| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08113458B2 |
Device for printing on a strip of paper in the form of a roll about a spool
A device for printing on a strip of paper shaped as a roll about a spool, the device comprising a housing for receiving the roll, means for supporting the roll from beneath in the housing and for horizontally centering the roll substantially on a vertical reference axis, a travel path for the strip of paper from the housing to a printer member, and a control member associated with a drive member for driving the strip of paper along the travel path, the device comprises at least one sensor for sensing the position of the spool along the vertical reference axis, the sensor being secured to at least one side face of the housing, and being connected to the control member for controlling the drive member. |
| US08113454B2 |
Paper shredding roller assembly
A paper shredding roller assembly comprises of a left roller (1), a right roller (2) juxtaposed to said left roller (1), a plurality of left and right circular knives (3, 4) are attached axially to said left and right roller (1, 2) in a spiral fashion, and spaced with each other by a predetermined distance (H). Pluralities of left cutting tips (31) are disposed around a circumference of the left circular knife (3) and a plurality of right cutting tips (41) are disposed around a circumference of the right circular knife (4). The paper shredding roller assembly is characterized in that: each left circular knife (3) comprises of a plurality of sloping cutting edges (5) disposed around the circumference thereof, corresponding with the right cutting tips (41); and each right circular knife (4) comprises of a plurality of sloping cutting edges (5) disposed around the circumference thereof, corresponding with the left cutting tips (31). |
| US08113453B2 |
Reducing machine rotor assembly and methods of constructing and operating the same
A fragmenting rotor assembly for comminuting waste wood and other fragmentable material. A hammer support is carried by a drive shaft driven in rotation about a longitudinal drive shaft axis. The hammer support projects radially relative to the drive shaft axis and includes a radially outer hammer head. A fragmenting knife is removably secured to the hammer head and has a reducing edge disposed in a radially outer cutting position. A deflecting member is carried by the drive shaft and has a radially outer end that deflects fragments away from at least a portion of the fragmenting knife. The hammer support and/or the deflecting member are carried by at least one rod of a plurality of circumferentially-spaced axially-extending rods that are carried on the drive shaft by axially-spaced rotor members. |
| US08113446B2 |
Showerhead for emergency fixture
An apparatus for controlling a flow of fluid in an emergency fixture is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body and a control element at least partially located in the body and configured to impart rotation into the fluid flow. The control element includes an inlet that receives the fluid flow. The control element also includes a first outlet portion configured to guide a first portion of the fluid flow out of the control element as an axial flow and a second outlet portion configured to provide rotation to a second portion of the fluid flow relative to the axial flow. The first portion of the fluid flow exits the control element at a position downstream from the position that the second portion of the fluid flow exits the control element. |
| US08113445B2 |
Spray gun having air cap with unique spray shaping features
A spray coating device, in one embodiment, is provided with a liquid passage, an air passage, one or more valves configured to open and close flow of liquid through the liquid passage and air through the air passage, a trigger coupled to the one or more valves, and a spray head configured to generate a non-conical liquid spray. The spray head includes a liquid exit in fluid communication with the liquid passage, wherein the liquid exit has a longitudinal axis of liquid flow, an air exit in fluid communication with the air passage, wherein the air exit is coaxial with the liquid exit, a first plurality of air shaping orifices in fluid communication with the air passage, wherein the first plurality of air shaping orifices have first axes that generally converge toward a first point along the longitudinal axis at first acute angles relative to the longitudinal axis, and a second plurality of air shaping orifices in fluid communication with the air passage, wherein the second plurality of air shaping orifices have second axes that generally converge toward a second point along the longitudinal axis at second acute angles relative to the longitudinal axis, the first and second acute angles are different from one another, and the first and second points are in series one after another along the longitudinal axis. |
| US08113444B2 |
Light cleaning device for a vechicle
A light cleaning device for washing lights located on an external portion of a vehicle. The device has an elongate housing formed with an inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized liquid and a rinsing head fitted with at least one jet nozzle. The jet nozzle is mounted at a distal end of a telescopically retractable hollow tube of the device, which is normally retracted. There is a liquid flow path from the housing to the rinsing head which can emit a jet spray therefrom when the tube is projected from the housing. The nozzle may have a jet forming member fitted therein to turbulate the jet spray fluid. |
| US08113443B2 |
Rotary sprinkler
