| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07931205B2 |
Printer with integrated RFID data collector
A RFID printer for printing and determining the quality of RFID record members having transponders is provided. The RFID printer may be used to print RFID record members utilizing a continuous moving web. In particular, a RFID printer includes an integrated RFID data collector such that identifying RFID transponder information may be recorded and associated with a barcode for inventory tracking purposes. An association file created by the RFID printer may be transferred to a manufacturer or retailer brand owner. The association file may be deleted from the RFID printer upon acknowledgment of receipt of the transmitted association file to the manufacturer or retail brand owner. The RFID printer provides methods for determining quality of RFID printed record members. |
| US07931201B2 |
Sample plate for supporting bar code scanning
A sample plate for supporting bar code scanning is provided, comprising first-circle sample slots distributed along the circumference of the sample plate and clear slots each communicating correspondingly with each of the sample slots, wherein an angle α is formed between the line connecting the center of the circle of each first-circle sample slot to that of the sample plate and the axis of the corresponding clear slot, and the range of α is 4°<α<8°. As an angle is formed between the direction of the axis of the clear slot and that of the diameter of the sample plate, it is able to guarantee a reasonable range of the incident angle when the bar code scanning light is projected on the surface of the bar code. |
| US07931196B2 |
System and method for facilitating the purchase of goods and services
A system and method for facilitating commercial transactions between a consumer and a supplier of goods at a point of sale and authorized by a credit holder. The credit holder possesses a communications device for prestoring transaction information in a data base. The communications device is operable by the credit holder for transmitting transaction information data and transaction authorization. The consumer possesses a consumer communications device for establishing a communications link between the consumer and the supplier. The consumer communications device generates a consumer request to the credit holders' communications device. A transaction approval device is in communications with the supplier and the consumer requested credit holder's communications device for receiving transaction requests from the supplier and for receiving transaction information data and authorization from the credit holder's communications device. The transaction approval device, upon receipt of transaction information data and transaction authorization, transmits approval to the supplier to complete the transaction. |
| US07931192B1 |
Apparatus for assistance in reading information from identification cards
An identification assistance card system is disclosed for assisting in obtaining identification information from an identification card having an identification card shape. The identification assistance card system includes an identification assistance card having an assistance card shape based at least in part on the identification card shape of the identification card. An identification information window is disposed in the identification assistance card for displaying the identification information from the identification card when the identification assistance card is substantially aligned with the identification card. The identification information window is disposed in the identification assistance card at a location based at least in part on where the identification information is disposed on the identification card. |
| US07931190B2 |
Circuit and method for correlated inputs to a population count circuit
A circuit includes a plurality of selection circuits. Each of the plurality of selection circuits has a first input, a second input, a control input, and an output. Each of the first inputs receives one of a plurality of correlated signals. Each of the second inputs receives one of a plurality of uncorrelated signals. Each of the control inputs receives a correlation mode control signal, and each of the outputs provides the one of the plurality of correlated signals or the one of the plurality of uncorrelated signals based on the correlation mode control signal. The circuit further includes a population count circuit having a plurality of data inputs coupled to receive the outputs of the plurality of selection circuits. The population count circuit provides a population count for the plurality of data inputs. The population count may be an approximate count or an accurate count. |
| US07931184B2 |
Apparatus for induction friction solid state welding
An apparatus for induction friction solid state welding a body having a work piece receiving bore. A stationary chuck is provided for securing a first tubular workpiece in the bore. A moving chuck is provided for securing a second tubular workpiece in bore. An induction heating coil is movable between an operative position and a stored position. An expandable cylinder moves the moving chuck toward and away from the stationary chuck. A torque transmission collar is used to rotate the moving chuck. |
| US07931180B2 |
Pneumatic nail gun
A pneumatic nail gun includes a gun body, a connecting mechanism, an acting valve, a trigger, a safety valve, and a trigger valve. The gun body includes a safety compressed air inlet and a firing compressed air inlet. The connecting mechanism is slidably disposed on the gun body. The acting valve is connected to the connecting mechanism. The trigger is connected to the gun body. The safety valve is connected to the acting valve for allowing a safety compressed air coming from the compressed air source to drive the acting valve to move the connecting mechanism forwards when the trigger is pulled. The trigger valve releases a firing compressed air coming from the compressed air source to project at least one nail only when the trigger is pulled, a workpiece blocks the connecting mechanism, and the trigger opens the trigger valve. |
| US07931179B1 |
Holder for wall and ceiling compound finishing accessories for drywall
A holder for compound tray and tools that includes a flexible sheet assembly that is removably mounted to a belt positioned around a user's waist. The sheet assembly includes a number of pockets with magnets designed for holding tools inside. Reinforcement members are mounted to the upper and lower edges of the sheet assembly to hold the sheet assembly in an extended position yet there are no reinforcement members along the lateral edges to still permit some flexibility of the sheet assembly. A tray holder assembly is mounted to the reinforcement adjacent to the lower edge. A tray holder supporting assembly, like cords, keeps the tray holder in a substantially horizontal position. Magnetic elements that are mounted to the tray and tray holder cause the tray to come toward the tray holder providing stability to the structure. Locking members can also be removably mounted to the tray and tray holder assembly to keep them together. |
| US07931176B1 |
Easily detachable golf bag carrier for a motorcycle
An easily detachable golf bag carrier for a motorcycle has a platform detachably mountable on a specialized foot peg and a cradle detachably mountable on a fastening rail, all of which are preferably chromed. The foot peg has a tongue and a frame with a slot within which a coupling end of the platform may be pinned. The tongue is adapted to mate with existing foot peg mounting brackets on the motorcycle. The fastening rail has mounting holes adapted to mate with existing fender holes in a motorcycle and the cradle has an arcuate arm for embracing a golf bag which is placed on an accessory end of the platform. The fastening rail and cradle have male and female mating members. The platform and cradle may be easily detached and stored, for example in a saddlebag, and the specialized foot peg and mounting rail left in place without detracting from the motorcycle's functionality or appearance. |
| US07931175B2 |
Nozzle for use in connection with dosing of a material from a container, method and use thereof
A nozzle (1) is disclosed for use in connection with the providing of a fluid material from a container, where the nozzle comprises a first nozzle base part (2), a nozzle tip part and a link (4) connecting the nozzle parts (2, 3). The link (4) has a first pivotal state and a second locked state when the link is under pressure by the material flow The link (4) has a first surface (8) and second surface (10), the surfaces being pivotally connected to each other, and where said surfaces (8, 10) are angled in relation to the longitudinal center axis of the nozzle. The invention also relates to a use of the nozzle (1). |
| US07931173B2 |
Liquid dispenser
A liquid dispenser is described and includes a cover connecting to the opening of a container and a main body connecting to the cover. The main body includes a chamber in communication with the cover and a liquid outlet for liquid discharge, wherein a liquid output device is arranged in the chamber, a button is arranged on the main body for controlling the action of the liquid output device, a one-way valve is arranged in the liquid output device for adjusting the open/close state of a liquid output passage. The liquid dispenser described is novel in design, simple and compact in construction. The liquid dispenser described can employ the operating principle of a one-way valve so as to realize liquid discharge in any direction. |
| US07931170B2 |
Pet waste bag dispenser
A pet waste bags dispenser includes a pouch body, a pouch cover, means for detachably attaching the front cover edge of the pouch cover on the front wall of the pouch body, and a bag dispenser, wherein the bag dispenser allows waste bags placed within the waste bags dispenser to be dispensed to a user easily and conveniently. The pet waste bags dispenser is made of a collapsible material, such that the dispenser is easy to store, light in weight, simple to manufacture, and has the flexibility to contain different amounts of waste bags within the pouch body, wherein rolls of or individually wrapped waste bags are allowed to be dispensed. The pet waste bags dispenser further includes a pouch carrier for the pouch body to be carried around, so as to facilitate the user to easily obtain a waste bag from the dispenser. |
| US07931169B2 |
Dispenser
A dispenser having a first member rotatably engaging a second member to form a cavity from which sheets such as flat bags may be dispensed via a lineal aperture and a sheet-guiding member extending from the first member into the cavity. |
| US07931167B2 |
Tamper evident cap for shipping and storage containers
A tamper evident cap adapted to close an opening on a vessel includes a main body having an outer circumference, a pull tab extending from the main body, and a flange, forms an annulus around the main body and connected to the main body. The flange includes an outer circumference that is larger than the outer circumference of the main body. It is essential to the present invention that the flange is made of a very thin layer of material. In addition, the flange includes at least a pair of perforation lines. Further, the tamper evident cap includes a bump in the pull-tab for enabling a person grasping the pull-tab, to obtain a firmer hold thereon. |
| US07931165B2 |
Plan-pro™ portable blueprint carrier and retractable display
A portable carrier for storing and displaying rolled blueprints and other construction documents (“Carrier”). The Carrier includes a compact storage case with an opening for the passage of flexible backing material and documents. A cylindrical roller, mounted inside of the compact storage case, rotates axially to allow unfurling and retracting of flexible backing material. Means for unfurling and retracting the flexible backing material are provided, utilizing a retracting handle and a manual retractor cap respectively. Means for attaching and detaching display documents are provided using Velcro® Brand material affixed to the top of the flexible backing material and mating document Velcro® Brand fastening strips attached to the backs of the display documents. Documents are held down during display using a document fastener assembly. The Carrier can be fastened to common construction surfaces during flat display using padded magnets or grooved slots positioned on the retracting handle and compact storage case. |
| US07931162B2 |
Regulator bracket for use with a rack having integrated mounting means
A novel type of sliding mount bracket, referenced herein as a regulator bracket, is adapted to be removably attached to a regulator. The regulator bracket includes a base and securing means for attaching the base to a panel that has louvers to receive the edges of the bracket. The regulator bracket further includes anchoring means for attaching the base to the regulator so as to inhibit movement thereof. Thus, when the regulator is secured to the rack, a display surface of the regulator is maintained in a fixed position, in which it is visually perceptible to the restaurateur or other user. |
| US07931160B2 |
Vertically mounted shelf assembly and accessories therefor
A wall mountable shelf assembly includes an elongated support rail, at least one accessory slidably connected with the support rail, and at least one stretch releasing adhesive strip arranged between the support rail and the wall for securing the shelf assembly to the wall. |
| US07931157B1 |
Compact collapsible bins for viewing and storing sheet goods
Display bins for sheet goods which are easily assembled and disassembled are formed of bottom panels, front and rear display panels for holding sheet goods at suitable angles from the vertical for display. The front and rear display panels can be removably attached to both the bottom panel and at least two support brackets for use. All the components can be separated and stacked in a flat package for shipment or storage. |
| US07931154B2 |
Plasma separation membrane
A process for manufacturing of an asymmetric hollow fiber membrane, comprising the steps of extruding a polymer solution through the outer ring slit of a hollow fiber spinning nozzle, simultaneously extruding a center fluid through the inner bore of the hollow fiber spinning nozzle, into a precipitation bath, whereby the polymer solution contains 10 to 26 wt-% of polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES) or polyarylethersulfone (PAES), 8 to 15 wt-% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and 60 to 80 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP), the center fluid contains 60 to 70 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 30 to 40 wt-% water, and the precipitation bath contains 70 to 82 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 18 to 30 wt-% water. |
| US07931153B2 |
Solid-liquid filtration cloth and filtering device
The invention relates to a method of making a solid-liquid filtration cloth, a solid-liquid filtration cloth, and a filter in which the solid-liquid filtration cloth is arranged. The filter cloth (7) is provided with yarns (13b) having a highly changing length and a long free run in the weave. When the length of the yarns (13b) is allowed to shorten significantly, a filtration portion (15) on the side of a surface (14) of the cloth obtains a corrugated shape, providing the cloth with a large filtering area. |
| US07931152B2 |
Shuffling apparatus and method for aligning wood logs in a conveyor
A log shuffler and conveyor assembly including: a chute including a log conveyor having a bottom surface and at least one sidewall; a gap in the log conveyor, and a log shuffler arranged in the gap of the conveyor, wherein the shuffler includes at least one pivoting plate having a first edge moving reciprocally above and below the bottom surface of the chute. |
| US07931150B2 |
Cassette and apparatus for packing disposable objects into an elongated tube of flexible material
A cassette (3) for dispensing bags from an elongated tubing (32) comprising an annular receptacle (38) accommodating a length of tubing (32) in an accumulated condition. An annular opening at an upper end of the annular receptacle (38) is for dispensing the tubing (32). The annular receptacle (38) defines a central opening (34) through which a knotted end (40) of the tubing (32) passes to form a bag supported by the annular receptacle (38) with disposable objects passing through the circular central opening (34) to be received in the bag, and a clearance (41) only at a bottom of the central opening (34). |
| US07931147B2 |
Self standing and environmentally separable package
The present invention generally relates to a package which allows a product to be displayed. In one embodiment, the package of the present invention can stand alone independently on an integrated cardboard base or can be hung from a bracket or shelf as a point of sale display. In another embodiment, the package of the present invention is able to be separated into its component parts so that such parts can be, if so required, independently recycled. In still another embodiment, due to its ability to be separated the package of the present invention can comprise various components formed from dissimilar materials (e.g., paper and plastic). |
| US07931146B2 |
Photomask case structure
The present invention relates to a photomask case structure, and more particularly to a photomask case able to firmly fix position of a photomask, which includes an upper cover, a lower cover, supporters and position fixing pieces. Accordingly, when a photomask is retained within the photomask case, then elastic holding portions of the position fixing pieces are used to elastically hold one side of the photomask, beveled edges of the position fixing pieces are used to hold another side of the photomask, and finally press portions of the elastic holding portions are used to elastically press down on the surface of the photomask, thereby firmly retaining the photomask within the photomask case, and preventing impact damage to the photomask from occurring. |
| US07931145B2 |
Cassette and handling system
An embodiment of the invention provides a cassette comprising a top plate, a base plate, a plurality of posts arranged between the top plate and the base plate and defining an operation space, a securing device comprising a stop mechanism and a clamping mechanism and arranged along with one post. The stop mechanism comprises a stop projection provided on an outer side of the one of posts, a stop bar parallel to the one post and slidable disposed through the stop projection, and a stop block disposed on a side of the stop bar. A lower end of the stop bar extends beyond a plane of the base plate when the stop block is bearing against an upper surface of the stop projection. The clamping mechanism comprises a first connection part with a rotation shaft in a middle portion of the first connection part being fixed to the one post and with one end connected with the stop bar in a transmission way, and a securing portion, which connects with the other end of the first connection part and is driven by the first connection part to move horizontally with respect to the one post when an up-and-down movement of the stop bar leads to rotation of the first connection part. |
| US07931144B2 |
Patient interface packaging with integrated sizing gage
A patient interface packaging that includes an integrated sizing template. The packaging system includes a container having an inner chamber containing a patient interface device having a size contained within. The packaging further includes an outer exterior having an integral flap. The integral flap includes at least one opening therethrough forming a sizing template. The size of the opening corresponds to the size of the mask contained within the package so that the opening may be fitted to the nose region of a patient's to allow the user to determine an appropriate size patient interface device that matches his or her anatomical dimensions. |
| US07931141B2 |
Golf bag carrier
A golf bag carrier includes a pivot adjusting unit, at least one strut pivotally coupled to the pivot adjusting unit and adjusted in an angle with respect to a ground by the pivot adjusting unit, at least one wheel coupled to a lower end of the strut to move the golf bag, a fixing plate to which the pivot adjusting unit having the strut and the wheel are fixed, a vertical bar that is fixedly installed on a central portion of the fixing plate, and a fixing unit that is installed on the golf bag to detachably fix the vertical bar on the golf bag. |
| US07931139B2 |
Pasteurizer with conveyor belt
A pasteurizer with a conveyor belt for transporting the goods to be pasteurized, the conveyor belt having an endless structure 39 comprising several metal bodies 13, 22, and several plastic pieces 30 forming the conveyor surface 38 being coupled to the structure 39. Also, a conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, comprising an endless structure having several metal bodies, with several plastic pieces 30 forming the conveyor surface 38 being coupled to the structure 39. Also, a conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, the conveyor belt 3 comprising several identical modules 29 in the longitudinal as well as in the transverse direction, each module 29 having several identical bodies in the longitudinal as well as in the transverse direction. |
| US07931138B2 |
Automatic tire transfer apparatus using traverser
An automatic tire transfer apparatus using a traverser comprises: a vertical lift adapted to lift and lower a tire from a tire storage place; a tire charge section adapted to be supplied with the tire from the vertical lift and adapted to automatically push the supplied tire in the progress direction of the tire; a traverser unit disposed at an outlet of the tire charge section and adapted to automatically transfer the tire supplied from the tire charge section in the progress direction of the tire while fixedly supporting the tire; a tire loader adapted to be supplied with the tire from the traverser unit and adapted to transfer the supplied tire to a tire assembling unit; and a controller adapted to control the overall operation of the tire charge section, the traverser unit and the tire loader. |
| US07931136B2 |
Jam sensor for shopping cart conveyor
A shopping cart conveyor system is designed to shut the system down in the event that a shopping cart becomes jammed. The system includes a track operable to guide a shopping cart between a first location and a second location, and a drive assembly for moving a shopping cart along the track. The drive assembly includes engagement members movable relative to the track and operable to engage and move a shopping cart from the first location to the second location, and a drive motor (e.g., an electric motor) operable to provide movement to the engagement members. A force sensor detects a parameter (e.g., motor current) of the drive assembly corresponding with a force required to move the engagement members. A controller receives information regarding a frequency of change in the parameter and compares that information to a known value (e.g., a frequency of the engagement members). Preferably, the controller is programmed to stop the drive motor when the frequency of change of the parameter falls within a certain range of the parameter (e.g., frequency of the engagement members). |
| US07931135B2 |
Multi-area clutch assembly
A torque transmitting assembly includes an actuator for engaging a torque transmitting element. A mechanism is connected to the actuator. The mechanism is operable to selectively allow fluid communication therethrough. The mechanism communicates between two separate fluid spaces located on opposite sides of the actuator. During movement of the actuator, a fluid is allowed to transfer through the mechanism between the two separate fluid spaces. |
| US07931131B2 |
Rotational resistance applying device in main shaft driving device for machine tool
A rotational resistance applying device in which a hollow roller is provided between a first surface of a clamp piston (pressing member) and a second surface of a sliding disc (a press member), and in which a pressing force applied to the clamp piston acts upon the sliding disc through the hollow roller that press-contacts the first and second surfaces by displacement of the clamp piston. By this, rolling resistance of the hollow roller resiliently deformed by the pressing force causes a rotational resistance to be applied to a main shaft within a range allowing rotation. This makes it possible to prevent pulsation from being generated in the rotation of the main shaft. In addition, even if the pressing force is applied to the clamp piston, the hollow roller rolls, so that wear of the clamp piston and wear of the sliding disc can be restricted. |
| US07931123B2 |
Stepladder folding twin-step
A ladder includes a first section having at least one step. The ladder includes a second section having a least one step. The ladder includes a platform attached to the first and second sections. The ladder includes a hinge mechanism connected to the first section and second section, about which the first section and second section move between an open state, where the first and second sections are in an angular relationship for use, and a folded state where the first and second sections and the platform are essentially in parallel, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.The ladder includes a foldable tray mechanism attached to the hinge mechanism about which the foldable tray mechanism moves between the open state independently of the first and second sections, where the foldable tray is in an angular relationship with the first and second sections for use, and a folded state where the foldable tray essentially forms a plane with the first section. A hinge for a stepladder. A step to a ladder. Methods for using a stepladder. |
| US07931120B2 |
Exhaust device and vehicle with exhaust device
An exhaust device for a vehicle, such as a scooter type motorcycle, comprises an exhaust pipe and a muffler. A first end portion of the exhaust pipe is connectable to an engine of the vehicle. The muffler includes an outer wall defining an internal space of the muffler. A second end portion of the exhaust pipe is located within the internal space of the muffler. A secondary air induction pipe supplies air to the exhaust pipe and is connected to a portion of the exhaust pipe that is within the internal space of the muffler. The secondary air induction pipe extends to the outside of the muffler via a through hole that has an edge, at least a portion of which is defined by each of a first member and a second member of the muffler. |
| US07931119B2 |
Support structure for exhaust pipe
A support structure for an exhaust pipe includes left and right side frames disposed on a lower side of a rear floor and a back panel extending downward from the rear floor joined to rear end portions of the side frames. Reinforcing plates join the back panel on a vehicle rear side in positions facing the rear of the side frames. Stays extending in a rearward direction mount to the respective reinforcing plates and support a bumper member. A muffler disposed below the rear floor and on a front side of the back panel or an exhaust pipe connected thereto, is supported on a vehicle body by a hanger rubber. A flange portion that is formed with a reinforcing plate extends rearwardly and perpendicularly therefrom. A hanger rubber mounts to the flange portion to support the muffler or exhaust pipe. |
| US07931115B2 |
Diaphragm surrounding
A surround for a diaphragm includes at least one rib section oriented to be extended during excursions of the diaphragm. The surround includes at least one membrane section supported by one or more rib sections contributing to a compliance characteristic different from the contribution of the one or more rib sections. |
| US07931109B2 |
Arrangement of ignition coils and coil-holding structure in a motorcycle, and motorcycle including same
A motorcycle includes a fuel tank mounted on a main frame member, an engine arranged below the main frame member, and ignition coils arranged below the fuel tank. The main frame member includes a pair of sub-frame members arranged in a vehicle-width direction in a spaced-apart manner. A coil-holding structure, formed of a plastic resin material, is disposed on the main frame member for arranging the ignition coils thereon between the pair of sub-frame members. A base portion of the coil-holding structure has one or more openings formed therein so as to expose portions of the ignition coils to a traveling wind, during vehicle operation. One of the ignition coils, which is arranged close to a rear side of a vehicle body, is disposed at a position lower than a position of the ignition coil which is arranged close to a front side of the vehicle body. |
| US07931108B2 |
Semi-trailer repositioner
Exemplary apparatus and system for repositioning a semi-trailer are described. The repositoner may comprise two pivoting arms, each comprising a mechanical actuator attached to an underside area of the semi-trailer, wherein the pivoting arms are disposed substantially parallel to the underside of the semi-trailer in a first position and are configured to be pivoted away from the semi-trailer in a second position substantially perpendicular to the underside of the semi-trailer; two wheels mounted at an angle from a rear plane of the semi-trailer such that the semi-trailer moves in a circular path when the wheels turn, with each wheel operatively coupled to a motor; and a lower frame mounted to the mechanical actuators of the arms, the lower frame comprising two opposing wheel housing couple to the wheels; wherein, lowering the hydraulic jack arms can hydraulically lift the semi-trailer, and further wherein the wheels can maneuver the semi-trailer. |
| US07931100B2 |
Auxiliary drive for a trailer
Auxiliary drive for a trailer such as a caravan. Said drive consists of a drive unit with a gearwheel. Through linear movement of the drive unit relative to the chassis, said gearwheel can be brought into engagement with a ring gear fitted either on the brake drum of a wheel of the vehicle or on an auxiliary part such as a covering drum fitted over said brake drum. The ring gear preferably lies in a plane outside the plane bounded by the inside of the wheel. |
| US07931098B2 |
Steerable bit system assembly and methods
A drilling system includes a steerable bottomhole assembly (BHA) having a steering unit and a control unit that provide dynamic control of drill bit orientation or tilt. Exemplary steering units can adjust bit orientation at a rate that approaches or exceeds the rotational speed of the drill string or drill bit, can include a dynamically adjustable articulated joint having a plurality of elements that deform in response to an excitation signal, can include adjustable independently rotatable rings for selectively tilting the bit, and/or can include a plurality of selectively extensible force pads. The force pads are actuated by a shape change material that deforms in response to an excitation signal. A method of directional drilling includes continuously cycling the position of the steering unit based upon the rotational speed of the drill string and/or drill bit and with reference to an external reference point. |
| US07931095B2 |
Hammer drill
In a hammer drill, a coil spring is disposed rearward of a piston cylinder inside a housing so as to press the piston cylinder to an advanced position when the hammer drill operates in a drill mode, and a supporting plate is disposed at a rear end of the piston cylinder. The supporting plate includes a pair of side plates and a base portion connecting front ends of the side plates. The base portion is in contact with a rear surface of the piston cylinder, and rear ends of the side plates are in contact with a front end of the coil spring. Openings provided in the side plates are configured to hold a pin on which a connecting arm is pivoted. |
| US07931093B2 |
Method and system for anchoring and isolating a wellbore
Downhole tools for anchoring and isolating at least one zone in a wellbore comprise a mandrel having an upper end, a lower end, an outer wall surface, and a longitudinal bore disposed therethrough having an axis. One or more anchors are disposed through the outer wall surface of the mandrel. Each of the anchors has a retracted position and an extended position. An isolation element is disposed along the outer wall surface of the mandrel. The isolation element may cover the anchors or be disposed, above, below, or around the anchors. Engagement of the isolation element with the inner wall surface of the wellbore to isolate at least one zone of the wellbore may be accomplished by piercing the isolation element to permit wellbore fluid to contact a swellable material contained within the isolation element, or by pumping fluid into the isolation element. |
| US07931092B2 |
Packer element with recesses for downwell packing system and method of its use
A packer system for a wellbore includes a tubular member and a packer element mounted on the tubular member. The packer element is formed of a swellable polymeric material, the packer element having a radially-outward external surface, the surface including a plurality of radially-inwardly extending recesses formed therein. The recesses provide additional surface area that can contact a swelling fluid, thereby increasing the swelling rate of the packer element. |
| US07931091B2 |
Open-hole wellbore lining
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for lining a wellbore. In certain aspects, the systems and methods comprise providing a fluid composition that is solidifiable or gellable on exposure to actinic radiation of a predetermined wavelength at the wall of open-hole wellbore and providing actinic radiation at the predetermined wavelength to solidify or gel the composition. |
| US07931084B2 |
Methods for treating a subterranean formation by introducing a treatment fluid containing a proppant and a swellable particulate and subsequently degrading the swellable particulate
A method is provided for treating at least a portion of a subterranean formation. The method includes the steps of: (a) introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a proppant and a swellable particulate; (b) swelling the swellable particulate, wherein the step of swelling is performed prior to, during, or after the step of introducing the treatment fluid; and (c) degrading the swellable particulate in the subterranean formation, wherein the step of degrading is performed after the steps of introducing and swelling. |
| US07931081B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatuses for monitoring and recovery of petroleum from earth formations
A system for monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation is provided. The system includes: an assembly including at least one of an injection conduit for injecting a thermal source into the formation and a production conduit for recovering material including the petroleum from the formation; a guide conduit attached to at least a portion of the at least one of the injection conduit and the production conduit, the guide conduit extending in a direction at least substantially parallel to the at least one of the injection conduit and the production conduit; and a detection source conduit insertable through the guide conduit and configured to dispose therein a detection source for detecting a location of the assembly in the formation. A method of monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation is also provided. |
| US07931080B2 |
Method and system for extraction of hydrocarbons from oil sands
A system and method for extracting hydrocarbon products from oil sands using nuclear energy sources for power to decrease the viscosity of bitumen in oil sands deposits and provide sufficient heat and pressure to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products. Steps for extracting the hydrocarbon products form the oil sands deposits are disclosed. |
| US07931076B2 |
Small footprint drilling rig
A method and apparatus for a moving a floor structure relative to a base structure is provided. The apparatus includes a base structure having an opening for a well head, a floor structure coupled to the base structure by a plurality of support members, and a drive mechanism disposed on the floor structure, the drive mechanism providing motive force to the support members for moving the floor structure relative to the base structure in a single first direction. |
| US07931075B2 |
Air conditioner
In an air conditioner for a vehicle, a blower of a blower unit includes a double-axial motor having a rotation axis positioned approximately in a vehicle top-bottom direction, a pair of centrifugal fans located at two sides of the double-axial motor in an axial direction, and a pair of scroll casings in which the centrifugal fans are accommodated, respectively. The two air outlet portions are arranged in the vehicle top-bottom direction, and are adjacent to be joined to an air inlet portion of the air conditioning unit, substantially as a single air outlet. Furthermore, the two air outlet portions are located approximately at the same height position as that of the air passing portion of the cooling heat exchanger, and have a height dimension (H2) at its downstream end side that is approximately equal to a height dimension (H1) of the air passing portion of the cooling heat exchanger. |
| US07931074B2 |
Heat exchanger and air conditioner
A heat exchanger includes tubes which are arranged in parallel and through which a fluid for heating air flows. Fins which are joined to the tubes. The tubes and the fins are arranged to form three or more heating parts and at least two bypass passages each of which is provided between adjacent heating parts, through which the air passes without exchanging heat with the thermal fluid. First and second tank parts are arranged at two longitudinal ends of the tubes and extend across the bypass passages and the heating parts. The bypass passages and the heating parts are arranged perpendicular to an air flow direction. The heating heat exchanger is disposed in an air conditioning case down stream from an evaporator. The air conditioning case is separated into two air outlets. Cold air from the bypass passages and hot air from the heating parts are mixed prior to being blown through the air outlets. |
| US07931073B2 |
Heat exchanger with fluid expansion in header
A heat exchanger includes a first header and a second header and a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending therebetween. Each heat exchange tube has an inlet end opening to one of the headers and an outlet opening to the other header. Each heat exchange tube has a plurality of channels extending longitudinally in parallel relationship from its inlet end to its outlet end, each channel defining a discrete refrigerant flow path. The inlet end of each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes is positioned with the inlet opening to the channels disposed in spaced relationship with and facing an opposite inside surface of the header thereby defining a relatively narrow gap between the inlet opening to the channels and the facing opposite inside surface of the header. The gap may function either as a primary expansion device or as a secondary expansion device. |
| US07931071B2 |
Heat exchanger with heat pipe
A heat exchanger includes an evaporation side heat pipe in which a working fluid flowing therein is heat exchanged with a high-temperature fluid to be evaporated, a condensation side heat pipe in which the working fluid flowing therein is heat exchanged with a low-temperature fluid to be condensed, and an inner fin located at least in the evaporation side heat pipe to increase a heat transmission area of the evaporation side heat pipe with the working fluid. The evaporation side heat pipe and the condensation side heat pipe are connected to form a closed cycle, and the evaporation side heat pipe is arranged such that the working fluid flows in the evaporation side heat pipe in a direction different from a horizontal direction. Furthermore, the inner fin has a bottom end that is positioned above a top surface of the working fluid at least in a liquid state. |
| US07931068B2 |
Motorized shade control system
A motorized shade control system includes electronic drive units (EDUs) having programmable control units directing a motor to move an associated shade in response to command signals directed to the control units from wall-mounted keypad controllers or from alternate devices or control systems connected to a contact closure interface (CCI). Each of the EDUs, keypad controllers and CCIs of the system is connected to a common communication bus. The system provides for initiation of soft addressing of the system components from any keypad controller, CCI or EDU. The system also provides for setting of EDU limit positions and assignment of EDUs to keypad controllers from the keypad controllers or CCIs. The system may also include infrared receivers for receiving infrared command signals from an infrared transmitter. |
| US07931065B2 |
Printed circuit board manufacturing equipment
In a printed circuit board manufacturing equipment, a pressing die includes a first pressing part, a second pressing part, and a frame part. A buffer member is disposed between a first surface of a laminated body and the first pressing part. The second pressing part has a portion facing a second surface of the laminated body and a portion facing the buffer member. The frame part surrounds a whole area of a side surface of the buffer member. Before pressing and heating, the laminated body, the second pressing part, and the buffer member define an escape space therebetween for escaping the buffer member deformed due to the pressing. A lip protrudes from the frame part toward the laminated body. The lip is deformed following the deformation of the buffer member and comes in contact with a surface of the second pressing part facing the buffer member. |
| US07931064B2 |
Tube mesh bag, and apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
The invention teaches a new way to make mesh bags using adhesive labels and continuous mesh tubing. Using adhesive labels on continuous mesh tubing is made possible by guiding the mesh tubing both on the outside of the tubing and the inside of the tubing so that an adhesive label does not stick to the mesh surface on the other side of the mesh tubing. As a result the invention also teaches a new type of mesh bag made with this process and a new machine used for making mesh bags. |
| US07931060B2 |
Adhesion chain for the wheel of an automotive vehicle
This adhesion chain for the wheel of a motor vehicle comprises an adhesion tread intended to be in contact with at least the tread of the wheel concerned, and kept in place by means of respectively external and internal tensioning cables. The adhesion tread consists of a net prepared from textile material, said net being prepared by knitting of cords themselves prepared by knitting, so as to define the meshes of said net, and in that the cords include a reinforcing core from a high-modulus material. |
| US07931059B1 |
Through dovetailing jig assembly
A through dovetailing jig assembly comprised of a dovetailing jig removably attached to a workpiece, an indexing strip removably attached to the workpiece and jig, and a front backup board removably attached to the workpiece and jig. The jig is further comprised of a removable pin insert and a removable tail insert. |
| US07931056B2 |
Debarking apparatus
A debarking apparatus includes a cutting body having a cutting surface and a first projection configured to cooperate with a fastener. The debarking apparatus also includes a holding body for removably holding the cutting body, the holding body having a trailing surface and defining a first recess generally complementary to the first projection to receive therein the first projection in a close surrounding fit, and a first opening sized to receive the fastener. The fastener is configurable to pass through the first opening and to cooperate with the first projection and with the holding body to hold the first projection in the first recess in a close surrounding fit. |
| US07931053B2 |
Sealing device for a tank access opening in particular for tank filler pipes on motor vehicles
A sealing device for a tank access opening whereby the ball is arranged to be displaced within the tank access opening. On introduction of a fuel nozzle, the ball opens the tank access opening. |
| US07931052B2 |
Vacuum storage container
A container is provided for storing items in a vacuum state. The container includes a receptacle with associated lid. A lever and clamp act together as a toggle to exert a relatively high closure force on the lid. The container includes a vacuum pump, preferably within a base of the container. A switch is provided to activate and deactivate the pump which is activated by the lever when the lever is pivoted to a closed position. A sensor is optionally also provided to shut off the pump when a sufficiently low pressure is reached. The lid includes a bleed port which is closed by the clamp when the lid is closed. When the lever and clamp are pivoted to an open position, this bleed port is opened so that pressure equalization occurs and the lid can be easily opened without fighting atmospheric pressure forces acting on the lid. |
| US07931051B2 |
Multi-layer papermaker's forming fabric with long machine side MD floats
A papermaker's fabric includes: a set of top MD yarns; a set of bottom MD yarns; a set of top CMD yarns interwoven with the top MD yarns to form a top fabric layer; a set of bottom CMD yarns interwoven with the bottom MD yarns to form a bottom fabric layer; and a set of stitching yarns that interweave with the top and bottom fabric layers. The top MD yarns and the top CMD yarns are interwoven in a series of repeat units and the bottom MD yarns and the bottom CMD yarns are interwoven in a series of corresponding repeat units. Each of the bottom MD yarns forms a bottom MD float by passing under three or more consecutive bottom CMD yarns. |
| US07931050B2 |
Nano or sub-nano FIR and anion fuel pipes for motor vehicles and ships
A fuel pipe that is made from nano or sub-nano plastic or rubber materials and can be used for motor vehicles and ships includes a nano or sub-nano Far Infrared Ray (FIR) and anion carrier. The structures of the carrier are made up of nano or sub-nano tourmaline granules integrated into the carrier body made from general, nano, or sub-nano plastic, rubber, resin, or metal materials. The carrier can be the whole body, interior or exterior wall, or paste structures set on the inner or outer wall surface of the pipe. The carrier can reach a far infrared emission rate up to 96% from ˜85% by general tourmaline materials and facilitate sufficient combustion by breaking fuel molecular group into pieces. As a result, the novel pipe can achieve an extra 12-percent fuel economy improvement. The percentage of toxic gas in the exhaust will be correspondingly reduced. |
| US07931039B2 |
Foldable frame structure
The present invention provides a foldable frame structure, which comprises a limit portion, a canopy portion and a frame body. The limit portion encloses an area with a predetermined figure. The canopy portion is connected with the limit portion. The frame body is connected with the canopy portion for lifting the canopy portion from the limit portion. The frame body further comprises a plurality of cambered areas, a plurality of first overlapping ends, a plurality of second overlapping ends and a plurality of contacting ends. The plurality of contacting ends press against the limit portion respectively. The plurality of first overlapping ends are aligned along an extended direction. Each of the cambered areas is simultaneously connected with another cambered area at the first overlapping end and connected with yet another cambered area at the second overlapping end. Thus, the foldable frame structure can be collapsed for storage by making the plurality of cambered areas come into close contact with one another successively. |
| US07931035B2 |
Method of and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor wafers
