profiled, while maintaining the forming tool at a predetermined height profile or while leaving the re-profiled component with a predetermined thickness profile. |
| US07676297B2 |
Spring-forming control system and its control method for a spring forming machine
A spring-forming control system and its control method for a spring forming machine in which the spring-forming control system uses a host computer to provide graphical spring parameter setting, program modification, and dragline-method program modification graphical interfaces that are selectively switchable on a display monitor. After setting of spring processing parameters through the spring parameter setting interface, a trial production is done subject to a spring parameter auto-generation software built in the spring-forming control system, and then the production is started if the trial meets the requirements, or the spring processing parameters are modified through the spring parameter setting interface, program modification interface, or dragline-method program modification interface if the trial does not meet the requirements, and then a further trial production is performed till the shaped spring meets the requirements. A spring preview is available during running of the spring-forming control system. The graphic interface operation has the advantages of convenience, rapidness, and accuracy. |
| US07676296B2 |
Substrate processing system, substrate processing method and computer-readable storage medium storing verification program
Disclosed is a method of verifying a recipe execution program. When a computer executes a recipe execution program, the computer sends instructions, which are issued based on a process recipe data defining specific operations to be performed by a substrate processing apparatus, to the substrate processing apparatus. When a computer executes a log output program, the computer outputs a log data indicating the instructions sent to the substrate processing apparatus. When a computer executes a comparing and checking program, the computer compares the log data which the process recipe data corresponding to the log data. |
| US07676293B2 |
Production schedule creation device and method, production process control device and method, computer program, and computer-readable recording medium
A production schedule creation device includes: a production simulator (100) simulating a production process expressing the production state and the production constraint of the production process; a mathematical expression holding device holding a mathematical model (110) created by acquiring information relating to creation of the production schedule in attention as a mathematical model expressing, in a mathematical expression, the production state and the production constraint of the production process; and an optimization calculation device (120) performing the optimization calculation by using a predetermined evaluation function for the mathematical model (110) and calculating a production instruction for the production simulator. The production instruction obtained by the optimization calculation device is supplied to the production simulator (100) so as to execute simulation. Thus, an optimum solution can be obtained by performing only one simulation. |
| US07676291B2 |
Hand microphone interfaced to game controller port of personal computer
A hand microphone and an adaptor module form an assembly which is a peripheral device for a personal computer. The hand microphone is used to control dictation functions to be carried out by the PC. Two separate analog control signal channels are output from the hand microphone and applied, respectively, as X- and Y-axis inputs for the game port on the PC. Control signals carried in the two signal channels are generated by actuating control switches mounted on the hand microphone. |
| US07676287B2 |
Configuration system and method for abnormal situation prevention in a process plant
A system for gathering data associated with a process plant, in which parameters are generated by a plurality of signal processing data collection blocks, automatically determines parameters to be monitored. The signal processing data collection blocks may generate data such as statistical data, frequency analysis data, auto regression data, wavelets data, etc. Then, the system monitors the determined parameters. |
| US07676282B2 |
Compression of servo control logging entries
In controlled mechanical hardware, such as servo-controlled hardware, data from the control algorithm is obtained and logged for possible later analysis. Loss-less compression is provided without increasing the size of the storage memory. Instead of continuously storing the complete (absolute) value of a monitored control parameter, an absolute value is stored in an absolute entry and one or more values of the parameter which are relative to each preceding value are stored in a sequence of associated relative entries. The space required to store a relative value is less than the space required to store an absolute value. Updated absolute values and groups of associated relative values may also be recorded periodically or when a relative value is too large for the allotted space. The size of relative values may be variable and appropriate information data entries may be generated to indicate the size of associated relative entries. |
| US07676281B2 |
Distributed database in an industrial automation environment
A distributed database system within an industrial automation environment comprises a plurality of associated programmable logic controllers, wherein each of the programmable logic controllers includes data relating to one of a process and a device. Furthermore, the data within the plurality of programmable logic controllers can conform to a hierarchically structured data model, which, for example, can be based upon ISA S95, ISA S88, OMAC, or any suitable combination thereof. A reception component receives and services a request for data that is located within at least one of the programmable logic controllers. |
| US07676278B2 |
Fault tolerant transport mechanism in storage and method of controlling the same
First and second mobile carriers are accessible to individual cells defined in a storage. The first and second mobile carriers move along overlapped paths. First and second controller circuits are connected to the first and second mobile carriers, respectively. The second controller circuit is also connected to the first mobile carrier. Even when a defect occurs in the first controller circuit, the transport mechanism allows the second controller circuit to take over the control on the first mobile carrier from the first controller circuit. The control on the first mobile carrier serves to avoid interference between the first mobile carrier and any obstacle on the path. If the first mobile carrier is removed from the path of the second mobile carrier, the second mobile carrier is allowed to keep operating. The operation of the transport mechanism can be kept without any interruption. |
| US07676274B2 |
High-density array of micro-machined electrodes for neural stimulation
The present invention is a micro-machined electrode for neural-electronic interfaces which can achieve a ten times lower impedance and higher charge injection limit for a given material and planar area. |
| US07676266B1 |
Monitoring ventricular synchrony
An exemplary method includes providing a maximum right ventricular systolic pressure value and corresponding time during a cardiac cycle, providing a left ventricular displacement value for the corresponding time, determining a product of the maximum right ventricular systolic pressure value and the magnitude of the left ventricular displacement value and assessing ventricular synchrony for the cardiac cycle based at least in part on the product. Such a method may include adjusting one or more cardiac pacing parameters based at least in part on the product. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US07676263B2 |
Minimally invasive system for selecting patient-specific therapy parameters
The present invention provides systems and methods for ambulatory, long term monitoring of a physiological signal from a patient. At least a portion of the systems of the present invention may be implanted within the patient in a minimally invasive manner. In preferred embodiments, brain activity signals are sampled from the patient and are transmitted to a handheld patient communication device for further processing. |
| US07676259B2 |
Dynamically optimized multisite cardiac resynchronization device
A cardiac rhythm management device in which amplitudes of electrograms from one or more cardiac sites are measured in order to ascertain the extent of hypertrophy. The device may then pace the heart by delivering pacing therapy in a manner that unloads the hypertrophied myocardium to effect reversal of undesirable remodeling. |
| US07676254B2 |
System and method for detecting pain and its components using magnetic resonance spectroscopy
A system and method identifies different components of the pain experience (nociceptive (tissue damage), neuropathic (nerve damage) and psychological) and their relative contributions by the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure absolute and relative concentrations of metabolites in specific brain regions in the central nervous system or brain. The system and method can be used as a diagnostic tool for the assessment of the relative contribution of different aspects of the pain experience as well as monitoring of response to interventions directed at modifying these components. |
| US07676251B2 |
Wireless communication system, electronic price tag system, wireless communication apparatus, communication terminal apparatus, and wireless communication method
A wireless communication system is provided for establishing wireless communication between a wireless communication apparatus and a battery-driven communication terminal apparatus in which system the power consumption rate of the communication terminal apparatus can be reduced. The wireless communication system includes a trigger signal transmission line for transmitting a trigger signal from the wireless communication apparatus to the communication terminal apparatus, and a data communication line for establishing data communication between the wireless communication apparatus and the communication terminal apparatus. The data communication between the wireless communication apparatus and the communication terminal apparatus is established in response to the trigger signal that is transmitted by the trigger signal transmission line. |
| US07676246B2 |
Secure audio-visual communication device
A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing audio-visual communication between registered users. Similar to the traditional walkie-talkie, a user depresses a button to transmit audio information, such as voice, and releases the same button to receive audio information from a transmitting device. Additionally, when communicating to another unit, the transmitting unit can also simultaneously send streaming video or still pictures in conjunction with audio communication. Both the audio and streaming video are transmitted and received in real-time. Still pictures may be stored or transmitted at any time. Each unit comprises a transmitter, antenna, camera, speaker, display screen and battery that are compact enough to be taken anywhere and allow for mobility. To enable security of the device, users must register with each other while within range before any communication can begin. This invention will allow users to communicate with each other for both business and recreational purposes. |