A sprinkler for discharging liquid onto an area with a predetermined geometrically shaped perimeter while maintaining a substantially constant liquids precipitation over said area. The sprinkler comprises a housing fitted with a flow chamber accommodating a motor for rotating a sprinkler head mounted on the housing, the housing comprising a first nozzle and a second nozzle, in flow communication with the outlet end of the flow chamber. The first nozzle fitted for discharging liquid at a substantially short range. The sprinkler further comprises a dynamic liquid deflector associated with the second nozzle, and biased by an array of biasing elements, each adapted to dynamically bias the liquid deflector to a predetermined angle, thereby determine a deflection angle thereof. |
| US08113442B2 |
Hand held shower with a button switching mechanism for switching spray patterns
A hand held shower with a button switching mechanism for switching spray patterns disclosed in the present invention comprises a body, a button switching mechanism and a cover unit. The button switching mechanism comprises a seat, a disc, a lever, a button, a lower ratchet wheel sleeve and an upper wheel bar. Each time the button pressed, the disc will be rotated to a certain angle so that the outlet hole of the disc will align with the different inlets of seat. The inlets of the seat and the channels with different functions of the cover unit cooperate to switch the spray pattern. The spray pattern can be conveniently and accurately switched by pressing the button with one hand and with little effort. |
| US08113441B2 |
Lap joint
A lap joint assembly that includes two spaced apart mating railroad end sections that are double bent and machine tapered and trimmed to conform in spatial alignment with one another, an electrical insulating material positioned between the two machined mating rail sections and at least one fastener attaching the machined railroad rail sections to one another. |
| US08113437B2 |
RFID device with memory unit having memristor characteristics
An RFID device may ensure a stable sensing margin by employing a ReRAM. In an embodiment the RFID includes: a radio signal transceiver configured to transmit/receive a radio signal to/from an external reader; a digital unit configured to detect a command signal from an output of the radio signal transceiver and output a control signal corresponding to the command signal; and a memory unit configured to perform a read or write operation in response to the control signal, the memory unit including a resistive switch device (RSD) having memristor characteristics. |
| US08113434B2 |
Passive electro-optical identification tags
Embodiments for electro-optical identification are disclosed. |
| US08113422B2 |
Article data processing apparatus
An article data processing apparatus is provided with a first read instructing section which instructs a wireless system reading apparatus for reading identification information items stored in RFID tags attached to articles for sale to read the identification information items, a first receiving section which receives the identification information items from the wireless system reading apparatus corresponding to the first read instructing section, and a first storing section which stores the identification information items received by the first receiving section in a predetermined storage region, where, even in an arrangement that RFID tags of a plurality of articles for sale are hidden behind other articles for sale, the RFID tags can be read. |
| US08113418B2 |
Virtual readers for scalable RFID infrastructures
Some implementations of the invention involve forming “logical” or “virtual” devices by aggregating a plurality of physical devices. The physical devices may be, for example, controllers, RFID readers and/or storage devices. Some logical devices comprise components of physical devices, such as individual antennas from a plurality of RFID readers. The physical devices may be located near one another or may be distributed over a wide geographical area. Logical device definitions can also be concatenated to include devices having two or more levels of logical device definitions. A single logical device grouping may include physical devices at differing levels of a network hierarchy. |
| US08113415B2 |
Modular welding fixture
A tooling fixture is disclosed that includes a weldment having spaced apart lateral members interconnected by opposing side members. Spaced apart trunnions support the side members for rotation about an axis, in one example. A locating pin is arranged between each side member and trunnions to enable quick and accurate location of the tooling fixture relative to the trunnions. The pins are at a right angle relative to the axis, in one example. Tooling plates are removable secured to each of the lateral members. Adjustable brackets are secured to the tooling plates and support tooling that cooperates with a workpiece supported on the tooling fixture. In one example, jack blocks, shims, squaring plates and stops are used to permit precise adjustment and repeatable relocation of the tooling in three directions. |
| US08113412B1 |
Methods for detecting defect connections between metal bumps
A method includes electrically grounding a first plurality of metal bumps on a first surface of an interconnection component to a common ground plate. A voltage contrast (VC) image of a second plurality of metal bumps of the interconnection component is generated. Grey levels of the second plurality of metal bumps in the VC image are analyzed to find defect connections between the second plurality of metal bumps and respective ones of the first plurality of metal bumps. |
| US08113410B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus with control features
A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis. |
| US08113402B2 |
Feed mechanism for a machine