A method of and system for cleaning semiconductor wafers minimizes the exposure of the wafers to the air by washing, rinsing and drying the wafers in one cleaning chamber. The system includes a wafer support by which a plurality of wafers can be supported in the cleaning chamber as oriented vertically and spaced from each other, and tubular de-ionized water supply nozzles extending longitudinally in the direction in which the wafers are spaced from each other as disposed to the sides of the wafers. Each de-ionized water supply nozzle has an inner nozzle passageway, and a plurality of sets of nozzle holes extending radially through the main body of the nozzle from the inner nozzle passageway. Each such set of nozzle holes subtends an angle of 80˜100° in a vertical plane and is directed towards a surface of a respective wafer W. During a primary rinse procedure, the de-ionized water is supplied to the de-ionized water spray nozzles, and the liquid in the cleaning chamber is simultaneously discharged from a lower part of the chamber and by being allowed to overflow the chamber. The supplying of the de-ionized water to the de-ionized water spray nozzles and the discharging of the cleaning chamber are carried out in proportions that minimize differences in the etching rate of a wafer across the surface thereof. |
| US07931031B2 |
Hairstyling device
A hairstyling device composed of a handle (1), at least one heating part (3) cooperating with a retaining part (2), each mounted in a respective housing (6, 22; 5, 20) joined to the handle (1), at least one of the heating (3) or retaining (2) parts being float-mounted inside its housing (6, 5), hair being able to be inserted between the heating part (3) and the retaining part (2). At least one of the heating (3) or retaining (2) parts has a first permanent magnet (11) cooperating with a second, opposing permanent magnet (12) belonging to its housing (6, 22; 5, 20), the second permanent magnet being mounted in phase with the first. |
| US07931029B2 |
Method and apparatus for uterus stabilization
A system and method for surgery on a hollow organ comprises a source of a biocompatible gellable fluid in a flowable state and an insertion device for introducing the gellable fluid into a hollow organ of a patient, the gellable fluid transitioning from the flowable state to a gel-like state to form a gel mass within the hollow organ to support a wall of the hollow organ in combination with a state control apparatus for transitioning the gel mass from the gel-like state to the flowable state and a removal device for removing from the hollow organ the gellable fluid in the flowable state. |
| US07931026B2 |
Adjustable conduit coupling assembly
A conduit coupling assembly for use in connection with a patient interface device. The conduit coupling assembly includes a coupling retention assembly for retaining the conduit coupling in a predetermined position with respect to the user's face, and an adjustment assembly that permits continuous adjustment of a position of the conduit coupling with respect to a user's face. The conduit coupling assembly is continuously adjustable and retainable in an adjusted position and orientation by the adjustment assembly. |
| US07931019B2 |
Self-powered pump for heated liquid, fluid heating and storage tank and fluid heating system employing same
A self-powered pump for heated liquid is provided. The pump includes an airtight container for containing the heated liquid. A heated liquid inlet pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container. A heated liquid outlet is lower than the end of the inlet pipe. A breathing pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container and is higher than both of the outlet and the end of the inlet pipe but lower than an interior side of the container top. An opposite end of the breathing pipe is outside the container, lower than the container base, and is received by an open container such that the opposite end can become submerged in heated liquid accumulated within the open container during pump operation. A fluid or liquid heating system incorporating the self-powered pump may operate without external power for the pump. |
| US07931017B2 |
Assembly structure of an action and a gas cylinder
An assembly structure of an action and a gas cylinder includes a furniture which is provided with an action and an interior of the action is accommodated with a gas cylinder. A power source can be provided to the furniture by the gas cylinder. By the aforementioned structure, an issue in a conventional toy gun or training gun that when a clip is taken down, the power source is also removed is broken through. By using the present invention, when a user takes down the clip, the furniture is still provided with the power source to shoot out a last round of bullet left in the furniture, thereby enabling the present invention to be equipped with practicability and progressiveness of a realistic sparring effect. |
| US07931014B2 |
Kickback preventing circuit for engine
An ignition control circuit and method of operation provides a very simple but highly effective prevention of engine reverse rotation upon starting by prohibiting ignition when a reverse rotation situation arises. |
| US07931011B2 |
High-pressure fuel supply circuit
A high-pressure fuel supply circuit, which supplies fuel in a fuel tank to injectors of an internal combustion engine, may includes a fuel pump that is employed so as to feed the fuel in the fuel tank with pressure to the injector, wherein one or more fuel pumps may be employed so as to improve a compression ratio of the fuel; a separator provided with a selective check valve so as to separate air from the fuel supplied by the fuel pump; and an injection pump receiving the fuel from the separator, compressing it, and feeding it with pressure to the injector. |
| US07931010B2 |
Fuel supply system for boat and outboard motor
A fuel supply system for a boat prevents deterioration in engine startability and includes a vapor separator tank arranged to contain fuel at an inner fuel level “P” at a predetermined height, an injector arranged to supply fuel to an engine, and a high-pressure fuel pump that is disposed outside the vapor separator tank and that is arranged to supply the fuel reserved in the vapor separator tank to the injector. The high-pressure fuel pump includes a negative pressure generating portion arranged to generate negative pressure when the high-pressure fuel pump draws fuel, the negative pressure generating portion being positioned lower than the fuel level “P” in the vapor separator tank. |
| US07931009B2 |
Fuel injector designed to minimize mechanical stress on fuel pressure sensor installed therein
A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel injector is to be installed in a cylinder head of the engine and has a fuel pressure sensor working to measure the pressure of fuel within a injector body. The fuel pressure sensor is installed in a portion of the injector body which is to be located away from the cylinder head of the engine across a portion of the injector body on which a mechanical pressure is exerted by an external member such as a fuel supply pipe or a fuel drain pipe, thereby keeping the fuel pressure sensor free from internal stress, as arising from the mechanical pressure exerted on the injector body, to ensure the accuracy in measuring the pressure of the fuel. |
| US07931008B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting failed injection events
A fuel injection system includes an injector control module, a current detection module, and a position determination module. The injector control module controls current through a solenoid of a fuel injector for a predetermined period. The current detection module measures an amount of current through the solenoid after the predetermined period. The position determination module determines whether the fuel injector injected fuel during the predetermined period based on when the amount of current through the solenoid is less than or equal to a predetermined current. |
| US07931005B2 |
Generating electricity with a hypocyloidally driven, opposed piston, internal combustion engine
An electrical generator includes an opposed piston, internal-combustion engine with a piston and a hypocycloidal drive connected by a rod to the piston. The construction of the hypocycloidal drive imposes a sinusoidal period on the linear motion of the piston and connecting rod. As generator associated with the piston produces a sinusoidal voltage in response to the liner motion of the piston and connecting rod. |
| US07931003B2 |
Reciprocating engine
A reciprocating engine 1 includes an annular top ring 5 serving as a first piston ring disposed adjacent to a top surface (head end surface) 4 of a piston 3 defining a combustion chamber 2; an annular second ring 6 serving as a second piston ring disposed with the top ring 5 interposed between the annular second ring 6 and the top surface 4; an annular gas chamber 7 defined by the top ring 5 and the second ring 6; and a plurality of communicating passages 8 for allowing the annular gas chamber 7 and the combustion chamber 2 to communicate with each other. The top ring 5 and the second ring 6 are respectively inclined with respect to an X direction in which the piston 3 reciprocates, so as to be located further away from each other on a thrust side 9 than on an anti-thrust side 10. |
| US07930997B2 |
Cannine training and control harness
A head harness for walking dogs includes a nosepiece member attached to distal ends of at least one reins member having an attached leash ring, and the nosepiece further being connected to two short connecting straps. A chin strap, a neck collar with a release buckle, and the two short straps are linked at the free ends by a ring connecting means. The reins members are slidingly connected proximal the two distal ends. |
| US07930991B2 |
Adjustable film applicator
A film applicator which includes an applicator housing, an applicator blade positioned within the housing, a micrometer secured to the applicator housing and having a plurality of shafts and a plurality of magnets each having one end secured to a respective micrometer shaft and another end in releasable magnetic engagement with the applicator blade. |
| US07930990B2 |
Pointer with a fitted cover for a gauge or similar and a method of fabricating fitted covers
An exemplary embodiment of a pointer for a gauge includes a body of transparent material, the body including a hub and an indicator portion extending from the hub. The pointer further includes a fitted cover of transparent material to cover the body, the fitted cover including a visible pattern. |
| US07930989B2 |
Bird repeller and method of assembly
Assembly for repelling birds from a selected area and method of making it. A rotor is assembled from a plurality of identical fin panels and rotatably mounted on a supporting pole within the selected area. Graphic designs comprising bird scaring holographic and/or diffractive images may be placed on the pole and/or rotor to simulate movement even when the rotor is stationary. The fin panels may be transparent and reflective to project light beams between and away from rotor surfaces. Outwardly projecting fin segments and a rotor barrel with vents are responsive to wind currents to rotate the rotor and generate bird repelling noises and visual effects. |
| US07930988B1 |
Joint assembly for a boat seat
A joint assembly for a boat seat is provided. In one example, the joint assembly includes a front panel having a T-shaped opening formed by a groove and a channel. An end panel is configured to couple to the front panel via a T-shaped member formed by a tongue joined to a neck. A T-shaped insert is configured to slidingly engage the groove and channel after the end panel has been inserted in order to lock the end panel in place. |
| US07930984B2 |
Body shaping wear
A body-shaping wear is disclosed. The body-shaping wear is produced by a process including a step of softening a fabric. The fabric has a thickness of about 280 to about 600 den. About 22 to about 56 percent of the fabric is made of a synthetic and elastic fiber. |
| US07930978B1 |
Forward firing fragmentation warhead
A forward firing fragmentation warhead is constructed with casing materials that are pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. As a result, the lethality radius of the pulverized case fragments is no greater than that of the gas blast, thus reducing potential collateral damage. Warhead lethality may be improved by forming the fragmentation layer and explosive with dome-shapes that approximately match the shape of the advancing pressure wave. This increases fragment velocity and improves the uniformity of the fragment distribution over the forward-firing pattern. A variable-thickness pattern shaper may be placed between the fragmentation layer and explosive to provide additional shaping of the forward-firing pattern. Warhead weight and cost can be reduced by eliminating explosive at the aft end of the warhead that does not contribute to the total energy imparted to the fragments. More specifically, the aft section of the explosive and explosive containment structure may be tapered to approximately match the expansion of the pressure wave from the single-point aft detonation. |
| US07930974B2 |
Screen printing machine and solar cell
A printing stage includes a stage surface having a plurality of suction holes, and fixes an object to be printed on the stage surface by vacuum contact. A printing mask is employed for forming a predetermined electrode pattern on the object to be printed fixed to the printing stage. A squeegee applies a predetermined amount of pressure to a metal paste spread on the printing mask, to print the electrode pattern on the object to be printed. A porous body is provided between the object to be printed and the printing stage. |
| US07930973B2 |
Automated cooking apparatus
An automated cooking apparatus to replicate a chef's stir-frying cooking skills on using a utensil, a combination of using a utensil and wok-flip mechanism, or a wok-flip mechanism to enhance cooking results. |
| US07930971B2 |
Rotary actuator with internal brake mechanism
A vane type hydraulic rotary actuator incorporates a fail-safe brake for preventing movement of the device's rotor relative to a housing in which the rotor is journaled. The brake has a spring-biased piston that is forced to a locked condition whenever applied hydraulic operating pressure acting on the vane falls below a predefined limit. The rotary actuator also incorporates an improved sealing arrangement that prevents egress of hydraulic fluid from a high pressure chamber on one side of the vane to a low pressure chamber on the opposite side of the vane. |
| US07930969B1 |
Brake booster with dual rate assist
A boosted brake having a booster with a decompression arrangement wherein an output push rod has a head with a plurality of openings that extend into a stem and create a plurality of arcuate grooves. The openings receive a plurality of projections that extend from a piston retained in a sleeve held in a movable partition. A spring acts on the projections and urges the piston into engagement with a reaction disc through which an actuation force is supplied a master cylinder. A predetermined reaction force from the master cylinder acts on piston and overcomes the spring to allow the reaction disc to expand and thereby modify the reaction force. The arcuate grooves in the stem allow for a maximum diameter for spring with a minimum diameter for stem that corresponds to a diameter of piston in order to creates a desired braking in response to an emergency brake application. |
| US07930966B1 |
Spaced lightweight composite armor
Lightweight, ballistic resistant articles are provided. More particularly, armor structures incorporating two or more spaced apart, ballistic resistant panels, having superior impact and ballistic performance at a light weight. The panels are spaced by air or by an intermediate material. |
| US07930965B2 |
Armor
A dual hardness armor, comprising a first steel layer of hardness H1 and thickness D1, a second steel layer of hardness H2 lower than H1, and a thickness D2 not greater than D1. The armor further comprises an intermediate substance therebetween bonding the first steel layer to the second steel layer. |
| US07930955B2 |
Screw fastener
A screw fastener includes a screwdriver that includes a sleeve having an absorption hole configured to absorb a top surface of a screw, a bit housed in the absorption hole and having a tip engageable with a recess of the screw, and a rotation unit configured to rotate the bit with the sleeve, a movement unit configured to move the screwdriver between a container configured to accommodate the screw and a work, an optical sensor provided to the sleeve and configured to detect the recess of the screw while a bottom surface of the sleeve and a top surface of the screw are arranged in noncontact manner, and a controller aligns the tip of the bit with the recess of the screw based on a detection result of the pressure detector. |
| US07930953B2 |
Gearbox with removable oil tank
A gearbox for an auxiliary power unit (APU) includes a front side defining a generator interface configured to be coupled to a generator, the front side further defining an oil pump and fuel control component interface configured to be coupled to an oil pump and fuel control component, and a starter interface configured to be coupled to a starter. The gearbox further includes a back side on an opposite side to the front side and configured to house a gear train; a bottom side defining an oil tank interface configured to be coupled to an oil tank; and a debris conduit extending from the generator interface to the oil tank interface. |
| US07930950B2 |
Motor-driven steering assist apparatus
In a motor-driven steering assist apparatus, a gear train transmitting a rotation of an electric motor to an output shaft comprises a single unit body surrounded by housings, and an attaching boss to a vehicle body side bracket is provided in a lower surface of the housing as seen from an axial direction of the output shaft. |
| US07930942B2 |
Protective hood with a housing for the protection of a measuring apparatus
The invention relates to a protective hood with a housing (1) for the protection of a measuring apparatus (2), which housing comprises a receiving space (17) for receiving a first measuring apparatus section (20) of such a measuring apparatus (2) and a through opening (12) for running a second measuring apparatus section (21) through it. The arrangement is advantageous in that at least one underlapping support element (18, 19) extends into the receiving space (17) for partially underlapping the first measuring apparatus section (20) in the direction of the through opening (12), and that the housing (1) is constructed from at least a first and a second housing section (1a, 1b) and at least one coupling element (13; 14, 15), and that the first measuring apparatus section (20) can be set between the housing sections (1a, 1b) and that the latter can be subsequently designed to be adjustable to one another for forming and closing the receiving space (17). At least one such coupling element is preferably constructed as an articulation (13) connecting housing sections (1a, 1b) to one another. Moreover, a process for mounting such a protective hood is advantageous. |
| US07930941B2 |
Ultrasonic scanning device
An ultrasonic scanner includes an assembly mounted within a housing and pivoting between two positions. The assembly includes an ultrasonic module that generates an ultrasonic beam directed at a target, such a tissue and detecting the corresponding return beam. A worm screw with a block contacting the assembly is used to selectively pivot the assembly to a desired position. The worm screw is driven by a DC motor and the position of the assembly is monitored using a proximity sensor, such as a Hall Effect Device. A hybrid controller in one mode receives analog signals from the Hall Effect Device and uses them as a feedback signal to an analog OP AMP driving the DC motor to move said assembly to a predetermined position. In another embodiment, the motor is activated for a predetermined time to move the assembly by a predetermined amount. |
| US07930938B2 |
System for determining fluid level
The present invention is directed to a system for determining a fluid level in a vessel. The system comprises a first differential pressure transducer, a second differential pressure transducer, a pressure delivery system, and a fluid passage. The first differential pressure transducer includes a first side and a second side. The first side is selectively in fluid communication with a portion of the vessel above the fluid level. The second differential pressure transducer includes a third side and a fourth side. The third side is selectively in fluid communication with a portion of the vessel below the fluid level. The fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second side of the first transducer, the fourth side of the second transducer, and the pressure delivery mechanism. |
| US07930934B2 |
Measuring device
The invention relates to a measuring device (1) for detecting processes in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, comprising a pressure sensor (3) which is arranged to be inserted into a bore hole of the internal combustion engine which opens into a combustion chamber, with the pressure sensor (3) comprising at least one optical light guide (6) optically opening into the combustion chamber, and with an optical injection element (8) being arranged preferably in the opening region into the combustion chamber. In order to enable performing simultaneously a pressure measurement and optical combustion chamber monitoring at the same place of the combustion chamber, it is provided that the optical injection element (8) is soldered into a pressure membrane (5) of the pressure sensor (3) or into the housing (2) of the pressure sensor (3). |
| US07930932B2 |
NOx sensor abnormality detection device and exhaust gas purification system using the same
A NOx sensor abnormality detection device senses a NOx concentration and an O2 concentration from output signals of a NOx sensor and calculates an estimated NOx concentration from the O2 concentration when an engine is in a steady operation state, when a zero point of the NOx concentration is sensed, and when an O2 sensing section of the NOx sensor is normal. The NOx sensor abnormality detection device calculates a sensed inclination and an estimated inclination of a NOx concentration output characteristic of the NOx sensor based on the sensed NOx concentration, the sensed O2 concentration and the estimated NOx concentration calculated from the O2 concentration. The NOx sensor abnormality detection device determines that the NOx sensor is faulty when an absolute value of a difference between the sensed inclination and the estimated inclination is larger than a predetermined value. |
| US07930930B2 |
Method for measuring the instantaneous flow of an injector for gaseous fuels
The instantaneous flow of an injector for gaseous fuels is calculated by measuring the pressure and temperature of a test gas injected inside a measuring chamber connected to the external environment in a continuous manner through a given outlet section and using a calculation formula, in which the instantaneous flow of the injector is a function of on the measured pressure, of a first factor as a function of a volume of the measuring chamber and the measured temperature, and of a second factor as a function of the measured temperature and the outlet section. |
| US07930927B2 |
Transdermal portable alcohol monitor and methods for using such
Various embodiments of the present invention provide alcohol monitoring devices, and methods for using such. As one example, an alcohol monitoring device is disclosed that includes a device body, an alcohol sensor, and a liquid cartridge. The alcohol sensor is associated with the device body, and relies on a liquid supply to perform an alcohol measurement on a subject. The liquid cartridge is replaceably coupled to the device body and provides the liquid supply to the alcohol sensor. |
| US07930923B2 |
Quartz crystal microbalance with nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor thin films and method of detecting vapors and odors including alcoholic beverages, explosive materials and volatilized chemical compounds
A nanocrystalline ITO thin film formed on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) facilitates detection of gaseous compounds emitted from an analyte. Adsorption of gas molecules onto the nanocrystalline ITO thin film changes the resonant frequency of the quartz crystal. Parameters such as the frequency of oscillation, surface resistance, integrated frequency response, integrated surface resistance response, initial response slope, average return to baseline slope, and/or return to baseline time/initial response time ratio of the quartz crystal with the nanocrystalline ITO thin film formed thereon are determined. Using the determined parameters and principal component analysis, principal components for the gaseous compounds are also determined. These determined principal components may be compared with known principal components corresponding to known analytes. The analyte may include any distinguishable substance, in any state that emits at least one gaseous compound that can be adsorbed on the nanocrystalline ITO thin film. Nonlimiting examples of analytes include alcoholic beverages, fruits, explosive compounds, VOCs, petroleum-based fuels, alkanes, aldehydes and ketones. |
| US07930918B2 |
Fob having a clip and method for manufacture thereof
A fob (10) such as a key fob has a casing (11) and a resilient clip (12) abutting the casing at a first end of the clip and overhanging the casing to form a substantially J-shaped clip. The casing may be substantially rectangular in shape and may includes a recess for accommodating therein an insert such as a electronic circuit (13) and a cover mounted (16) within the recess so as to overlay the electronic circuit and form a peripheral recess (18) between a rim (19) of the casing and a peripheral edge of the cover that may be hermetically sealed to form a sealed unit. During manufacture, the fob is injection molded wherein the resilient clip abuts the casing at a first end of the clip while lying outside a boundary of the casing. Local heat is then applied to the clip and the clip is bent so that it overhangs the casing. |
| US07930915B2 |
Valet key storage device
A valet key storage device, includes a valet key storage portion for storing a valet key having an opening, a locking bar for locking the valet key, a driving member for driving the locking bar to be inserted into the opening of the valet key, a locking pin for locking the locking bar, a driving section for driving the locking pin to lock the locking bar; and a control section for controlling the driving section to plunge or remove the locking pin into or from the locking bar. |
| US07930901B2 |
Optical glass, precision press-molding preform, optical element and processes for production of these
Provided are optical glasses having a phosphate-containing composition that can materialize highly useful optical properties including high-refractivity and high-dispersion properties; an optical glass comprising P2O5, SiO2 and Li2O as essential components, comprising Na2O and K2O as optional components, having an Li2O/(Li2O+Na2O+K2O) molar ratio of from ⅓ to 1 and having an Abbe's number (νd) of 30 or less, and an optical glass comprising P2O5, SiO2 and Li2O as essential components, having the property of transmittance that when light is caused to vertically enter one of two plane and mutually parallel optically polished surfaces of a sample of the glass having a thickness of 10.0±0.1 mm and caused to exit from the other surface, the wavelength at which the transmittance represented by the ratio of transmitted light intensity to incidence light intensity (transmitted light intensity/incidence light intensity) comes to be 70% is 510 nm or less, having a refractive index (nd) of 1.80 or more and an Abbe's number (νd) of 30 or less and having a liquidus temperature of less than 1,000° C. |
| US07930899B2 |
Accumulator of refrigeration cycle system
An accumulator is provided which is installed between a compressor and an evaporator of a refrigeration cycle system. The accumulator includes an inlet pipe through which refrigerant is introduced from the evaporator, an outlet pipe through which the evaporated refrigerant is delivered to the compressor, and a chamber which is connected to the inlet and outlet pipes and formed with a floor surface at a lower level than connecting portions of the chamber connected to the inlet and outlet pipes. Further, the inlet and outlet pipes are horizontally connected to the chamber. |
| US07930896B2 |
Air conditioning system
A refrigerant circuit (40) is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger (54), an indoor heat exchanger (55) and two adsorption heat exchangers (56, 57). The indoor heat exchanger (55) is disposed in an indoor unit (11), while the outdoor heat exchanger (54) and the two adsorption heat exchangers (56, 57) are disposed in an outdoor unit (12). Moisture in outdoor air taken in the outdoor unit (12) is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption heat exchanger (56, 57) serving as an evaporator and the air is dehumidified. The dehumidified air is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (55) serving as an evaporator and the air is supplied to the room space. |
| US07930895B2 |
Brushless direct current motor, compressor and air conditioner having the same
A brushless direct current motor, includes a rotor which comprises a permanent magnet, a stator which comprises coils associated with a plurality of phases which form an electrical field for generating a torque by interaction with a magnetic field which is generated by the permanent magnet, and a load prevention part which is disposed inside the stator to electrically connect and disconnect the coils of the plurality of phases according to a temperature variation. |
| US07930892B1 |
Refrigerator with continuous vacuum insulation
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator housing, a refrigerated compartment disposed within the refrigerator housing, and a hollow refrigerator wall having insulation material therein. There is a first fluid connection from the vacuum pump to the hollow refrigerator wall for providing a first function of evacuating air from the hollow refrigerator wall and a second fluid connection from the vacuum pump for providing a second function of evacuating air. |
| US07930888B2 |
Variable geometry turbine
A variable geometry turbine comprises a turbine wheel supported in a housing for rotation about a turbine axis with an annular inlet passageway defined between a radial face of a nozzle ring and a facing wall of the housing. The nozzle ring is movable along the turbine axis to vary the width of the inlet passageway and of vanes that are received in corresponding slots in the facing wall. Each vane major surface such that at a predetermined axial position of the nozzle ring relative to the facing wall the recess is in axial alignment with the slot and affords an exhaust gas leakage path through the inlet passageway. The recess is configured to reduce the efficiency of the turbine at small inlet gaps appropriate to engine braking or exhaust gas heating modes. |
| US07930887B2 |
Hydraulic master cylinder and vehicle provided with the same
A rear brake control hydraulic master cylinder that dispenses with adjustment work to decrease a clearance between a piston and a push member. A master cylinder 31 includes first and second oil chambers. The piston includes a piston oil passage portion connected to the first and second oil chambers. The push member abuts against and moves the piston to generate a hydraulic pressure in the first oil chamber. A compression spring biases the push member into contact with the piston when the piston is not moved substantially toward the first oil chamber. |
| US07930884B2 |
Exhaust manifold
A manifold for exhaust gases from a motor vehicle engine, includes upper and lower half-shells (18A, 18B) delimiting between them an exhaust gas pipe, and aligned bores designed to be arranged in the extension of the engine exhaust outlets, the half-shells having each a peripheral edge and being attached to each other via at least first segments (20A, 20B) of their peripheral edges welded to each other. The invention is characterized in that there is at least one median plane (P) passing through the bores and traversed at least twice by the first segments (20A, 20B). |
| US07930882B2 |
Cogeneration system
A cogeneration system that allows an engine to be continuously operated even when there is no demand for hot feedwater. The system comprises a hot water tank for storing hot water heated from cold water by heat released by an engine that drives a generator. When the heat of the water in the hot water tank exceeds a predetermined temperature, a control is performed so that a drain valve is opened and the hot water in the tank is released. |
| US07930877B2 |
Exhaust system for an internal combustion engine provided with an exhaust gas recirculation circuit
An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, which is provided with a feeding pipe of fresh air to an intake manifold and with a turbocharger arranged along the feeding pipe; the exhaust system displays: an emission pipe for releasing the exhaust gases produced by the internal combustion engine into the atmosphere; at least one gas treatment device, which is arranged along the emission pipe and consists of an oxidizing catalyzer and an anti-particulate filter; and a recirculation circuit, which displays a recirculation pipe which is regulated by a recirculation valve and connects the emission pipe downstream of the treatment device to the intake pipe upstream of a compressor of the turbocharger to introduce into the intake pipe a certain amount of exhaust gases present in the emission pipe; along the recirculation pipe a filter consisting of a metallic mesh arranged to close the recirculation pipe is arranged. |
| US07930876B2 |
Method and device for monitoring a particle filter in the exhaust line of an internal combustion engine
A device for monitoring an operating mode of an element used for aftertreatment of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine and to an associated method. The device includes a controller configured to receive a signal that represents a characteristic magnitude of the exhaust gases downstream of the exhaust gas aftertreatment element. In addition, the controller can receive a signal that represents engine deceleration and is configured to increment a deceleration counter with each deceleration. The controller also includes a failure counter that is incremented when a variation in the above-mentioned measured magnitude is detected during a deceleration, the controller establishing a diagnostic criterion that is a function of the two counters. The controller triggers a fault signal if the diagnostic criterion exceeds programmed limits. |
| US07930870B2 |
Stalk roll and stripper arrangement for corn head
A corn head includes plural pairs of first and second laterally spaced rotating stalk rolls each having outer fluting and plural outer arrays of spaced knife members extending along the length of each stalk roll. Corn stalks are directed by rotating pick-up cones each disposed forward of a respective stalk roll into the space between adjacent stalk rolls, where the stalks are directed downwardly through the inter-roll space and are reduced by the cutting action of the rotating knives. Each pick-up cone and its associated stalk roll rotate in opposite directions as do the two stalk rolls. Disposed above and extending along the length of the stalk rolls are a closely spaced upper auger and stripper plate which remove an ear of corn from the stalk and direct the ear to the combine for further processing. A skid plate is disposed adjacent a lower, forward portion of each pick-up cone. |
| US07930864B2 |
Mounting clip
An L-shaped clip for mounting a trim member along an exposed edge of a suspension ceiling includes a support leg to be longitudinally secured to a grid tee and a perpendicular face leg to be secured to the trim member. The support leg includes offset clip walls for engagement with offset tee walls and clip abutment surfaces for engagement with tee abutment surfaces. The offset walls and abutment surfaces cooperate to assist in the alignment and mounting of the clip to the grid tee at different relative heights. A single clip may be mounted to either a T-shaped grid tee or an open channel grid tee. |
| US07930863B1 |
Connector for reinforcing the attachment among structural components
Reinforcing connector (10) for reinforcing attachment among components (110) of a structure (100); such as crossing beams (111). Reinforcing connector (10) includes a length of roving (20) composed of filaments (25). Roving (20) is disposed in borehole (50) piercing first beam 111A Free ends (21,23) of roving (20) protrude from borehole openings (51) and are splayed apart into individual filaments (25). Filaments (25) are attached to surfaces of components (110) with adhesive means (30). Reinforcing connector (10) increases ductility and resistance to lateral forces of structure (100). |
| US07930858B2 |
Housing assembly
A housing assembly for mounting to a wall of a building is disclosed. The housing assembly includes a front plate attached to a back plate. The back plate defines an axis and has a flange extending radially away from the axis for coupling to the wall. An insert is disposed between the front plate and the back plate. The insert includes a central body having a fluid diverter extending outwardly from the central body for guiding a fluid away from the wall. The housing assembly further includes a locking device for selectively coupling and uncoupling the insert from one of the front plate and the back plate. |
| US07930856B2 |
ADA compliant sills having a collapsible weather-strip for use with sliding door assemblies
Door sill frame assemblies and sliding door assemblies comprising the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sill frame assembly for a sliding door includes a first engaging surface capable of attaching with a sliding door and allowing lateral reciprocating motion of the sliding door and a second engaging surface, wherein along at least a first portion of the second engaging surface is attached a sill member and wherein along at least a second portion of the second engaging surface is attached a fixed-panel door, wherein the sill member includes a channel having a weather-strip extending upward from the channel, the weather-strip having a first open state for substantially preventing water and air intrusion past the sliding door when the sliding door is in a closed position and a second compact state for allowing accessibility of a wheelchair through an opening when the sliding door is in an open position. |
| US07930854B1 |
Adjustable high water capacity tree stand
The present invention relates to an adjustable high water capacity tree stand having a wide base and an increased water carrying capacity. In a preferred embodiment, the stand has a generally inverted conical shape. A plurality of base plates engage the bottom of the tree truck to prevent slipping. A plurality of compression assemblies are also provided. The compression assemblies can move in and out relative the tree trunk under operation of a rod. The rod can be a screw rod that drives a translator, which in turn is pivotally connected to a ram. The ram is pivotally connected to an arm and causes the arm to pivot. The arm is pivotally connected to a head, and operates to selectively move the head in and out. The head, being pivotally connected to the arm, can flushly engage the tree trunk near its bottom. |
| US07930853B2 |
Humane animal trap
A humane animal trap includes an enclosure having an opening with a door disposed therein. The door is pivotable about an upper edge between open and closed positions, and is biased toward the closed position by a torsion spring. An electrical solenoid is disposed above the door and has a catch that is biased into engagement with a holding feature on the door when the door is in the open position, and is operable to disengage the catch from the holding feature in response to the receipt of an electrical trip signal. An electrical sensor disposed in the enclosure transmits a light beam between opposite sidewalls of the trap, and generates an electrical trip signal and transmits it to the solenoid when the light beam is interrupted by an animal entering the trap so as to close the door behind the animal and thereby capture it unharmed in the enclosure. |
| US07930851B1 |
Firearm strap tensioner
A strap tensioning apparatus consisting of a strap tensioner attached to a firearm, a spring loaded spool contained within the strap tensioner, the strap having one end releasable attached to the spool, the strap exiting the spool, the other end of the strap attached to the firearm. The spool adapted to be adjustable between three different modes: a lock mode, a release mode, and a free spool mode. The strap tensioner allows a user to easily and safely adjust the tension of the strap to increase comfort, mobility, and safety. |
| US07930850B1 |
Spare gun barrel hanging assembly
A spare gun barrel hanging assembly preferably includes an elongated post that has a curvilinear top end, and first and second anchor platforms statically coupled to such a post, which extend orthogonally away therefrom. The assembly may further include a mechanism for removably securing the existing spare gun barrel to a bottom surface of the second anchor platform while the first anchor platform remains spaced thereabove, and a hanger pin removably inserted into the first anchor platform. |
| US07930845B2 |
Cover for inscription fields
The invention relates to a cover, in particular for covering inscription fields, comprising a cover element, which is provided for insertion into a base body which is in the form of a holder, with at least one hooking-in element being provided on the cover element, which can be engaged with at least one cutout, which is in the form of a hooking-in opening on the base body, and with at least one latching tab being provided on the cover element and/or on the base body which can engage with at least one cutout which corresponds to the latching tab, and/or is provided on the cover element and is in the form of a latching opening, thus making it possible to form a detachable latching connection between the cover element and the base body, in which case the cover element and/or the base body can be at least partially elastically deformed in a direction running parallel to the surface in the area of the at least one hooking-in element and/or in the area of the at least one latching tab and/or in the area of the at least one cutout which is in the form of a hooking-in opening, so that the cover element and the base body can be locked to one another by latching in a sprung manner. |
| US07930844B2 |
Self-sharpening, auto-signalling wearing part
Self-sharpening wearing part having improved abrasion resistance and strength, which wearing part comprises at least a first and a second material part. The first material part is constituted by a casting body and the second material part is comprised of at least one elongated hard metal rod which is fixed in the first material part. The wearing part produces an auto-signal when the part must be changed due to wear. |
| US07930842B2 |
Snowshoes with crampons
Provided is a snowshoe with crampons, whose portion equipped with the crampons can be removed from a snowshoe body, and that is compactly portable. A snowshoe with crampons 1 includes: a snowshoe body 10 having a larger area than that of the bottom of the footgear and including an opening 11 located in a toe-side area of the footgear when the footgear is attached to the snowshoe with crampons 1; and an attachable member 50 located in the opening 11 and placed in the snowshoe body 10 so that it can be attached to or detached from the snowshoe body 10 whenever necessary; wherein the attachable member 50 has, on its one surface opposite the other surface to which the footgear is to be attached, crampons protruding in directions generally toward the ground and first engaging members 25A, 25B for engaging with the snowshoe body 10 in such a manner that they can rotate and be attached to or detached from the snowshoe body 10; and when the attachable member 50 has been rotated a specified angle, the first engaging members 25A, 25B release the engagement with the snowshoe body 10 and remove the attachable member 50 from the snowshoe body 10. |
| US07930841B2 |
Article of footwear for water sports
An article of footwear for water sports, especially canoeing, is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper attached to a sole forming a first live hinge and a strap system attached to the sole forming a second live hinge. The second live hinge is disposed distally from the first live hinge. |
| US07930837B1 |
Preserver including an expandable bladder
A shoe preserver having a permeable flexible covering received within a shoe. An absorbing material is disposed within the permeable flexible covering to retain moisture withdrawn from the interior surface area of the shoe. A bladder including an inlet valve is also disposed within the absorbing material. The bladder is adapted to expand the shoe preserver to completely fill an interior surface area of the shoe. |
| US07930836B2 |
Drying system for a hair removing device
A drying system for a hair removing device is capable of effectively drying the cutter head. The drying system includes a casing having a dry chamber configured to detachably receive a cutter head of the hair removing device, a heater for heating the cutter head; and a blower for generating a forced air flow and drying the cutter head. The casing is formed with an air flow channel configured to direct the forced air flow towards the cutter head. A tray is provided to define the bottom of the dry chamber and bear the cutter head. The tray is formed with a draft port through which the flow channel communicates into the dry chamber so that the forced air flow can be directed straight to the cutter head for effectively cooling or drying the cutter head. |
| US07930832B2 |
Rim unroller for paper cups
A device is provided for unrolling a rim of a container, such as a paper cup. The device includes a first structure or section with an inside surface, a first end and a second end, including a pair of spaced apart cutting blades projecting from the inside surface. Attached or integrated proximate the second end of the first structure is a second structure or section with a first end and a second end. The cutting blades are accessible via a juncture at the first end of the first structure and the first end of the second structure. Accordingly, the device may be used to cut and unroll a portion of a rim of a container such as a paper cup. |
| US07930831B2 |
Scraper blade assembly structure
The invention relates to a scraper blade assembly structure. The scraper includes a stem for hand grip and a scraping section in the front. The scraping section includes a jaw plate, a blade and a fastening button. The jaw plate extends backward to form an arm. The jaw plate is attached to the inside of the jaw plate groove of the scraping section by a fastener that also serves as a lever pivot for swinging back and forth. When a fastening button goes into the inside of the jaw plate of the scraping section, it pushes the inner side of the arm of the jaw plate, and so as to generate a great holding power for the front of the jaw plate. Further, the fastening button can be a handle protruding from one side of the scraping section. |
| US07930827B2 |
Split bearing and method of making the same
A split bearing generally includes first and second bearing halves each having complementary partial shaft receiving portions, wherein the first and second bearing halves are substantially identically configured. The split bearing further includes fasteners for releasably coupling the first and second bearing halves together, such that when coupled, the complementary partial shaft receiving portions of the first and second bearing halves define a center bearing thru-hole for receiving a shaft, and when decoupled, the first and second bearing halves can be removed from the shaft. |
| US07930825B2 |
Blowout resistant weld method for laser welds for press-fit parts