| US07676245B2 |
Receiver module comprising a wideband antenna
A receiver module 11 comprises a loop antenna 14 for receiving signals from a digital broadcast network 3. The receiver module 11 may be an integral component of, or attached to, a mobile terminal 1 that comprises a cellular transceiver 8. For example, the receiver module 11 may be incorporated in a battery pack and inserted into a battery compartment of the mobile terminal 1, so that the receiver module 11 and mobile terminal 1 are powered by battery 13. The loop antenna 14 is substantially resistant to electric fields produced by the transceiver 8 and other sources, and may be arranged within the receiver module 11. Where an external loop antenna 41 is provided instead of, or in addition to, loop antenna 14, the receiver module 11 may be arranged to monitor the quality of signals received from the digital broadcast network 3 and alert a user to deploy the external antenna 41 if the signal quality is low or decreasing. |
| US07676243B2 |
Interoperability improvement between receivers and transmitters in a mobile station
A mobile station is disclosed that includes a first antenna, at least one second antenna, and a receiver coupled to the first antenna. The receiver includes first control logic configured to generate a notification of the receiver being able to receive a reception frequency band and includes a transmitter coupled to the at least one second antenna and the receiver. The transmitter communicates radio frequency (RF) signals in a transmission frequency band over an RF transmit path to the at least one second antenna. The transmitter includes a tunable filter coupleable to the RF transmit path, and second control logic configured to adjust at least one characteristic of the tunable filter based at least in part on the notification. The adjustment is performed to reduce, when the tunable filter is coupled to the RF transmit path, interference caused by transmission in the transmission frequency band with reception in the reception frequency band. |
| US07676242B2 |
Compact and durable thin smartphone
The subject innovation and/or methods relate to a compact durable communication device that can include a plurality of improvements to provide durability and thinness. The devices can be a clamshell smartphone, a messenger device, a thin smartphone, and/or any other suitable mobile communication device. The improvements can include a magnesium plate, an opening for an electrical component associated with the plate, internal antenna placement, an extended backlight for a dual display, and/or a mono hinge to provide connectivity. |
| US07676239B1 |
System and method for providing a power controller with flat amplitude and phase response
A method for operating a power controller in a wireless communication device is provided that includes generating a power controller output signal using an open loop polar modulation scheme. The power controller output signal is operable to control the power delivered to a high-band power amplifier and a low-band power amplifier. A band state is determined for the wireless communication device. The power controller output signal is provided to the high-band power amplifier when the band state is a high-band state and to the low-band power amplifier when the band state is a low-band state. |
| US07676238B2 |
Mobile radio equipment and method of controlling transmission rate for mobile radio equipment
Mobile radio equipment and a transmission rate controlling method thereof for reducing the rate of transmission between the mobile radio equipment and a base station when the transmission rate is beyond the capability of the application function of the mobile radio equipment to thereby use the resources of the radio base station effectively. A radio transmitter/receiver receives data or radio signals via an antenna. A transmission system function CPU converts or customizes the data to a data format acceptable to an application function CPU. Subsequently, the transmission system function CPU inputs the data via a data input/output section into a data input/output section of the application function CPU. A decoder 16 is fed with the data input to the data input/output section. After that, the data is decoded by the decoder, and output from an input/output section according to the format of the decoded data. |
| US07676236B2 |
Distributed hierarchical scheduling in an ad hoc network
An ad hoc network with distributed hierarchical scheduling is disclosed. In one aspect, stations in a network mesh detect interfering neighbor stations and form interference lists. Stations transmit their interference lists. Scheduling stations schedule allocations for child stations in response to interference lists, received remote allocations, or a combination thereof. Coordination messages are transmitted including frame structure, allocations, and interference lists, among others. In another aspect, an ad hoc mesh network may be organized into a tree topology. In an example wireless backhaul network, this matches traffic flow. Distributed, hierarchical scheduling is provided where parents schedule communication with children while respecting already scheduled transmissions to/from interferers and to/from interferers of their respective children. Procedures to construct interference constraints for distributed, hierarchical scheduling are described, resulting in efficient scheduling and reuse in an ad hoc wireless network, without centralized scheduling. Various other aspects are also disclosed. |
| US07676234B2 |
Routing of a short message originated by a mobile device
Methods (200, 400) and systems (300, 500) in a wireless communication network for routing a short message to a local destination are provided. A wireless communication network (104) has a list of predefined short message destinations, receives a short message having a message destination from a wireless mobile communication device (102), compares the message destination with the list of predefined short message destinations, and if the message destination matches a predefined short message destination of the list of predefined short message destinations, routes the short message to a local destination (106) corresponding to the matching predefined short message destination of the list of predefined short message destinations. |
| US07676233B1 |
System and method for accessing computer services via a wireless network
Server access is provided to a wireless apparatus via a wireless network. A message is received containing a service request. The service and sever capable of servicing the service request is determined. The service is requested from the server and a reply is received. The reply is formatted for communication over the wireless network and sent. Location dependent information may also be requested with a wireless apparatus including a global positioning device and a two-way wireless communication device. Such an apparatus can “know” its global location and therefore can request information dependent on that location. The apparatus receives signals from a global positioning system and calculates a location. The calculated location is included in the service request sent over the wireless network. |
| US07676230B2 |
System and method for allocating a channel quality information channel in a communication system
A method for allocating a channel quality information channel (CQICH) in a communication system is disclosed. After fast switching from a serving anchor base station (BS) to a target anchor BS, a mobile station (MS) detects absence of a CQICH allocated from the target anchor BS. Upon detecting the absence of the allocated CQICH, the MS sends a request for allocating the CQICH to the target anchor BS. Upon receiving the CQICH allocation request, the target anchor BS detects a need to allocate a CQICH to the MS. |
| US07676229B2 |
Cellular-to-VoIP call establishment systems, methods, devices, and computer software
Various embodiments of systems, methods, devices, and computer software for establishing a cellular-to-VoIP call are provided. One embodiment is a method for establishing a VoIP media session between an originating cellular telephone and a VoIP destination device. One such method comprises: receiving a first data message from an originating cellular telephone, the first data message comprising an identifier associated with a VoIP destination device; sending a second data message to the originating cellular telephone, the second data message comprising information identifying a temporary directory number (TDN) associated with the VoIP destination device; detecting an incoming voice call to the TDN from the originating cellular telephone; sending an invite message to the identifier associated with the VoIP destination device; sending a ringing indication to the originating cellular telephone; receiving an accept reply from the VoIP destination device; and answering the incoming voice call from the cellular telephone and establishing a VoIP media session between the originating cellular telephone and the VoIP destination device. |
| US07676228B2 |
Radio interoperability system and method
A method, system and memory are provided for enabling interoperability. A communication session between different communication systems, such as radio systems, operating using different protocols is initiated by receiving a scenario identifier from one of the user devices. An interoperability server receives the scenario identifier and accesses interoperability data to obtain the connection information corresponding the scenario matching the scenario identifier. The data includes scenarios for communication sessions and the connections required for each scenario. Once the interoperability server obtains the connection information, the communication session is initiated. |
| US07676227B2 |
Communication system and handover communication method
When a downlink transmission is performed in the handover state in a mobile communication system having a mobile station, base stations and a base station controller, user data from the base station controller is transmitted from a first base station to the mobile station and error correction code for the user data from the base station controller is transmitted from a second base station to the mobile station. The mobile station subjects the received user data to error correction processing using the received error correction code and decodes the user data. Also, at the time of an uplink transmission in the handover state, user data and error correction code are transmitted from the mobile station to the base station controller via separate transmission paths. |
| US07676226B2 |
Fast handover method optimized for IEEE 802.11 networks