A feed mechanism includes a feed slide movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The feed slide is configured to feed a product strip during a feed stroke as the feed slide is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position and the feed slide is movable with respect to the product strip during a return stroke as the feed slide is moved from the advanced position to the retracted position. The feed mechanism also includes feed fingers pivotally coupled to the feed slide at corresponding attachment points. The feed fingers are movable between an engaged position and a released position, wherein the feed fingers are configured to contact the product strip in the engaged position and the feed fingers are configured to be positioned away from the product strip in the released position. The feed fingers are moved to the released position prior to the feed slide moving along the return stroke. |
| US08113396B2 |
Chair and pack frame combination
There is now provided a chair and pack frame combination including telescoping legs, which are pivotably coupled to one another. Front legs are rotatably coupled to a seat frame, the seat frame being adjustable between an up and a down position. The frame also includes a cushion and carrying straps. |
| US08113394B2 |
Garment hanger including fold-over paper sizer
A garment hanger having a fold over paper sizer. The hanger includes a sizer-receiving web defining opposing sizer-receiving slots. A paper sizer is folded from a flat unfolded state to a folded U-shaped state, and then installed about the web such that a first edge of the sizer is received within the first sizer-receiving slot and a second edge of the sizer is received within the second sizer-receiving slot. |
| US08113393B2 |
Collapsible hook hanger
A collapsible hook hanger having a metal hook moveable between an upright position for displaying garments and a folded position for reducing the footprint of the hanger during packaging/transportation of pre-hung garments. |
| US08113388B2 |
Engagement flange for removable dispenser cartridge
An improved arrangement for removably coupling a replaceable cartridge to a housing of a dispenser with the cartridge including a resilient member which prevents radial movement relative a catch member of the housing from a coupled orientation unless the resilient member is deflected from an unbiased inherent configuration. |
| US08113385B2 |
Adhesive dispenser system
A dispenser system employs a packaging module for use with moisture sensitive materials. The packaging module comprises an outer carton and an inner bladder, which is substantially impermeable to moisture and is filled with one part of an adhesive. The carton is loaded on a mobile cart and the one part adhesive is supplied to a pump/mixer without exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. The packaging and dispensing system can be used in conjunction with mechanized adhesive application equipment for the construction trades. |
| US08113383B2 |
Biased paper dispensing device
Disclosed is a biased paper dispensing device for dispensing paper. The dispensing device has a housing with an elongated body for containing paper. The housing has a lift system which may include a tray for holding the paper, a pulley system having pulleys, and elastic tubing. The tray holds the paper horizontally in the housing, and is moved vertically within the housing to dispense the paper. The lift system is used to lift or lower the paper and to bias the paper within the housing toward the lid or opening. A paper guide device for guiding paper into alignment with the opening may be provided. The opening may include at least one lateral opening portion permitting paper exposed in the opening to be withdrawn laterally therefrom. Flanges for holding the paper within the opening, and for allowing easy insertion of paper into the housing, are also provided. |
| US08113382B1 |
Bottled water center
A bottle return station preferably with a dispensing station provides for the receipt of empty bottles. Bottles are provided through an acceptor which accepts bottles having a particular configuration while not accepting others. The empty bottle returns are guided to a receiving station where they can be retrieved by an operator. Meanwhile a dispensing station can be accessed by users. |
| US08113379B2 |
Hot cup lid
A hot cup lid providing alternating modes of access to the contents of a cup, the lid including an enlarged drinking opening selectively closed by a tear flap, and a smaller sipping opening diametrically aligned with the drinking opening and adjacent the periphery of the lid, the tear flap including a sealing lug thereon engageable within and closing the sipping opening upon pivotal movement of the flap to open the drinking opening. |
| US08113378B2 |
Drinking vessel
A drinking vessel having a drinking opening bordered by a vessel rim, on which a receptacle element is held so as to be pivotable about a pivot shaft, the receptacle element being displaceable from a first position, in which it is situated in the region of the drinking opening, partially covering the same, into a second position, in which is situated away from the drinking opening, characterized in that the receptacle element is rigidly connected to a pivot element that is supported so as to be pivotable about the pivot shaft. |
| US08113373B2 |
Vessel structure with threaded coupling of upper cover to containing body
A vessel includes a containing body, an upper cover, a thing holding member, and a bottom cover; the containing body has an upper opening; the upper cover is threadedly joined on the containing body to cover the opening; the upper cover has a drink outlet, and a moving cap is pivoted on the upper cover to seal the drink outlet; the upper cover further has several bores so that drinks can flow out of the containing body through the drink outlet easily; the thing holding member is securely joined on the containing body, and has several hollow holding portions on an inner circumferential side to contain drink materials such as tea bags and sugar bags; the bottom cover is joined on a lower end of the thing holding member to close the hollow holding portions. |