A method for reducing “blow-out” of annular welds for attaching press-fit components in a fuel injector assembly is disclosed. The method employs a multi-step welding procedure whereby a first annular weld bead that corresponds to less than 360° of rotation of the assembly about a longitudinal axis leaves a radial void that is thereafter sealed with a second annular weld bead. In an alternative embodiment, a relief region is formed on radially-facing surfaces of the components, the relief region being disposed adjacent to a press-fit region. A sealed gap is thereby formed in the relief region between the welds and the press-fit region. The sealed gap provides a further means for expansion of trapped gases that could otherwise “blow out” the liquid weld bead. |
| US07930816B2 |
Methods for manufacturing flow meter insert
A method of manufacturing an electromagnetic flow meter assembly is disclosed. The method comprises forming an insert from a deformable material, forming at least one reinforcing component; arranging the reinforcing component around a portion of the insert, and bonding the reinforcing component to the insert to reinforce the insert against deformation under the application of pressure. An electromagnetic flow meter assembly is also disclosed and comprises an insert for insertion into a flow conduit, wherein at least a portion of the insert is formed of a deformable non-ferromagnetic material, wherein the insert comprises an inlet section, a measuring section, and an outlet section. The assembly further comprises at least one reinforcing component surrounding the measuring section of the insert to reinforce the insert against deformation under the application of pressure. |
| US07930813B2 |
Mower suspension system and method
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, at least one front wheel coupled to the front portion of the frame, and two drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame. Each drive wheel is coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel, and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel. The mower also includes at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. Each of the drive wheels are movable upward and downward relative to the frame. |
| US07930800B1 |
Grommet apparatus
The flange apparatus provides a positive seal for an appliance tube which enters a junction box of a travel trailer, motor home, or the like. The union of the apparatus is fitted coplanarly to the exterior wall of the junction box. The first and second segment overlap the opening in the junction box, further ensuring a complete seal. The second flat bottom of the second segment abuts the frame of the box exterior wall, further ensuring a complete seal. The orifice of the apparatus is provided in more than one size. Each size of the apparatus orifice conforms to a particular appliance tube size, further ensuring a complete seal per application. The slot of the apparatus aids in insertion of the apparatus into the exterior wall and in the insertion of the tube into the apparatus, then collapses upon itself to fully seal. |
| US07930799B2 |
Surface treating appliance
A surface-treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a main body housing a component such as a post-motor filter. A door provides access to the filter. The door is connected to the main body by a hinge arranged to allow the door to pivot about the hinge's rotational axis and to move axially as the door is moved between closed and open positions. The provision of a hinge that can move along its rotational axis permits the door to move laterally as it opens, thereby clearing adjacent parts of the appliance, such as the spine. This allows an appliance to be manufactured that permits the user to access components housed inside of it, but is compact. Preferably, the hinge includes a cam arrangement, so that the door automatically moves away from adjacent parts of the appliance as it moves from the closed position to an open position. |
| US07930797B2 |
Suction brush assembly capable of automatic height adjustment
A suction brush assembly for a vacuum cleaner capable of automatic height adjustment according to the present disclosure includes a suction brush body connected to a cleaner body at a rear side thereof and provided with a rotation brush for striking a surface to be cleaned to separate dirt from the surface to be cleaned at a bottom surface thereof; and an up/down adjusting unit for monitoring continuously a state of the surface to be cleaned and adjusting a height of the rotation brush body to vary a distance between the surface to be cleaned and the rotation brush according to the state of the surface to be cleaned so as to prevent the surface to be cleaned from being damaged by the rotating rotation brush. |
| US07930795B1 |
Windshield scraper having an arm brace
A hand and arm manipulated scraper for a windshield comprising: a) a blade portion having a windshield contact edge portion and an opposite handle end; b) an elongate handle portion having a blade end portion, attached to the blade portion and an opposite grip end portion to be held with the hand; and, c) an arm brace portion terminating in an arm cover which covers a top side portion of the forearm extending therefrom down and the around the arm and having an inner end portion attaching to the grip end portion of the handle portion beneath the palm of one's hand. When the blade portion is pressed down on the windshield while the grip end portion is grasped beneath the palm of the hand, the wrist is prevented from bending up by downward pressure of the arm cover on the top side portion of the arm. In a preferred aspect of this invention the arm brace portion extends down and around opposite lateral sides of the arm so that when the blade portion is pressed down on the windshield the scraper does not tend to twist around the arm. |
| US07930793B2 |
Hairbrush
An apparatus for removing a hair tangle is provided that moves the hair brush having a first bristle on a rotatable brush element through the hair above the tangle in a first direction, pivots the first bristle on the rotatable brush element about a pivotal axis of the brush in a second direction if the hair tangle is encountered by the bristle, moves a second bristle on the rotatable brush element through the hair below the tangle, and moves additional bristles to a side of the tangle in order to release the hair tangle. |
| US07930790B2 |
Fabric exfoliation method and articles
The present invention is directed to methods for removing unwanted materials from the surface of fabrics—such as lint, pills, fuzz, and hair—by contacting the fabric with an open-cell foam or an article of manufacturer comprising an open cell foam and a non-soiling and non-staining benefit agents and/or an auxiliary means for trapping material removed by the fabric exfoliation method. |
| US07930788B1 |
Reduced height combination ramp and load leveler
A reduced height combination ramp and load leveler includes at least two lengthwise support members, a plurality of cross members and plurality of cross treads. A retention tube is secured to each end of the at least two lengthwise support members. The at least two lengthwise support members and the plurality of cross members are preferably fabricated from an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength of at least 50,000 to reduce a height of the combination ramp and load leveler. Two stake receivers allow a single ramp to be used as a load leveler. Each stake receiver is sized to removably receive an adjustable stake. A ramp stand includes a support base and an adjustable tube receiver that is vertically positionable relative to the support base. The adjustable tube receiver retains the retention tubes. |
| US07930787B2 |
Method for determining load size and/or setting water level in a washing machine
In a washing machine comprising a tub, an agitator, and a pressure sensor, a size of a fabric load may be determined and/or an operational water level may be set based on an amount of water supplied to reach a first level in the tub and on variation in an output from the pressure sensor during agitation of the water and fabric load with the water at a second level in the tub. |
| US07930785B2 |
Method for cleaning a tub in a washing machine and a washing machine performing the same
The present invention relates to a method for washing a washing tub and a washing machine having the same applied thereto, and more particularly, a method for washing a washing tub including a detergent removing step, a laundry amount detecting step, and a soaking step; and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. The method includes a detergent removing step for removing detergent from the washing tub, a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to the washing tub, a laundry amount sensing step for sensing a laundry amount in the washing tub for determining whether the method proceeds to the next step or not, a soaking step for soaking dirt on a surface of the washing tub after applying the washing water to the dirt by moving the washing tub, and a washing step for washing the washing tub, if it is determined in the laundry amount sensing step that the method proceeds to the next step. |
| US07930783B2 |
Foam spring mattress with replaceable foam springs
An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. |
| US07930781B1 |
Apparatus, system and method for facilitating infant development
According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a mat for facilitating infant development is disclosed. The mat may include a base portion, a support member, and at least one gripping member. The mat may include a texture pattern defined on the surfaces thereof. The mat may encourage development of the infant's cognitive abilities, tactile perception, fine motor skills and strengthening of the infant's core muscles. |
| US07930775B2 |
Rotary gantry crane system
The inventive rotating gantry system consists of a welded tubular track tube which establishes a circular overhead track under which the rotating gantry rotates. There is a longitudinal elongated beam or support bar which extends beyond the periphery of the rotating gantry at both ends. The longitudinal elongated beam is rotating beneath the gantry by a four wheel cluster of rollers which surround the circular overhead track and run thereon. The elongated longitudinal beam has a moving trolley running there along and the moving trolley has attached thereto a vertical post which at a bottom thereof has a patient pick-up or transfer device. The rotating gantry can be suspended from a ceiling, be self-supporting or be attached to walls of a room be way of extendable extensions attached to the rotating gantry. |
| US07930772B2 |
Blind head cooling helmet
Disclosed herein is a cooling device such as a blind head cooling helmet which will fully cover the head contour plus the area of the eyes, cheeks, and ears, having an lid arrangement with internal air ducts. An air pump generates and pushes small volumes of slow pace moving air, so that it be transferred to the blind head cooling helmet via an “C” shaped tube, to all the internal air duct, and finally escaping through the bottom of the lid arrangement, not without before the resulting air bubbles crashing against some areas of the internal layer creating a therapeutic effect or relaxing comfort to areas of the face. |
| US07930771B2 |
Protective helmet
A protective helmet is described comprising: an outer layer (1); an inner layer (5) for contact with a head of a wearer; and an intermediate layer (3, 4) comprising an anisotropic cellular material comprising cells having cell walls, the anisotropic cellular material having a relatively low resistance against deformation resulting from tangential forces on the helmet. The anisotropic material can be a foam or honeycomb material. The foam is preferably a closed cell foam. The helmet allows tangential impacts to the helmet which cause less rotational acceleration or deceleration of the head of the wearer compared to helmets using isotropic foams while still absorbing a significant amount of rotational energy. |
| US07934266B2 |
Contents reproduction device, contents reproduction control method, program
A content reproduction apparatus 20 includes: a storage section 230 for storing a source-ID list L and method identification information 232; a reproduction control method determination section 240 for determining a method to control reproduction of a content on the basis of the method identification information 232; a first reproducibility determination section 242a, which is used for producing a result of determination as to whether or not a content to be reproduced is reproducible by determining whether or not a source ID attached to the content is a source ID included in the source-ID list L in case the reproduction control method determination section 240 determines that the method to control reproduction of a content is a first reproduction control method; a second reproducibility determination section 242b, which is used for producing a result of determination as to whether or not a content to be reproduced is reproducible on the basis of usage rule information described in a license issued to the content in case the reproduction control method determination section 240 determines that the method to control reproduction of a content is a second reproduction control method; and a reproduction execution section 244 for reproducing a content determined as a reproducible content. |
| US07934261B1 |
On-demand cleanup system
An on-demand cleanup application running locally removes malware and its effects from a computer system. A virus scan engine scans the computer system to identify any malicious files. A system information collector tool executes to create a log file containing detailed information about the computer system and the location of all files. Identified malicious files are matched against the log file to determine the extent of the infection by the malicious files. Computer code is generated using a blank cleanup template to automatically delete the malicious files and their effects in the computer system and placed into a final cleanup template. The cleanup template is executed by a cleanup engine in order to remove the malware and its effects from the computer. A CRC tool is used to positively identify files that are to be deleted. |
| US07934259B1 |
Stealth threat detection
A stealth threat detection manager detects stealth threats. The stealth threat detection manager monitors system activities that are vulnerable to being used by stealth threats. Dynamic link libraries are often used by stealth threats, so in some embodiments the stealth threat detection manager monitors for the loading thereof. The stealth threat detection manager detects when a system activity being monitored occurs, and after the occurrence of the activity, determines whether a specific component associated with the activity (e.g., the dynamic link library being loaded) is accessible on the computer. If the component is accessible, the stealth threat detection manager concludes that the component is non-stealthed. On the other hand, if the component is not accessible, the stealth threat detection manager concludes that the component is a stealth threat, and takes appropriate action in response. |
| US07934258B2 |
System and method for remote authentication security management
An information processing system for remote access comprising a network access server and an authentication server is augmented with the ability to provide a simulated authentication process for authentication requests from attackers which do not correspond to authorized user names. Attackers whose requests form a password guessing attack for a user identity selected from a set of reject user names are redirected to a honeypot server. |
| US07934256B2 |
Electronic device, update server device, key update device
The present invention offers an electronic device that reduces the amount of data for communication required when files pertaining to software are to be updated, as compared to the conventional devices, and performs tamper detection. The present invention is an electronic device having an application file pertaining to an operation of application software and updating the application file via a network. The electronic device (i) stores therein the application file including one or more data pieces, (ii) receives, from an external apparatus via the network, update data and location information indicating a location, within the application file, which is for rewrite with the update data, (iii) rewrites only part of the application file by writing over a data piece present at the indicated location with the update data, to update the application file, and (iv) examines whether the updated application file has been tampered with. |
| US07934254B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing network and computer system security
An improved network intrusion detection and response system and method is disclosed for detecting and preventing misuse of network resources. More particularly, the system and method dynamically self-adjusts to changes in network activity using a plurality of alert levels wherein each successively higher alert level triggers a corresponding heightened security response from the networked computer being misused. These heightened alert levels are integrated on both the system (individual node) and the network level. The disclosed intrusion detection and response system is also implemented at low cost using currently-existing hardware and software (i.e., network computers). |
| US07934253B2 |
System and method of securing web applications across an enterprise
A system and method for protection of Web based applications are described. The techniques described provide an enterprise wide approach to preventing attacks of Web based applications. Individual computer networks within the enterprise monitor network traffic to identify anomalous traffic. The anomalous traffic can be identified by comparing the traffic to a profile of acceptable user traffic when interacting with the application. The anomalous traffic, or security events, identified at the individual computer networks are communicated to a central security manager. The central security manager correlates the security events at the individual computer networks to determine if there is an enterprise wide security threat. The central security manager can then communicate instructions to the individual computer networks so as to provide an enterprise wide solution to the threat. |
| US07934252B2 |
Filtering technique for processing security measures in web service messages
A message gateway apparatus is provided for use in a web service system to process a message containing a request for a destination web service application, in which the message includes a plurality of events within a structured document conforming to a web service protocol and each event of the plurality of events has a name and a content thereof. The message gateway apparatus comprises a message parsing module configured to sequentially identify the events of the plurality of events of the message, an input object creation module configured to sequentially extract the events of the plurality of events from the message parsing module, and a message filtering module configured to sequentially access the events of the plurality of events as the events are extracted from the message parsing module by the input object creation module to analyze the name of each event and perform security processing on the content of each event for which the corresponding name indicates that security measures have been applied according to a security protocol. The input object creation module is configured to construct an input object including input parameters for the destination web service application based on the message. The input object creation module constructing the input object by adding a representation of each event of the plurality of events to the input object after each event is accessed by the message filtering module. |
| US07934247B2 |
Encryption policy based on data context recognition
Provided are techniques for determining whether to encrypt data. It is determined whether an element is to be encrypted based on an encryption policy, wherein the element comprises one of metadata and a data set. In response to determining that the element is to be encrypted, the element is encrypted and written to a data storage medium. In response to determining that the element is not to be encrypted, the element is written in the effective clear to the data storage medium. |
| US07934246B2 |
Broadcast receiver
Disclosed is a broadcast receiver that can automatically enable input of a predetermined signal from external device, when there is no broadcast of program that is receivable at the broadcast receiver. The broadcast receiver 100 detects non-broadcasting time zone in which broadcast program is not broadcasted according to broadcast information (EPG data) included in broadcast signal received by antenna 10 or tuner 2. When it is determined that timing in which power was turned on to start the broadcast receiver 100 falls within the detected non-broadcasting time zone, the broadcast receiver 100 is capable to switch so as to enable broadcasting of video content that corresponds to video signal outputted by the external device connected to a group of external device connecting terminals 8 (connecting terminal 8a-8e), such as video replay device or the DVD player, at a display device 20. |
| US07934245B1 |
Audio and/or video signal transmission system, transmitting apparatus and receiving apparatus thereof
In order to accurately display information on the format of different signals from respective different signal source apparatuses as an image, the output signals of analog signal sources are supplied through an interface, signal lines and other interfaces to an analog signal processing circuit. Also, output signals of digital signal sources and output signals of information generating circuits are synthesized by multiplexers and supplied to a demultiplexer through interfaces, buses and an interface. The signals from the separated signal sources are processed in a digital signal processing circuit. The signals from the separated generating circuits are supplied to an information processing circuit, so that an image corresponding to the information indicating the format of the apparatus and/or the output signal is formed, and is synthesized with the signals from the signal processing circuits to be supplied to a monitor. |
| US07934238B2 |
Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal
A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs. |
| US07934236B1 |
Advanced navigation method for music players and video players
A content navigation method that may be used with a storage device that holds multiple content objects includes a controller, at least one search switch and at least one control switch. Each of the content objects has a corresponding name which includes at least one character from an alphabet. The controller determines a set of names of the stored content that corresponds to the activation of the search switch, displays at least one name the set of names and, responsive to the control switch, selects the content object corresponding to the displayed name. The search switches may include multiple search switches, each associated with a predetermined set of letters from the alphabet. Alternatively, each switch may have an corresponding display and may be associated with a dynamically determined set of letters based on their frequency of occurrence in the names. |
| US07934234B2 |
Transmission and reception of television programmes and other data
In a digital television system, a receiver/decoder (or “set-top-box”) can download one or more of several applications which can be run by the receiver/decoder to provide interactivity with the user. The applications include: an Internet browser application which uses a PSTN connection to make Internet requests and the television signal path to receive Internet responses; a shopping application operable in an “impulse” mode and a “catalogue” mode; a banking application; a quiz application which runs in synchronization with a quiz television programme; a magazine browser application; and a weather or traffic application. |
| US07934228B2 |
Method and system for marking video signals for identification
An apparatus for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an insertion module 166 inserting a source identifier into the plurality of signals, an encoder 182 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. A local area network 130 routes the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210 to form a combined signal. A processing system 200 compares the source identifier to an expected source. When the source identifier corresponds to the expected source, the processing system 200 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal. When the source identifier does not correspond to the expected source, the processing system 200 changes the combined signal. A modulator 214 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal. A system 202 forms the output signal from the modulated signal. |
| US07934225B2 |
Slot-in disk drive device and method
A slot-in disk drive device and a method thereof. The device includes a drive unit for providing power to move a slider. A loading unit moving with the slider drives a loading stick to push a disc into the device. The slider has a sliding slot. An ejecting unit with a bar-linkage mechanism has one end driven by the sliding slot, and the other end for rotating an ejecting bar to guide or push the disc out. A receiving unit has a receiving bar for guiding the disc, and has a positioning bar disposed between the loading unit and the ejecting unit. A sensing unit includes a plurality of sensing switches respectively disposed near the moving paths of the receiving bar, the ejecting unit and the positioning bar. The drive unit is enabled to load the disk is determined according to the order of actuating the switches. |
| US07934223B2 |
Context-sensitive middleware service injection
A system, method and computer program product for context-sensitive middleware service injection. A technique is described to apply desired middleware functionality to granular units of functionality in response to extra-functional requirements and context information. Context may include without limitation types of process activities, phases of execution of process activities, identities of interaction partners, system architectures and the status of a given interaction. A further technique is described to dynamically analyze processes to select middleware functionality for compatibility with declared extra-functional requirements and detected context information. |
| US07934222B2 |
Adapting command line interface messaging in a virtual operating system environment
A system, method and computer-readable medium for adapting command line output message streams in a virtualized command line interface (CLI) environment. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a virtualized CLI command is entered and executed. The virtualized CLI command encapsulates a guest operating system command having an associated standard output message. In response to executing the virtualized CLI command, the standard output message is piped to an output message file. Within the standard output message file, a structured array is used to search the standard output message for matches between strings within the standard output message and one or more specified message strings identified in the structured array. In response to finding a match between the specified message strings and the strings within the standard output message, the specified message string within the standard output message is replaced with a replacement message string. |
| US07934218B2 |
Interprocess communication management using a socket layer
A solution for managing interprocess communication is provided. A connection request that identifies another process is received from a first process on a socket. The invention determines if the identified process has a second socket that can be used without transmitting data outside a computing device. If so, then the two sockets are linked, and an in-memory communication session can be managed to implement the interprocess communication. In this manner, two processes executing on the same computing device, each of which supports network communications using sockets, can have in-memory interprocess communication without any knowledge of where the other process is executing or any customization. |
| US07934217B2 |
Methods and systems for providing remote file structure access to an imaging device
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods and devices for providing remote file structure data access to an imaging device user interface. Some aspects relate to methods and systems wherein a request for file structure data is sent from an imaging device (IDev) to a remote computing device (RCD) that is capable of retrieving and converting file structure data. Some aspects relate to reading the file structure data of a remote resource and converting that file structure data to a format that is compatible with an IDev user interface (UI). The converted file structure data may then be received by the IDev and displayed at the IDev UI. |
| US07934216B2 |
Method and system for load balancing of computing resources
A load balancing method incorporates temporarily inactive machines as part of the resources capable of executing tasks during heavy process requests periods to alleviate some of the processing load on other computing resources. This method determines which computing resources are available and prioritizes these resources for access by the load balancing process. A snap shot of the resource configuration and made secured along with all data on this system such that no contamination occurs between resident data on that machine and any data placed on that machine as put of the load balancing activities. After a predetermined period of time or a predetermined event, the availability of the temporary resources for load balancing activities ends. At this point, the original configuration and data is restored to the computing resource such that no trace of use of the resource in load balancing activities is detected to the user. |
| US07934212B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for detecting old versions of an applet in a client browser's JVM
An apparatus, system and method for checking the version of a cached applet on a client device against version information stored on a host server is provided. By checking the version of the applet, it can be determined whether or not the applet is still usable with the host server. If an applet is not usable with the host server, the applet is either automatically updated to a current version or the user is provided with information as to how to update the applet to the current version. If an applet is usable with the host server but is not a current version of the applet, the user may be informed of this fact and given the opportunity to either update the applet or continue to execute the older version of the applet. If the user chooses to update the applet, the update is performed in substantially the same manner as that described above. If the user chose to continue with the older version of the applet, the mainline code of the older version of the applet is executed. |
| US07934210B1 |
System and method for updating one or more programs and their environment
A system and method automatically updates one or more programs and some or all of an environment in which the one or more programs run, to latest versions of the programs and the environment, or portion thereof. |
| US07934209B2 |
Method for firmware variable storage with eager compression, fail-safe extraction and restart time compression scan
Firmware-based conversion methods for storing converted firmware variables in a firmware storage device, such as flash memory. Under one method, “eager” compression of firmware is performed. In response to a storage request, a determination is made to whether a compressor is available. If it is, the firmware variable is stored in a compressed form in the storage device; if not, the firmware variable is stored in an uncompressed form. In response to a read request for a stored firmware variable, a determination is made to whether the variable is stored in a compressed or uncompressed form. If it is compressed, a decompressor is employed to return the variable to its uncompressed form prior to providing it to the requestor; already uncompressed variables are provided directly to the requester. An application program interface is provided to enable operating system runtime access to the firmware variables. Similar conversions may be employed separately or in parallel, including encryption. |
| US07934205B2 |
Restructuring computer programs
A method of restructuring a source computer program to a target computer program. A defined source computer program has source code. A set of tasks is defined for the source computer program to be performed by the source computer program. For each task, a corresponding set of input data sets is defined. For each input data set, a corresponding set of programs is determined such that each program in the set of programs includes declarations and executable statements, from the source code of the source computer program, required to execute the task in each input data set. Each set of programs is processed to generate a component that executes the respective task, resulting in generation of a set of components. A target computer program is generated from the set of components. |
| US07934203B2 |
Preparing instruction groups for a processor having multiple issue ports
During program code conversion, such as in a dynamic binary translator, automatic code generation provides target code 21 executable by a target processor 13. Multiple instruction ports 610 disperse a group of instructions to functional units 620 of the processor 13. Disclosed is a mechanism of preparing an instruction group 606 using a plurality of pools 700 having a hierarchical structure 711-715. Each pool represents a different overlapping subset of the issue ports 610. Placing an instruction 600 into a particular pool 700 also reduces vacancies in any one or more subsidiary pools in the hierarchy. In a preferred embodiment, a counter value 702 is associated with each pool 700 to track vacancies. A valid instruction group 606 is formed by picking the placed instructions 600 from the pools 700. The instruction groups are generated accurately and automatically. Decoding errors and stalls are minimized or completely avoided. |
| US07934201B2 |
System, method, and computer readable medium for universal software testing
An automated software testing and validation system allows testing of a software application under test (SAUT) regardless of the dynamic nature of the SAUT. An abstracted set of hierarchal or linear objects model certain regions of the SAUT. Automated test scripts utilize theses regions to intuitively navigate and identify potions of the SAUT to automate. The scripts can also access specific SAUT elements contain within each defined region. These elements can then be used to invoke actions or verify outputs there from. The system uses a set of rich identification rules embodied in the system which allow the user to configure the identification of any element within the abstracted region. The rules are customizable to allow the user to configure the desired level of loose coupling between the automated scripts and the target element to adapt the scripts to the nature of the SAUT. |
| US07934198B2 |
Prefix matching structure and method for fast packet switching
A prefix matching apparatus for directing information to a destination port includes a memory configured to store a piece of data including an address and a plurality of levels each including a plurality of memory locations, the levels each representing a unique address space. A controller is coupled to the memory and to the plurality of levels, and is configured to read the data address and to direct the data to the next level associated with a unique address space associated with the data address. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to match the data address prefix to a plurality of addresses associated with the unique address spaces. Advantages of the invention include fast switch decisions and low switch latency. |
| US07934195B2 |
Method for controlling the propagation of metadata items
A method enables and controls automatic propagation of metadata items to a recording media or to devices for reading from or writing to recording media. The metadata items are provided with a propagation property, which defines to which recording media or to which devices the metadata items shall propagate, and on which recording media or in which devices the metadata items shall be stored. At least when a recording medium is inserted into or removed from a device, or when the device is powered up or down, the metadata items are automatically propagated and stored in accordance with the propagation property. |
| US07934192B2 |
Computer method and apparatus for connection tree routing in visual modeling of software
Computer method and apparatus for connection tree routing in visual modeling of software is disclosed. Tree routing style is represented as a property of a subject connection. A router object manages location of bendpoints of the subject connection in a connection tree. The subject connection maintains an end node as its target instead of a trunk element of the connection tree. The router object is formed of a hierarchy of routers including branch routers, tree routers and forest routers. Different routers maintain different aspects of the tree data forming display of the connection tree. |
| US07934190B1 |
Multiple amplifier matching over lumped networks of arbitrary topology
A method includes generating at least one matrix representing a two-port, generating gain, noise, and stability functions of a system comprising the two-port, a generator connected to one port of the two-port, the generator having a generator reflectance, and a load connected to the other port of the two-port, the load having a load reflectance, and optimizing the gain, noise, and stability functions. The two-port comprises a non-reactive multi-port modeled by an orthogonal matrix, and at least one amplifier connected to the non-reactive multi-port. The orthogonal matrix is parameterized using an exponential map of skew-symmetric matrices having components restricted to an interval from −π to π. The gain, noise, and stability functions are generated using the generated matrix, the generator reflectance, and the load reflectance, The gain, noise, and stability functions are parameterized by the skew-symmetric matrices. |
| US07934188B2 |
Legalization of VLSI circuit placement with blockages using hierarchical row slicing
A hierarchical method of legalizing the placement of logic cells in the presence of blockages selectively classifies the blockages into at least two different sets based on size (large and small). Movable logic cells are relocated first among coarse regions between large blockages to remove overlaps among the cells and the large blockages without regard to small blockages (while satisfying capacity constraints of the coarse regions), and thereafter the movable logic cells are relocated among fine regions between small blockages to remove all cell overlaps (while satisfying capacity constraints of the fine regions). The coarse and fine regions may be horizontal slices of the placement region having a height corresponding to a single circuit row height of the design. Cells are relocated with minimal perturbation from the previous placement, preserving wirelength and timing optimizations. The legalization technique may utilize more than two levels of granularity with multiple relocation stages. |
| US07934186B2 |
Apparatus and method for optimizing delay element in asynchronous digital circuits
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to construct a delay element to replicate the timing of critical gates and paths within a segment of an asynchronous circuit. The rise and fall delay mismatch of the delay element is minimized without obeying timing constraints. The position of each output of the delay element is determined to include a globally shared node within the segment and a non-shared local node in the segment. |
| US07934182B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting delay analysis, and computer product
A delay distribution of a partial path that passes through a node to which a plurality of signals is input and for which an estimation in a statistical MAX is predicted to be large, that is present on a critical path having large influence on a circuit delay, and that has high possibility of improving the circuit delay, among nodes in a circuit graph is calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation instead of the block based simulation, thereby increasing speed and accuracy of delay analysis. |
| US07934181B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving SRAM cell stability by using boosted word lines
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving the stability of static random access memory (SRAM) cells by using boosted word lines. Specifically, a boosted word line voltage (Vdd′) is applied to the word line of a selected SRAM cell, while such a boosted word line voltage (Vdd′) is sufficiently higher than the power supply voltage (Vdd) of the SRAM cell so as to improve the cell stability to a desired level. Specifically, a specific boosted word line voltage is predetermined for each SRAM cell based on the specific cell configuration, by using a circuit simulation program, such as the BERKELEY-SPICE simulation program. A boost voltage generator is then used to apply the predetermined boosted word line voltage to the selected SRAM cell. |
| US07934176B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a process model that models the impact of a CAR/PEB on the resist profile
An embodiment provides systems and techniques for determining a process model. During operation, the system may receive a first optical model which models a first optical system of a photolithography process. Next, the system may use the first optical model to determine a second optical model that models a second latent image that is formed by the first optical system at a second distance. The system may also use the first optical model to determine a third optical model that models a third latent image that is formed by the first optical system at a third distance. Next, the system may receive process data which is obtained by subjecting a test layout to the photolithography process. The system may then determine a process model using the first optical model, the second optical model, the third optical model, the test layout, and the process data. |
| US07934172B2 |
SLM lithography: printing to below K1=.30 without previous OPC processing
Previously disclosed methods and devices are extended in this application by two-dimensional analysis of optical proximity interactions and by fashioning a computationally efficient kernel for rapid calculation of adjustments to be made. The computations can be made in realtime, whereby the use of OPC assist features can be reduced, with substantial savings in file size and computational requirements. Further aspects of the invention are disclosed in the descriptions, figures, claims and documents incorporated by reference. |
| US07934170B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying branded video tags
A method and apparatus for displaying branded video tags. An advertiser provides additional content associated with broadcast advertising content to a service provider that downloads the additional content to a digital video recorder (DVR). The service provider inserts command tags into the content that are intercepted by the DVR and interpreted as commands that instruct the DVR to perform specific actions when the DVR receives the stream from a broadcaster. The DVR intercepts and translates any tags inserted into the content stream while the DVR is playing the content stream. Tags can cause the DVR to display a branded video tag to the user which is a displayed icon that requests an interaction by the user and has an advertiser's logo(s) displayed in its vicinity. |
| US07934161B1 |
Electronic search interface technology
Techniques are described for displaying a representation of a list of electronic search results while a user is reviewing content linked to by electronic search results included in the list. While the user is reviewing the search results, the user may jump between content linked to by different search results using the representation of the list of electronic search results displayed. The displayed representation of the list of search results may be updated based on the user's browsing activities in reviewing the search results, user input manipulating the list of search results, and supplemental information added to the list of search results by the user. |
| US07934157B2 |
Utilization of tree view for printing data
An information processing apparatus for generating, on the basis of specific data containing a plurality of record data, print data to be processed by a printing apparatus, includes a tree view display unit adapted to display, when record data in a specific field contained in the specific data changes, a tree view that contains the record data before change and the record data after change as nodes of the same layer, and an acquisition unit adapted to acquire data corresponding to a node selected from the tree view. |
| US07934151B1 |
Specification of tables including objects with arbitrary formatting
Specification of tables containing objects is disclosed. In some embodiments, a table object contains one or more row objects as well as one or more objects with arbitrary (i.e. non-row) formatting. Common row and/or column formatting may be inferred and applied to objects associated with rows but not to objects associated with arbitrary formatting. |
| US07934147B2 |
Turbo LDPC decoding
An iterative low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoding system comprises a first shift register for storing bit estimates, a plurality of parity-check processing node banks configured for processing the bit estimates for generating messages, combiners configured for combining the messages with the bit estimates for generating updated bit estimates, and fixed permuters for permuting the updated bit estimates to facilitate storage and access of the bit estimates. A second shift register is provided for storing the messages, and a subtraction module subtracts messages generated a predetermined number of cycles earlier from the updated bit estimates. |
| US07934146B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product providing for data block encoding and decoding
Methods, apparatus and computer program products are provided for encoding and/or decoding a data block. The method for encoding a data block includes the steps of: providing an information block of size k, I=(i0, i1, . . . i(k−l); and encoding the information block into a low-density parity-check (LDPC) codeword c of size n, c=(i0, i1, . . . i(k−l), p0, p1, . . . , p(n−k−l)), by adding n−k parity bits obtained so that H·cT=0, where H is an (n−k)×n parity-check matrix. |
| US07934136B2 |
Test apparatus, pattern generator, test method and pattern generating method
Provided is a test apparatus for testing a specimen by using a test pattern and an expected value pattern. The test apparatus includes: a control unit for outputting a test pattern to the specimen; a pattern converting unit for converting the expected value pattern based on an output pattern output from the specimen upon an input of the test pattern; and a determination unit for determining the specimen as a non-defective product or a defective product by using the converted expected value pattern. |
| US07934135B2 |
Providing pseudo-randomized static values during LBIST transition tests
An LBIST captures pseudo-random values from a pseudo-random pattern generator. Next, the LBIST stabilizes an untimed logic path by inputting the captured pseudo-random value into the untimed logic path. In turn, the LBIST tests one or more timed signal transitions that are dependent upon the stabilized untimed logic path. |
| US07934134B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing logic built-in self-testing of an integrated circuit