A fast handover method optimized for IEEE 802.11 networks. In a wireless local area system including a mobile terminal and at least two wireless access points (APs) that communicate with the mobile terminal over a unique radio channel, the fast handover method includes receiving a beacon frame signal from the serving AP and the neighbor APs of the mobile terminal; generating a first signal to determine a state of each of the neighbor APs based on the beacon frame signal received from each of the neighbor APs; comparing the first signal with predefined thresholds, classifying the neighbor APs into a detected AP, a candidate AP, and a target AP according to a result of the comparison, and storing the classification result in a neighbor AP list; and selecting an AP for the handover based on the classification result in the neighbor AP list. |
| US07676225B2 |
Area entertainment system including digital radio service and associated methods
An area entertainment system includes a headend unit, and electronic boxes spaced throughout the area. The headend unit includes a digital satellite radio receiver. A local area network (LAN) connects the digital satellite radio receiver for providing digital satellite radio signals to the electronic boxes. The entertainment system further includes user control units connected to the electronic boxes, with each user control unit permitting user selection of the digital satellite radio signals. |
| US07676223B2 |
Method for controlling a flow of information between secondary agents and a mobile device in a wireless communications system
In one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a communications session with a mobile device is provided. The method comprises selecting a plurality of base stations, where at least a portion of the base stations are adapted to operate as a secondary agent, and wherein the secondary agent is capable of communicating with a mobile device. Substantially similar data is then delivered to a plurality of the secondary agents, and a first one of the secondary agents is selected as a first serving secondary agent to communicate with the mobile device. The first serving secondary agent transfers the data to the mobile device during the communications session. |
| US07676221B2 |
Call intercept methods, such as for customer self-support on a mobile device
A method for intercepting calls from a remote or mobile device for customer self-support detects when users or subscribers dial one or more predetermined numbers. If the number corresponds to one of the predetermined numbers (such as a customer support number), the phone may intercept the call and display a list of potential solutions to the subscriber's problems. Various other features and embodiments art disclosed. |
| US07676220B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic voice response messages
A computing device implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product to generate dynamic voice response messages in a mobile computing device. In response to receiving an incoming call from a caller, the process displays a list of response messages in a set of response messages. In response to receiving a selection of a response message from the list of response messages, the process sends the selected response message to the caller. |
| US07676218B2 |
System and method for detection of a rouge wireless access point in a wireless communication network
Described are a system and method for detecting an unauthorized access point accessing a communication network. An authorized access point and/or an authorized mobile unit detects a beacon generated by a transmitting access point. The beacon includes identification information of the transmitting access point. A computing arrangement verifies the identification information of the transmitting access point with a preexisting database of the communication network. The preexisting database includes data corresponding to identification information of a plurality of authorized access points. The computing arrangement initiates a tracking procedure to determine a location of the unauthorized access point where the verification of the transmitting access point identification information with the preexisting database fails. |
| US07676212B1 |
Signal mixer having a single-ended input and a differential output
A mixer comprises a differential input circuit that is configured to receive an input signal. The mixer comprises a tank circuit including a tuning capacitor arranged in parallel with an inductor. A resonant frequency of the inductor and tuning capacitor is substantially centered around a predetermined frequency of the input signal. The mixer comprises a mixer circuit that communicates with the differential input circuit and that is configured to receive first and second current signals and a second input signal. The mixer circuit is configured as a Gilbert cell double-balanced switching mixer for generating a differential mixer output signal as a product of the first and second current signals and the second input signal. |
| US07676211B2 |
Reconfigurable baseband filter
A reconfigurable baseband filter for use in a multimode communication system is disclosed. One or more filter elements can each be configured as a plurality of sub-elements. The value of each of the filter elements can be varied by switching between at least two of the plurality of sub-elements. Switching noise within a desired passband can be reduced by switching at a rate that is greater than the desired passband. The switching noise in the passband can be further reduced by pseudo-randomly switching between the sub-elements. The filter can use a delta-sigma modulator to generate a pseudo-random switching signal. |
| US07676208B2 |
Automatic gain control device having variable gain control interval and method thereof
An exemplary automatic gain control device includes: a radio frequency receiver for receiving a plurality of first signals through a plurality of antennas, respectively controlling gains of the plurality of first received signals, and outputting the plurality of the first signals having the controlled gain as a plurality of second signals; a signal saturation detecting unit for outputting a saturation index determination value when the number of plurality of second signals that are greater than a threshold value is greater than a predetermined number; and a gain controlling unit for comparing power values of the plurality of second signals to detect one power value, and outputting a gain value determined based on a detected power value and a saturation index determination value to the radio frequency receiver. |
| US07676206B2 |
Low noise, low distortion radio receiver front-end
A radio receiver front-end includes a tunable antenna interface and a low noise amplifying section. The tunable antenna interface is operably coupled to receive a wide bandwidth signal from an antenna, wherein the wide bandwidth signal includes a plurality of channel signals, and wherein the tunable antenna interface is tuned to pass a selected one of the plurality of channel signals substantially unattenuated and to attenuate remaining ones of the plurality of channel signals to produce a filtered wide bandwidth signal. The low noise amplifying section is operably coupled to amplify the filtered wide bandwidth signal to produce a filtered and amplified wide bandwidth signal. |
| US07676205B2 |
Active receiver detection and ranging
Method (500) and system (402) for actively detecting and determining a range of a remotely located radio receiver (100). The invention also provides a method and system to determine whether a remote receiver (100) is receiving a transmitted signal (418) and the minimum necessary transmitter power required to establish a communication link to the receiver (100). Finally, the invention also provides a method and system to resolve directional ambiguities due to multipath. |
| US07676204B2 |
Radio receiver having ignition noise detector and method therefor
An AM receiver including an AM demodulator for demodulating an AM signal received by an antenna coupled to the AM demodulator is provided. The AM receiver further includes a bandpass filter for receiving the demodulated signal and generating a bandpass filtered signal. The AM receiver further includes a moving average filter for receiving the bandpass filtered signal and generating a moving averaged signal and a highpass filter for receiving the moving averaged signal and generating a highpass filtered signal. The AM receiver further includes an averaging filter for receiving the highpass filtered signal and generating an averaged signal and a summer for receiving the averaged signal and the highpass filtered signal and generating a difference signal. The AM receiver further includes a comparator for generating a noise blanking signal based on a comparison of the difference signal with a threshold. |
| US07676201B2 |
Selectable sideband transmission
The sideband used by a low-intermediate-frequency transmitter for transmitting signals on a channel is selectable. In some embodiments of the invention, the sideband used for transmitting signals is selected based on the location of the channel within a band of channels. In such embodiments, the lower sideband may be selected for transmitting signals if the channel is the lowest-frequency channel in the band, and the upper sideband may be selected for transmitting signals if the channel is the highest-frequency channel in the band. Such sideband selection results in image power falling within the band, which can be helpful in complying with out-of-band power limitations. |
| US07676200B2 |
Circuits and methods for high-efficiency on-chip power detection
Power detector integrally formed within a printed transmission line to capacitively couple a portion of signal power propagating on the printed transmission line and a power detector circuit that receives coupled power output from the power detector to detect a power level of the signal power. The power detector is designed such that capacitance of the coupling capacitor is absorbed into a distributed capacitance of the transmission line to maintain continuity of a characteristic impedance of the transmission line. |
| US07676198B2 |
Spread spectrum transceiver module utilizing multiple mode transmission
A data transceiver module for digital data communications in a portable hand-held data terminal has multiple data spread spectrum modes which include direct sequence and frequency function modulation algorithms. The transceiver module has multiple user or program configurable data rates, modulation, channelization and process gain in order to maximize the performance of radio data transmissions and to maximize interference immunity. Various module housings, which may be PCMCIA type, are able to be mated with a suitably designed data terminal. Media access control protocols and interfaces of multiple nominal operational frequencies are utilized. Wireless access devices in a cell based network each consider a variety of factors when choosing one of a plurality of modes of wireless operation and associated operating parameters. Such selection defines a communication channel to support wireless data, message and communication exchanges. In further embodiments, the wireless access devices also support a second channel, a busy/control channel, for managing communication on the main communication channel and to overcome roaming and hidden terminal problems. Roaming terminal devices are also configured to support the dual channel design. Such configuration in both circumstances may involve the use of a multimode radio that is timeshared between the two channels or two radios, one dedicated to each channel. |
| US07676188B2 |
Developer conveying member, developer container, image forming apparatus, and method of assembling a developer conveying member
A developer conveying member includes: a conveying member body; an end-portion supporting member; and a supported member including: a first radiation direction extending portion; and a second radiation direction extending portion, the end-portion supporting member including: a cylindrical portion, and the supporting portion defining: a through hole; and a groove. |
| US07676187B2 |
Enhanced fuser stripping system
An improved fuser includes a fuser member, a pressure member that forms a nip with the fuser member through which copy sheets pass to have images fused thereon and an air knife to assist in peeling copy sheets from the fuser member. The air knife has a device connected to it that blocks entrained airflow between the fuser and air knife to reduce fuser cooling and power loss. |
| US07676185B2 |
Toner container and image forming apparatus including same
A toner container of the present invention includes a cylindrical portion containing toner used in an electrophotographic type complex machine. When the cylindrical portion is driven to rotate, the toner gets out via an outlet thereof. The cylindrical portion of the toner container has an inner wall provided with a coat layer containing fluorine-containing silica fine particles, which are obtained by modifying a property of the surfaces of silica fine particles by using a fluorine-based silane coupling agent. This coat layer effectively prevents the toner from being adhered to the inner wall of the toner container. |
| US07676184B2 |
Developing apparatus
A developing apparatus is disclosed that includes a developer carrier for carrying a developer used for developing a latent image, a developer supplying chamber having a developer supplying member for supplying the developer to the developer carrier by rotation, a developer storing chamber positioned above the developer supplying chamber for storing the developer and supplying the developer to the developer supplying chamber, and a partitioning member positioned between the developer supplying chamber and the developer storing chamber. The partitioning member has an opening through which the developer is supplied from the developer storing chamber to the developer supplying chamber. The developing apparatus includes a conveying member positioned above the partitioning member for conveying the developer in a substantially horizontal direction. The conveying member has an opening facing part situated directly above the opening for conveying the developer with less force than the other parts of the conveying member. |
| US07676182B2 |
Image forming apparatus equipped with a buffering mechanism
This invention provides a buffering block with a Mylar bonded on the upper surface of an urethane rubber made base material on the bottom surface of the inserting port of an inserting side frame to support a toner bottle. When a toner bottle is slid and taken out from a copying machine, its inclined portion and cap portion run against the buffering block. Thus, a shock given to the toner bottle when taken out from the copying machine is eased and toner adhered around the cap portion is prevented from dropping to and contaminating the periphery of the inserting side frame. |
| US07676176B2 |
Image forming apparatus including cover and supporting unit
An image forming apparatus includes a cover and a supporting unit. The supporting unit includes a holding member, a supporting member, a first biasing unit, and a positioning unit. The holding member holds the transferring member. The supporting member movably supports the holding member, so that the transferring member can move toward or away from a specific member arranged in the main body. The first biasing unit biases the transferring member toward the specific member. When the cover is in a closed state, the transferring member is pressed against the specific member. The positioning unit performs positioning of the supporting member with respect to the main body. |
| US07676170B2 |
Toner density detection apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
A toner density detection apparatus has a sensor unit and a controller. The sensor unit irradiates a toner patch formed on an image carrier with light, splits the light reflected by the toner patch into first and second light components, receives the first and second light components, and outputs first and second light reception signals. The controller causes an analog/digital converter to convert, based on a reference voltage, the output first and second light reception signals into first and second digital data, and detects the density of the toner patch based on the first and second digital data. The toner density detection apparatus adjusts the toner density detection value based on a comparison between a first reference value stored in advance and the first digital data, and a comparison between a second reference value stored in advance and the second digital data. |
| US07676169B2 |
Multipath toner patch sensor for use in an image forming device
A toner patch sensor for use in an image forming device may be operated in different modes according to the color of the patch being sensed. The toner patch sensor may include a detector and a source adapted to transmit light that is reflected off a toner patch and towards the detector. The detected light may be specular and/or diffuse. A controller may selectively change the amount of one or both of the specular and diffuse light received by the detector. The source may include separate emitters for the specular and diffuse light, with the controller selectably turning off one of the emitters or selectably adjusting a ratio of illumination power between the emitters. Alternatively, the source may include a single emitter and an optical element to split light between specular light and diffuse light. Diffuse light may be blocked when sensing black toner patches. |
| US07676167B2 |
Apparatus and method for forming an image with variable processing speed or variable developer mixing speed
An apparatus for forming an image according to the present invention includes a coverage rate finder, a developing unit, and a control unit. The coverage rate finder finds the coverage rate of the image. The developing unit holds developer in it and includes a stirring means for stirring the held developer at a stirring speed. The developing unit supplies the stirred developer to a surface of an image carrier. When the apparatus forms the image consecutively on sheets of paper, the control unit changes the stirring speed in proportion to the coverage rate. When the apparatus forms an image with a higher coverage rate consecutively on sheets of paper, the control unit makes the stirring speed higher. |
| US07676166B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus that can provide a quality image in a stable manner without lowering the productivity. A reference image forming unit forms reference images on a transfer member. A plurality of sensing units detect densities of the formed reference images. A control unit adjusts respective output values from the plurality of sensing units according to a difference between the output values from the plurality of sensing units. The control unit performs error processing according to the difference between the output values from the plurality of sensing units when the control unit adjusts the output values from the plurality of sensing units. |
| US07676165B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method therefor
This invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of adjusting the image sync signal output timing in the subscanning direction and the speed of a primary transfer process so as to obtain a proper throughput of a printer engine when successively forming images, and a control method therefor. To accomplish this, when the speed of an intermediate transfer member is to change upon changing the print speed, a toner image to be secondarily transferred after changing the speed is primarily transferred at an intermediate transfer member speed before the change. After the speed of the intermediate transfer member is switched, the image primarily transferred before changing the speed is secondarily transferred. Primary transfer, which has conventionally been performed after changing the print speed, can be executed before changing the print speed. |
| US07676163B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
In an image forming apparatus of the present invention, a developing unit for magenta contains magenta-type toner for pseudo full-color image forming whose chromaticity point is shifted closer to yellow hue on a chromaticity diagram, in comparison with genuine-magenta toner for full-color image forming, and likewise, a developing unit for cyan contains cyan-type toner for the pseudo full-color image forming whose chromaticity point is shifted closer to yellow hue on the chromaticity diagram, in comparison with genuine-cyan toner for the full-color image forming. |
| US07676158B2 |
Method and system for optimum channel equalization from a SerDes to an optical module
Certain aspects of a method and system for optimum channel equalization between a host Serializer-Deserializer (SerDes) and an optical module may compensate and reduce dispersion loss along an electrical transmit path of a transmitter and an optical transmit path coupled to the transmitter via pre-emphasis. The data degradation as a result of the dispersion loss along the electrical transmit path of the transmitter and the optical transmit path coupled to the transmitter may be recovered by equalizing signals received via an electrical receive path of a receiver communicatively coupled to the transmitter. |
| US07676157B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing gain equalization to an optical signal in an optical communication system
An optical switch includes at least one input port for receiving a plurality of channel wavelengths of an optical signal and a plurality of output ports. A plurality of wavelength selective elements are also provided, which each select a channel wavelength from among the plurality of channel wavelengths received at the input port. A plurality of optical elements are respectively associated with the plurality of wavelength selective elements. Each of the optical elements direct one of the selected channel wavelengths, which are selected by the associated wavelength selective element, to any one of the output ports independently of all other channel wavelengths and with a selectively variable degree of attenuation. The switch also includes a controller for adjusting a configuration of the optical elements to provide the channel wavelengths with the selectively variable degree of attenuation. |