A method for performing a logical built-in self-test of an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method includes performing a flush and scan test to determine whether the scan chains function correctly. If one of the scan chains does not function correctly, the logical built-in self-test is terminated. If each of the scan chains functions correctly, a structural test of the design-for-test logic supporting LBIST is performed to determine whether the LBIST design-for-test logic functions correctly. If the LBIST design-for-test logic does not function correctly, the logical built-in self-test is terminated. If the LBIST design-for-test logic functions correctly, a level sensitive scan design test of the functional combinational logic is performed using the logic supporting LBIST design-for-test to determine if the integrated circuit functions correctly. |
| US07934132B2 |
Communication system and method for controlling the same
For an error rate QBER, threshold values are preset, including a threshold value Qbit for frame synchronization processing, a threshold value Qphase for phase correction processing, and a threshold value QEve for eavesdropping detection. Upon the distribution of a quantum key from a sender to a receiver, when the measurement value of QBER is deteriorated more than Qbit, frame synchronization processing is performed. When the measurement value of QBER is deteriorated more than Qphase, phase correction processing and frame synchronization processing are performed. When QBER does not become better than QEve even after these recovery-processing steps are repeated N times, it is determined that there is a possibility of eavesdropping, and the processing is stopped. |
| US07934128B2 |
Methods, systems and computer program products for fault tolerant applications
Methods, systems and computer program products for architecting fault tolerant applications. Embodiments of the invention include a method for executing an application in a computer system, the method including monitoring a behavior of the computer system, the computer system having a subsystem in an operating system of the computer system, in response to encountering a problem in the computer system, performing switching the application from a normal mode of operation to a critical mode of operation, executing the application in the critical mode of operation, determining if the computer system has returned to the normal mode of operation, in response to the computer system returning to the normal mode of operation switching the application to execute in the normal mode and executing the application in the normal mode of operation. |
| US07934119B2 |
Failure recovery method
The reliability is improved at a low cost even in a virtualized server environment. The number of spare servers is reduced for improving the reliability and for saving a licensing fee for software on the spare servers. A server system comprises a plurality of physical servers on which a plurality of virtual servers run, a single standby server, a module for detecting an active virtual server, and a module for switching the correspondence of boot disks of virtualization modules for controlling virtual servers to the physical servers. When a physical server fails, the boot disk of the associated virtualization module is connected to a spare server to automatically activate on the spare server those virtual servers which have been active upon occurrence of the failure. |
| US07934114B2 |
Method of controlling information processing device, information processing device, program, and program converting method
The method of controlling an information processing device according to the present invention is a method of controlling an information processing device which includes a processor having a cache memory, and a clock supplying unit that supplies a clock signal to the processor. The method includes: predicting a hit rate of the cache memory; and controlling the clock supplying unit so as to change a frequency of the clock signal in accordance with the predicted hit rate. |
| US07934111B2 |
Apparatus and method for allowing quick activation of electronic equipment, and recording medium having a program stored thereon for performing such method
An information processing apparatus transitions from an active state, in which processing according to an application program is executed, to a paused state due to a predetermined trigger, and transitions from the paused state to the active state due to another trigger different from the predetermined trigger, and includes: a usage rate calculating section calculating a usage rate of a main memory, when transition is made from the active state to the paused state; a paused state selecting section selecting a paused state to which transition is to be made from among a plurality of kinds of the paused state, on the basis of a usage rate of the main memory calculated by the usage rate calculating section; and a paused state transition section transitioning itself to a paused state selected by the paused state selecting section. |
| US07934105B1 |
Data transfer device
A data transfer device for storing data to a removable data storage item, wherein data are received as records and encrypted by the data transfer device prior to storage. The data transfer device encrypts a first portion of the records using a first encryption key and a second portion of the records using a second encryption key. The encrypted records are then stored to the removable data storage item as a plurality of data blocks, each data block comprising one or more encrypted records, wherein records in a respective data block are encrypted using only a respective one of the encryption keys. |
| US07934104B2 |
Systems and methods for verifying a licensed installation at time of update
Systems, methods and media for verifying the existence of a licensed software installation at the time of an update to the software are disclosed. In one embodiment, a package of files for the update is encrypted with a copy of a key file that is contained in the original installation. The encrypted package of files is stored at a remote location that is accessible by way of a website. When a user seeks to download an update, the user must provide a copy of the key file used to encrypt the data. The user-provided key file is then used to decrypt the encrypted package. |
| US07934102B2 |
Method and system for efficient exception handling of the production process of personal identification verification (PIV) smartcards
A method and system provide efficient exception handling of the production process of PIV smartcards. Specifically, an automatic personal identity verification (AutoPIV) system and process manage potential failures in identification for agencies, such as a breakdown in correct identification. The AutoPIV system and process may deny access to individuals falsely claiming to be someone with legitimate access rights. The AutoPIV system and process may also accurately identify those with legitimate access rights. |
| US07934099B2 |
Device and method for generating digital signatures
For the secure creation of digital signatures and/or for the secure authentication of users with a chip card, an apparatus is plugged into a computer and the PIN is input. The computer operating system activates the autorun function of a read drive in the apparatus and loads an http responder program into the computer. A standard http protocol is used to send a signature request containing all the signature data to the http responder, which writes these data to the interface memory area of a read/write drive in the apparatus, and said interface memory area is read by the internal software in the apparatus, which interprets the data and uses configuration data to check the admissibility of the instruction. If appropriate, the signature request is then forwarded via a chip card read/write apparatus to the chip card, and the signature created by the card is written to the interface memory area, from where it is read by the http responder and is made available to the application as an http response. |
| US07934097B1 |
Method, apparatus, and system for managing, reviewing, comparing and detecting data on a wide area network
The disclosed embodiments are directed to a data management system, apparatus and process for uniquely identifying and protecting data. In preferred embodiments, the data management system comprises a data management server, a key generator, a source print generator and a source print detector. In some preferred embodiments, the data management system further comprises a data embedding system. Keys are created by the data management system for application to source files to create a fingerprint for the source file. The fingerprint is compared to unknown files to identify uses of the source file. |
| US07934093B2 |
Assigning security levels to a shared component
Security levels are assigned to a shared component. A workflow manager receives a workflow request that corresponds to a plurality of workflow steps. For each workflow step, the workflow manager determines whether the workflow step uses a shared component or an unshared component for execution. If the workflow step uses a shared component, the workflow manager invokes the step, and stores the step and its corresponding security level in a security tracking table. When the workflow manager encounters a shared component, the workflow manager uses the security tracking table entries in order to determine a security level to assign the shared component. The workflow manager assigns the determined security level to the shared component, and invokes the shared component to execute the corresponding process step. |
| US07934090B2 |
System for securing inbound and outbound data packet flow in a computer network
A method provides for control of access to network resources. A virtual identity machine resides in the network and is pre-authorized to access certain network resources. End users desiring access to those network resources attempt to logically connect to the virtual identity machines. If the logical connection attempt is successful, then the end user assumes the virtual identity of the virtual identity machine and has access to all of the same information that was available to the virtual identity machine. |
| US07934089B2 |
System and method for processing data and communicating encrypted data
Systems and methods for processing data and communicating encrypted data are provided. A method of processing data and communicating encrypted data may include receiving input traffic data at a first interface of a channel service unit/data service unit (CSU/DSU). The method may also include encrypting management data associated with the input traffic data at the CSU/DSU to produce encrypted management data. The method may further include sending the encrypted management data via a second interface of the CSU/DSU to a remote terminal of a local area network via a data router coupled to the CSU/DSU. |
| US07934088B2 |
Method of secure communication between endpoints
The method of secure communication between the endpoints is used for the secret communication between endpoints locating in different gatekeeper management area, and the method includes: in the process of the caller endpoint calling the callee endpoint, the home gatekeeper of the callee endpoint generates the share secret key between the caller endpoint and the callee endpoint; the secure communication process is performed between the caller endpoint and the callee endpoint according to the share secret key. According to the secure communication method between the endpoints, the invention makes that secret communication mechanism between the endpoints locating the different gatekeeper management area has better expansibility and higher efficiency. |
| US07934084B2 |
Method and system for module initialization with an arbitrary number of phases
A method for initializing a module that includes identifying a first module for initialization, and performing a plurality of processing phases on the first module and all modules in a dependency graph of the first module. Performing the plurality of processing phases includes, for each module, executing a processing phase of the plurality of processing phases on the module, determining whether the processing phase has been executed on all modules in a dependency graph of the module, and when the processing phase has been executed for all modules in the dependency graph of the module, executing a subsequent processing phase of the plurality of processing phases on the module. |
| US07934083B2 |
Configurable access kernel
A highly configurable kernel supports a wide variety of content protection systems. The kernel may reside in a host that interacts with a secure processor maintaining content protection clients. After establishing communication with the secure processor, the host receives messages from content protection clients requesting rules for message handling operations to support client operations. This flexible configuration allows for dynamic reconfiguration of host and secure processor operation. |
| US07934081B2 |
Apparatus and method for using branch prediction heuristics for determination of trace formation readiness
A single unified level one instruction(s) cache in which some lines may contain traces and other lines in the same congruence class may contain blocks of instruction(s) consistent with conventional cache lines. Formation of trace lines in the cache is delayed on initial operation of the system to assure quality of the trace lines stored. |
| US07934080B2 |
Aggressive store merging in a processor that supports checkpointing
Embodiments of the present invention provide a processor that merges stores in an N-entry first-in-first-out (FIFO) store queue. In these embodiments, the processor starts by executing instructions before a checkpoint is generated. When executing instructions before the checkpoint is generated, the processor is configured to perform limited or no merging of stores into existing entries in the store queue. Then, upon detecting a predetermined condition, the processor is configured to generate a checkpoint. After generating the checkpoint, the processor is configured to continue to execute instructions. When executing instructions after the checkpoint is generated, the processor is configured to freely merge subsequent stores into post-checkpoint entries in the store queue. |
| US07934077B2 |
Semiconductor device and data processing system selectively operating as one of a big endian or little endian system
The present invention is to provide a semiconductor device that can correctly switch endians on the outside even if the endian of a parallel interface is not recognized on the outside. The semiconductor device includes a switching circuit and a first register. The switching circuit switches between whether a parallel interface with the outside is to be used as a big endian or a little endian. A first register holds control data of the switching circuit. The switching circuit regards the parallel interface as the little endian when first predetermined control information, that is unchanged in the values of specific bit positions even if its high-order and low-order bit positions are transposed, is supplied to the first register, and regards the parallel interface as the big endian when second predetermined control information, that is unchanged in the values of specific bit positions even if its high-order and low-order bit positions are transposed, is supplied to the first register. Whatever the endian setting status, the control information can be correctly inputted without being influenced by the endian setting status. |
| US07934074B2 |
Flash module with plane-interleaved sequential writes to restricted-write flash chips
A flash memory controller on a PCIE bus controls flash-memory modules on a flash bus. The flash-memory modules are plane-interleaved using interleaved bits extracted from the lowest bits of the logical block index. These plane-interleave bits are split into a LSB and a MSB, with middle physical block bits between the LSB and MSB. A physical sequential address counter generates a physical block number by incrementing the plane-interleave bits before the middle physical block bits, and then relocating the MSB to above the middle physical block bits. This causes blocks to be accessed in a low-high sequence of 0, 1, 4096, 4097, 2, 3, 4098, 4099, etc. in the four planes of flash memory. A RAM physical page valid table tracks valid pages in the four planes, while a RAM mapping table stores the plane, block, and page addresses for logical sectors generated by the physical sequential address counter. |
| US07934069B2 |
Enabling and disabling cache in storage systems
Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for enabling and disabling cache in storage systems. One embodiment includes a method that changes a time period for delaying host requests received at a cache of a storage device and converts the storage device from a cache enabled state to a cache disabled state while the storage device is online. |
| US07934067B2 |
Data update history storage apparatus and data update history storage method
Provided is a storage apparatus that stores data update histories using an existing file system without modifying the source code of the existing file system. The storage apparatus includes an I/O command catcher that changes, when an I/O command is issued from a program stored in a memory and arbitrary update data is stored in a data area address corresponding to a buffer address storing the arbitrary update data, authorized access set for the arbitrary update data in a page management unit to readable; and a page exception catcher that issues, when the authorized access of the arbitrary update data is changed to readable, a page exception report, acquires a data area address corresponding to the buffer address storing the arbitrary update data in the address management unit, and stores the update data and its update history in an update queue. |
| US07934051B2 |
Program and erase disabling control of WPCAM by double controls
The present invention provides a semiconductor device and a method for controlling the semiconductor device, the semiconductor device including memory regions that include nonvolatile memory cells; program prohibition information units, the program prohibition information units storing program prohibition information to be used for determining whether to prohibit or allow programming in a plurality of memory regions corresponding to the program prohibition information units; a first prohibition information control circuit that prohibits a change of the program prohibition information from a program prohibiting state to a program allowing state with respect a memory region, the memory region is one of the plurality of corresponding memory regions, based on first prohibition information to be used for determining whether to prohibit a change of the program prohibition information from a program prohibiting state to a program allowing state with respect to the corresponding memory region; and a second prohibition information control circuit that prohibits a change of the program prohibition information from a program allowing state to a program prohibiting state with respect to the corresponding memory region, based on second prohibition information to be used for determining whether to prohibit a change of the program prohibition information from a program allowing state to a program prohibiting state with respect to the corresponding memory region. |
| US07934046B2 |
Access table lookup for bus bridge
Cross-bar segment routing and access table address remapping functions are combined within a cross-bar of a system-on-a-chip. In this manner, address remapping may occur prior to segment routing. One or more access table caching registers may be included for each master port. The caching registers may allow for a rapid lookup of one or more access table entries associated with each master, as well as allow for the simultaneous lookup by multiple masters without adding ports to the access table. A segment identifier may be stored in the caching registers to indicate how to route a matching request to the appropriate slave segment. |
| US07934045B2 |
Redundant and fault tolerant control of an I/O enclosure by multiple hosts
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for reliably controlling an I/O enclosure. A bus module receives two or more Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (“PCIe”) sideband signals via one or more PCIe cables. The one or more PCIe cables are connected between one or more hosts and an I/O enclosure. A decode module determines an asserted value of each of the two or more PCIe sideband signals and combines the PCIe sideband signal asserted values to form a bus value. Each PCIe sideband signal represents a bit in the bus value, and the bus value specifies a command for controlling the I/O enclosure. An execution module executes the specified command to perform control actions on the I/O enclosure. |
| US07934039B2 |
Variable oscillator for generating different frequencies in a controller area network
A device suitable for use as a module in a Controller Area Network (CAN) system with a bus or connection includes relatively simple and inexpensive components, including an oscillator that generates a number of different frequencies in response to directions from a microcomputer. A CAN Controller receiving the frequencies is connected to the bus via a transceiver. The device has utility for verification and validation work in association with a CAN system. |
| US07934035B2 |
Apparatus, method and system for aggregating computing resources
A system for executing applications designed to run on a single SMP computer on an easily scalable network of computers, while providing each application with computing resources, including processing power, memory and others that exceed the resources available on any single computer. A server agent program, a grid switch apparatus and a grid controller apparatus are included. Methods for creating processes and resources, and for accessing resources transparently across multiple servers are also provided. |
| US07934034B2 |
Simultaneous control of multiple I/O banks in an I2C slave device
Consistent with one example embodiment, communications systems, using a serial data transfer bus having a serial data line and a clock line used to implement a communications protocol, incorporate programmable loading of a logic value into parallel slave device registers. The communications system includes a slave device having two or more registers, each register having two or more bits, each register configured to load data therein received in accordance with the communications protocol over the data transfer bus in a first configuration, and to load a single logic value into the plurality of bits in a second configuration. A programmable configuration register is configured to be programmed, in accordance with the communications protocol over the data transfer bus, to select two or more of the registers for loading of the single logic value into the two or more of bits of the selected registers in the second configuration. |
| US07934031B2 |
Reshuffled communications processes in pipelined asynchronous circuits
An asynchronous logic family of circuits which communicate on delay-insensitive flow-controlled channels with 4-phase handshakes and 1 of N encoding, compute output data directly from input data using domino logic, and use the state-holding ability of the domino logic to implement pipelining without additional latches. |
| US07934027B2 |
Critical resource management
In one embodiment, a method of managing critical resource usage in a storage network comprises receiving, in a storage controller, an input/output operation from a host, wherein the input/output operation identifies a storage unit, placing the input/output operation in a waiting queue, determining a maximum queue depth for at least one critical resource in the storage network required to execute the input/output command against the storage unit, and blocking one or more subsequent input/output commands from the host for the storage unit when the wait queue for the critical resource exceeds the maximum queue depth. |
| US07934024B2 |
Method for reading and writing non-standard register of serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) device
A method for reading non-standard register of Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) devices discloses an unused input parameter of standard command setting up as an executive parameter. While receiving the standard command, a SATA host controller converts the executive parameter and the standard command into input frame information structure (FIS) that is sent to the SATA devices for the SATA devices to detect the executive parameter for reading corresponding value of non-standard register and saving the value into an output register of the SATA devices. The value of the non-standard register is converted into output frame information structure for being sent to the SATA host controller and the value of the non-standard register is saved to the output register of the SATA host controller. Then by reading the value of the output register of the SATA host controller, the value of the non-standard register is learned. |
| US07934023B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing fast fibre channel write operations over relatively high latency networks
A method and apparatus to improve the performance of a SCSI write over a high latency network. The apparatus includes a first Switch close to the initiator in a first SAN and a second Switch close to the target in a second SAN. In various embodiments, the two Switches are border switches connecting their respective SANs to a relatively high latency network between the two SANs. In addition, the initiator can be either directly connected or indirectly connected to the first Switch in the first SAN. The target can also be either directly or indirectly connected to the second Switch in the second SAN. During operation, the method includes the first Switch sending Transfer Ready (Xfr_rdy) frame(s) based on buffer availability to the initiating Host in response to a SCSI Write command from the Host directed to the target. The first and second Switches then coordinate with one another by sending Transfer Ready commands to each other independent of the target's knowledge. The second switch buffers the data received from the Host until the target indicates it is ready to receive the data. Since the Switches send frames to the initiating Host independent of the target, the Switches manipulate the OX_ID and RX_ID fields in the Fiber Channel header of the various commands associated with the SCSI Write. The OX_ID and RX_ID fields are manipulated so as to trap the commands and so that the Switches can keep track of the various commands associated with the SCSI write. |
| US07934021B2 |
System and method for network interfacing
Systems and methods for network interfacing may include a communication data center with a first tier, a second tier and a third tier. The first tier may include a first server with a first single integrated convergent network controller chip. The second server may include a second server with a second single integrated convergent network controller chip. The third tier may include a third server with a third single integrated convergent network controller chip. The second server may be coupled to the first server via a single fabric with a single connector. The third server may be coupled to the second server via the single fabric with the single connector. The respective first, second and third server, each processes a plurality of different traffic types concurrently via the respective first, second and third single integrated convergent network chip over the single fabric that is coupled to the single connector. |
| US07934016B2 |
System and method for recognizing and assigning application-specific flows
In one embodiment, an intermediate network device includes a communication facility configured to receive a reservation request message that includes a flow spec object. The flow spec object specifies one or more flow parameters that describe a given traffic flow that desires to pass through the intermediate network device. A flow is configured to compare the one or more flow parameters specified in the flow spec object to one or more constants stored in a memory, to determine a type of traffic of the given traffic flow. The flow analyzer determines the type of traffic independent of any differentiated services codepoint (DSCP) values in packets of the given traffic flow. A traffic scheduler is configured to assign the given traffic flow to a particular per hop behavior (PHB) based on the determined type of traffic for the given traffic flow. |
| US07934015B2 |
System and method for addressing a mobile device in an IP-based wireless network
A system and method for addressing a mobile device in an IP-based wireless network is provided. Push service providers prepare data for transmission to the mobile device using a first IP address. The addressed data is then transmitted to a push proxy. The push proxy obtains a network identifier that is permanently associated with the wireless mobile device using the first IP address. The network identifier is then used by the push proxy to obtain a second IP address that is temporarily associated with the wireless mobile device. Using this second IP address, the data from the push proxy is then addressed and transmitted to the wireless mobile device via a tunnel created through the wireless network using the second IP address. |
| US07934004B2 |
System and method for multi-service access
A control and bearer separating system for the multi-service access includes: at least one access node for receiving the message of the user, separating the control flow and the service flow of the message, transmitting the control flow to the controller, and transmitting the service flow to the corresponding edge node, based on the control of the controller; the controller for processing the control flow to control the access node to transmit the service flow to the corresponding edge node, and control the corresponding edge node to process the service flow; and at least one edge node for transmitting the received service flow to the corresponding service provider node, based on the control of the controller. Furthermore, there is a method for connecting the user to the networking using the above control and bearer separating system, and a control and bearer separating method. |
| US07934001B2 |
Network-initiated session recovery
Techniques for network-initiated session recovery are described. A relationship is maintained between two identifiers both associated with a session between a first device and an access terminal in a wireless network. The first identifier is associated with the first device, and the second identifier is associated with a second device in communication with the first device. After a breach of the session, communications associated with the session are preserved based on the relationship between the first and second identifiers. |
| US07933997B2 |
Communication apparatus, communication system, program and communication method
There is provided a communication apparatus including: a transmission unit which transmits data to an opposite communication apparatus; a physical band measurement unit which measures a physical band against the opposite communication apparatus; and a rate control unit which controls a transmission rate of the transmission unit within a range of the physical band when a previous transmission rate of the transmission unit is below a value of subtracting a predetermined value from the physical band and within a range of exceeding the physical band when the previous transmission rate is beyond the value of subtracting the predetermined value from the physical band. |
| US07933995B2 |
Computer program and apparatus for controlling computing resources, and distributed processing system
A computing program and apparatus for controlling computing resources, and a distributed processing system, which realize determining a computing node to be allocated to a computing task, with taking a time required for changing the state of running software into consideration. A node information acquisition unit continuously acquires and stores environment information indicating running software from computing nodes in a node information memory. A request acceptor accepts a computing request including environment condition information specifying software necessary for execution of a computing task. A node selector compares the environment information of each computing node with the environment condition information to preferentially select a computing node that requires the least software to start, as a commuting node to be allocated. A node controller controls the selected computing node to start the necessary software and then execute the computing task. |
| US07933994B1 |
Extracting embedded NAIS (network access identifiers)
Ways for extracting from a string multiple embedded network-access identifiers (NAIs) included within the string are described. One embodiment includes receiving the string that includes embedded-NAI information, and parsing the string to identify the multiple embedded NAIs. The string can include a username and information that indicates multiple realms (or domains) associated with the username. |
| US07933992B2 |
Device management system, device management method, information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and storage medium
A device management system includes a network device and an information processing apparatus. The network device generates request information including the information used to identify the user, and requests to issue access control information including access restriction information indicating whether or not each of the functions of the network device can be used. The information processing apparatus generates access control information which associates the access restriction information with the user information. The network device further controls the use of the respective functions with respect to the operation input in accordance with the access restriction information included in the generated access control information. |
| US07933987B2 |
Application of virtual servers to high availability and disaster recovery solutions
Server virtualization technology is applied to virtualize and encapsulate all unique information of a server as an image that is stored on a storage area network at one site and replicated on a storage area network at another site to provide high availability of system resources and data recovery capabilities. In one embodiment, a virtualized server system (100) includes a primary site (110), a secondary site (130), and a computer executable control application (150). The primary site (110) includes a storage area network (112), at least one primary virtual server platform (114), and at least one primary virtual server stored as at least one image (116) on the storage area network (112). The control application (150) directs replication of the primary virtual server image (116) onto a storage area network (132) at the secondary site (130) to create a corresponding replicated virtual server image (138). The control application (150) also monitors operation of the primary virtual server platform (114) and associates the replicated virtual server image (138) with a secondary virtual server (134) at the secondary site (130) in the event that a problem is detected with the primary site virtual server (114). |
| US07933986B2 |
Transferring command-lines as a message
Embodiments described herein are based on the principle that shells execute commands as units of characters. Accordingly, embodiments herein provide for a sending side with enough intelligence to isolate each command, examine it, perform some levels of validation, and deliver a structured representation of the command to the remote processor before doing any network operations. More specifically, embodiments herein provided for a mechanism of identifying a command and encapsulating the command into a single message (e.g., a SOAP, HTTPS, or other type message), which is then sent to a remote shell for processing as an entire unit. Accordingly, embodiments herein treat the command as a single unit, rather than as a character-oriented transmission. |
| US07933982B2 |
Apparatus and method for presence service on inter-domain
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for presence service on inter-domain. The apparatus comprises an enhanced inter-domain presence (EIP) module and an enhanced inter-domain presence authorization document (EIPAD) module. When at least a watcher requests a presence subscription to a foreign domain, the EIP module dynamically aggregates the foreign domain presentities for all local watchers having the subscription request, and produces a foreign domain document (FDD). The EIP module also acts as a presence client having the subscription for foreign-domain, and dispatches presence status information. The enhanced inter-domain presence authorization document module resolves the FDD contents, identifies the subscribed foreign-domain presentities, then accesses a corresponding presence authorization document and notifies it to the presence server on the watcher domain. |
| US07933979B2 |
Identification information creating method, information processing apparatus, computer program product, recording device monitoring method, terminal apparatus management method, and communication network system
A terminal apparatus generates a hash value from a sequence number based on a predetermined hash algorithm, and creates identification information from an IP address and/or a MAC address and the generated hash value based on a predetermined creation algorithm. Moreover, at the time of processing for shutdown or reboot, the terminal apparatus stores the current recording device information into a hard disk, and when booted next time, determines whether or not the current recording device information and the recording device information stored in the hard disk match with each other. Further, when booted, the terminal apparatus requests a response from another terminal apparatus in the network segment, and when there is not a response from another terminal apparatus, creates management information of terminal apparatuses including itself having been booted in the network segment. With this, spoofing as an authorized terminal apparatus can be prevented, a change of a recording medium can be monitored, and the traffic of the communication network needed for the management of the terminal apparatuses can be reduced. |
| US07933973B2 |
Obje network device service apparatus and method in UPnP network system
An Obje network device service apparatus in a Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) network system, the apparatus including: an information providing unit which discovers an Obje device, and provides information about the discovered Obje device; and an Obje service generation unit which generates a UPnP device, a counter Obje component, and an Obje client, based on the information about the Obje device, the UPnP device controlling the Obje client to use the Obje device in a UPnP control point and corresponding to the Obje device, the counter Obje component having a data type of the Obje device, and the Obje client generating a session for data transmission between the Obje device and the counter Obje component. |
| US07933972B1 |
Method and system for organizing categories of content in a distributed network
A method for organizing categories of digital content in a peer-to-peer computer network includes automatically collecting tag metadata when a user creates a tag for digital content stored in a peer computer system. Once the tag is created and the tag metadata is collected, both the tag and the tag metadata are stored in a server that is accessible to each of the peer computer systems. Here, the tag is automatically classified by its tag metadata such that the digital content can be accessed based on its tag metadata. |
| US07933967B2 |
Simultaneous sharing of storage drives on blade center
A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a microprocessor on each blade server for providing interfaces at the plurality of blade servers for simultaneous connection with a local or remote drive. The microprocessor can also configure the blade server to simultaneously connect with a plurality of local and/or remote drives. The microprocessor routes data packets between a management system and its respective blade server, while a management module in the management system manages the simultaneous access of the drive(s) by the plurality of blade servers or the plurality of drives by a blade server. This increases the efficiency of the system. |
| US07933957B2 |
Tracking email and instant messaging (IM) thread history
Systems and methods for integrating instant messaging (IM) services and email services are described. In one embodiment, email messages and IM chat session transcripts are threaded to each other so that an email thread history may be traced back to an IM chat session transcript and, conversely, an IM thread history may be traced back to an email message. |
| US07933954B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for network conferencing
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for conducting a peer to peer conference amongst remote participants. Prior to the conference, a library of digital objects is communicated to an upstream participant communications device and is further communicated from the upstream participant communications device to a downstream participant communications device. During the conference, a synchronization command is communicated from a host communications device to the upstream participant communications device, and then, communicated from the upstream participant communications device to the downstream participant communications device. The synchronization command instructs the upstream participant communications device as well as the connected downstream participant communications device to present an object from the library of digital objects. A synchronization acknowledgment is then communicated from the downstream participant communications device to the upstream communications device, and the upstream participant communications device communicates the synchronization acknowledgement to the host communications device. The synchronization acknowledgment confirms a successful presentation of the object on the upstream participant communications device and on the downstream participant communications device. |
| US07933951B2 |
Systems and methods for discerning and controlling communication traffic
Communication traffic redirection systems and methods are disclosed that allow for redirection of communication traffic over the Internet based, at least in part, on the type of higher-level communication protocol intended to be used. The systems and methods permit redirection of only certain types of communication traffic of interest for example HTTP traffic, while permitting other types of communication, for example SMTP traffic, to pass without redirection. The systems and method can employ a training and dynamic feedback procedure to ensure only traffic of interest is redirected. The systems and methods provide efficient redirection of specific types of traffic to redirect landing pages, and allow for efficient methods of generating revenue through advertising. |
| US07933950B1 |
Secure control of features of a digital device
A method providing secure control of features of a digital device. In one embodiment, the method comprises sending, from a digital device that participates in a service, to a service provider that provides the service, a request to participate in the service; receiving a digital message that identifies a service state for the digital device, wherein the digital message is encoded uniquely for the digital device, wherein the digital message is unusable at a different digital device; based on the digital message, determining a plurality of control values that collectively define the service state within the digital device; and providing the control values to one or more applications hosted by the digital device that deliver a service experience associated with the service, or a feature, to an end user of the digital device. |
| US07933949B2 |
Data processing apparatus which prevents data overflow and underflow
A data processing apparatus constitutes a low-cost audio/video data transmission and reception system. A reception buffer monitoring circuit 21 monitors the size of receiver data being accumulated in a reception buffer 6. When the size of accumulated data is found to become higher than a high threshold, the circuit 21 causes a reception clock generation circuit 8 to generate a reception clock with a higher frequency. When the accumulated data size becomes lower than a low threshold, the reception clock is generated with a lower frequency. Based on the reception clock fed from the reception clock generation circuit 8, an audio/video decoder 7 decodes the audio/video data coming from the reception buffer 6. The data processing apparatus applies advantageously to a television transmission and reception system for transmitting and receiving TV broadcast signals. |
| US07933947B2 |
Connection manager that supports failover protection
A method is described that involves identifying which session a received request pertains to. The method also involves referring to information maintained for the session. The information comprises first information that identifies a queue that provides notifications of requests to a worker node that is assigned to handle the session. The method also involves entering a request for a session into a shared memory. The method also involves entering a notification of the request into the queue. The method also involves, after failure of the worker node, retracting the notification from the queue, and, identifying a new worker node to handle the session with a load balancing algorithm. |
| US07933944B2 |
Combined fast multipole-QR compression technique for solving electrically small to large structures for broadband applications
An approach that efficiently solves for a desired parameter of a system or device that can include both electrically large fast multipole method (FMM) elements, and electrically small QR elements. The system or device is setup as an oct-tree structure that can include regions of both the FMM type and the QR type. An iterative solver is then used to determine a first matrix vector product for any electrically large elements, and a second matrix vector product for any electrically small elements that are included in the structure. These matrix vector products for the electrically large elements and the electrically small elements are combined, and a net delta for a combination of the matrix vector products is determined. The iteration continues until a net delta is obtained that is within predefined limits. The matrix vector products that were last obtained are used to solve for the desired parameter. |
| US07933943B2 |
Multiplierless FIR digital filter and method of designing the same
Provided are a multiplierless FIR digital filter and a method of designing the same, in which a filtering operation is performed by a small addition/subtraction circuit using extracted information after analyzing the property of a given coefficient and extracting information required for design by only adding/subtracting operations. In the method of designing the multiplierless FIR digital filter, tables are created to extract and store information needed for adding and subtracting operations. An addition table is created to store values obtained by adding the input data synchronized with a clock frequency. Further, a value corresponding to multiplication is obtained by performing extraction and error correction on the added values from the tables, and an adder chain of an output terminal sums up the values and outputs the filtering results, thereby effectively implementing a logic circuit of the multipliedess FIR digital filter. |
| US07933941B2 |
Arithmetic program conversion apparatus, arithmetic program conversion program and arithmetic program conversion method
An arithmetic program conversion apparatus, an arithmetic program conversion program and an arithmetic program conversion method that can convert the floating-point arithmetic of an arithmetic program into a fixed-point arithmetic without degrading the accuracy. The apparatus comprises a profile section that uses as object variables the floating-point type variables of an arithmetic program for performing floating-point arithmetic operations, alters the arithmetic program so as to output the changes in the values of the object variables as history at the time of executing the arithmetic program in order to provide a first program, executes the first program and detects the range of value of the object variables according to the history obtained as a result of the execution and a conversion section that alters the arithmetic program according to the ranges of value of the object variables as detected by the profile section so as to convert the object variables into fixed-point type variables in order to provide a second program, executes the second program and determines if the accuracy of the outcome of the execution of the second program meets the predefined and required accuracy level or not. |