| US07676155B2 |
Dynamic wavelength allocation device using 3R wavelength converter having limited wavelength conversion range and method thereof
In a wavelength allocation method in a wavelength division multiplexing network, a 3R wavelength converter having a limited wavelength conversion range is disposed according to a wavelength conversion band of each node, at least one path set between transmitting/receiving nodes is selected, routing paths corresponding to the number of the selected at least one path set between the transmitting/receiving nodes having a request for a new optical path generation are extracted, it is determined whether there is a wavelength consecutive segment set that satisfies a maximum transmission distance for guaranteeing transmission quality of an optical signal and that includes one consecutive wavelength among the extracted routing paths, and a path using a first-fit wavelength is selected from paths of each wavelength consecutive segment and the wavelength is allocated when determining that there is a wavelength consecutive segment set. |
| US07676153B1 |
Digital delay device
A digitally controlled optical delay apparatus providing optical signal delays electrically selectable in the picosecond to nanosecond range by way of selectable signal path lengths. Path lengths are incremented in physical length and path delay time according to digital ratios. The delay element includes micro-miniature path changing mirrors controlled in path length selecting positioning by input signals of logic level magnitude. Fiber optic coupling of signals to and from the delay element and a combination of fixed position and movable mirror included optical signal path lengths are included. |
| US07676151B2 |
Film cartridge type digital camera
A film cartridge type digital camera is provided and includes: a film cartridge type case having a compatible shape with a film cartridge into which a film camera is loaded; and an imaging device loaded into the film cartridge type case in a curved state. |
| US07676137B2 |
Optical sight
An optical sight is provided and may include a housing, at least one optic supported by the housing, and a fiber supported by the housing and selectively supplying light to the at least one optic. A sleeve may be supported by the housing and may include an opening that selectively exposes the fiber to vary an amount of light supplied to the at least one optic and a cover extending over the opening and movable with the sleeve relative to the fiber. |
| US07676127B2 |
Optical communication system using WDMA and CDMA
In a PON system, an OLT periodically transmits a channel resource information block specifying a carrier wavelength and a spreading code on a first downstream channel to which a spread-spectrum spreader having a first spreading code is applied; one of ONUs receives the channel resource information block with a spread-spectrum despreader having the first spreading code and transmits a connection request to the OLT, using the carrier wavelength and the spreading code specified by the channel resource information block; the OLT having received the connection request transmits a new channel resource information block specifying a carrier wavelength and a spreading code to be used on an upstream data channel to the requester ONU through the first channel; and the requester ONU transmits data, using the carrier wavelength and the spreading code specified by the new channel resource information block. |
| US07676126B2 |
Optical device with non-equally spaced output ports
The invention relates to multiport routing devices for routing optical signals which also provide beam attenuation by imparting a controllable offset between an optical beam and a selected optical port. A multiport optical routing device of the present invention has a plurality of non-equally spaced optical ports disposed in a row to enable beam offset for attenuation without substantially increasing optical crosstalk between adjacent ports in a compact port arrangement. |
| US07676117B1 |
Systems and methods for using image duplicates to assign labels to images
A system analyzes multiple images to identify similar images using histograms, image intensities, edge detectors, or wavelets. The system retrieves labels assigned to the identified similar images and selectively concatenates the extracted labels. The system assigns the concatenated labels to each of the identified similar images and uses the concatenated labels when performing a keyword search of the plurality of images. |
| US07676116B2 |
Information processing system and information processing method, and information processing program used therein
An information processing system stores image files formed by an image forming apparatus in a desired storage position in an information processing terminal through simple operations. The information processing terminal, in accordance with an instruction to incorporate an image file, sends to the image forming apparatus information that includes at least identification information by which to identify a storage destination for the image file, a file name for the data file corresponding to a selected icon and storage position information that indicates the storage position in a folder of a directory in the storage destination in which the data file is to be stored. The image forming apparatus registers the information, and causes a selection key for the registered information to be displayed. A new selection key is created for information to be displayed when new settings information is registered based on the information sent from the information processing terminal. |
| US07676114B2 |
Imaging system for three-dimensional reconstruction of surface profiles
A system for three-dimensional reconstruction of a surface profile of a surface of an object is provided that utilizes a binary pattern projected onto the surface of the object. A binary string consisting of a series of “1”s and “0”s is first created, and a binary pattern of light that is constructed in accordance with the binary string such that bright and dark bands of light of equal widths correspond to “1”s and “0”s from the binary string respectively is projected onto the surface. The binary pattern is shifted with respect to the surface multiple times, during which an image of the binary pattern illuminating the surface is obtained at each position of the binary pattern. Thereafter, a height of each predetermined point on the surface is calculated relative to a reference plane based upon the images cumulatively obtained at said predetermined point. |
| US07676106B2 |
Methods and apparatus for video size conversion
Methods and apparatus for performing 2:1 downscaling on video data are provided. At least one input matrix of N×N (e.g., N=16) Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) coefficients is formed from the video data by combining four N/2×N/2 field-mode DCT blocks. Vertical downsampling and de-interlacing are performed to the input matrix to obtain two N/2×N/2 frame-mode DCT blocks. An N×N/2 input matrix is formed from the two frame-mode DCT blocks. Horizontal downsampling is performed to the N×N/2 matrix to obtain one N/2×N/2 frame-mode DCT block. |
| US07676105B2 |
Method, apparatus, article and system for use in association with images
According to some embodiments, a set of images may be determined, including at least one training image and at least one image to be provided to a viewer. A reduced training image may be created based on the training image, and at least one enlarging parameter may be calculated based on a portion of the training image and a corresponding portion of the reduced training image. The enlarging parameter may then be used to facilitate an enlargement of a reduced image to be provided to the viewer. |
| US07676101B2 |
Method and apparatus for compensating for motion prediction
A process burden for code processing is reduced by the present system and method while possibly avoiding the lowering of image quality. When compensating for motion prediction by using a multi-reference frame while sequentially changing the pixel-based sizes of motion compensating blocks, a size-reduced block is generated depending upon a motion compensating block having the greatest pixel-based size to be taken as the uppermost layer among the pixel-based sizes. Thereafter, motion vector search ranges are determined respectively within the reference frame images, on the basis of a plurality of size-reduced reference images reduced in size respectively corresponding to the size-reduction ratios of the size-reduced blocks and the size-reduced blocks. Using the determined search range, an optimal motion vector is detected while sequentially changing the pixel-based sizes of the motion compensating blocks. This can detect a motion vector by only a limited search range within the reference frame image. |
| US07676099B2 |
Method of down-sampling data values
The present invention relates to a method of down-sampling data values. A first set of data values comprise a central data value and peripheral values of original data spatially surrounding the central data value. The central and peripheral values are compared to determine whether any differences exceed a threshold. Whenever a difference does exceed a threshold, a clipped value based upon the central data value replaces the corresponding peripheral value, thereby producing a second set of data values. |
| US07676094B2 |
Road surface reflection detecting apparatus
A road surface reflection detecting apparatus includes a road recognition unit for recognizing a road in a picture taken by a camera of a road existing in front of a vehicle. A road surface reflection detection unit extracts a picture from the road recognized by the road recognition unit and determines the degree of reflection of light from the surface of the road based on the picture extracted from the road. The picture includes the reflection of light beam radiated from vehicle headlights. If the reflection is determined to be high, the direction or intensity of the light beam from the vehicle headlights is regulated. |
| US07676090B2 |
Systems and methods for content-based document image enhancement
A system can include a system processor that is programmed or adapted to classify pixels in a document image, and in some instances, to enhance the document image based upon such classification. Image data including pixels is received. For each pixel in some subset of the image data, a feature vector is generated. Each pixel in the subset is classified as text or image based upon its associated feature vector. The classifications can be outputted for storage and/or further processing. Further processing can include pixel level enhancement processing. Such enhancement processing can include application of a sharpening filter to pixels classified as text and of a smoothing filter to pixels classified as image. In some instances, background suppression can be performed upon a subset of the image data prior to classification. |
| US07676089B2 |
Document layout analysis with control of non-character area