| US07933939B2 |
Apparatus and method for partitioning data blocks
A method and apparatus for increasing the speed at which a block of data can be partitioning into variable-length subblocks is provided. The method combines a relatively high-speed partitioning algorithm (that can only partition a block into relatively small mean-length subblocks) with a relatively low-speed algorithm (that can partition a block into subblocks of any mean length) to yield a relatively high-speed partitioning algorithm that can partition blocks into subblocks of any mean-length. |
| US07933938B2 |
File storage system, file storing method and file searching method therein
A file storage system, a file storing method, and a file searching method. In the file storing method, a single file to be stored is classified into at least one or more objects, and the classified objects are classified into pages with a serial number. One storage device to record the file is selected among a plurality of storage devices connected through a network. One object is allocated to the selected storage device. Pages configuring the file of the object allocated to the selected storage device are stored. When all pages of the file are not stored, the remaining pages are stored by allocating new object to a new storage device. Metadata for managing information about the storage of the file is set. Accordingly, the file can be stored over several disks. In addition, the overall system performance can be increased by setting the file information in the object metadata simply using the least resources. |
| US07933936B2 |
Method and system for automatic management of storage space
A system and method are provided to manage storage space. The method comprises detecting a free storage space threshold condition for a storage volume and automatically applying a space management technique to achieve a free storage space threshold condition. Space management techniques comprise deleting selected backup data (e.g., persistent consistency point images) and automatically increasing the size of the storage volume. |
| US07933932B2 |
Statistics based database population
The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods that generate a simulation database based upon a source database. The simulation database can be populated using a schema and statistics obtained from the source database. After population, the simulation database can be statistically similar to the source database, facilitating testing, analysis, support and database design. More particularly, data distribution histograms can be used to generate data to populate the simulation database. At the same time, the referential integrity can be maintained. |
| US07933931B2 |
Notification system and method
A dispatching system adjusts resources to meet real-time changes in demand. When a customer requests service, a work assignment is generated and sent to an employee. When a customer cancels the requested service, a cancellation code is sent to the employee. The cancellation code informs the employee that the work assignment has been canceled. |
| US07933930B1 |
Systems and methods for creating documents from templates
A merge application creates a particular set of documents for a particular matter. The merge application receives a selection of a particular master template corresponding to the particular set of documents, where the selected master template specifies a plurality of slave templates, and also receives a selection of a data structure from a database with data relating to the particular matter. The selected master template and the selected data structure are employed to produce the set of documents for the particular matter in an electronic form, where a corresponding document of the set is produced for each specified slave template in the selected master template. Each corresponding document is produced according to common content in the slave template and data in the selected data structure in the database referred to by placeholders in the slave template. |
| US07933929B1 |
Network link for providing dynamic data layer in a geographic information system
A markup language is provided that facilitates communication between servers and clients of an interactive geographic information system (GIS, which enables a number of GIS features, such as network links (time-based and/or view-dependent dynamic data layers), ground overlays, screen overlays, placemarks, 3D models, and stylized GIS elements, such as geometry, icons, description balloons, polygons, and labels in the viewer by which the user sees the target area. Also, “virtual tours” of user-defined paths in the context of distributed geospatial visualization is enabled. Streaming and interactive visualization of filled polygon data are also enabled thereby allowing buildings and other such features to be provided in 3D. Also, techniques for enabling ambiguous search requests in a GIS are provided. |
| US07933926B2 |
User feedback system
A user feedback system for improving a performance of a software application is described. The feedback system includes a telemetry collection system and a user feedback collection system. A context aggregator collects data from both the telemetry collection system and the user feedback collection system, and constructs a data model that characterizes the data. Using this data model, the feedback system is able to provide or enable software support in a timely, convenient, and useful way. Specifically, data in the data model is standardized across a number of software applications and/or users, so that multiple data models, along with other data sources, may be meaningfully compared to identify a problem, and possibly a solution, associated with an operation of the software application. Additionally, users of the feedback system may be connected with a virtual community of other users who the system has determined may be helpful in assisting one another. |
| US07933925B2 |
System and method for role based analysis and access control
A system and method for program access control includes, for a typestate, providing typestate properties and assigning a role to the typestate in a program in accordance with the typestate properties. Access to operations is limited for the typestate in the program based on the role assigned to the typestate and an access permission level. |
| US07933922B2 |
Systems, methods and computer program products for automating retrieval of data from a DB2 database
Data is automatically retrieved from a DataBase 2 (DB2) database using a DB2 scripter module that is configured to automatically log on to the DB2 database, to automatically perform a query of the DB2 database, and to automatically extract from the DB2 database a dataset that results from the query. A dataset processor module is configured to convert the dataset into a text file, and to deliver the text file to a delivery site, for retrieval by the user. The DB2 scripter module can extract the dataset by printing the dataset to a DB2 virtual printer and/or by exporting the dataset to a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) site. |
| US07933921B2 |
Referent-controlled location resolution of resources in a federated distributed system
When receiving a client data access request directed to a first data container serviced by a first federation member, data of the first requested data container may be used to resolve a context identifier and identify a volume location database (VLDB) associated with a second federation member servicing a second data container. A look up request may then be sent to the VLDB to identify one or more locations of the second data container. The client's original data access request illustratively may then be responded to with the identified one or more locations of the second data container. |
| US07933919B2 |
One-pass sampling of hierarchically organized sensors
One-pass sampling is employed within a hierarchically organized structure to efficiently and expeditiously respond to sensor inquires. Identification of relevant sensors and sampling of those sensors is combined and performed in a single pass. Oversampling can also be employed to ensure a target sample size is met where some sensors fail or are otherwise unavailable. Further yet, sensor data can be cached and utilized to hasten processing as well as compensate for occasional sensor unavailability. |
| US07933916B2 |
Querying nonSQL data stores with a SQL-style language
A nonSQL index containing data associated with a social networking network is queried with a nonSQL query generated from a SQL query. A query translation component parses the SQL query for query parameters specifying requested data and identifies a type of the nonSQL index based on the nonSQL index. The query translation component generates a nonSQL query based on the query parameters and the type of nonSQL index and queries the nonSQL index with the generated nonSQL query to search for the requested data. The query translation component receives a nonSQL result set from the nonSQL index based on the nonSQL query and then transforms the nonSQL result set into a SQL result set based on the type of nonSQL index and the received SQL query. |
| US07933913B2 |
Secondary index and indexed view maintenance for updates to complex types
Pursuant to receipt of a data modification command or statement, such as an Update command, it is determined which fields in a data structure, such as a UDT, computed column, indexed view, or index, for example, will be changed as a result of the command. Only those fields that are affected by the command will be changed. Thus, changes are propagated to only to those dependent data structures whose content is being modified. Tree representations are used to facilitate the determination as to whether a subfield in a hierarchy is changed. |
| US07933908B1 |
Computer-implemented processing of heterogeneous data
A computer-implemented method for a computing environment employing a matrix-based mathematical programming language includes: generating a heterogeneous dataset in the computing environment, where the heterogeneous dataset embodies a plurality of variables for a plurality of subjects, where each element of a respective variable has a same data type, where the variables comprise at least two data types; accessing contents of the heterogeneous dataset with a single command in the computing environment, where the single command is a brace command, a dot command, or a parentheses command; and providing in the computing environment a portion of the heterogeneous dataset based on the single command. |
| US07933907B2 |
Methods and systems for providing personalized frequently asked questions
A method of selecting a set of questions to display comprises receiving a request from a user to access a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page. Account data for the user is retrieved. A set of questions is selected to display to the user based on the account data. This permits a set of questions to be automatically selected based on user account data. |
| US07933906B2 |
Method and system for assessing relevant properties of work contexts for use by information services
An information retrieval system for automatically retrieving information related to the context of an active task being manipulated by a user. The system observes the operation of the active task and user interactions, and utilizes predetermined criteria to generate context representation of the active task that are relevant to the context of the active task. The information retrieval system then processes the context representation to generate queries or search terms for conducting an information search. The information retrieval system determines the relevance of a word to the context by utilizing an adaptive weighting system. The information retrieval system assigns varying weights to different attributes of a word and calculates an accumulated weight of the word by accumulating all weights assigned to the word. The attributes may include word size, style, location of the word, etc. The system then ranks the importance of words based on their respective accumulated weight, and chooses words that rank within a predetermined number from the top to form search terms to conduct an information search using various data sources. |
| US07933903B2 |
System and method to determine the validity of and interaction on a network
A computer implemented system classifies a user interaction on a network. An interface collects a user interaction data relating to a user interaction on a network. The user interaction data comprises an aggregate measure data or a unique feature data. The processor, which is connected to the interface, processes the user interaction data to generate a value score for the user interaction and determines a classification of the user interaction based on the value score. |
| US07933900B2 |
Search over structured data
A user can refine a search over structured data by specifying that a label or an attribute value be used to further filter the results of a query. |
| US07933899B2 |
Dynamic bid pricing for sponsored search
A method for an online sponsored search system includes storing a database of items. At least some of the items include a keyword and a money amount associated with a respective advertiser. The method further includes receiving information about current user preferences within the online sponsored search system. When the received user information relates to a keyword of an item, the method includes automatically adjusting the money amount of the item based on the received user interest information. In response to a received user query, the method includes identifying items relating to the received user search query and generating a search result list including the related items. The method then includes ordering the related items according to the adjusted money amounts associated with the matching items. In response to the designation of a Web page to receive sponsored advertisements, the method includes identifying items relating to the subject matter of one or more portions of the Web page. In this instance, the method then includes determining which items are to be shown and their placement on the Web page according to the adjusted money amounts associated with the related items. |
| US07933897B2 |
Entity display priority in a distributed geographic information system
A system for ranking geospatial entities is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises an interface for receiving ranking data about a plurality of geospatial entities and an entity ranking module. The module uses a ranking mechanism to generate place ranks for the geospatial entities based on the ranking data. Ranked entity data generated by the entity ranking module is stored in a database. The entity ranking module may be configured to evaluate a plurality of diverse attributes to determine a total score for a geospatial entity. The entity ranking module may be configured to organize ranked entity data into placemark layers. |
| US07933896B2 |
Systems and methods of searching a document for relevant chunks in response to a search request
A computer identifies a document in response to a search request from a user, wherein the document includes content data and metadata and the search request includes one or more search keywords. The computer generates a hierarchical semantic model of the content data of the document by applying heuristics to the metadata of the document. The computer identifies a chunk within the document by scanning the hierarchical semantic model, wherein the identified chunk includes a subset of the content data that satisfies the search keywords and the corresponding metadata. The computer returns the identified chunk to the requesting user. |
| US07933894B2 |
Parameter-sensitive plans for structural scenarios
Systems and methods that generate specialized plans for compiling SQL queries. A plan generator component scans the query representation for parameter sensitive predicates and evaluates each predicate individually based on the parameter values. Accordingly, queries can be identified not only based on their structures, but also based on their parameter conditions. The specialized plans are more efficient for particular values, wherein queries that employ such values are optimally executed. |
| US07933887B2 |
File search apparatus, printer and file search method
When a process of searching for assets stored in a memory card is selected, a controller of a printer sets searching icons associated with previously set searching-keywords as current searching icons (S110), and each time a memory card is installed in a reader/writer, acquires all keywords associated with assets, which are search objects, from the installed memory card (S170), collates the set searching-keywords with the acquired keywords (S200), and displays searching-keywords among the set searching-keywords, that do not match any of the acquired keywords in a manner that differs from a normal display (S210). A user can thus recognize that a searching-keyword that has been set is not contained in the memory card 18 before the user executes an actual search. |
| US07933884B2 |
Apparatus and methods for tracking, querying, and visualizing behavior targeting processes
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for providing information that is related to user on-line behavior, which was also used at least partly to generate user scores by one or more behavior targeting processes. A query client may select to receive information from a plurality of different data feeds that are retained within a plurality of different databases by a plurality of different behavior targeting processes. The selectable data feeds generally correspond to different types or aggregations of user on-line behavior. In certain embodiments, information from the selected data feeds for a particular user is compiled and presented in a single, interactive user interface that allows the client to easily view various aspects of such information. |
| US07933883B2 |
Associative search engine
This invention relates to an advertisement machine which provides advertisements to a user searching for desired information within a data network. The machine receives, from a user, a search request including a search argument corresponding to the desired information and searches, based upon the received search argument, a first database having data network related information to generate search results. It also correlating the received search argument to a particular advertisement in a second database having advertisement related information. The search results together with the particular advertisement are provided by the machine to the user. |
| US07933882B2 |
Dynamic cluster database architecture
A method for implementing a set of database management components in a distributed database management system, the distributed database management system being implemented on a computer cluster. The method includes managing resources associated with an associated computer, the associated computer being one of a plurality of computers in the computer cluster. The method also includes managing locks on data stored on a plurality of associated data nodes coupled to the associated computer, wherein the associated data nodes are data nodes of a plurality of data nodes in the computer cluster. The method also includes specifying logical connections for the plurality of associated data nodes. |
| US07933879B2 |
Computerized hazardous material response tool
A computer-based method and apparatus for identifying hazardous materials based on observable physical properties and signs and systems of exposure to the hazardous materials. The observable physical properties are obtained by preprocessing plain language data to obtain normalized descriptors and modifiers pertaining to a plurality of properties and signs and symptoms. The normalized descriptors and signs and symptoms are presented to a user in lists for comparison with a sample in the field. Once a material is identified, information can be obtained from the apparatus which is necessary for response to an incident involving the hazardous material. The preferred embodiments of the invention are particularly useful to responders to a hazardous waste incident. |
| US07933875B2 |
File system with distributed components
A distributed file system is disclosed which may include one or more input/output (I/O) nodes and one or more compute nodes. The I/O nodes and the compute nodes may be communicably coupled through an interconnect. Each compute node may include applications to perform specific functions and perform I/O functions through libraries and file system call handlers. The file system call handlers may be capable of providing application programming interfaces (APIs) to facilitate communication between the plurality of I/O nodes and the applications. The file system call handlers may use a message port system to communicate with other compute nodes. |
| US07933872B2 |
Database backup, refresh and cloning system and method
An automated physical database backup, refresh and cloning system and method automatically generates scripts or commands for implementing one or more tasks related to physical database backup and/or database and application refresh or cloning operations between a source environment and a target environment. The scripts or commands make use of parameters describing the source and target environments, at least some of which are gathered prior to initiating backup and cloning. The tasks are performed during one or more backup, refresh and cloning phases. In some embodiments, scripts are automatically regenerated and executed after a failure associated with the source or target environment. |
| US07933871B2 |
Discovering and updating templates
Embodiments are provided to maintain templates associated with a client. New and updated templates can be provided to the client and accessed by a user. In an embodiment, a system can be configured to automatically update locally stored templates with updated templates associated with a library. The updated templates can replace or be used to update the locally stored templates and be used by an application user. In one embodiment, a client can be configured to automatically initiate an update process to retrieve and/or receive new and updated templates from an associated document library. The update process can also be used to provide additional information associated with a template, such as metadata describing aspects of an associated template. |
| US07933866B2 |
Systems, methods and software programs for data synchronization
In contrast to prior data synchronization processes, provided by aspects of the invention are systems, methods and software programs implementing a data synchronization process that employs a high-level interface of a respective data repository to extract valid information from the data repository in response to low-level changes in the data repository. In specific embodiments of the invention, the synchronization process is implemented within an adaptor interposed between a management system and a database system that serves as a middle-ware operable to link a respective data store interface, within a management system, to a respective managed platform, within the database system, so that the native API's of each can be employed in the operation of the data synchronization process. |
| US07933864B1 |
Surfacing forums associated with a search string
Creation, association, and/or placement of search forums for searches strings enable users to discuss aspects of both searches and elements associated with the searches, and further enable the users to view discussions from other users. The search forum may be generated from variations of the search string. In addition or alternatively, search strings may be associated with existing item forums, category forums, and tag forums. Search forums may be placed with, for example, search results or with items, categories, and/or tags, among other possibilities, to provide user access to the search forums. |
| US07933863B2 |
Database system and method for managing a database
A database management system and a method of managing a database storing a plurality of entities related to each other by a plurality of relations. The database management system includes a user interface for interfacing with the database in a current situation. The system also includes a context modeler for modeling a context representation and a server for storing a situation in which the user has been involved as at least one frame. The at least one frame describes at least one object and action involved in the situation in which the user has been involved and their relationship to each other. A context using the at least one frame is modeled by the context modeler so that when the context representation is applied to the database, operation of the database is adapted according to the situation. |
| US07933862B2 |
One click conditional formatting method and system for software programs
A method of conditionally formatting a display of data is disclosed that involves providing a preliminary display automatically showing the intended consequences of the condition applied to the data prior to making the condition actually apply to the data. This is especially useful in analysis of spreadsheet data by conditionally formatting certain data. The method involves identifying one or more parameters of the data to be conditionally formatted on the display, selecting a predetermined condition; and automatically applying temporarily the predetermined condition to the parameter(s), displaying a temporary preview on the display of the predetermined condition applied to data that meet the predetermined condition. The method also provides the capability to preliminarily change the conditions and parameters applied to the data and automatically provide appropriate previews of the effect of such application of changed conditions on the displayed data. |
| US07933858B2 |
General framework for graphical simulations
A system is described that treats a solver as an ordered sequence of steps involving the different objects that have to be simulated and relationships between them. Tasks and the order of the tasks are obtained from each object and relationship. The tasks are merged into a sorted list. The solver traverses the list and passing each task to a corresponding object and relationship where the objects are interleaved during processing. The object or relationship then executes the task. |
| US07933857B2 |
Translator support system, server, method and recording medium
A server having a database sequentially registers a plurality of Japanese messages to be translated into the database. In parallel to the registration, the server provides a first translation terminal with Japanese messages already registered, acquires English messages translated by the first translation terminal, and sequentially registers the acquired English messages in the database in association with corresponding Japanese messages. In parallel to the processes, the server provides individual second translation terminals with English messages already registered, acquires multilingual messages translated by the second translation terminals, and sequentially registers the acquired multilingual messages in the database in association with corresponding English messages. |
| US07933851B2 |
Processing of high-dimensional categorical predictors in classification settings
Systems and methods provide for preprocessing non-metric response categories in order to efficiently cluster or partition predictors have similar responses. The non-metric response categories are transformed into distance vectors by calculating a frequency count for the response, transforming the frequency count to a proportional value, and calculating a distance vector using the vector of proportional values. |
| US07933847B2 |
Limited-memory quasi-newton optimization algorithm for L1-regularized objectives
An algorithm that employs modified methods developed for optimizing differential functions but which can also handle the special non-differentiabilities that occur with the L1-regularization. The algorithm is a modification of the L-BFGS (limited-memory Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno) quasi-Newton algorithm, but which can now handle the discontinuity of the gradient using a procedure that chooses a search direction at each iteration and modifies the line search procedure. The algorithm includes an iterative optimization procedure where each iteration approximately minimizes the objective over a constrained region of the space on which the objective is differentiable (in the case of L1-regularization, a given orthant), models the second-order behavior of the objective by considering the loss component alone, using a “line-search” at each iteration that projects search points back onto the chosen orthant, and determines when to stop the line search. |
| US07933846B2 |
Mail processing system including dimensional rating with true length support
A mail processing system that includes dimensional rating capability that provides true length support for carrier rates to prevent improper classification of mail pieces. The mail processing system determines a first dimension, parallel to the path of travel, and a second dimension, transverse to the path of travel, of a mail piece. The first dimension and second dimension are compared to each other to determine which is greater. The greater of the two dimensions is assigned to be the length of the mail piece, regardless of the orientation of the mail piece. The format of the mail piece is then determined based on a comparison of the assigned length and assigned width dimensions to maximum dimensions specified by a format table. Based on the determined format of the mail piece, a delivery fee is then calculated, and an indicium can be generated for the mail piece. |
| US07933845B1 |
Image-customization of computer-based value-bearing items
The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for customizing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, customizing a computer-based postage-indicia-bearing item such as exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable indication of an amount of postage 5. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable identifier (such as a serial number) 6 that will uniquely identify the particular customized computer-based postage label. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a machine-readable set of information 7. |
| US07933840B2 |
Electronic signature security system
One embodiment of the invention enhances the security of electronic signatures during transmission. A peripheral device, which may be located remotely and separate from a host processing system, captures the signature. The peripheral device then binds the signature to the particular transaction record and transmits it to the host processing system. The host processing system validates or confirms the received signature before accepting the transaction. Binding the signature and record data together at the point-of-use reduces the likelihood that someone may be able to hack into the transmission medium, encrypted or not, and obtain the raw signature data. By binding or associating the signature and transaction record data together at the point-of-use, each transaction has a unique key, further foiling attempts at hacking. In various implementations, rather than associating the whole signature with the transaction record data, signature sample points or segments are encrypted with transaction record data. |
| US07933837B2 |
Content information providing system, content information providing server, content reproduction apparatus, content information providing method, content reproduction method and computer program
A content information providing system is disclosed which can protect the copyrights of contents while permitting users who do not purchase the contents to utilize the contents. A content information providing server includes a user information storage section for storing a user key unique to each user, a content key storage section for storing content keys unique to individual contents, a recommendation section for selecting a content to be recommended to the user, a content key encryption section for encrypting the selected content key with a user key of the user of a target of the recommendation, and a content information sender section for transmitting the encrypted content key to a content reproduction apparatus used by the user. The content reproduction apparatus includes a content information receiver section for receiving the content key, and a content key decryption section for decrypting the encrypted content key. |
| US07933836B2 |
Proxy-based, transaction authorization system
A system is disclosed that features a transport vehicle in which a responsive object is present, such as a truck in which a cellphone is present, in which the object is equipped to provide location or other state information when queried. The transport vehicle is outfitted with a proxy that represents the responsive object. The proxy is configured such that it is better able than the responsive object to estimate the responsive object's location or state. The vehicle is also outfitted with i) sensors that detect the responsive object and ii) sensors that detect state information of the vehicle. The object sensors are able to query the object in the same way as the querying device would query that object in the prior art. Using information from the sensors, the proxy then responds to the query on behalf of the responsive object, and an authentication device processes the query. |
| US07933834B2 |
Interactive bill payment center
A software suite for enabling viewing and manipulation of multiple categories of aggregated data compiled from a plurality of data sources and accessible through a single interfacing node operated on a data-packet-network is provided. A bill-payment module is provided within the software suite and comprises, an interactive main interface accessible from the module for listing the bills due and payment accounts, an interactive history link embedded in the main interface for providing access to a secondary interface for viewing bill history, an interactive set-up link embedded in the main interface for providing access to a secondary interface for configuring recurring payments, an interactive transfer-funds link embedded in the main interface for providing access to a secondary interface for enabling automated transfer of funds between registered accounts, an interactive calendar link embedded in the main interface for providing access to a secondary interface for viewing calendar data, a plurality of interactive drop-down menus, each menu associated with a listed bill, the menus providing upon invocation a plurality of selectable, interactive options for treating the listed bill and an interactive refresh-all link embedded in the main interface for enabling selective or complete data refreshing of data displayed in the interface. A user operating the main interface from a remote node having access to the data-packet-network may view all aggregated bills and initiate treatment of such bills according to selected interactive options. The treatment is ordered by the operating user and performed by proxy by a service entity hosting the interface. |
| US07933831B2 |
Methods and systems for virtual trading of securities
A virtual trading method and system such that customers select investments, but the funds transferred in the amount of such investments are instead invested by an investment company. Customers receive the value of their selected investments and potentially incentives provided by the investment company, such as rebates. |
| US07933830B1 |
System and method for prioritized automated trading in an electronic trading environment
A system and method are provided for prioritized automated trading. One example method may include receiving a plurality of parameters, where each parameter has an order-related action associated with a trading strategy, and then detecting one or more events that trigger a plurality of order related actions. The method then includes determining priority levels in relation to a plurality of triggered order-related actions using at least one priority rule, and processing the plurality of triggered order-related action in an order associated with the determined priority levels. |
| US07933823B1 |
Order processing apparatus and method
An apparatus for processing trading orders, comprising: a central server connectable to a plurality of terminals on which user orders are to be entered. The central server further comprises: communication means for transmitting user orders between said terminals and said central server via a network; first storage means for storing received user orders as an array whose elements define a particular first resource ordered by a particular user; the first storage means is also to be used for storing the resources that may be offered by users for exchange against the first resource ordered; second storage means for storing an array of coefficients each representing the proportion of a particular order that is to be satisfied; processing means for retrieving the orders from the first storage means, calculating an optimized set of values of the coefficients with respect to at least one predetermined, adjustable constraint and at least one predetermined, adjustable criterion, storing the optimized coefficient values in said second storage means; and output means for communicating the processed orders and their respective coefficients. |
| US07933814B2 |
Method and system to determine if a composite service level agreement (SLA) can be met
A method and system for determining whether a composite service level agreement (SLA) may be met. An exemplary method comprises calculating a baseline metric value for a plurality component service level agreements (SLA) and comparing the baseline metric value to historical metric values for each of the plurality of component services. |
| US07933811B2 |
Method for use with a wireless communication device for facilitating tasks using images and selections
An image of at least one object (14) is captured. An object class selection is received from a menu (70) of a plurality of object classes. At least one task menu, specific to the object class selection is provided. A task selection is received from the at least one task menu. A task associated with the at least one object (14) is facilitated based on the image and the task selection. |
| US07933810B2 |
Collectively giving gifts in a social network environment
A method for collectively purchasing a gift in a social network environment is described. A request is received to establish a gift account, a recipient user of the social network environment is designated to receive the gift, and the gift is selected. Money is received from a plurality of contributing users for deposit into the gift account, and the selected gift is purchased using the money deposited in the gift account. The purchased gift is then provided to the recipient user. |
| US07933809B2 |
Method, medium, and system for automatically embedding information concerning items appearing in video using RFID tags
The present solution can include a method for embedding information contained within a RFID tag into a video. A RFID tag can be loaded with item information specific to a product item. The RFID tag can then be attached to a physical item corresponding to the product item. While the physical item is being recorded, the RFID tag can be simultaneously scanned to obtain the item information automatically. The item information can then be embedded within the video at the time when the physical item is present. A user can view and interact with the generated video in a manner that permits the user to selectively view and/or otherwise utilize the embedded item information. For example, a user can opt to purchase an item appearing in the interactive video. |
| US07933808B2 |
Rental network security system and method
A system and method of facilitating a rental transaction of a tangible item is provided. Initially, a lessee pickup code is communicated from a borrowing party to an owning party upon exchanging the tangible item between the owning party and the borrowing party. The owning party subsequently transmits the lessee pickup code to a central controller. A rental period for the exchanged tangible item begins upon verifying, by the central controller, that the lessee pickup code sent by the owning party is the lessee pickup code originally provided to the borrowing party. When the tangible item is returned to the owning party, the owning party communicates a return code to the borrowing party. The return code is transmitted by the borrowing party to the central controller. The central controller verifies that the return code is the return code originally provided to the owning party. |
| US07933805B2 |
Safe stock amount calculation method, safe stock amount calculation device, order making moment calculation method, order making moment calculation device, and order making amount calculation method
A safety stock amount calculation method includes calculating a probability Pb that a delivery time for a certain commodity required by a customer is shorter than its lead time L, calculating an average LL of a difference between the lead time L and the customer's required delivery time when the lead time L exceeds the customer's required delivery time, correcting an inventory adjustment period N by using the average value LL, and calculating a safety stock amount SS by the equations SS=Pb×k×(√N×F)×σ, wherein σ is a standard deviation of demand for the commodity, N is a corrected inventory adjustment period, Pb is a probability, F is a shipment frequency, and k is a safety coefficient. |
| US07933802B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for storing internet advertisements at a user computer
A method for storing Internet advertisements at a user computer includes receiving plural Internet advertisements at the user computer. Some of the advertisements are tagged using a hypertext markup language (html) tag. An Internet browser within the computer determines which received advertisements are tagged and saves them within the computer. The saved advertisements are then displayed for a user to review later, e.g., in response to a button being toggled. |
| US07933797B2 |
Purchase selection behavior analysis system and method
A market research method is provided, the method including analyzing shopper path data representing a plurality of shopper paths through a store. The analysis typically include, at predetermined time intervals, for each of a plurality of shoppers traveling through the store, and for each of one or more displays positioned in the store: determining a simulated line of sight for each shopper; calculating a distance from each shopper to the display; calculating a time of exposure of the shopper to the display; calculating a peripheral angle of the display from the shoppers simulated line of sight; and calculating a rotation angle of the display relative to the shopper's simulated line of sight. Further, the method may also include, for each of the one or more displays, calculating a visibility measure based on the time of exposure, distance, peripheral angle and rotational angle measured at each of the time intervals, for each of the plurality of shoppers. The method may further include calculating a rating points measure for each display, based on the visibility measure for each display. |
| US07933796B1 |
Method of and system for evaluating credit risk associated with a financial asset
A method of estimating credit risk associated with a financial asset includes receiving data regarding the asset and corresponding to a first date; determining a parameter using received data and the amount of time between the first date and a second date, the parameter being based on a predetermined estimate of the predictive value of received data with regard to a possible adverse event associated with the asset on the second date; and determining a probability of the adverse event as a function of the parameter. A system for estimating credit risk associated with a financial asset includes memory configured to store received data regarding the asset and a processor coupled to the memory and operable to execute programmed instructions, wherein the programmed instructions are configured to determine the parameter and the probability of the adverse event as a function of the parameter. |
| US07933790B2 |
Pay request system
This web enabled system is capable of facilitating the management of unlimited projects within which an unlimited number of parties may participate to complete an unlimited number of stages, substages and tasks. The system facilitates the efficient disbursal of monies while reducing the inefficiencies that result when money is not timely disbursed. It uses a quasi-escrow system to secure waivers and distribute money simultaneously. Projected timelines for completion, tracking of materials used and materials stored, and partial payments and releases are all managed by the system based on inputs by participating parties. Allowed inputs are governed by each party's function and the password security level provided therefore, in balance with checks against required approvals or releases by other affected parties and intrasystem consistency checks. |
| US07933786B2 |
Collaborative intelligent task processor for insurance claims
An insurance claim processing system may include an insurance claim database, an event processor component, a task engine component and a collaborative intelligent task processor. The insurance claim database may be configured to store and provide access to data in a data record that is related to an insurance claim. The event processor component may be executable with a computer to iteratively monitor the data in the data record and identify events. The task engine component may be executable with a computer in response to one of the identified events to generate tasks indicative of information that needs to be acquired based on the contents of the data record. The collaborative intelligent task processor may be executable with a computer to analyze a task generated by the task engine component and select an action plan that is responsive to the task. The action plan may include a first procedure that enables the collaborative intelligent task processor to acquire information related to the insurance claim, and a second procedure that enables the collaborative intelligent task processor to process the information to yield a result responsive to the task. |
| US07933784B2 |
Method and apparatus for automating multi-national insurance information requests
An apparatus, method, and computer program product for maintaining data regarding the compliance of vendors with insurance requirements of a number of nations. |
| US07933774B1 |
System and method for automatic generation of a natural language understanding model
A system and method is provided for rapidly generating a new spoken dialog application. In one embodiment, a user experience person labels the transcribed data (e.g., 3000 utterances) using a set of interactive tools. The labeled data is then stored in a processed data database. During the labeling process, the user experience person not only groups utterances in various call type categories, but also flags (e.g., 100-200) specific utterances as positive and negative examples for use in an annotation guide. The labeled data in the processed data database can also be used to generate an initial natural language understanding (NLU) model. |
| US07933772B1 |
System and method for triphone-based unit selection for visual speech synthesis