An apparatus, method, system, computer program and product, each capable of applying document layout analysis to a document image with control of a non-character area. A non-character area is extracted from a document image to be processed. A character image is generated from the document image by removing the non-character area from the document image. The character image is segmented into a plurality of sections to generate a segmented image. The segmented image is adjusted using a selected component of the non-character image to generate an adjusted segmented image. A segmentation result is output, which is generated based on the adjusted segmented image. |
| US07676080B2 |
Method of creating color chart for color evaluation, and information processing apparatus thereof
There is provided a method of creating a color chart for color evaluation used in color evaluation, including: an obtaining step of obtaining standard color chart data corresponding to a standard color chart including a plurality of patches; a display step of displaying an evaluation target image on a display screen; a setting step of setting an area in the evaluation target image, which is used to create a color chart for color evaluation; a computing step of computing color element data which represent color features of an image within the set area based on image data of the set area; and a creating step of creating the color chart for color evaluation by extracting patch data corresponding to the computed color element data from the standard color chart data. |
| US07676078B2 |
Inspection method, processor and method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
An inspection method for an illumination optical system of an exposure tool includes coating a surface of an exposure target substrate with a resist film; placing a plurality of imaging components deviating from an optical conjugate plane of a surface of the resist film; generating a plurality of inspection patterns of the resist film having a plurality of openings, by projecting exposure beams output from a plurality of effective light sources onto the resist film via the imaging components; measuring one of the inspection patterns as a reference image, and processing the reference image so as to provide reference image data; and determining an abnormal inspection image by measuring inspection images of the inspection patterns and comparing a plurality of inspection image data provided by processing the inspection images with the reference image data. |
| US07676075B2 |
Quantitative single image-based magnetization transfer weighted imaging using an inter-subject normalization reference within the image
Disclosed is a system and method for generating quantitative imagery of demyelination in the spinal cord. The method includes acquiring a magnetization transfer weighted (MTw) MR image of the spinal column, identifying a reference region of interest within the image corresponding to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), averaging the signal intensity corresponding to the reference region of interest, and computing a ratio, on a voxel-by-voxel basis, of the signal intensity of each voxel by the averaged reference signal intensity. In doing so, normalized MTw images are obtained such that detrimental artifacts such as motion-induced errors, coil loading, and RF coil sensitivity variations are obviated. |
| US07676072B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
A superimposed image generation unit generates a two-dimensional superimposed image obtained by superimposing pieces of information of a plurality of volume data as corresponding objects along a predetermined direction (e.g., a direction crossing a body axis at right angles). A correspondence processing unit performs correspondence (positioning) between different volume data in accordance with a position of a characteristic portion on the superimposed image. |
| US07676068B2 |
Biometric authentication
A biometric authentication system, including a database of digital images of biometrics of known people, a camera for capturing a digital image of a biometric of an unknown person, a two-dimensional gradient filter coupled with said database and said camera for deriving a spatial gradient of a digital image, and a match processor coupled with the two-dimensional gradient filter for processing two spatial gradients and determining the extent to which the unknown biometric corresponds with a known biometric. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also described and claimed. |
| US07676063B2 |
System and method for eye-tracking and blink detection
A real-time low frame-rate video compression system and method that allows the user to perform face-to-face communication through an extremely low bandwidth network. The system and method employs novel eye tracking and blink detection techniques in order to select images for transmission. Experimental results show that the system is superior to more traditional video codecs for low bit-rate face-to-face communication. |
| US07676056B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining encoding availability, and computer product
An embedding-availability determining unit determines an availability of embedding data into an image based on an input/output characteristic of a predetermined feature amount related to a combination of an output device that outputs an image in which the data is embedded to a medium and an input device that inputs the image that is output to the medium. A result output unit outputs a result of determination by the embedding-availability determining unit. |
| US07676052B1 |
Differential microphone assembly
A differential microphone assembly with multiple membranes in a single package and oriented in mutually exclusive directions. |
| US07676051B2 |
Hearing device and corresponding method for inserting the hearing device
A linking element is provided for a hearing device, which connects the first behind-the-ear part and second behind-the-ear-part. In one embodiment the linking element is rigid. In another embodiment the linking element may be made of a memory material or have a spring component, so that the second behind-the-ear part is automatically pushed into the auditory canal. A helical groove around the second behind-the-ear part is also advantageous, thereby ensuring automatic_insertion into the auditory canal and also ventilation for an open fitting. |
| US07676050B2 |
Cover fixture for at least one microphone input of a hearing device
Protective facilities in microphone inputs of a hearing device should be able to be exchanged in a more user-friendly manner. For this purpose, provision is made for a cover fixture for at least one microphone input of a hearing device with an essentially acoustically permeable protective facility to protect the at least one microphone input against solid particles. The cover fixture can be fixed to the surface of the hearing device in a friction-fitted or form-fitted manner. The cover fixture can however also be designed in one piece with the upper shell of the hearing device. |
| US07676047B2 |
Electroacoustical transducing with low frequency augmenting devices
A method for processing a multichannel audio signal. The method includes mounting electroacoustical transducers in a low frequency augmenting device. The electroacoustical transducers radiate different high frequency acoustic energy and common low frequency acoustic energy. The transducers may be part of directional arrays. The method is applied to multimedia entertainment devices. |
| US07676043B1 |
Audio bandwidth expansion
Bandwidth expansion for audio signals by frequency band translations plus adaptive gains to create higher frequencies; use of a common channel for both stereo channels limits computational complexity. Adaptive cut-off frequency determination by power spectrum curve analysis, and bass expansion by both fundamental frequency illusion and equalization. |
| US07676040B2 |
Changing encryption key of encrypted data
A method, a system and a computer program for changing an encryption key of data encrypted by a first key and stored on an archive server (40), wherein a conversion is applied to the data, generating recrypted data decryptable by means of a second key, the conversion being generated on a second server (30) and associated with the first key and the second key via a functional operation and transferred from the second server (30) to the archive server (40) via a transfer channel (38). |
| US07676035B2 |
Systems and methods for distributing remote technical support via a centralized service
The solution described herein provides an innovative use of remote services technology integrated with service personnel onsite at the point of service, such as a consumer repair outlet, to provide a pool of technical support resources to service a widely distributed resource need, such as support and repair resource needs of a chain of consumer outlets or an aggregated group of single proprietor consumer outlets. With this solution, qualified technical resources are provided from a central location to service a widely distributed retail environment. This is on-demand online remote support service is called or referred to as “support from a spigot.” The distribution method enables the delivery of higher quality, more reliable and overall lower cost services. Instead of requiring dedicated technical resources at each location, lower skilled labor may be deployed at the location to enable the remote technical support services process. |
| US07676032B2 |
Method and system for determining maximum transactions within a communications network
A call-transaction forecasting tool taking the form of a computer-implemented method and medium in some embodiments is provided for retrieving, aggregating, sorting, and determining one or more maximum transactions within a communications network. The tool automates the process of manually extracting and analyzing call transactions pertaining to call-duration, call volume, traffic usage, bandwidth usage, processing usage and memory usage in order to properly forecast and predict future network growth and capacity within a providers network. The computer-implemented method includes retrieving transaction data files from a switch or server, merging the files in a commonly shared data structure, identifying one or more maximum transaction counts based upon an associated period of time, and displaying the maximum counts and associated period of time. |
| US07676025B2 |
Method of listening in to calls
The invention relates to a method of listening in to calls between two or more subscribers of a communications network comprising one or more IP networks as well as to a listening server, a call control server, and an IP router for carrying out the method. When the listening server detects a request to monitor one of the subscribers, it determines at least one call control server assigned to the subscriber. Further, at least one IP router is determined which is responsible for a network access point of the subscriber to the IP network or IP networks. The listening server causes the at least one determined call control server to acquire call data associated with calls in which the subscriber is involved. Further, the at least one determined IP router is caused to acquire contents data associated with calls in which the subscriber is involved. |