A system and method for generating a video sequence having mouth movements synchronized with speech sounds are disclosed. The system utilizes a database of n-phones as the smallest selectable unit, wherein n is larger than 1 and preferably 3. The system calculates a target cost for each candidate n-phone for a target frame using a phonetic distance, coarticulation parameter, and speech rate. For each n-phone in a target sequence, the system searches for candidate n-phones that are visually similar according to the target cost. The system samples each candidate n-phone to get a same number of frames as in the target sequence and builds a video frame lattice of candidate video frames. The system assigns a joint cost to each pair of adjacent frames and searches the video frame lattice to construct the video sequence by finding the optimal path through the lattice according to the minimum of the sum of the target cost and the joint cost over the sequence. |
| US07933770B2 |
Method and device for coding audio data based on vector quantisation
A wideband audio coding concept is presented that provides good audio quality at bit rates below 3 bits per sample with an algorithmic delay of less than 10 ms. The concept is based on the principle of Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) in an analysis-by-synthesis framework. A spherical codebook is used for quantisation at bit rates which are higher in comparison to low bit rate speech coding for improved performance for audio signals. For superior audio quality, noise shaping is employed to mask the coding noise. In order to reduce the computational complexity of the encoder, the analysis-by synthesis framework has been adapted for the spherical codebook to enable a very efficient excitation vector search procedure. Furthermore, auxiliary information gathered in advance is employed to reduce a computational encoding and decoding complexity at run time significantly. This auxiliary information can be considered as the SCELP codebook. Due to the consideration of the characteristics of the apple-peeling-code construction principle, this codebook can be stored very efficiently in a read-only-memory. |
| US07933769B2 |
Methods and devices for low-frequency emphasis during audio compression based on ACELP/TCX
In a method and device for low-frequency emphasis, where the spectrum of a sound signal is transformed in a frequency domain and comprises transform coefficients grouped in a number of blocks, a maximum energy for one block having a position index is calculated. Also, a factor having a position index smaller than the position index of the block with maximum energy is calculated for each block. For each block, an energy of the block is calculated, the factor is computed from the calculated maximum energy and the computed energy of the block, and a gain is determined from the factor and applied to the transform coefficients of the block. |
| US07933761B2 |
Creation of clock and data simulation vectors with periodic jitter
Methods for generating simulation vectors incorporating periodic jitter, or phase-shifted periodic jitter are disclosed. Periodic jitter, such as sinusoidal jitter, is preferably represented by a mathematical equation which defines the amount of jitter experienced at each cycle of a clock or data signal. The calculated periodic jitter for each cycle is used to form a new multi-cycle vector incorporating the jitter. If a particular signal to be simulated additionally needs to travel a particular distance such that it would experience a time delay, that time delay may also be incorporated into the jitter equation as a phase shift. So incorporating the time delay into the jitter equation allows for the easy simulation of circuits receiving the vectors without the need to actually design or “lay out” the circuits that imposing the time delay. This technique is particularly useful in efficient modeling, or optimization of, the clock distribution network and sample circuits used to receive data in a SDRAM integrated circuit. |
| US07933760B2 |
Bitcell simulation device and methods
A method of simulating operation of a bitcell includes determining sensitivities of a bitcell model to different component characteristics and device parameters, such as device temperature, operating voltage, and process characteristics. The determined sensitivities are normalized, so that each normalized value represents the relative sensitivity of the bitcell, under the simulated device parameters, to the component characteristic associated with the value. The normalized sensitivity values can be scaled based on a tolerance factor, and the adjusted sensitivities used to model the behavior of each component of the bitcell in subsequent simulations. |
| US07933751B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program providing broadband preconditioning based on reduced coupling for numerical solvers
This invention relates to computing numerical solutions of linear systems of equations, specifically to implementing preconditioning of the coefficient matrix of such a system. The preconditioning applies to any coefficient matrix, dense or sparse, based on the solutions of a physical problem of unknown functions, commonly referred to as basis or interpolation functions, where the basis function spans more then one mesh element. Examples of such linear systems can result from, as examples, an electromagnetic analysis of printed circuit boards or field scattering in radar applications, fluid mechanics and acoustics. A method and system to compute a preconditioner for a coefficient matrix A that is compatible with the linear system of equations that provides basis function support over at least two mesh elements. Coupling of the preconditioner between partitions of a portioned mesh representation is only through basis functions at the partition boundaries. |
| US07933748B1 |
System and method for facilitating specification allocation of hierarchical systems
A system, method, and software program for facilitating the assignment of cell specifications to a plurality of cells of a system design. The methods include generating a plurality of candidate cell specifications that meet the specification for the system design. In one embodiment, the method entails using information related to intra-range preference for cell specifications to generate a set of alternative system pareto-optimal solutions which define a boundary of a region of candidate cell specifications. In another embodiment, the method entails generating a substantially uniform set of candidate cell specifications using a prediction-based performance model, such as support vector regression model or cluster-weighted model, an optimizing algorithm such as conjugate-gradient or Markov Chain Monte Carlo Method, and a sample density model. The method may also include graphically displaying substantially uniformly distributed cell performance data and corresponding system performance data, and allowing a user to focus on regions-of-interest via a selectable range graphic feature. |
| US07933743B2 |
Determining overall network health and stability
A network health analyzer that analyzes health of a computer network may be implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A network profile having an issue profile and one or more benchmarks appropriate for the network is determined. A set of numeric measures that is common to all issues in the issue profile is established. The network health analyzer collects data points pertaining to the operation of the network. Based on the data points, numeric values corresponding to the numeric measures may be calculated. In turn, health indexes for all issues in the issue profile may be determined. Based on these health indexes for the issues, an overall health rating may be determined. |
| US07933742B2 |
Abnormality diagnosing method for sound or vibration and abnormality diagnosing apparatus for sound or vibration
A noise detection signal detected at an evaluation point is filtered by a low pass filter, so that an evaluation waveform signal is extracted. A real signal mother wavelet of complex type is derived from the extracted evaluation waveform signal. Using this mother wavelet, an abnormal waveform signal stored in advance is processed by wavelet transformation. Then, a correlation value is calculated between the abnormal waveform signal and the mother wavelet. The correlation value is compared with a predetermined criterion, so that the presence or absence of abnormality in a sound source or vibration source corresponding to each abnormal waveform signal is determined. |
| US07933740B2 |
Systems and methods for structural clustering of time sequences
Arrangements and methods for performing structural clustering between different time series. Time series data relating to a plurality of time series is accepted, structural features relating to the time series data are ascertained, and at least one distance between different time series via employing the structural features is determined. The different time series may be partitioned into clusters based on the at least one distance, and/or the k closest matches to a given time series query based on the at least one distance may be returned. |
| US07933739B2 |
Automated analysis of datacenter layout using temperature sensor positions
Systems, methods, and software for analyzing the layout of computer equipment racks in a datacenter. One embodiment involves obtaining the position relative to the computer room of each of a plurality of temperature sensors distributed among a plurality of computer components mounted between opposing intake and exhaust ends of each computer equipment rack. The layout of the computer equipment racks is automatically determined from the positions of the temperature sensors, and a representation of the layout of the computer equipment racks is electronically stored or displayed. The actual layout is compared to target layout parameters to score the layout. |
| US07933737B2 |
Estimating the ambient temperature of air outside of a computer system
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that estimates an ambient temperature of air outside of a computer system. During operation, a temperature inside the computer system is measured for different flow rates of air into the computer system. Next, the temperature measurements are used to determine a relationship between the temperature inside the computer system and a parameter related to the flow rate of air into the computer system. Then, the ambient temperature of air outside the computer system is estimated based on the relationship. |
| US07933730B2 |
Method and system for restoration of a navigation data loss in image-guided navigation
A method for restoring navigation failure information in a fluoroscopy-based imaging system is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a plurality of receiver navigation information using a calibration target rigidly attached to a supporting member of the imaging system. The calibration target may include a plurality of receivers providing navigation information and the supporting member may be a C-arm. The method identifies a navigation failure and corresponding to the navigation failure a calibrated receiver navigation information is generated. The calibrated receiver navigation information is generated using a calibration information and a C-arm imaging position obtained during navigation failure. A receiver navigation information corresponding to the navigation failure is estimated using the calibrated receiver navigation information, and a transmitter navigation information. Also disclosed is a restoration unit for restoring navigation failure information in a fluoroscopy-based imaging system and a fluoroscopic imaging system using the restoration unit. |
| US07933727B2 |
Method and device for interference suppression in electromagnetic multi-channel measurement
The present invention recognises and eliminates from a biomagnetic measurement signal interferences whose source is disposed in the direct vicinity of an object being measured. The invention utilises the SSS method that can be used to separate from one another the signals associated with the internal and external sources of a set of measurement sensors by calculating two series developments. The sources to be examined in the invention and disposed in the so-called intermediate space produce a component to both of the developments, and can, therefore, be detected by means of an analysis to be performed in a time domain. This division into components can be made using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the Independent Component Analysis (ICA) or the Singular Value Decomposition. Finally, the clarified interferences in the intermediate space can be eliminated from the measured signal using, for example, the linear algebraic orthogonal projection. |
| US07933720B2 |
Biomolecule bonding detection apparatus using RF wireless energy transmission and method thereof
An apparatus for detecting a biomolecule bonding using a radio frequency (RF) wireless energy transmission and a method thereof are disclosed. The method includes transmitting RF energy to a sensor module having one or more probe biomolecules immobilized thereon, and determining a first energy charging time of the sensor module, the first energy charging time representing the amount of time for the sensor to be completely charged by the transmitted RF energy, prior to mixing of the one or more probe biomolecules with one or more target sample biomolecules. A second energy charging time of the sensor module is determined, the second energy charging time representing the amount of time for the sensor to be completely charged by the transmitted RF energy, following mixing of the one or more probe biomolecules with one or more target biomolecule sample. A determination of whether biomolecule bonding has occurred is based on a variation of the first and second energy charging times. |
| US07933718B2 |
Method and tool for determination of fracture geometry in subterranean formations based on in-situ neutron activation analysis
A method for determining fracture geometry of a subterranean formation from radiation emitted from a fracture in the formation, including measuring gamma-radiation emitted from the fracture; subtracting background radiation from the measured gamma-radiation to obtain a peak-energy measurement; comparing the peak-energy measurement with a gamma-ray transport/spectrometer response model; and determining formation fracture geometry of the fracture in accordance with values associated with the response model. |
| US07933714B2 |
Device for assisting ground navigation of an aircraft on an airport
A device includes a current position unit for determining a current position of a aircraft, a mapping database, a navigation system, a current heading unit for determining the current heading of the aircraft, and a display system for displaying on a viewing screen, at least a partial map of the airport and, thereon, an aircraft symbol which is positioned at the current position and which is oriented in accordance with the current heading. |
| US07933713B2 |
Control of peak engine output in an engine with a knock suppression fluid
A method for supplying two types of fuel to an engine of a vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, an amount of a first fuel supplied to the engine is adjusted in response to a condition of a fuel separator. The method can improve vehicle drivability at least during some conditions. |
| US07933711B1 |
Methods and systems for assisted direct start control
Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine spin-down in an engine that is shutdown during engine idle-stop conditions and restarted during restart conditions. In one example, the method comprises, during an automatic engine idle-stop, turning off spark, operating a first cylinder with a rich ratio of air to injected fuel richer than a rich flammability limit, operating a second cylinder with a lean ratio of air to injected fuel leaner than a lean flammability limit, and mixing un-combusted exhaust from the first and second cylinders with exhaust, the exhaust mixture being substantially stoichiometric. |
| US07933705B2 |
Method and system for controlling operation of a transmission lockup clutch
A method of controlling a reduction of an amount of fuel supplied to an engine provided to a motor vehicle with an automatic transmission separated from the engine by a torque converter is provided. The method includes the step of sensing commencement of a deceleration state during which an amount of the fuel supplied to the engine is to be reduced to an amount that is less than an amount of fuel being delivered to the engine immediately prior to the deceleration state. Whether synchronization of an engine output shaft and a transmission input shaft is appropriate under the deceleration stat is also to be determined. Frictional engagement is to be established between mating surfaces in cooperation with the engine output shaft and the transmission input shaft, and a first compressive lockup force is to be established between the mating surfaces during a first time period to urge synchronization of the engine output shaft and the transmission input shaft, wherein the first time period ends before said synchronization is accomplished. A second compressive lockup force is also to be established between the mating surfaces during a second time period after the first time period and before synchronization is achieved, wherein the second compressive lockup force is less than the first lockup force but sufficient to urge synchronization of the engine output shaft and the transmission input shaft. |
| US07933704B2 |
Method and device for controlling an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle
An automatic transmission of a power train for a motor vehicle capable of producing a set operating speed and a set power train control to attain an engine speed, according to a torque applied to wheels that is adapted to wishes of the driver. The device includes: an input unit that furnishes input data; a control unit having at least two modules according to two distinct driving modes, an automatic mode and a manual mode with pulse control; a processing module for processing signals furnished by a motor vehicle speed control; a selection module that receives signals from the processing module and from the motor vehicle speed control and capable of furnishing a selection signal (mode). |
| US07933703B2 |
Control system of open/close part for a vehicle
A control system of an open/close part for a vehicle includes an open/close part which can open or close, installed at an opening of a vehicle, a driving device supplying power for operating the open/close part, a load detection unit detecting a load of operation applied to the driving device, and a controller controlling the driving device through detecting a position of the open/close part, wherein, while the open/close part is being operated, the controller performs detection on a foreign object being trapped by determining whether the operation load applied to the driving device detected by the load detection unit is larger than a pre-determined threshold, and wherein, if the controller determines that a pre-determined condition based on a pre-determined manipulation is satisfied, the controller performs detection on a foreign object being trapped using a second threshold which is smaller than the pre-determined threshold. |
| US07933701B2 |
Closed-loop motion-control system using error to modify gain
A method of operating a motion-control system is provided. The motion-control system may include an actuator and a moveable component driven by the actuator. The method may include providing input that indicates a target value of a parameter of the motion of at least one of the actuator and the moveable component with an operator-input device that is mechanically decoupled from the moveable component. The method may also include controlling the operation of the actuator at least in part with a control signal, including generating the control signal at least in part by determining a control gain based at least in part on a control error between the target value of the parameter and an actual value of the parameter. Generating the control signal may also include multiplying the control gain by the control error or a value derived from the control error. |
| US07933700B2 |
Methods and systems for end of travel harshness reduction
A control system for controlling a steering system is provided. The control system includes a first module that selectively determines a gain curve based on a position of a hand wheel of the steering system. A second module determines a motor assist command based on the gain curve. |
| US07933696B2 |
Distributed arithmetic logic unit security check
A vehicle diagnostic system is provided. The system includes: a first control module that includes a first processor and that controls a first vehicle subsystem; and second control module that controls a second vehicle subsystem and that validates the functionality of the first processor of the first control module wherein if the second control module determines that the first processor of the first control module is faulty, the second control module shuts down the first control module. |
| US07933693B2 |
System and method for harvesting business intelligence from maritime communications
A system for harvesting business intelligence from maritime communications uses AIS signals as the source of information regarding the position and heading of vessels. The system builds and maintains a data base of location information of vessels within one or more defined geographic areas over time. The system further includes definitions of points of interest and can use the information from the AIS signals to identify and store events associated with the points of information. |
| US07933691B2 |
System for and method of monitoring free play of aircraft control surfaces
A system for monitoring the free play in aircraft control surfaces includes one or more accelerometers secured in or on the aircraft control surfaces and a computer system connected to the one or more accelerometers and to one or more control surface actuators to selectively activated to selectively activate a control surface and send a reading from the control surface to the computer system. The computer system includes means to plot the readings from the one or more accelerometers on the control surfaces to plot a curve of the free play in the selected control surface. The method of the invention utilizes the one or more accelerometers placed in or on the aircraft control surfaces and connects them to the aircraft's flight control computer or a similar computer to receive signals originated by vibrating the control surfaces and plotting curves of the free play measured in the control surfaces. |
| US07933686B2 |
Method of dividing coverage area for robot and device thereof
A method of dividing a coverage area of a robot and a device for the same. That is, a method of producing a space map for a robot to work and dividing the space map into at least one segment and a device for the same. The method includes producing an occupancy grid map composed of grid points that are probabilistically distributed by sensing a distance from an obstacle, producing a configuration space map by increasing the thickness of an obstacle and a wall in the occupancy grid map on the basis of the radius and size of the robot, and dividing an area by sweeping the area with a band-typed slice in the configuration space map. |
| US07933685B1 |
System and method for calibrating a wafer handling robot and a wafer cassette
A system and method is disclosed for calibrating a semiconductor wafer handling robot and a semiconductor wafer cassette. A robot blade boot is attached to a robot blade of the semiconductor handling robot. The robot blade boot decreases a value of tolerance for the robot blade to move between two semiconductor wafers in the semiconductor wafer cassette. In one embodiment the vertical tolerance is decreased to approximately twenty thousandths of an inch (0.020″) on a top and a bottom of the robot blade boot. The use of the robot blade boot makes the calibration steps more critical and precise. The robot blade boot is removed from the robot blade after the calibration process has been completed. |
| US07933684B2 |
Autonomous mobile robot
An autonomous mobile robot is provided which is autonomously movable, including an upper body, legs connected under the upper body, a first detector which detects an object in a front region of the upper body in a moving direction of the robot, and a second detector which detects an object in a region other than a sensing region sensed by the first detector including at least a rear region, a rear right region, and a rear left region of the upper body. |
| US07933683B2 |
Partition plate usable for V-measure in medicine holding machine
Embodiments of the invention provide a partition plate capable of efficiently cleaning a medicine remaining in a V-measure. The partition plate comprises: a slide member (8) which is installed so as to be capable of reciprocating along side plates and has a guide reception part (11); and a partition member (9) which has a guide part (18) removably guided by the guide reception part (11) of the slide member (8) and reciprocates together with the slide member (8) while maintaining such a state so as to be parallel with an end plate (5). |
| US07933682B2 |
Integrated, non-sequential, remote medication management and compliance system
An integrated medication management and compliance system for enabling a care provider to remotely manage and deliver individual doses of therapeutic products to a patient, in a non-sequential fashion. The system includes delivery apparatus remotely located from the care provider, wherein the apparatus stores a plurality of sealed unit dose packages that are delivered to a patient at a scheduled dosing time. The delivery apparatus is coupled to a control facility and to a computer terminal of the care provider by way of a secure communications network. The system enables the patient's medication regimen to be remotely tailored in real-time to accommodate fluid medical conditions. |
| US07933680B2 |
Tangential manufacturing system
Manufacturing system (100) comprises only a few essential components, including: the workpiece(s) (110); the fixtures, or workpiece holding means, (120); the centrifuge (130), including a base (140) and axle (150); the release system (160), preferably a laser source; the containment structure (170); the accretion system, including an accretion substrate (180); and the control system. In operation, the release system directs a focused beam (190) of energy or solid particles to the surface of the workpiece to weaken the bonds of the surface material, and in cooperation with the centrifugal force, induced by the radial motion of the centrifuge, to break the surface material bonds and eject material into a particle path (200) which is directed to the accretion substrate. Thus, in its most essential inventive aspect, the operational and structural scheme of the system entails that the fixtures attach the workpiece to the centrifuge; the release system adds the energy to release material from the workpiece; the containment structure provides a controlled environment and prevents materials and gases from entering into the process area as contaminants or leaving the containment structure as hazards; the accretion controls the accretion process and the accretion substrate; and the control system integrates the actions of the various components of the machine. |
| US07933676B2 |
Automation system with integrated safe and standard control functionality
An industrial control system includes a machine, a machine controller, and a safety controller. The machine controller is operable to identify a need for a human interaction, place the machine into a ready state for the human interaction, and generate a ready message responsive to placing the machine into the ready state. The safety controller is operable to receive the ready message, place the machine into a safe state responsive to receiving the ready message, and provide a human interaction indication responsive to placing the machine into the safe state. |
| US07933673B2 |
Demand breakout for a supply chain
A system for demand breakout for a supply chain includes a memory operable to store a plurality of orders for at least one product. Each product may be produced using at least one precursor. The memory is also operable to store a production schedule identifying one or more resources in the supply chain, a quantity of each product and precursor scheduled to be produced by the resources, and a time period associated with production of each product and precursor. The system also includes one or more processors collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of the product that correspond to each product order. The one or more processors are also collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of one or more precursors that correspond to each product order. |
| US07933672B2 |
Shape detailing device, shape detailing method, computer program product, mechanical CAD machine, and method of manufacturing three-dimensional structure
A shape detailing device includes a storage unit that stores therein an identifier of each structure in an electrical computer-aided design (CAD) system and an identifier of the structure in a mechanical CAD system associated with each other, and a converting unit that converts shape information of the structure created by the electrical CAD system into shape information for the mechanical CAD system based on the relation between the identifiers. |
| US07933671B2 |
Data outputting device, data outputting method, data outputting program, and recording medium
An electronic data outputting section switches output electronic data from one electronic data to another electronic data. Upon the switching, a sameness judging section judges whether or not audio data associated with the electronic data that is currently being outputted and audio data associated with the new electronic data that is to be outputted are identical to each other. When the sameness judging section judges that they are identical to each other, the audio data outputting section keeps on outputting the audio data that is currently being outputted. This prevents such unnatural audio playback that a sound supposed to be continuously played back is temporarily stopped and then is played back again upon the switching of the content playback. |
| US07933667B2 |
Industrial robot system with a portable operator control device
An industrial robot including a manipulator, a control unit for controlling the manipulator, a portable operating unit for teaching and manually operating the robot, which operating unit is adapted for wireless communication with the control unit and including an operator control. The transmissions may be made wirelessly with redundant software processes for transmission and/or reception. Safety is increased by ensuring that the operator is within the specified operating area. |
| US07933665B2 |
Method and system for teaching reference position of semiconductor wafer in automated wafer handling manufacturing equipment
In order to automate the positioning at respective ports at the start-up of an equipment in a semiconductor manufacturing equipment equipped with a positioning device and a carrying robot and enhance productivity, 2 points W1 and W2 at which the circumference of a disc-like object 47 such as a wafer and the locus 43 of a detection means cross are detected, and the center position A of a disc-like object is calculated using the specific point O on the perpendicular bisector 42 of the section of a line combining 2 points with these and the radius r of the disc-like object. Thereby, the carrying robot could carry out the positioning work and not only the correction of a carrying route but also the reference position teaching at the start-up of equipment could be automated using the result. |
| US07933662B2 |
Medical electrical lead including an inductance augmenter
A medical electrical lead includes an inductance augmenter assembly. The assembly includes an inductor coil formed of an insulated wire, which is wound about a non-conductive core and is electrically coupled in series between a conductor coil of the lead and an electrode of the lead. |
| US07933655B2 |
Neurostimulation therapy manipulation
A user, such as a clinician or the patient, uses a control device to manipulate at least one neurostimulation parameter. A mapping system uses a calibrated map to map the directional output of the control device to values of at least one stimulation parameter to allow the user to intuitively control the value of the parameter. In some embodiments, where a stimulation device is used to deliver spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy for example, the user manipulates a parameter to effect the location and/or strength of paresthesia experienced by the patient. In exemplary embodiments, the parameter values are combinations of electrodes, and the mapping system selects electrode combinations based on the output of the control device such that a direction of movement of paresthesia experienced by the patient corresponds to a direction of manipulation of a directional controller of the control device. The mapping system may calibrate the map based on patient paresthesia information received from a user. |
| US07933652B2 |
Bi-directional connector assembly for an implantable medical device
An implantable signal generator including electronic circuitry, a computer readable medium, and a connector block with a lumen which receives at least one lead. The at least one lead has at least one electrode connector while the lumen of the connector block has a plurality of contacts operably coupled to the electronic circuitry. The computer readable medium contains instructions for carrying out a process to determine at least one piece of information regarding the at least one lead within the lumen based on an electrode connector being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts, and an electrode connector not being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts. |
| US07933651B2 |
Cardiac template generation based on patient response information
Cardiac treatment methods and devices provide for templates representative of past tachyarrhythmia events, each template associated with a therapy. Methods involve providing a cardiac waveform representative of a patient's cardiac activity and identifying a portion that indicates an arrhythmic event. A cardiac template corresponding to the portion is generated, and a therapy is associated with the template useful for treating a subsequent arrhythmia. The waveform portion may be identified by a physician using a patient-external device to display the cardiac waveform. The template may be generated by a physician selecting the cardiac waveform, and determining if the therapy associated with the template was satisfactory and/or effective in treating the arrhythmia. Identification may involve matching the event to templates generated using cardiac waveforms other than the patient's cardiac waveforms. The template may be generated in a patient-internal or patient-external medical device such as a programmer, and/or an advanced patient management system. |
| US07933650B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting and timing anti-tachyarrhythmia pacing using cardiac signal morphology
A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes an implantable medical device that delivers anti-tachyarrhythmia therapies including ATP. When a tachyarrhythmia episode is detected, the implantable medical device analyzes the morphology of a cardiac signal to determine whether and/or when to deliver an ATP therapy. In various embodiments, the implantable medical device produces morphological parameters indicative of the likeliness of success of the ATP therapy and selects an anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy mode based on the morphological parameters. In various embodiments, the implantable medical device also controls the timing of the ATP therapy delivery using morphological features of the cardiac signal to maximize the probability that the ATP therapy is delivered into an ATP window during which a tachyarrhythmia episode can be effectively terminated by pacing. |
| US07933646B2 |
Clustering of recorded patient neurological activity to determine length of a neurological event
Apparatus and method detect a detection cluster that is associated with a neurological event, such as a seizure, of a nervous system disorder and update therapy parameters that are associated with a treatment therapy. The occurrence of the detection cluster is detected when the maximal ratio exceeds an intensity threshold. If the maximal ratio drops below the intensity threshold for a time interval that is less than a time threshold and subsequently rises above the intensity threshold, the subsequent time duration is considered as being associated with the detection cluster rather than being associated with a different detection cluster. Consequently, treatment of the nervous system disorder during the corresponding time period is in accordance with one detection cluster. Treatment therapy may be provided by providing electrical stimulation, drug infusion or a combination. Therapy parameters may be updated for each mth successive group of applications of the treatment therapy or for each nth detection cluster. |
| US07933645B2 |
Use of EEG to measure cerebral changes during computer-based motion sickness-inducing tasks
The invention relates to a method of determining early onset of motion sickness by brain imaging. The method discloses an objective means of determining the onset of motion sickness by evaluating a specific region of the brain. The method can also be utilized in evaluating the predisposition toward motion sickness in workers in occupations prone to motion sickness. |
| US07933639B2 |
System and methods for processing analyte sensor data
Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. During initial calibration, the analyte sensor data is evaluated over a period of time to determine stability of the sensor. The sensor may be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. The calibration may be updated after evaluating the calibration set for best calibration based on inclusion criteria with newly received reference analyte data. Fail-safe mechanisms are provided based on clinical acceptability of reference and analyte data and quality of sensor calibration. Algorithms provide for optimized prospective and retrospective analysis of estimated blood analyte data from an analyte sensor. |
| US07933636B2 |
Cell phone wireless speaker-microphone sleep modes
A hand held radio host includes circuitry for selectively providing power to radiating transceiver elements and non-radiating application elements according to a plurality of power modes of operation to achieve desired effects and in a way that saves power and extends battery life. In one embodiment of the invention, the hand held host operates in one of three modes. In a full power mode, any selected application element, as well as all transceiver elements, are powered on at the same time. Thus, for example, a cell phone module, a wireless personal access network module, a wireless local area network module, and one of a pager/short message service message module may all be powered on at the same time to receive corresponding messages, calls, data sessions, etc. |
| US07933635B2 |
Adjustment of parameters based upon battery status
In a wireless local area network, a battery status of a mobile device is determined, battery status data based upon the battery status is generated, and a listen interval between a mobile device and an access point is adjusted based upon the battery status. Listen interval data is generated based upon the listen interval, an association request frame is wirelessly transmitted from the mobile device to the access point during the listen interval. The association request frame includes the battery status data and/or the listen interval data. |
| US07933630B2 |
Radio communication terminal
A radio section 1 and a control section 2 allow communications using two radio channels simultaneously, such as TV phone communication and message communication. An LCD 33 displays information concerning each communication simultaneously or selectively when simultaneous communications are being made using two radio channels. Even if communications are made using two radio channels simultaneously, excellent operability is provided and a radio communication terminal can be realized which is low in cost and power dissipation. |
| US07933629B2 |
Low-complexity joint transmit/receive antenna selection method for MIMO systems
Provided is a low-complexity transmit/receive antenna selection method for Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) systems. The method includes the steps of generating a gain matrix of receive channel, calculating norm values of channel gains for each row (receive antennas) and column (transmit antennas) of the generated gain matrix of the receive channel, selecting an antenna with the maximum norm value among the calculated norm values of channel gains, and repeatedly performing the process of alternately selecting transmit and receive antennas having the maximum channel gain value among the channel gain values of the selected antenna until a required number of antennas is all selected. |
| US07933625B2 |
Information providing apparatus, information receiver, information providing program, information receiving program and wireless communication apparatus
The present invention has a cash register 1 and a Bluetooth portable terminal 2 which conduct short-range wireless communication to each other. The cash register 1 decreases transmission power during periods when a search request processing and a connection request processing for the Bluetooth portable terminal 2 are conducted, thereby being connected with only a prescribed Bluetooth portable terminal 2. At the time of providing services, electric power for transmission is increased. Therefore, it is possible to surely connect with the prescribed Bluetooth portable terminal 2. After connected with the prescribed Bluetooth portable terminal, even if the Bluetooth portable terminal 2 moves at comparatively broad range, it is possible to provide the Bluetooth portable terminal 2 with services. |
| US07933622B2 |
Apparatus and method for selectively initiating a data call for a group communication in wireless communication networks
Apparatus and method for selectively enabling an early push-to-talk (PTT) call set up request in a wireless communications network. When a user activates a directory application on a wireless device, the wireless device checks for network information received from a base station. If the network information indicates that the network is of a predetermined type and can advantageously set up the PTT call, the wireless device enables the early PTT call set up request by sending a data channel set up request to the base station. If the network information does not indicate the network is of the predetermined type, the wireless device does not send any data channel request to the base station until the user has actually initiates a PTT call. |
| US07933618B2 |
Apparatus, and associated method, for selectably delaying synchronization of database copies in a radio communication system
Apparatus, and an associated method, for selectably delaying performance of synchronization operations in which database copies are placed in match with one another. A user of a mobile node at which a database copy is maintained selectably actuates an actuator to select delay of performance of the synchronization operations. Once selection is made to delay the performance of the synchronization operations, selection is further made by a delay selector of the delay period prior to which synchronization operations are carried out. |
| US07933616B2 |
Method of estimating the distance between two radio equipments
The method comprises a phase, applied by the first equipment (A), for estimating a first time of flight between the two equipments (A, Z) corresponding to the signal transmission time to go from one equipment to the other along a propagation path, called the “strongest path”, taken by a main part of the energy of the signals, a phase for estimating a difference in time of flight comprising the sending of a channel sounding frame by the first equipment to the second and, from the received radio signals corresponding to said channel sounding frame, estimating a difference in time of flight between the strongest propagation path and a first propagation path, performed by the second equipment, and a phase for calculating the distance between the two equipments (A, Z) comprising the determination of a second time of flight by subtracting the estimated difference in time of flight from the estimated first time of flight (E30) and calculating the distance between the two equipments from the duly determined second time of flight. |
| US07933615B2 |
Mobile originated interactive menus via short messaging services method
A method interactive menus and sub-menus to a mobile device via SMS messaging in order to provide WAP like services at a fraction of the cost of CSD. Mobile Originated Interactive Menus are implemented as a feature of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), thus leaving traffic channels available for voice calls. Interactive SMS menus allow service providers to offer targeted subscribers personalized messaging menus with multiple options for quick and easy access to Web-based content. Users may define the content and frequency they want, whether it is a scheduled delivery or on-demand for checking, e.g., stock quotes, local weather, and/or other Web-based news and information. Replacement of messages in TDMA and GSM mobile devices allow for heavy usage without filling up the user's phone buffer, i.e., prior messages may be overwritten, to assure that only the latest information is all that is being displayed and read. |
| US07933613B2 |
Methods and apparatus for terminating use of quick paging channel based on high capacity power source usage
In one illustrative example, a method of monitoring for pages in a wireless communication network by a mobile communication device adapted to operate with a battery power source includes the steps of repeatedly monitoring a quick paging channel of the wireless network for quick pages and, if a quick page is received on the quick paging channel, subsequently monitoring a paging channel of the wireless network for an upcoming page; identifying whether an external power source is connected to the mobile device; and if the external power source is identified as being connected to the mobile device: causing an indication to terminate use of quick paging to be sent to the wireless network and, after sending the indication, repeatedly monitoring the paging channel of the wireless network for pages. |
| US07933612B2 |
Determining physical location based upon received signals
The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods for determining locations of mobile devices. In particular, a set of regions is defined based upon the relative strength of signals received from one or more base stations within the region. Each region has associated location information (e.g., latitude and longitude). The location of a mobile device can be determined by analyzing the strength of received signals, identifying base stations and generating an ordered list of base stations based upon signal strength. The ordered list can be compared to the set of regions to determine the region in which the mobile device is located. The location information for the retrieved region can be used to estimate the location of the mobile device. |
| US07933611B2 |
Disabling operation of features on a handheld mobile communication device based upon location
Methods and devices for implementing subsystem or functional aspect restrictions on a wireless handheld communication device. Data defining geographical boundaries of a restricted operating area is stored on the device. The present position of the device is ascertained and a determination is made whether the device is located within the restricted operating area. A restriction on the subsystem or functional aspect is imposed when it is determined the device is within the restricted operating area. The subsystem or functional aspect restriction can be communicated to the device via a wireless communication network. Additionally, the restrictions and boundaries can be communicated to the device as part of an IT security policy. |
| US07933606B2 |
Multi-level control for measurement reports