| US07676019B2 |
Compression arrangement
The present invention relates to a compression arrangement for use in an x-ray imaging apparatus, the arrangement comprising a compression paddle and an actuator for displacing said compression paddle in a distance, said paddle having an extension direction substantially transverse to an object insertion direction. The actuator is operatively arranged to incline said paddle along said extension direction. |
| US07676016B2 |
Manifold system for the ventilated storage of high level waste and a method of using the same to store high level waste in a below-grade environment
A system and method for storing multiple canisters containing high level waste below grade that afford adequate ventilation of the spent fuel storage cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a system comprising: an air-intake shell forming a substantially vertical air-intake cavity; a plurality of storage shells, each storage shell forming a substantially vertical storage cavity; a hermetically sealed canister for holding high level waste positioned in one or more of the storage cavities so that a gap exists between the storage shell and the canister, the horizontal cross-section of each of the storage cavities accommodating no more than one canister; a removable lid positioned atop each of the storage shells so as to form a lid-to-shell interface, each lid containing an outlet vent forming passageways between an ambient environment and the storage cavity; and a network of pipes forming a passageway between a bottom portion of the intake cavity and a bottom portion of each of the storage cavities. |
| US07676001B2 |
MLD demapping using sub-metrics for soft-output MIMO detection and the like
A method for detecting a symbol encoded in one or more received signals, wherein the detected symbol corresponds to a combination of values of n components, n>1, comprises (a) for each of a plurality of different combinations of values of the n components, generating a set of two or more sub-metric values based on the one or more received signals. Each sub-metric is a function of one or more of the n components, and at least one sub-metric is a function of fewer than all n components. The method further comprise (b) detecting the symbol based on the sets of sub-metric values. In another embodiment, an apparatus for detecting a symbol encoded in one or more received signals, wherein the detected symbol corresponds to a combination of values of n components, n>1, comprises (a) means for generating a set of two or more sub-metric values based on the one or more received signals for each of a plurality of different combinations of values of the n components. Each sub-metric is a function of one or more of the n components, and at least one sub-metric is a function of fewer than all n components. The apparatus further comprises (b) means for detecting the symbol based on the sets of sub-metric values. |
| US07675998B2 |
Method and circuit for determining a clock signal sampling instant for symbols of a modulation method
The invention relates to a method for determining the sampling instant of a clock signal (ti) for a circuit for determining symbols (Se) from a digitized signal (sd, S) which is coupled to at least one quadrature signal pair of a modulation method (QAM), wherein the digitized signal is converted to polar signal coordinates (R, α) with a radial component (R). |
| US07675995B2 |
Apparatus and method for conditioning a modulated signal in a communications device
A device for transmitting information in a communications signal is envisioned. The information is modulated, at least in part, with a first angle-related characteristic. The device has a digital conversion circuit operable to convert information to be broadcast into a digital form. A constellation mapper is coupled to the digital conversion circuit, and is operable to convert the digital information into information associated with a constellation. A trajectory generation circuit generates samples denoting a trajectory within the constellation for the information. A transition analysis circuit determines a change in value of an angle-related characteristic in a transition between two samples, and a threshold detection circuit detects whether the change in value fails to meet a particular threshold. An angle-related characteristic distribution circuit can then distribute a portion of the change in value associated with the transition to at least one other transition. |
| US07675993B2 |
Reduction of average-to-minimum power ratio in communications signals
This invention, generally speaking, modifies pulse amplitude modulated signals to reduce the ratio of average power to minimum power. The signal is modified in such a manner that the signal quality remains acceptable. The signal quality is described in terms of the Power Spectral Density (PSD) and the Error Vector Magnitude (EVM). |
| US07675992B2 |
Method of dynamically assigning spreading sequences to users of a multi carrier transmission network
A method of dynamically assigning spreading sequences of a group of spreading sequences to users of a Multi-Carrier transmission network and/or to at least a common signal for a plurality of users of the Multi-Carrier transmission network. The spreading sequences are put in a natural order and are dynamically assigned according to their order to users of the Multi-Carrier transmission network and/or to at least a common signal to a plurality of users of the Multi-Carrier transmission network. |
| US07675988B2 |
Apparatus and method for beamforming in a multi-antenna system
An apparatus and method for performing beamforming or transmitting a plurality of bit streams output through Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC) via a plurality of transmission antennas in a base station using a multi-antenna scheme. The apparatus and method include classifying the plurality of transmission antennas into a plurality of transmission antenna groups; selecting one of the transmission antenna groups depending on a group selection signal being fed back from a mobile station; and outputting each of the bit streams to its associated transmission antenna among the transmission antennas constituting the selected transmission antenna group. |
| US07675985B1 |
Digital channelizer unit for processing multiple digital input signals
A digital channelizer unit is proposed for a satellite digital payload capable of processing multiple digital input signals. The input signals are downsampled and converted to complex baseband signals for processing with the digital channelizer unit. Each complex baseband signal is then channelized into multiple channels. A routing module rearranges the channels, which are then reconstructed as new complex baseband signals. The new complex baseband signals are upsampled to a higher data rate and converted to digital passband signals. |
| US07675983B2 |
Mitigation of DC distortion in OFDM receivers
A baseband receiver and corresponding methods are arranged and configured to mitigate effects of direct current (DC) distortion and process an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signal as provided from a direct conversion radio or receiver. The baseband receiver includes an OFDM demodulator configured to demodulate the OFDM signal, a post processor coupled to the OFDM demodulator and configured to provide symbols corresponding to the OFDM signal, and a compensator coupled to at least one of the OFDM demodulator and the post processor and configured to reduce error rates out of the baseband receiver that result from DC distortion in the direct conversion radio. |
| US07675979B1 |
Methods, algorithms, software, circuits, architectures, and systems for improved communications over cyclostationary channels
Methods, software, receivers and systems for communicating information over a cyclostationary channel. The method generally includes interleaving sections of a control sequence with bits of the information. The software and receivers are generally configured to implement one or more aspects of the methods disclosed herein, and the systems generally include those that embody the inventive receivers disclosed herein. The present invention is particularly useful in powerline channels, where certain parameters (such as noise) have time-dependent or periodic variations in value. By distributing the control sequence, the incidence of carrier recovery is reduced, the likelihood of successful packet or frame transmissions is increased, and data may be more reliably communicated. |
| US07675976B2 |
Video coding using wavelet transform and sub-band transposition
A video encoding system and method utilizes a three-dimensional (3-D) wavelet transform and entropy coding that utilize motion information in a way to reduce the sensitivity to motion. In one implementation, the coding process initially estimates motion trajectories of pixels in a video object from frame to frame in a video sequence to account for motion of the video object throughout the frames. After motion estimation, a 3-D wavelet transform is applied in two parts. First, a temporal 1-D wavelet transform is applied to the corresponding pixels along the motion trajectories in a time direction. The temporal wavelet transform produces decomposed frames of temporal wavelet transforms, where the spatial correlation within each frame is well preserved. Second, a spatial 2-D wavelet transform is applied to all frames containing the temporal wavelet coefficients. The wavelet transforms produce coefficients within different sub-bands. The process then codes wavelet coefficients. In particular, the coefficients are assigned various contexts based on the significance of neighboring samples in previous, current, and next frame, thereby taking advantage of any motion information between frames. The wavelet coefficients are coded independently for each sub-band to permit easy separation at a decoder, making resolution scalability and temporal scalability natural and easy. During the coding, bits are allocated among sub-bands according to a technique that optimizes rate-distortion characteristics. |
| US07675972B1 |
System and method for multiple channel video transcoding
A system and a method for transcoding multiple media channels is disclosed herein. The system includes a first processor to parse a media data stream having one or more media data channels and a vector processor to decompress, scale, and then compress the parsed media channel. A parsed media data channel, in one embodiment, is accessed using a bit manipulator and packetized into decoder instruction packets and transmitted to the vector processor using a sequencer. The vector processor decompresses the decoder instruction packets, scales a macroblock generated from the packets, and then compresses the scaled macroblock. As a result, the scaled and compressed output has less data associated with the media channel, allowing for faster and/or more efficient storage or transmission. A reduced sized scale buffer is associated with another disclosed embodiment. |
| US07675966B2 |
On-chip detection and measurement of data lock in a high-speed serial data link
A method for on-chip detection of data lock and measurement of data lock time in a high-speed serial data link, including: permitting one or more incoming data streams into the high-speed data link; establishing a pattern to be searched in the one or more incoming data streams; comparing patterns in the one or more incoming data streams to a programmable data pattern; holding a repetitive pattern of bits in the one or more incoming data streams by one or more programmable data pattern registers, wherein when one or more occurrences of a byte are detected, an appropriate bit in the one or more programmable data pattern registers is set to indicate the byte's relative position; and filtering false indications in the repetitive pattern by using a byte detection state machine, the state machine controlling and keeping track of a search progress. |
| US07675963B2 |
Method and device for passing parameters to rake receiver
A device and associated method for passing parameters to a finger in a rake receiver are disclosed. The finger is initially operated with a first parameter set which is held in a first memory area (PAR_RAM). To change the parameter set, a second parameter set is loaded into a second memory area (PAR_CHG_RAM1/2), a check is carried out to determine whether a switching condition (SCHED_RAM) is satisfied, and if it is an access for that finger is switched (MUX) from the first memory area (PAR_RAM) to the second memory area. |
| US07675961B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving high speed data using code division multiple access channels
The present invention describes a spread spectrum communication system wherein the frequency of carriers and the code channels of the carriers or both for transmission to a given remote station user vary in time. This provides for a direct sequence spectrum communications system which changes frequency or code channel according to a predetermined pattern. The code channels and frequencies can be determined in accordance with a deterministic function or based upon a subset of the data to be transmitted. A receiver structure is also described for receiving the same. |
| US07675957B2 |
Laser and monitoring photodetector with polymer light guide
A surface emitting laser (100) and a monitoring photodetector (MPD) 158 are mounted in a TO (transistor outline package) can (150) on the same plane as one another. Light from a rear facet (108) of the laser is directed to the MPD through a polymer light guide (164). |
| US07675956B2 |
Vertical cavity surface emitting laser and method for manufacturing the same
A Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser capable of being easily and inexpensively manufactured and stabilizing the polarization direction of laser light in one direction is provided. The VCSEL includes a semiconductor lamination structure including a first multilayer film reflector, an active layer having a light emitting region, and a second multilayer film reflectors, in this order over a substrate from the substrate side. The semiconductor lamination structure has a pair of grooves provided with a region opposed to the light emitting region in between, and one or a plurality of first oxidation layers including a first non-oxidation region provided at least in a region opposed to the light emitting region and a first oxidation region provided on each side face of the pair of grooves. |
| US07675953B2 |
Method and device for producing laser used directly as a frequency standard of optical frequency
The present invention provides a method for producing laser used directly as a frequency standard of optical frequency, comprising: a collimated atomic beam used as laser gain medium; the laser gain medium being put in vacuum; before the particles of the laser gain medium entering a laser resonant cavity, a laser device controlled independently providing pump laser irradiation to produce an inversion of atomic population number between energy levels of the particles of the laser gain medium for achieving cavity mode frequency line width Γcavity of longitudinal mode of the laser resonant cavity larger than frequency line width Γgain of gain of the used laser gain medium. And the frequency line width of the laser outputted used by the laser device contracted by the present invention can attain less than 1 Hz and the outputting laser frequency is very steady. So the laser produced by the present invention can be used directly as a quantum frequency standard of optical frequency. |
| US07675949B2 |
Dynamic reconfiguration of solid state memory device to replicate and time multiplex data over multiple data interfaces
Multiple interfaces dedicated to individual logic circuits such as memory arrays are capable of being dynamically reconfigured from operating separately and in parallel to operating in a more collective manner to ensure that data associated with all of the logic circuits will be communicated irrespective of a failure in any of the interfaces. Specifically, a plurality of interfaces, each of which being ordinarily configured to communicate data associated with an associated logic circuit in parallel with the other interfaces, may be dynamically reconfigured, e.g., in response to a detected failure in one or more of the interfaces, to communicate data associated with each of the interfaces over each of at least a subset of the interfaces in a time multiplexed and replicated manner. |
| US07675944B2 |
Method and system for communicating content on a broadcast services communication system
An outer decoder and an inner decoder encode a block of information to be transmitted, to improve protection by adding redundancy. The redundancy permits decoding of the information from less than a complete encoded block of information. Time re-alignment of two transmissions of the same content from two base stations can mitigate the problem of duplicated frames. The user of the subscriber station can experience seamless service without repetition of content, even when handing over to a new cell while receiving a buffer of broadcast content. |
| US07675940B2 |
Method and system for providing cross-layer quality-of-service functionality in a wireless network
A method for providing cross-layer quality-of-service (QoS) functionality in a wireless network is provided. The method includes obtaining QoS data from each layer of an application stack for a particular application. A QoS matrix is generated based on the obtained QoS data. Packet distribution for the particular application may then be prioritized based on the QoS matrix. |
| US07675938B2 |
Flexible upstream PHY burst profile parameters to improve performance of short bursts in impulse noise
A single carrier cable modem can be initialized on multiple channels. By initializing a cable modem on more than one channel, the error rate performance of short data packets in cable modems in an impulsive noise environment is improved. The advantage of low symbol rate transmission for short packets in an impulse noise environment is achieved without sacrificing burst capacity at a cable modem and without the complexity of transmitting multiple symbol waveforms simultaneously at a cable modem. |
| US07675927B2 |
Trace information queueing system
A trace information queueing system receives a plurality of trace information signals and transmits them through a common connector. The multiple trace information signals may be multiplexed. Each edge of a clock signal may be used to enable transmission of different trace information signals. Alternatively, separate clocks signals may be provided for each trace information signal. A programmable logic device may be used to both multiplex the trace information signals and produce the clock signals necessary to enable their transmission. |
| US07675924B2 |
Gigabit switch on chip architecture
A data switch for network communications includes a first data port interface and a second data port interface is provided supporting at least one data port transmitting and receiving data. A CPU interface is provided, with the CPU interface configured to communicate with a CPU. A common memory is provided, and communicates with the first data port interface and the second data port interface. A memory management unit is provided, and communicates data from the first data port interface and the second data port interface and a common memory. At least two sets of communication channels are provided, with each of the communication channels communicating data and messaging information between the first data port interface, the second data port interface, and the memory management unit. |
| US07675923B2 |
Home network bridge-based communications method and apparatus
A privately addressed home network bridge is provided for each of two privately addressed home networks. These bridges couple to corresponding gateways for each of the networks. A network tunnel connection is established between the two bridges via the gateways and an intervening publicly addressed network. At least one, and preferably both, of the home network bridges then serve as a proxy/router to facilitate an exchange of messages as between network devices of the two privately addressed home networks. Pursuant to a preferred approach the home network bridges use a mapping technique to correlate private addresses as used in the two privately addressed networks. |
| US07675920B1 |
Method and apparatus for processing network traffic associated with specific protocols
A system that includes a network interface for receiving a packets from a network, a classifier operatively connected to the network interface that analyzes each of the packets and determines to which temporary data structure to forward each of packets, wherein the classifier analyzes each packet to determine with which of a plurality of protocols the packet is associated with. Each temporary data structure within the system is configured to receive packets from the classifier, wherein each of the temporary data structures is associated with at least one virtual serialization queue and wherein each of the temporary data structures is configured to store packets associated with at least one of the plurality of protocols. The at least one virtual serialization queue is configured to queue packets from the one of the temporary data structures associated with the at least one virtual serialization queue. |
| US07675918B2 |
Hash-based preemption
Methods and systems for preemption in a network having a core device with at least one egress interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes performing flow-based hash utilizing a plurality of hash-buckets each set to a first state or a second state and computing a load based on a rate measurement that excludes flows which hash into hash-buckets having a state set to the second state. The computed load is compared to a preemption threshold and if the computed load exceeds the preemption threshold, the state of at least one of the hash-buckets is changed from the first state to the second state. An action, such as dropping all packets or marking all packets, is performed on flows hashing in a hash-bucket in the second state. |