The present invention relates to a method, terminal device, network element, system and computer program product for handling measurement reports in a communication network. At least two different levels of measurements reports (15) are provided, wherein each of the at least two levels corresponds to a different amount of resource blocks on which the measurement reports are based. The level of a received measurement report (15) is detected and a compensation offset is selected based on the detection result and applied to the measurement report. Thereby, measurement errors and biases of the measurement reports can be dynamically corrected in multi-level reporting schemes. |
| US07933604B1 |
Method and system for achieving reverse link gain through an asymmetric soft handoff
A wireless network is used for a communication session between a mobile station and an endpoint. The wireless network receives endpoint bits representing communications from the endpoint for the mobile station and uses a first sector to transmit a forward link signal that encodes the endpoint hits. The mobile station generates mobile station hits representing communications from the mobile station for the endpoint and transmits a reverse link signal encoding the mobile station bits. A controller detects an imbalance between an error level in the forward link signal received by the mobile station and an error level in the reverse link signal received by the first sector. In response, the wireless network uses a second sector to receive the reverse link signal without using the second sector to transmit the endpoint bits. The reverse link signals received by the first and second sectors may be combined for diversity gain. |
| US07933602B1 |
Method and system for controlling the rate of vertical handoff operations
A method and system for controlling the rate at which access terminals hand off from an IS-2000 (e.g., 1xRTT) communication system to an IS-856 (e.g., EVDO) communication system. A base station determines metric indicative of the rate at which hybrid access terminals hand off to the IS-2000 from the IS-856 system, and then based at least in part on the metric, dynamically adjusts a dormancy period that at least one hybrid access terminal must wait before entering a dormant mode in which is looks for service under IS-856. As the rate-metric indicates a higher or lower rate, the system may responsively adjust the dormancy period down or up. The rate at which hybrid access terminals operating under IS-2000 may seek service under IS-856 may thus be tuned to the rate at which they hand of form IS-856 to IS-2000. |
| US07933600B2 |
Smooth hard handover method, mobile station and base station adapted for the method
The present invention relates to a cellular radio communications system and especially a method, a mobile station and a base station for a smooth hard handover. The smooth hard handover includes preparing radio links in selected base stations for potential communication with a mobile station. This is similar to selecting base stations for the active set in the prior art soft handover. A difference is though that just one radio link is actively used for transmission. The handover from the active to a prepared radio link is quick and safe, as compared to conventional hard handover, because of the preparation, while requiring a less complex system architecture then the conventional soft handover. The smooth hard handover can replace the soft handover. |
| US07933596B2 |
Providing and charging for data services in roaming network environments
A method provides detecting a roaming operator by a mobile communications device, where the mobile communications device is associated with a home operator; receiving a data service, by the mobile communications device, provided by the roaming operator independent of the home operator; sending information, from the mobile communications device, to the roaming operator for the roaming operator to authenticate the mobile communications device with the home operator; and receiving a voice service, by the mobile communications device, provided by the roaming operator based on the authentication by the roaming operator of the mobile communications device with the home operator. |
| US07933595B2 |
Dynamic selection by a mobile station of its home agent using its preferred roaming list (PRL)
Methods and systems are provided for dynamic selection by a mobile station of its home agent using its preferred roaming list (PRL). A mobile station maintains a PRL comprising an association between (i) a first set of data identifying a first wireless wide area network (WWAN) and (ii) a first identifier of a first home agent. The mobile station detects a broadcast of the first set of data by the first WWAN. Responsive to detecting the broadcast of the first set of data by the first WWAN, the mobile station connects to the first WWAN. Responsive to connecting to the first WWAN, the mobile station uses the first identifier to register with the first home agent. |
| US07933581B2 |
Methods and apparatus for use in processing disconnected emergency calls and other communications involving mobile communication devices and the remote monitoring thereof
Methods and apparatus for use in processing disconnected emergency calls and other communications involving mobile communication devices, as well as the remote monitoring of such mobile communication devices, are disclosed. In one illustrative example, an emergency call with a public safety answering point entity is established by a mobile communication device via a wireless communication network. If the emergency call is disconnected, the mobile device monitors to receive an incoming call message for a continued emergency call from the public safety answering point entity. In response to receiving such incoming call message, the mobile device refrains from producing an audible alert and automatically answers the continued emergency call from the public safety answering point entity without detecting any manual answer signal via its user interface. In one specific approach, the mobile device answers the call automatically if the incoming call message is received within a time period following the disconnection and a data indication of the incoming call message indicates that the message is for the continued emergency call or automatic answering. Otherwise, if the incoming call message is received outside of the time period following the disconnection, or if the data indication fails to indicate that the incoming call message is for the continued emergency call or the automatic answering, the mobile device refrains from automatically answering the call associated with the incoming call message. |
| US07933577B2 |
Method and apparatus for sharing portable terminal in CDMA system and mobile RFID system
Provided are a method and apparatus for sharing a portable terminal in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and a mobile Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. The portable terminal includes: a CDMA mobile station system for performing CDMA communication; a mobile RFID system for performing a passive RFID reader function; a switching unit for switching an antenna to any one between the CDMA mobile station system and the mobile RFID system; and a control unit for controlling the switching unit to connect the antenna to the CDMA mobile station system when the portable terminal transmits/receives a signal to/from the base station, or connect the antenna to the mobile RFID system when the portable terminal transmits/receives a signal to/from an RFID tag. |
| US07933573B2 |
Signal processing apparatus and signal processing method, program, and recording medium
An IC chip allows first communication for performing communication with all of the other IC chips, and second communication for performing communication while restricting communication parties. That is to say, the IC chip performs sending/receiving signals with a new communication arrangement with both the first communication which is a broadcasting arrangement and the second communication which is a communicatory arrangement. This enables the function upgrading electronic equipment to be performed easily, and enables flexible signal processing with a new communication arrangement. |
| US07933568B2 |
Method and system for mitigating receiver saturation during simultaneous FM transmission and reception
Aspects of a method and system for mitigating receiver saturation during simultaneous FM transmission and reception may include detecting a power of an RF signal received at an antenna. A power of one or more baseband signal components corresponding to the RF signal may be determined. A power of signals transmitted via the antenna may be controlled, based on a cost function derived from at least the detected RF signal power received and/or the determined power of the one or more baseband signal components. One or more of the baseband signal components may be an in-phase signal, a quadrature signal or both an in-phase signal and a quadrature signal associated with a same carrier frequency. In one embodiment of the invention, the radio frequency signal may be an intermediate frequency (IF) radio signal. |
| US07933565B2 |
Transformer coupling of antennas
Embodiments describe improved coupling of power amplifiers to antennas for the transmission of signals, such as OFDM signals. A large number of separate windings are utilized on a primary side, wherein each winding is for a different OFDM tone. Each OFDM tone may be amplified individually and combined as a results of transformer coupling. For example, the secondary side can have a single winding that combines the different OFDM tones. |
| US07933561B2 |
Wireless communications circuitry with simultaneous receive capabilities for handheld electronic devices
Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry has simultaneous reception functions that allow the handheld devices to simultaneously receive multiple communications signals in a single communications band. The handheld electronic devices may include cellular telephones with music player functionality or other portable devices. The handheld electronic devices may have local wireless communications capabilities for supporting local wireless links such as WiFi and Bluetooth links. Using the simultaneous reception functions of the wireless communications circuitry, users of the handheld electronic devices can simultaneously receive signals such as WiFi and Bluetooth signals. |
| US07933558B2 |
Radio wave arrival state estimation system, radio wave arrival state estimation method, and program
A radio wave propagation characteristic estimation system in a radio communication system includes: non-diffracted wave estimation device configured to estimate propagation characteristics of a radio wave reaching from a predetermined transmission point in a limited evaluation area to a plurality of reception points in the evaluation area and to estimate a component other than diffracted wave among the radio wave component reaching from the transmission point to the reception points; diffracted wave estimation device configured to estimate only a diffracted wave component among the radio components reaching from the transmission point to the respective reception points; and total radio wave component calculation device configured to calculate total radio wave propagation characteristics in the respective reception points considering the estimated result in the non-diffracted wave estimation device and the estimation result of the diffracted wave estimation device. |
| US07933548B2 |
Cellular phone, and codec circuit and receiving call sound volume automatic adjustment method for use in cellular phone
Provided is a cellular phone enabling improvement of the level of a sense of hearing of a pseudo noise which is generated when there exists no voice signal. In the cellular phone, frame type information included in a baseband signal “in” is identified by the frame type identification unit 71 and when the frame type information represents pseudo noise information, a pseudo noise signal generated by the AMR (Adaptive Multi-Rate) decoder 72 with an internal pseudo noise generator is output to the call receiver unit 43 with its level reduced by a predetermined amount by the signal level change amount calculation unit 74 and the signal level change unit 73, while when the frame type information represents a voice signal, the voice signal decoded by the AMR (Adaptive Multi-Rate) decoder 72 with an internal pseudo noise generator is output to the call receiver 43 with its level unchanged. |
| US07933547B2 |
Apparatus and method for interfering with wireless communications devices positioned in a volume occupied by a human driver
An apparatus operable to disable operation of driver side wireless communications devices, for use within a vehicle, includes a drive circuit coupled to at least one active antenna element to produce interference within at least one wireless communications band of frequencies in response to movement of a vehicle above a defined threshold. The active antenna element being mounted proximate a driver side seatback and/or visor. The interference may take the form of a bare carrier wave, or may take the form of noise, and is transmitted at sufficient power to interfere with communication between the driver side wireless communications device and a destination device. |
| US07933542B2 |
Fuser cleaning method and system based upon anticipatory action in image-forming device
A fuser roller surface is cleaned immediately before and or after the fusing operation. The separate cleaning sequence assures that the fuser roller surface is substantially free from residual toner that has accumulated from previous fusing operation. A number of image-transfer sheets is counted, and the cleaning sequence is also optionally activated after a number of detected image-transfer sheets has reached a predetermined number. |
| US07933541B2 |
Image-forming method and image-forming apparatus
An image-forming method includes forming a toner image on the surface of an image carrier, transferring the toner image from the surface of the image carrier onto an image-receiving layer of a belt-shaped intermediate transfer film that is provided on a surface of a base material, superimposing the intermediate transfer film on a surface of a recording medium such that the toner image contacts the surface of the recording medium, fixing the toner image by application of heat and pressure, forming a laminate by pressure-bonding the superimposed intermediate transfer film onto the recording medium by application of heat and pressure, and peeling the base material off the image-receiving layer at the interface therebetween, so that the entire image-forming surface of the recording medium is covered with the image-receiving layer and the image is formed between the recording medium and the image-receiving layer. |
| US07933539B2 |
Toner hopper, developing unit and image forming apparatus
A toner hopper contains toner supplied from a toner container and supplies the toner to a developing device. The toner hopper includes: a container tank for containing the toner; a carrying screw which is disposed in the container tank and is rotated so as to carry the toner in the container tank; and an elastic member having a first section which is fixed to the container tank and a second section which comes into contact with the carrying screw, the first section being farther from the carrying screw than the second section in a direction perpendicular to an axis line of the carrying screw. According to the arrangement, it is possible to stabilize an amount of toner supplied from the toner hopper to the developing device. |
| US07933535B2 |
Photoconductor unit and image-forming apparatus including drum-cleaning unit
A drum unit includes a photoconductor drum, a charger, a cleaning brush, and a drum unit case. The charger and the cleaning brush are disposed in such a manner as to face the circumferential surface of the photoconductor drum. The charger and the cleaning brush are fixed to a charger support portion of the drum unit case. The charger support portion has a filler protrusion. The filler protrusion is provided so as to fill the space between the charger and the cleaning brush. |
| US07933534B2 |
Developing device frame unit, developing device, process cartridge, and manufacturing method of the developing device frame unit
A developing device frame unit supporting a regulating member regulating the layer thickness of developer on a developer carrier. The unit includes a frame having a seal forming portion, first and second, first and second end seals contactable to the carrier surface to prevent carrier-axial-direction leaking of the developer, and a blade sealer sealing between the regulating member and the frame to prevent developer leaking when the regulating member is mounted. The blade sealer is an elastomer resin material which is injection-molded with a metal mold and in the seal forming portion where the end seals are provided. The blade sealer connects the end seals with each other, and a protrusion provided by a squeezed-out portion of the resin material is provided by injecting, into a space defined by the metal mold, the seal forming portion, and the end seal seals, a resin material volume larger than a volume of the space. |
| US07933533B2 |
Charging device having charging roller with specific characteristic and image forming apparatus
A charging device for charging an image supporting member includes a charging roller for charging the image supporting member; and a cleaning member for cleaning the surface of the charging roller. The charging roller has a surface, and the surface has irregularity oriented in a direction opposite to a direction that the cleaning member slides against the charging roller. Further, the surface has a maximum peak height Rp within a range of 2 μm≦Rp≦10 μm, and an average profile length RSm within a range of 40 μm≦RSm≦200 μm. |
| US07933530B2 |
Fuser assembly fan control
A printer is provided including a reference edge, a fuser assembly, a cooling apparatus and a controller. The reference edge is adapted to be contacted by a substrate as the substrate moves along a substrate path through the printer. The fuser assembly includes a heat transfer member including a belt and a backup member. The cooling apparatus is adapted to move cooling air capable of cooling the fuser assembly. The controller is configured to activate the cooling apparatus after determining that a first end portion of the backup member opposite a second end portion of the backup member near the reference edge is at a temperature above a predefined first threshold temperature. |
| US07933529B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, fixing apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing apparatus for fixing a toner image onto a recording medium by applying pressure and heat to toner provided on the surface of the recording medium. The fixing apparatus includes a fixing member, a pressing member for pressing against the fixing member, a temperature detecting part for detecting the temperature of the fixing member, and a heating member including a main heating member and an auxiliary heating member for heating the fixing member, the main heating member being heated by obtaining power from a main power supply, the auxiliary heating member being heated by obtaining power from an auxiliary power supply. |
| US07933528B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method for correcting density nonuniformity
An image forming apparatus comprises a first image forming unit that transfers a base toner image formed on a first image carrier to an intermediate transfer member and forms an image and second image forming units that are plurally disposed downstream of the first image forming unit in a moving direction of the intermediate transfer member, transfer different color toner images formed on second image carriers to the intermediate transfer member and form images. The base toner image is formed beforehand in a single color region transferred onto the intermediate transfer member from the second image carriers of the second image forming units. |
| US07933526B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method with forms for printing according to consumable material
An image forming apparatus acquires a type of consumable material possessed by the image forming apparatus using a library provided in an application platform, displays forms capable of printing using the type of consumable material acquired, and forms an image using one or more forms designated from among the displayed forms. |
| US07933525B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a cleaning device
An image forming apparatus includes an object to be cleaned, a cleaning device, a generation device, a control device, a voltage detection device and a load resistance detection device. The cleaning device cleans the object to be cleaned. The generation device generates a cleaning voltage in the cleaning device. The control device controls the generation device thereby to control the cleaning voltage. The voltage detection device detects the cleaning voltage generated in the cleaning device. The load resistance detection device detects a load resistance between the object to be cleaned and the cleaning device, based on at least one control parameter to be used by the control device to control the generation device and the cleaning voltage detected by the voltage detection device. |
| US07933523B2 |
Clock extracting apparatus
A clock extracting apparatus is provided. In the clock apparatus, two frequency components are made to have an equal magnitude by adjusting a temperature and current applied to an FP LD, and a clock signal is extracted by beating the two frequency components having the equal magnitude. The clock extracting apparatus includes: a circulator for changing a direction of an inputted optical signal; an adjuster for adjusting a characteristic and wavelength of a spectrum; and a clock extractor for selecting two frequency components having different magnitudes on the spectrum of the inputted optical signal, receiving an adjusted signals in which magnitudes of the two frequency components are made equal by the adjuster, making the two frequency components have an equal magnitude, and extracting a clock signal by beating the two frequency components having the equal magnitude. |
| US07933520B2 |
High-speed wavelength selectable optical source and method thereof
A high-speed wavelength selectable optical source and a method thereof are disclosed. The wavelength selectable optical source includes at least one optical source having a multimode oscillation spectrum, a demultiplexer and an optical switch for extracting light having a certain selected wavelength. A certain wavelength can be selected among the multimode wavelengths using the demultiplexer and the optical switch, and thus the wavelength can discontinuously be tuned at high speed. Also, by making the light having the selected wavelength incident to the multimode optical source, the power of the output light can uniformly be maintained and maximized through injection locking. |
| US07933519B2 |
Optical cross-connect using wavelength selective switches
An optimally-sized optical cross-connect that switches optical signal paths with a minimum number of wavelength selective switches and their interconnections. To switch optical signals of N routes (N=1, 2, . . . ), an optical cross-connect includes a 2×N (2-input, N-output) wavelength selective switch for each of N input routes and a N×2 (N-input, 2-output) wavelength selective switch for each of N output routes. One input port of each 2×N wavelength selective switch receives an optical signal from a corresponding input route, while the other input port of the same receives an optical add signal from a corresponding add route. One output port of each N×2 wavelength selective switch outputs an optical signal to a corresponding output route, while the other output port outputs an optical drop signal to a corresponding drop route. |
| US07933513B2 |
System for duplicating radiographic film images
A film copy system includes a camera supported by a cradle which is removably attached to a cradle mount. A light shaft carried by the cradle is provided for releasably engaging a film holder and spacing the film holder a predetermined distance from the camera. |
| US07933509B2 |
Device and method for reducing optical blurring
A camera-movement compensation device includes a first liquid-crystal cell with a pair of parallel transparent plates and a first voltage source coupled to the first liquid-crystal cell and able to apply and alter a first voltage gradient across the plates of the first liquid-crystal cell. The device also includes a second liquid-crystal cell having a pair of parallel transparent plates and disposed so that each of the plates of the second liquid-crystal cell is parallel to the plates of the first liquid-crystal cell and in light communication with at least one wave of light passing through the plates of the first liquid-crystal cell, a second voltage source coupled to the second liquid-crystal cell and able to apply and alter a second voltage gradient across the surfaces of the second liquid-crystal cell, and a movement detector coupled to the voltage sources to alter the slope of the voltage gradients in proportion to a movement. |
| US07933508B2 |
User-friendlier interfaces for a camera
A camera system, including voice recognition, one or multiple microphones, gaze tracking, touch sensitive inputs and others. The voice recognition unit is operable for, among other things, receiving multiple different voice commands, recognizing the vocal commands, associating the different voice commands to one camera command and controlling some aspect of the digital camera operation in response to these voice commands. The gaze tracking unit is operable for, among other things, determining the location on the viewfinder image that the user is gazing upon and manipulating settings based on that location, possibly in conjunction with other features. One aspect of the touch sensitive inputs provides that the touch sensitive pad is mouse-like and is operable for, among other things, receiving user touch inputs to control some aspect of the camera operation. Another aspect of the system provides for gesture recognition to be used to interface with and control the camera system. |
| US07933507B2 |
Single lens splitter camera
A camera system may be used to capture iris images of targeted people who may be unaware of being targeted and hence their movement may not be constrained in any way. Iris images may be used for identification and/or tracking of people. In one illustrative embodiment, a camera system may include a focus camera and an iris camera, where the focus camera is sensitive to ambient light or some spectrum thereof, and the iris camera is sensitive to infrared or some other wavelength light. The focus camera and the iris camera may share an optical lens, and the focus camera may be used to auto-focus the lens on a focus target. A beam splitter or other optical element may be used to direct light of some wavelengths to the focus camera for auto-focusing the lens, and other wavelengths to the iris camera for image capture of the iris images. |
| US07933504B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07933501B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07933496B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07933495B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07933493B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07933492B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07933490B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07933489B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07933483B2 |
Electro-optical memory cell
An electro-optical memory cell having a non-volatile programmable refractive index and a method of making. The memory cell includes: a waveguiding structure having a transition metal oxide with oxygen vacancies; a plurality of electrodes for applying an electrical field; and an optical detector for detecting a state of the memory cell. The method includes: fabricating a waveguiding structure having a transition metal oxide with oxygen vacancies; positioning a plurality of electrodes for application of an electric field; arranging the transition metal oxide and the electrodes such that when an electric field is applied, the oxygen vacancies migrate in a direction that has a component which is radial relative to a center of the beam path; applying the electric field thereby programming the refractive index to set a state of the memory cell; and detecting the state of the memory cell using an optical detector. |
| US07933477B2 |
Optical transmission hinge apparatus
An optical transmission hinge apparatus includes a first hinge portion for pivotally interconnecting a first casing and a second casing about a first axis, a first optical device provided in the first casing, a second optical device provided in the second casing and an optical guide path member for interconnecting the first optical device and the second optical device to enable optical transmission therebetween. The optical guide path member includes a bent portion, a first portion formed on one side of the bent portion and a second portion formed on the other side of the bent portion. The first portion is provided in the first casing to be coaxial with the first hinge portion, with a terminal end of the first portion being in opposition to the first optical device. The second portion is provided in the second casing, with a terminal end of the second portion being in opposition to the second optical device. |
| US07933475B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing back-lighting in a display device
Methods and apparatus for providing lighting in a display are provided. In one embodiment, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) is provided that includes a transparent substrate and a plurality of interferometric modulators. The interferometric modulators include an optical stack coupled to the transparent substrate, a reflective layer over the optical stack, and one or more posts to support the reflective layer and to provide a path for light from a backlight for lighting the display. |
| US07933473B2 |
Multiple resolution image storage
In accordance with one or more aspects, multiple folders are generated each corresponding to one of multiple levels of an image pyramid, and each of the multiple levels including one or more tiles. In each of the multiple folders, one or more files are stored, each file including image data for a tile of the level corresponding to the folder. In accordance with other aspects, a first version of an image is generated, the first version of the image having a lower resolution than the image. The image is compressed using a first compression process, and the first version of the image is compressed using a second compression process, the second compression process being a higher quality process than the first compression process. Both the compressed image and the compressed first version of the image are stored as an image pyramid for the image. |
| US07933468B2 |
Method and system of motion artefact compensation in a subject
A method of compensating for motion artefact of a portion of a subject, wherein signal intensity data representing movement of the portion of the subject is recorded and plotted on a display means. The method includes selecting a region of interest (ROI) covering an edge of the moving portion, calculating and plotting data points representing the average signal intensity of the selected ROI at specific time instances, producing a smoothed curve representing the mean of the plotted data points. The method further includes measuring the difference between the plotted data points and the smoothed curve at particular time instances to produce a difference curve, detecting a set of critical points on the difference curve, and interpolating the detected set of critical points to form a curve of equal time intervals for subsequent processing. |
| US07933466B2 |
Grey value correction method for binary image data
A method of gray value correction for binary image data, preferably screened image data, with a local gray value by a desired correction magnitude includes filtering the image data quantized with n bits with an asymmetrical low-pass filter whose filter window is smaller than a screen cell. By a threshold value operation, corrected binary image data is obtained from the filtered image data. Optimum threshold values are selected from a threshold value table as a function of the local gray value and of the desired correction magnitude. |
| US07933464B2 |
Scene-based non-uniformity correction and enhancement method using super-resolution
A scene-based non-uniformity correction method super-resolution for eliminating fixed pattern noise in a video having a plurality of input images is disclosed, comprising the steps of warping each of the plurality of images with respect to a reference image to obtain a warped set of images; performing one of averaging and deblurring on the warped set of images to obtain an initial estimate of a reference true scene frame; warping the initial estimate of the reference true scene frame with respect to each of the plurality of images to obtain a set of estimated true signal images; performing a least square fit algorithm to estimate a gain image and an offset image given the set of estimated true signal images; applying the estimated gain image and estimated offset image to the plurality of images to obtain a clean set of images; and applying a super-resolution algorithm to the clean set of images to obtain a higher resolution version of the reference true scene frame. |
| US07933463B2 |
Method for removing the effect of light scattering in a digitized image of a light-scattering film
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for removing the effect of light scattering in a digitized image of a light-scattering film comprising providing a light-scattering correction film that has a uniform optical density; providing a light scattering target film that has a pattern of optical densities; scanning the correction film with a film scanner to create a digital correction film image; scanning the target film with a film scanner to create a digital target film image; measuring the two-dimensional pattern of responses present in the digital correction film image; determining a correction function from the two-dimensional pattern of responses to correct for the effect of light scattering in the digital correction film image; and applying the correction function to the target film image to provide a corrected target film image. |
| US07933462B2 |
Representing and reconstructing high dynamic range images
A high dynamic range image can be recovered from a full-resolution lower-dynamic-range image and a reduced-resolution higher-dynamic-range image. Information regarding higher spatial frequencies may be obtained by extracting high spatial frequencies from the lower-dynamic-range image. In some embodiments an approximate impulse-response function is determined by comparing the higher- and lower-dynamic range images. A scaling image obtained by applying the impulse-response function to a high-frequency band of the lower-dynamic range image is combined with an upsampled higher-dynamic range image to yield a reconstructed image. |
| US07933460B2 |
Resolution conversion upon hierarchical coding and decoding
In a decoding method of decoding encoded image data which has been hierarchically encoded in advance, a size of an image to be outputted is determined, and then the encoded image data is decoded up to a layer of hierarchy which is at least one layer more than a minimum number of layer/layers of hierarchy necessary to acquire an image of the determined size. |
| US07933458B2 |
Image decoder, image decoding method and computer program product for the same
According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an image decoder for decoding encoded image data in an image block unit, including: a storage device configured to store a DC component of a past image block coefficient as a prediction value; a predict circuit configured to predict a DC component of a current image block coefficient using the prediction value; an inversely quantizing circuit configured to inversely quantize an image block coefficient outputted from the predict circuit; and a saturation processing circuit to execute a saturation processing of an image block coefficient outputted from the inversely quantizing circuit. A DC component of the image block coefficient outputted from the inversely quantizing circuit and a DC component of the image block coefficient after execution of the saturation processing are respectively inputted to the storage device. |
| US07933453B2 |
System and method for capturing and processing business data
A method and a system for interpreting information in a document are provided, with the system receiving an image of a document from a remote source and converting it into multiple sets of blocks of characters. Tags indicating likely meaning of blocks are assigned to them. At least some of the blocks have an associated score representing the probability that the characters in the block correctly represent the characters in the original image. The system selects one set from multiple sets based on the scores associated to certain blocks determined by accessing remote information over the Internet. |
| US07933446B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically detecting image and character data
The present invention discloses a halftone processing of image and text auto detection, which is used to keep both the bit depth of images and the clarity of text when faxing or copying documents. The process of the present invention is stated as follows: choose the background color from the master copy, separate the content of the master copy into images and text with the chosen background color as the criterion, process the images with halftone processing, process the text with line art processing, and then output the processed images and processed text as a whole. |
| US07933444B2 |
Method of locating rank and suit symbols on cards
A playing card delivery shoe is used in the play of the casino table card game of baccarat or blackjack or any game where cards are pulled one at a time from the shoe. The apparatus comprises a reader or an imager that scans lines bisecting the image at spaced intervals. The scanning occurs on playing cards in at least the region where suit and rank symbols are provided. The scanner output is a series of voltages that are converted to binary information. This binary information is compared to stored binary information to determine rank and suit. The upper surface of the output end of the shoe contains a partial barrier for cards being scanned. The partial barrier has an elevated surface and limits a size of a pathway so that only one card can be removed at a time. |
| US07933443B2 |
Image variety on edible substrates
An article of commerce comprising an edible substrate having an image disposed thereon, and a method for making edible substrates having a variety of different images. |
| US07933442B2 |
Appearance manifolds for modeling time-variant appearance of materials
A method for modeling a time-variant appearance of a material is described. A sample analysis of a material sample is performed, wherein the sample analysis orders surface points of the material sample with respect to weathering from data captured at a single instant in time. An appearance synthesis using the sample analysis is performed, wherein the appearance synthesis generates a time-variant sequence of frames for weathering an object. |
| US07933436B2 |
Apparatus for automatically detecting salient features in medical image data
An apparatus is disclosed for automatically detecting salient features in medical image data. The apparatus includes a memory device for storing the image data, at least one determination module for determining one or more anatomical regions which are acquired by the image data, a number of different examination modules that respectively include an application for automatically detecting specific salient features in a specific anatomical region, an input unit via which a primary application can be started, a control unit that on the basis of the anatomical regions determined by the determination module automatically selects and executes in the background further applications, as well as an output unit on which the result of the primary application is displayed together with an item of information relating to additional salient features that have been detected automatically with the aid of the applications executed in the background. The apparatus improves the diagnostic evaluation of medical image data. |
| US07933435B2 |
System, method, and kit for processing a magnified image of biological material to identify components of a biological object
A system, method and kit for processing an original image of biological material to identify certain components of a biological object by locating the biological object in the image, enhancing the image by sharpening components of interest in the object, and applying a contour-finding function to the enhanced image to create a contour mask. The contour mask may be processed to yield a segmented image divided by structural units of the biological material. |
| US07933430B2 |
Method and apparatus for spectral mixture resolution
The spectral method for determining the concentrations of a substance in a mixture of any number of substances is defined by a chemical image having a plurality of pixels (520). The method includes steps of providing a spectrum for each of the n number of substances in the mixture (530), and obtaining the spectrum for one of the plurality of pixels, and calculating a plurality of estimated concentrations of each substance in the mixture as a function of the spectrum for each substance and the spectrum for the pixel, and calculating a deviation value for each of the plurality of estimated concentrations as a function of the spectrum of each of the number of substances in the mixture, and selecting the estimated concentration with the lowest deviation factor as a most likely concentration of each substance in the mixture (550). |
| US07933429B2 |
Vibrating element for an electroacoustic transducer
A vibrating element (1) for an electroacoustic transducer, particularly for a loudspeaker, is provided, comprising a diaphragm (2) with at least two electrically conductive areas (3a, 3b) separated from each other, and with a recess (4). In the recess (4) a coil (5) is arranged with two connecting leads (6a, 6b), which are electrically contacted with one conductive area each (3a, 3b). The contact points (8a . . . 8d) are then located in the area of the recess (4). Furthermore, a method for the manufacturing of a vibrating element (1) is provided. The recess (4), the inserting of the coil (5) into the recess (4) as well as optionally the contacting of connecting leads (6a, 6b) with the conductive areas (3a, 3b) can then take place in one process step. |
| US07933428B2 |
Microphone apparatus
A microphone apparatus includes a mounting substrate, and at least two MEMS microphone elements mounted on the mounting substrate. The mounting substrate is provided with respective sound holes located directly under the MEMS microphone elements. |
| US07933426B2 |
Removable speaker arrangement
An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes removable speaker arrangements. A speaker structure is pivotally mounted with a first base such that the speaker structure pivots around an axis of rotation, and the first base configured to slidingly receive the speaker structure. A first plurality of electronic contacts are in electronic communication with the first base. A second plurality of electronic contacts are in electronic communication with the speaker structure and are configured to maintain electronic communication with the first plurality of electronic connectors throughout the axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the first base further includes a wireless transmitter. In some embodiments, speaker arrangements further includes a second base configured to slidingly receive the speaker structure. In some embodiments, the second base includes a power supply and a wireless receiver for maintaining electronic communication with the first base. |
| US07933424B2 |
Hearing aid comprising adaptive feedback suppression system
A hearing aid comprises an input transducer (2), a subtraction node for subtracting a feedback cancellation signal from the electrical input signal thereby generating a processor input signal, a signal processor (3), an output transducer (4), a pair of equalization filters (7a, 7b) for selecting from the processor input and output signals a plurality of frequency band signals, a frequency equalization unit for frequency equalization for the selected frequency band signals, and an adaptive feedback estimation filter (5, 6) for adaptively deriving the feedback cancellation signal from the equalized frequency band signals. The equalization of selected frequency bands of the input signals of the adaptive feedback cancellation filter provides for an improved and in particular a faster adaption of the feedback cancellation. The invention further provides a method of reducing acoustic feedback of a hearing aid, and a hearing aid circuit. |
| US07933423B2 |
Method for controlling the directionality of the sound receiving characteristic of a hearing aid and a signal processing apparatus
A signal processing apparatus (100) for a hearing aid with a controllable directional characteristic is provided which comprises a directional controller (10) receiving first and second microphone signals (20, 30) and output an output signal (40), a signal analyzer (70) which detects whether at least one of said first and second microphone signals being undesired signals, and wherein said directional controller minimizes the output signal by adjusting the directional characteristic only if the signal analyzer has detected undesired signals. |
| US07933420B2 |
Methods and systems for determining the effectiveness of active noise cancellation
A method for controlling a noise cancellation system having an adaptive control portion is provided. The noise cancellation system is operable to generate a cancellation noise configured to at least partially cancel an unwanted noise in a defined environment. The adaptive control portion is operable to adjust the operation of the noise cancellation system based on a level of unwanted noise that remains when the cancellation noise and the unwanted noise are combined. The method includes receiving an error signal representing a portion of a noise not cancelled by a cancellation noise, where the cancellation noise is generated from the noise cancellation system. The method also includes determining whether the level of the error signal exceeds a first threshold value for a first predetermined period of time. The method also includes calculating a crest factor using the error signal. The method also includes determining whether the crest factor exceeds a second threshold value. The method also includes deactivating the adaptive control system and continuing to operate the noise cancellation system if the error value exceeds the first threshold value for the predetermined period of time and the crest factor exceeds the second threshold value. |
| US07933415B2 |
Signal synthesizing
A method of synthesizing a first (L) and a second (R) output signal from an input signal (x). The method comprises: filtering (201) the input signal to generate a filtered signal; obtaining a correlation parameter indicative of a desired correlation between the first and second output signals; obtaining a level parameter (c) indicative of a desired level difference between the first and second input signals; and transforming the input signal and the filtered signal by a matrixing operation (203) into the first and second output signals, where the matrixing operation depends on the correlation parameter and the level parameter. |
| US07933409B2 |
Content playback device
To provide a content playback device capable of protecting content according to DRM, when decrypting encrypted content recorded on a recording medium and playing the decrypted content. If key generation information is “00”, a key control unit 104 concatenates a decrypted media key and content information in this order, and applies a one-way function to the concatenation result to generate a content key. If the key generation information is “10”, the key control unit 104 sets a rights key as the content key. If the key generation information is “01”, the key control unit 104 concatenates the decrypted media key and the rights key in this order, and applies a one-way function to the concatenation result to generate the content key. |
| US07933405B2 |
Data access and permute unit
According to embodiments of the invention, there is disclosed a data processing unit, a method of operating the same, computer program product and an instruction. In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a data processing unit for a computer processor, the data processing unit comprising a deep register access mechanism capable of performing a permutation operation on at least one data operand accessed from a register file of the computer processor, the permutation operation being performed in series with (i) register access for the data operand and (ii) execution of a data processing operation on the operand. |
| US07933404B2 |
Primitives for fast secure hash functions and stream ciphers
Techniques are disclosed to enable efficient implementation of secure hash functions and/or stream ciphers. More specifically, a family of graphs is described that has relatively large girth, large claw, and/or rapid mixing properties. The graphs are suitable for construction of cryptographic primitives such as collision resistant hash functions and stream ciphers, which allow efficient software implementation. |
| US07933403B2 |
ARIA encryption/decryption apparatus and method, and method of generating initialization key for the same
Disclosed is an Academy, Research Institute, and Agency (ARIA) encryption/decryption apparatus for encrypting and decrypting input data by repeating a plurality of rounds. The ARIA encryption/decryption apparatus includes a first register storing input data or an intermediate calculation value according to a first control signal; a second register storing a input round key for every round; an exclusive OR operation unit performing an exclusive OR operation on values stored in the first and second registers; a substitution unit substituting a result of the exclusive OR operation on a basis of an ARIA substitution algorithm; a diffusion unit diffusing a result of the substitution in the substitution unit on a basis of an ARIA diffusion algorithm if a current round is not a final round; and a control unit outputting the first control signal so that an output of the diffusion unit is used as the intermediate calculation value if the current round is the final round or an output of the substitution unit is used as the intermediate calculation value if the current round is the final round, and outputting an output of the exclusive OR operation unit as a result of the ARIA encryption/decryption. |
| US07933399B2 |
System and method for utilizing virtual agents in an interactive voice response application
The present disclosure provides a system and method configured to establish a connection with a party at an interactive voice response (IVR) system and provide a plurality of virtual agents associated with virtual departments based on a current stage within the process. A caller or party can be prompted with a first virtual agent when addressing content related to a first virtual department and prompted by a second virtual agent when addressing content related to a second virtual department. |
| US07933395B1 |
Virtual tour of user-defined paths in a geographic information system
Interactive geographic information systems (GIS) and techniques provide users with a greater degree of flexibility, utility, and information. A markup language facilitates communication between servers and clients of the interactive GIS, which enables a number of GIS features, such as network links (timebased and/or view-dependent dynamic data layers), ground overlays, screen overlays, placemarks, 3D models, and stylized GIS elements, such as geometry, icons, description balloons, polygons, and labels in the viewer by which the user sees the target area. Also, “virtual tours” of user-defined paths in the context of distributed geospatial visualization is enabled. Streaming and interactive visualization of filled polygon data are also enabled thereby allowing buildings and other such features to be provided in 3d. Also, techniques for enabling ambiguous search requests in a GIS are provided. |
| US07933393B1 |
Method and apparatus for selective post-call audio logo/message
A system relays a call from a calling party to a called party and, upon termination of the call by the calling party, a post-call announcement is played to the called party. Attributes of either the calling party, the called party, or both are passed to a database. The database performs a look-up query based on the call attribute information. An announcement indication is transmitted from the database to an announcement frame indicating which post-call announcement, if any, is to be played to the called party. The announcement frame plays the particular post-call announcement, if any, to the called party when the calling party has disconnected from the call. |
| US07933379B2 |
Measurement of lead by X-ray fluorescence
A method, instrument, and computer program software product for characterizing a sample with respect to the presence of a specified element, either as a constituent of a surface layer or of the bulk of the sample. Intensities of fluorescent emission at two characteristic emission lines are compared to establish whether the specified element is disposed above the bulk of the sample. In the case where the specified element is disposed above the bulk of the sample, an areal density of the specified element is determined, whereas in the case where the specified element is disposed within the bulk of the sample, a volumetric concentration of the specified element within the sample is determined. |
| US07933374B2 |
System and method of storing and/or transferring high level radioactive waste
A system and method for storing high level waste. In one aspect, the invention is a system comprising: an outer shell having an open top end and a hermetically closed bottom end; an inner shell forming a cavity, the inner shell positioned inside the outer shell so as to form a space between the inner shell and the outer shell; at least one passageway connecting the space and a bottom portion of the cavity; at least one passageway connecting an ambient atmosphere and a top portion of the space; a lid positioned atop the inner shell, the lid having at least one passageway connecting the cavity and the ambient atmosphere; and a seal between the lid and the inner shell so at form a hermetic lid-to-inner shell interface. |
| US07933373B2 |
Phase correction circuit of encoder signal
A position detector has a peak detector for detecting peak values of an A1 signal and a B1 signal serving as output signals of an analog to digital (AD) converter, an offset/amplitude correction section for generating an A2 signal and a B2 signal by correcting offsets and amplitude errors using the peak values detected by the peak detector, and a position data conversion section for converting the sinusoidal signals of an A phase and a B phase into position data. |
| US07933366B2 |
Channel estimation method and system using linear correlation based interference cancellation (LCIC) combined with decision-feedback-equalization (DFE)
A channel estimation method and system using linear correlation based interference cancellation combined with decision-feedback-equalization (LCIC-DFE) are provided. The channel estimation method includes generating a first correlation sequence by calculating a linear correlation between a baseband sampled complex signal and a locally stored pseudo-noise signal and obtaining a second correlation sequence by iteratively removing inter-path interference from the first correlation sequence and generating a first channel impulse response (CIR) sequence based on the second correlation sequence. And, obtaining a third correlation sequence by removing random-data interference from the second correlation sequence based on the first CIR sequence and a feedback signal and generating a second CIR sequence based on the third correlation sequence. |
| US07933364B2 |
QAM symbol slicing method and apparatus
A method for slicing a symbol in a QAM digital demodulator, includes acquiring a digital integer value by sampling a symbol signal in an in-phase coordinate or a quadrature-phase coordinate; and extracting a symbol bit sequence in the in-phase coordinate or the quadrature-phase coordinate from a whole bit sequence of the digital integer value by using an LSB thereof. Further, a symbol slicer for detecting a QAM symbol, includes digital sampling units, each of which acquires a digital integer value by sampling a symbol signal in an in-phase coordinate or a quadrature-phase coordinate; and a symbol bit sequence extracting unit that extracts a symbol bit sequence in the in-phase coordinate or the quadrature-phase coordinate from a whole bit sequence of the digital integer value by using an LSB thereof. |
| US07933363B2 |
Polarization diversity
A communication device for receiving a signal in the form of a series of bursts, each burst being in one of a plurality of different available transmission modes, the communication device comprising: a receiver unit coupled to a single antenna operable to receive bursts in first and second polarizations, the receiver unit preferentially receiving signals in a selected polarization; a selection unit for selecting for each received burst in which polarization the receiver unit is to preferentially receive signals; and a signal analysis unit for analyzing each received burst to determine whether it meets a predetermined reception quality criterion; wherein the signal analysis unit is arranged to control the selection unit to: if a burst is to be received with a certain transmission mode and the last burst received with that transmission mode was received above the reception quality criterion, preferentially receive the burst in the same polarization in which the last burst was received; and if a burst is to be received with a certain transmission mode and the last burst received with that transmission mode was received below the reception quality criterion, preferentially receive the burst in a different polarization from that in which the last burst was received. |
| US07933361B2 |
Hybrid DC-offset reduction method and system for direct conversion receiver
A hybrid structure circuit for the cancellation of both Type-I and Type-II DC offsets. It comprises a static compensator in conjunction with a servo-loop feedback amplifier to suppress the undesired DC components present along the path of the base band after the direct conversion mixer. Two mixers are used to down convert a received RF signal directly to a base band signal with two components: in-phase and quadrature-phase. Both in-phase and quadrature-phase branches employ the same circuitry for DC offset cancellation. Miller effect is also utilized in the structure in order to implement the circuit on-chip. |
| US07933360B2 |
Method for evaluating signal transmission quality
A method to assess signal transmission quality and the adjust method thereof are proposed. First, different time points of a control signal at a receiving end are acquired and the number of signal transitions in a predetermined time interval is counted. Next, the number of signal transitions is recorded and compared to a reference value to obtain a comparison result. The quality of the control signal is then determined based on the comparison result. The parameter setting of the receiving end is adjusted according to the quality of the control signal received by the receiving end to get a better performance setting. |
| US07933354B2 |
Encoding and decoding architecture and method for pipelining encoded data or pipelining with a look-ahead strategy
An encoding and/or decoding communication system comprises a framer interface, an encoder, a multiplexer, an output driver, and a clock multiplier unit (CMU). The encoder includes an input latch circuitry stage; an output latch circuitry stage; an intermediate latch circuitry stage interposed between the input latch circuitry stage and the output latch circuitry stage, the intermediate latch circuitry stage coupled to the input latch circuitry stage and the output latch circuitry stage; a plurality of encoding logic circuitry stages interposed between the input latch circuitry stage and the output latch circuitry stage, a last one of the plurality of encoding logic circuitry stages placed adjacent to the output latch circuitry stage and coupled to the output latch circuitry stage; and a feedback between the output latch circuitry stage and the last one of the plurality of encoding logic circuitry stages. |
| US07933353B2 |
Communication system and technique using QR decomposition with a triangular systolic array
An apparatus, system, and method to perform QR decomposition of an input complex matrix are described. The apparatus may include a triangular systolic array to load the input complex matrix and an identity matrix, to perform a unitary complex matrix transformation requiring three rotation angles, and to produce a complex unitary matrix and an upper triangular matrix. The upper triangular matrix may include real diagonal elements. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07933349B2 |
OFDM receiver and OFDM signal receiving method
An OFDM receiver may include OFDM-signal receiving means for receiving an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal, channel-characteristic estimating means for estimating a channel characteristic, time-direction-channel estimating means used for the estimation of a channel characteristic, judging means for judging a result of the estimation of a time direction channel, switching control means for switching presence or absence of the estimation of a time direction channel in accordance with a result of the judgment on the result of the estimation of a time direction channel, and transmission-distortion compensating means for applying processing for compensating for transmission distortion to the OFDM frequency domain signal received by the OFDM-signal receiving means and subjected to the Fast Fourier Transform. |
| US07933342B2 |
Multipath equalization for MIMO multiuser systems
Interference rejection (85) can be applied to a wireless communication signal with reduced computational complexity by producing from a sample vector (y) a plurality of vectors (w) that are smaller than the sample vector. The interference rejection operation can then be applied to each of the smaller vectors individually to decide communication symbols represented by the sample vector. |
| US07933336B2 |
Image down-sampling transcoding method and device
Methods and devices are provided for down-sampling an image from H.264 to MPEG-4 at a high speed. The method for converting a first macro block having a first format into a second macro block having a second format includes: (a) determining a block mode of the second macro block and converting the first macro block into the second macro block with the determined block mode, when the number of intra macro blocks included in the first macro block satisfies a first condition; (b) determining a block mode of the second macro block and converting the first macro block into the second macro block with the determined block mode, when the number for inter macro blocks included in the first macro block satisfies a second condition; and (c) re-adjusting a motion vector of the second macro block, after the conversion of the first macro block into the second macro block is finished. |
| US07933334B2 |
Image encoder and method thereof, computer program of image encoder, and mobile terminal
The present invention provides an image coding method comprising: selecting prediction modes from among prescribed plurality of prediction modes based on processed blocks, the number of selected prediction modes being less than the number of said prescribed plurality of prediction modes; predicting a pixel of a block in an input frame image based on selected prediction modes; calculating a difference between said predicted pixel value and a pixel value of a block in an input frame; determining a coding mode based on the result of said calculation process, said determined coding mode being used for said image coding method.And the present invention also provides an encoding circuit, encoding program, a mobile terminal, an encoding and decoding circuit relevant to the image encoding method above. |
| US07933333B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting motion in MPEG video streams
A method of detecting motion in a video image comprising the steps of connecting an MPEG compliant encoder to a video source that provides video images, compressing the video data in the video images and generating a compressed video image bit stream having a motion compensation component, receiving the generated compressed video image bit stream, comparing the motion compensation component to a threshold value, and indicating that motion has occurred if the motion compensation component is greater than the threshold value. |
| US07933332B2 |
Method and device for determination of motion vectors that are coordinated with regions of an image
In a method and device for determining motion vectors that are each coordinated with individual regions of an image, the image is divided into a number of first main blocks, making use of a first block raster, and a first estimation process is performed to provide each first block with a motion vector. The image is also divided into a number of second main blocks, making use of a second block raster, whose position is displaced relative to or offset from the first block raster, for example in the horizontal and vertical directions, and a second estimation process is performed to provide each second main block with a motion vector. A number of subblocks are formed, each subblock being formed by an overlap region between one of the main blocks of the first raster and certain ones of the second main blocks of the second raster. A motion vector for each subblock is generated, this motion vector depending on the motion vectors of the main blocks and being coordinated with the particular subblock. |
| US07933331B2 |
High quality, low memory bandwidth motion estimation processor
An apparatus generally having a first circuit and a second circuit is disclosed. The first circuit may be configured to (i) copy a plurality of first reference samples of a first reference image from an external memory, the first reference samples being proximate a first position within the first reference image and (ii) generate a first motion vector corresponding to a first current block of a current image by searching among the first reference samples. The second circuit may be configured to (i) copy a plurality of second reference samples of the first reference image from the external memory, the second reference samples being (a) proximate a second position within the first reference image and (b) non-adjacent the first reference samples and (ii) generate a second motion vector corresponding to the first current block by searching among the second reference samples. |
| US07933330B2 |
Picture coding apparatus, picture decoding apparatus and the methods
A weighting factor mode determination unit determines whether to code an interlaced picture in a field mode or a frame mode, based on a value of a flag “AFF” indicating whether or not to switch between the field mode and the frame mode on a block-by-block basis and notifies switches and a multiplexing unit of the determined mode. The switches select either the field mode or the frame mode according to the notified mode. A field weighting factor coding unit or a frame weighting factor coding unit performs respectively the coding of respective weighting factors when the respective modes are selected. |
| US07933329B2 |
System and method for monitoring video packets for quantifying video quality
A system and method for monitoring a sequence of video packets for quantifying video quality includes a video picture monitor that accesses data in a header of a video packet included in the sequence of video packets. The header is separate from video content stored in the video packet. The video picture monitor also determines from the accessed data, a relationship between a portion of a picture included in the video packet and at least a portion of a picture included in another video packet. Both video packets are included in the sequence of video packets. This relationship indicates whether to use the video content stored in the first video packet to quantify video quality. |
| US07933325B2 |
Antenna driving apparatus
A transmitter portion 14 includes a control circuit 32, a driver circuit 33, and a wave detector circuit 35. The control circuit 32 generates control signals Vp, Vn based on a pulsed transmission signal So. The driver circuit 33, which is supplied with a battery voltage Vb, generates an output signal Sa to be sent to an antenna 13 based on the control signals Vp, Vn. The wave detector circuit 35 outputs a detection signal Sk having a voltage proportional to the level of the output signal Sa (transmission power level). The control circuit 32 changes the pulse widths of the control signals Vp, Vn based on the voltage level of the detection signal Sk. As a result, electric power consumption is reduced and enlargement of an apparatus is suppressed while maintaining the transmission power level constant. |
| US07933324B2 |
Power regulator
Method and system of power regulating, such as but not limited to attenuating signal power levels. The power regulating being suitable for use in any number of application, environments, and circuits, including but not limited to those associated with a universal garage door opener (UGDO), remote keyless entry (RKE) unit, tire pressure monitor (TPM) unit, and/or a passive entry element. The regulating may be suitable for directly broadcasting the regulated signal and/or communication the regulated signal to other circuit element for further processing. |
| US07933320B2 |
Communication system using length shift keying modulation method
A communication system using a length shift keying (LSK) modulation method provides a transmitter having a carrier signal generator for generating carrier signals, and a modulator for modulating lengths of the carrier signals from the carrier signal generator according to combinations of data bits, and a receiver having an integrator for calculating an energy value by integrating the carrier signal that corresponds to a data bit combination, and a data judgment unit for judging the data bit combination by comparing the energy value with a predetermined threshold value. Power is maintained without changing the bandwidth of a communication signal when the communication signal is modulated. |
| US07933311B2 |
Data transmission using repeated sets of spreading sequences
Disclosed is a data transmission process using repetitive sets of spreading sequences, and corresponding transmitted and receiver. According to the invention, spectrum spreading is done on symbol packets using set of pseudo-random sequences used repetitively. This thus reduces interference between symbols. The present invention is applicable to digital communications by spectrum spreading. |
| US07933308B2 |
Signal transmission and reception device
A signal transmission and reception device is disclosed that can be made compact and has wide-band band-pass characteristics. The signal transmission and reception device includes a first filtering unit that is composed of a distributed constant circuit and is capable of eliminating a first frequency component or a second frequency component. The second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and a second filtering unit that attenuates components of frequencies lower than the first frequency or components of frequencies higher than the second frequency. |
| US07933302B2 |
Laser arrangement having a laser diode apparatus and method for stabilizing operating temperature distribution of a laser diode apparatus
A laser arrangement has at least one laser diode apparatus with a side surface which laterally limits the laser diode apparatus. The laser arrangement has a plurality of active regions arranged laterally side by side and configured to generate radiation. The laser diode apparatus is arranged on a mount. The distance between the side surface and an edge which laterally limits the mount on the part of the side surface is shorter than the distance between the side surface and the active region closest to the side surface. Additionally or alternatively, the distance between the side surface and the edge is shorter than one of the distances between two adjacent active regions of the laser diode apparatus. |
| US07933301B2 |
Resonator cavity configuration and method
A resonator cavity (10A) and method are provided. The resonator cavity (10A) includes at least one gain medium (16) and end reflectors (12, 14) which define together longitudinal modes of light in the cavity, and further includes an intra-cavity beam coupler assembly (20). The beam coupler assembly (20) is configured to split light impinging thereon into a predetermined number of spatially separated light channels, and to cause phase locking and at least partial coherent combining of the light channels, having common longitudinal and transverse modes, in a double pass through the beam coupler assembly (20). The resonator cavity (10A) is configured and operable to produce at least one output combined light channel of a predetermined intensity profile. |
| US07933300B2 |
Resonant fabry-perot semiconductor saturable absorbers and two photon absorption power limiters
An intracavity resonant Fabry-Perot saturable absorber (R-FPSA) induces modelocking in a laser such as a fiber laser. An optical limiter such as a two photon absorber (TPA) can be used in conjunction with the R-FPSA, so that Q-switching is inhibited, resulting in laser output that is cw modelocked. By using both an R-FPSA and a TPA, the Q-switched modelocked behavior of a fiber laser is observed to evolve into cw modelocking. |
| US07933296B2 |
Services for data sharing and synchronization
Systems and methods for sharing and synchronizing data using the addition of synchronization data to a feed that contains data items, and at least a node or endpoint that provides synchronization-related services to other endpoints, are disclosed. Such systems and methods, and client and service endpoints, may use the added synchronization data in multiple ways to share data, incorporate changes consistently, and resolve conflicts. |
| US07933295B2 |
Cable modem with voice processing capability
A network gateway is configured to facilitate on line and off line bi-directional communication between a number of near end data and telephony devices with far end data termination devices via a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cable modem termination system. The described network gateway combines a QAM receiver, a transmitter, a DOCSIS MAC, a CPU, a voice and audio processor, a voice synchronizer, an Ethernet MAC, and a USB controller to provide high performance and robust operation. |
| US07933292B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting control information in mobile communication system
An apparatus and method for transmitting control information in a mobile communication system transmits uplink or downlink control information required for an E-DCH transmission between MAC layers of a transmitting side and a receiving side. The MAC layer of the transmitting side divides the MAC PDU into a MAC control PDU and a MAC data PDU and transmits data through the MAC data PDU and uplink or downlink control information through the MAC control PDU to the receiving side. The MAC control PDU includes an identifier for indicating a type of a MAC PDU and a sub-identifier for discriminating a type of the corresponding MAC control PDU. |
| US07933289B2 |
Cooperative writes over the address channel of a bus
A processing system and method for communicating in a processing system over a bus is disclosed. The processing system includes a receiving device, a bus having first, second and third channels, and a sending device configured to address the receiving device on the first channel, and read a payload from the receiving device on the second channel, the sending device being further configured to write a first portion of a payload to the receiving device on the first channel and a second portion of the payload to the receiving device on the third channel. |
| US07933288B2 |
Multi-carrier frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) architecture for high speed digital service
An architecture for providing high-speed access over frequency-division multiplexed (FDM) channels allows transmission of ethernet frames and/or other data across a cable transmission network or other form of FDM transport. The architecture involves downstream and upstream FDM multiplexing techniques to allow contemporaneous, parallel communications across a plurality of frequency channels. Furthermore, the architecture allows a central concentrator to support a plurality of remote devices that each have guaranteed bandwidth through connection-oriented allocations of bi-directional data flows. The upstream and downstream bandwidth allocation can support symmetrical bandwidth as well as asymmetrical bandwidth in either direction. The architecture generally can be used to support connection-oriented physical layer connectivity between a remote device and the central concentrator. Furthermore, the architecture may be integrated into other higher level devices such as, but not limited to, bridges, switches, routers, and/or gateways. The architecture generally may peacefully coexist with other services commonly-found in cable distribution networks. |
| US07933287B2 |
Wireless communication mobile station device, wireless communication base station device and CQI report method
Provided is a wireless communication mobile station device by which a throughput can be improved in multicarrier communication. In the device, a group control section (107) controls a subcarrier group, of which CQI is to be reported, among a plurality of subcarrier groups to periodically change, by following pattern information. For instance, the group control section (107) changes the subcarrier group whose CQI is to be reported, by frame or TTI (Transmission Time Interval). Furthermore, the group control section (107) specifies the subcarrier group whose CQI is to be reported, to an SINR detecting section (108) and a CQI generating section (109). |
| US07933285B2 |
Distributed digital subscriber line access multiplexers to increase bandwidth in access networks
Example distributed DSLAMs to increase bandwidth in access networks are disclosed. An example DSLAM comprises a first distribution cable segment to couple an SAI to a first pedestal and to transport user data, a second distribution cable segment to couple the first pedestal to a second pedestal and to transport a first portion of the user data from the first pedestal to the second pedestal, the second cable segment comprising a pair of DSL-based signals bonded together, a drop cable to couple the first pedestal to a customer premises and to transport a second portion of the user data to the customer premises, and a switch at the first pedestal to route the first portion of the user data between the first and second cable segments and to route the second portion of the user data between the first cable segment and the drop cable. |
| US07933284B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving SIP server performance
A method and apparatus for improving SIP server performance is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an enqueuer for determining whether a request packet entering into the server is a new request or a retransmitted request and its retransmission times and for enqueuing the request packet into different queues based on results of the determining step and a dequeuer for dequeuing the packet in the queues for processing based on a scheduling policy. The apparatus may further include a policy controller for communicating with the server, enqueuer, dequeuer, queues and user, to dynamically and automatically set, or set based on the user's instructions, the scheduling policy, number of different queues, each queue's capacity, scheduling, etc. based on the network and/or server load and/or based on different server applications. |
| US07933283B1 |
Shared memory management
Shared memory management apparatus and techniques are disclosed. A shared memory provides queues for storing communication traffic that is to be scheduled for transmission. Based on amounts of communication traffic stored in the queues, a determination is made as to whether or not communication traffic is to be removed from the shared memory, and if so, communication traffic is removed. Traffic may be selected for removal based on one or more of: a scheduling algorithm for scheduling communication traffic out of the queues for transmission, thresholds associated with the queues, and latency of the communication traffic stored in the queues. Removal of communication traffic from the shared memory is coordinated with scheduling of communication traffic in some embodiments. |
| US07933282B1 |
Packet classification device for storing groups of rules
A packet classification device includes a CAM device, an SRAM device, and a control circuit that controls and coordinates the operations of the CAM and SRAM devices. For some embodiments, a first CAM block stores unique entries for each packet header field, a RAM block coupled to the first CAM block stores field labels for the unique packet header fields, a second CAM block stores group labels consisting of unique combinations of concatenated field labels, and a second RAM block coupled to the second CAM block stores a group identification (ID) for each group label, wherein each group ID identifies a corresponding one of the groups of rules. |
| US07933281B2 |
Method of bus configuration to enable device bridging over dissimilar buses
Several local IEEE1394 buses are bridged together over a second bus type to create a global bus wherein each local bus node is able to address nodes across the global bus without the local nodes being aware of the bridging operation. A bridging device operates by translating local bus node addresses to a global bus for communication over the second bus type. Alternatively, the local bus node identification process is controlled by the bridging device operating as the root node to cause the local nodes to be identified with a node address that is unique for the global network. The second bus type operates as a backbone for the global network and can be any type of communication bus or network with capability to transport the local bus traffic. The bridging devices that interface the local IEEE1394 buses to the backbone contain portals specific to each bus type that can communicate data between the dissimilar buses. |
| US07933276B2 |
Dynamic bandwidth allocation processor
A dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) processor comprises a DBA co-processor having DBA co-processor components and operative to perform and accelerate DBA functions, and a processing core logically coupled to the DBA co-processor through a processing bus and operative to configure and dynamically control all the DBA co-processor components and to run sections of algorithms that cannot be accelerated on the DBA co-processor. The DBA processor significantly accelerated the bandwidth allocation in a communications network such as an optical communications network or a fast wireless network. The DBA co-processor and the processing core may be integrated on a chip. |
| US07933272B2 |
Methods and systems for resolving a first node identifier in a first identifier domain space to a second node identifier in a second identifier domain space
Methods and systems are described for resolving a first node identifier in a first identifier domain space to a second node identifier in a second identifier domain space. In one aspect, a first node identifier from a first identifier domain space is identified. The first node identifier is included in data for transmission to a recipient. A network directory service node address is determined for a network directory service node configured to resolve the first node identifier to a second node identifier in a second identifier domain space. A message including the data and addressed to the recipient is generated. The message is transmitted to the recipient in association with transmitting, to the recipient, the network directory service node address. |
| US07933271B2 |
MAC forwarding method for multi-hop routing in communication system between vehicles
Provided is a Media Access Control (MAC) forwarding method for multi-hop routing in a communication system between vehicles. The method includes the steps of: a) receiving a frame from all nodes and checking whether there are duplicate frames; b) partly updating forwarding cache table (FCT) information, or updating SNT information and checking whether a destination address is a corresponding node; c) updating the FCT information, transmitting an Ack signal and transferring the frame to the upper layer, or searching whether the destination address is registered as “d_addr”; d) updating the FCT information and transmitting a delay ACK frame or checking whether the transmitted frame is a flooding frame; and e) updating the FCT information, checking whether the other node does not transmit the “d_ack” and inserting a flooding frame, otherwise, updating the FCT information and abandoning the frame. |
| US07933270B2 |
Method and system for prioritizing IP traffic in a wireless network based on a type-of-service identifier
A method for prioritizing IP traffic in a wireless network based on a type-of-service (TOS) identifier is provided. The method includes receiving an IP datagram. The IP datagram comprises an original TOS identifier. An IP message is formed by adding an IP header to the IP datagram. The original TOS identifier is copied from the IP datagram into a duplicate TOS identifier in the IP header. |
| US07933268B1 |
IP multicast forwarding in MAC bridges
The invention provides novel methods of forwarding multicast data packets to selected egress ports in a MAC bridging environment. A multicast data packet is received via an ingress port. A source IP address and a destination multicast IP address are retrieved from the multicast packet. In a forwarding database, different groups of egress ports correspond to different combinations of a source address, a destination multicast address, and a virtual local area network identifier (VLAN-ID). The forwarding database is accessed, based on the retrieved source address, the retrieved destination multicast address, and a VLAN-ID, to thereby determine a corresponding group of egress ports. The multicast packet is then forwarded to the corresponding group of egress ports. |
| US07933265B2 |
Time switch
Provided is a time switch capable of allowing a user to readily set up or change a schedule. For this purpose, a chassis 30 of the time switch 10 has same size (i.e., two-row-module size) as that obtained by arranging two three-module sized implanted type wiring devices in two lines along a minor width direction, and installation frame pieces 38 are protruded from both of upper and lower side walls. In addition, each installation frame piece 38 has a long hole 38a for inserting a box screw fastened to the implanted type box (not shown) implanted on the installation surface or a fastener hole combined with a fastener. Furthermore, decoration covers 33 and 34 are installed in the front side of the chassis 30, and manipulating buttons 45a to 45f of the setup manipulation unit for setting up a time schedule having a set of an address corresponding to the control target load, and a control time and a control item for the load are provided in the decoration cover 33 functioning as a manipulation face of the setup unit 10a. |
| US07933263B1 |
Analysis of VoIP data using incomplete call information
A method for determining the existence of calls in a VoIP system is disclosed. The present method enables calls that escape detection under known methods to be captured and analyzed, thereby improving the operation of a monitoring component that incorporates the principles disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an undetermined user datagram protocol (“UDP”) data packet is captured. Analysis of the UDP packet is conducted to determine whether the packet conforms to real-time transfer protocol (“RTP”) or real-time transfer control protocol (“RTCP”) protocols that are associated with VoIP calls. If the packet corresponds to RTP or RTCP protocols, further analysis is conducted to determine whether the packet corresponds to an already-identified call. If not, a new call record is created to track the packet and all other packets relating to the call. Analysis of various metrics and other properties of the packet can then be conducted as needed. |
| US07933261B2 |
Communication method, communication system, communication device, and program using multiple communication modes
In a communication method for performing data communication between communication devices via a network according to a predetermined mode, an attempt to establish the data communication according to a first communication mode is made. When the attempt has failed, another attempt to establish the data communication according to a second communication mode is made. |
| US07933260B2 |
System and method for routing and communicating in a heterogeneous network environment
An improved system and method are disclosed for peer-to-peer communications. In one example, the method is for connecting an endpoint that is separated from another endpoint by a symmetric network address translation device. |
| US07933259B2 |
Internet telephony system with automated call answering
A system and method for automatically answering a call from a calling party to a called party that originates via the Internet, includes and involves a data storage system and processor that is coupled to the data storage system. The processor is operative to initiate an automated call answering service in response to an Internet telephony call from the calling party which is intended to be received by the called party, to receive a message from the calling party via the Internet in accordance with the automated call answering service, and to store the message in the data storage system for processing by the processor in accordance with the automated call answering service. |
| US07933258B2 |
Bypassing transcoding operations in a communication network
A method and a device for initiating the bypassing of a pair of transcoding operations that are performed in series by a first transcoder arranged together with a first communication terminal on a local side of a communication network and by a second transcoder arranged together with a second communication terminal on a distant side of the communication network are described. The method includes receiving from the distant side information about an encoding format currently in use on the distant side and about encoding capabilities of the distant side and transmitting to the distant side information about an encoding format currently in use on the local side and about encoding capabilities of the local side to enable on one or on both sides a change of the encoding format currently in use prior to initiating the bypassing of the transcoding operations. |
| US07933253B2 |
Return routability optimisation
A method of managing switching of a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel termination point from a first address to a second address. The VPN operates between a fixed network node and a mobile node which defines the termination point. The address of the mobile mode is switched from the first address to the second address and a notification from the mobile node to the fixed node is sent to indicate that the address of the mobile has changed from the first address to the second address. Verification of the trustworthiness of the second address is also then made. A searching manager for performing the method is also disclosed. |
| US07933248B2 |
Method and apparatus for handover decision by using context information in a mobile communications network
A method for deciding a handover of a mobile terminal based on context information in a network environment includes receiving context information from the terminal and networks; evaluating selection priorities of network interfaces for each transmission path for each application program based on the context information; and obtaining a handover decision value for selecting a best network interface from among the networks by applying a cost function to the evaluated selection priority. Further, an apparatus for deciding a handover of a mobile terminal based on context information in a network environment, includes a monitor that collects context information from the terminal and networks; an analyzer that evaluates selection priorities of the networks for each transmission path for each application program based on the context information; and a planner that obtains a handover decision value for each transmission path of each application program based on the selection priorities. |
| US07933244B2 |
Multi-carrier communications with group-based subcarrier allocation
A method and apparatus for subcarrier selection for systems is described. In one embodiment, the system employs orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). In one embodiment, a method for subcarrier selection comprises a subscriber measuring channel and interference information for subcarriers based on pilot symbols received from a base station, the subscriber selecting a set of candidate subcarriers, providing feedback information on the set of candidate subcarriers to the base station, and receiving an indication of subcarriers of the set of subcarriers selected by the base station for use by the subscriber. |
| US07933241B2 |
Communication method for using bandwidth efficiently in internet protocol version 6
A communication method for using bandwidth efficiently in Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) is provided to minimize use of header information that is added when the terminal is moved. According to the present invention, while maintaining compatibility between general terminals that conform to the mobile IPv6, bandwidth can be more efficiently used for terminals supporting functions defined in the present invention. |
| US07933237B2 |
Ensuring quality of service of communications in networks
A method and apparatus for controlling ingress to a communications network to control quality of service is described. A request to admit a new communications flow is received. A polynomial and its coefficients representing a state of the network is determined and applied to the network state plus the new communications flow to determine whether admission of the new communications flow would cause the network to operate in a stable or unstable state. In response to determining that the network would operate in the unstable state, a communications flow for the ingress device is downgraded in its quality of service. By another approach, it is determined whether the new communications flow exceeds an allocated quota of bandwidth. Admission or rejection of the communications flow can be determined. |
| US07933236B2 |
Methods and systems for a wireless routing architecture and protocol
The present invention provides a method for generating routing paths in a multi-hop network. The multi-hop network includes a base station, at least one relay station, and at least one non-relay mobile station. The routing paths are paths between the base station and the at least one non-relay mobile station via the at least one relay station. The base station broadcasts a path discovery message (PDM) including a path list with a starting point of the path list being the base station. Each of the relay stations receives the PDM and updates the PDM by adding their own respective node identifier to the path list and broadcasting the updated PDM. The PDMs eventually reach the non-relay mobile station. The non-relay mobile stations reply to the base station by sending the base station the updated path list between the base station and the non-relay mobile station. In some embodiments the base station or the at least one non-relay mobile station acting as a source node sends a dynamic service (DSx) message including an end-to-end path list to an end of path destination. The relay stations use the path list to forward the message between the source node and the end of path destination. In some implementations the multi-hop network operates in a manner that is consistent with any one of: IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.16d, and IEEE 802.16e. |