| US08113368B2 |
Synthetic resin bottle with spirally inclined pillars
A synthetic resin bottle is provided with a shape that improves rigidity and strength in a lateral direction, without increasing the cost of material to thicken the bottle wall. The synthetic resin bottle is provided at a low cost in such a way that the bottles can be used smoothly on the carrier line, in vending machines, and in storage in stacks with no deformation. The bottles are capable of performing a vacuum-absorbing function enough to be used in hot filling. Multiple pillar sections in a projected strip-like shape are disposed on the body of a synthetic resin bottle, the pillar sections being inclined spirally at a uniform angle of gradient (α) relative to a central axis of the bottle and disposed in parallel to one another, so that the cylindrical body wall is prevented from being deformed by a pressure force acting in a lateral direction. |
| US08113367B2 |
Non-removable closure having a dispensing aperture extending therethrough
The present invention is a non-removable closure.A non-removable closure in accordance with the present invention may comprise (a) a first sealant layer; (b) a sealant interface layer; and (c) a second sealant layer.A non-refillable container for flowable materials in accordance with the present invention may comprise: (a) a cap; (b) a first sealant layer; (c) a sealant interface layer; (d) a second sealant layer; and (e) a flowable material receptacle.A method for manufacturing a non-removable bottle closure in accordance with the present invention may comprise the steps: (a) disposing a first sealant layer on a first surface of a sealant interface layer; (b) disposing a second sealant layer on a second surface of the sealant interface layer; (c) adhering the first sealant layer to a cap; and (d) adhering the second sealant layer to a receptacle mouth. |
| US08113364B1 |
Nursing bottle ensemble
A nursing bottle ensemble having a dual chamber bottle, cap assembly and bottle sleeve including an upper feeding chamber attachable to a lower nipple storage chamber by threading means. Upper feeding chamber with a conventional nipple and ring assembly attached to the bottle top. A cap assembly having an upper cap portion used for storing nipples, pacifiers or snack attachable to a lower cap portion used for bottle closure. The bottle sleeve providing protection for the bottle while occupies the baby with movement of colorful ornaments inside the clear casing filled with non-toxic gel. |
| US08113362B2 |
Method for lifting of components of wind energy installations
A method for lifting of components of a wind energy installation (10) to an installation height, in which a hoisting means (26) of a first hoisting device (20) is guided starting from a hoisting means drive (24), which is arranged close to the ground, along a deflection means (30), which is arranged in the area of the tower head of the wind energy installation (10), in particular in the area of the pod, and is associated with the first hoisting device (20), to a component (18) which is arranged on the ground or close to the ground, and is attached to said component (18), in particular in the area of the component center of gravity or close to the center of gravity; a hoisting means (36, 48) of a second hoisting device (22) is guided starting from a hoisting means drive of this second hoisting device (22) along a free end (34, 46), which is arranged above the deflection means (30) of the first hoisting device (20), of a crane jib (32, 44) downwards to the component (18), and is attached there further outwards relative to the center of gravity of the component than the hoisting means (26) of the first hoisting device (20), preferably in an upper area of the component (18) when the component (18) is in the installed state; and the component (18) is then lifted to the required installation height with the aid of the two hoisting means (26, 36, 48) of the hoisting devices (20, 22). |
| US08113360B2 |
Product shelf divider system and method
The present invention relates generally to a shelf divider system for retail store product storage and display. More particularly, the present invention enables organization and presentation of a wide variety and types of products. A plurality of shelf dividers attach substantially perpendicularly to a pair of base strips. This perpendicular attachment is accomplished by inserting snap-fit pegs on the bottom of the shelf dividers into an array of mating holes formed in the base strips. Each adjacent pair of dividers forms a product organizing channel to keep the products in neat rows on the store shelf. Product paddles slide through the product organizing channel. An elongated pull ring attached to the product paddle causes products to move through the product organizing channel across the product shelf toward the front edge of the product shelf. |
| US08113358B2 |
Pre-tensioned sifter screen
A screen for a gyratory sifter including a frame having a plurality of cross-members and a rigid external extension. Additionally, the screen including a filtering element securably attached to the frame. Also, a method for installing a pre-tensioned screen in a gyratory sifter including inserting the pre-tensioned screen into the gyratory sifter. The pre-tensioned screen including a frame having a plurality of cross-members and a rigid external extension and a filtering element securably attached to the frame. Additionally, the method including mating the pre-tensioned screen to a ball box, wherein the mating includes placing the pre-tensioned screen against a contoured section of the ball box, and securing the pre-tensioned screen with a screen plate. |
| US08113356B2 |
Systems and methods for the recovery of lost circulation and similar material
Methods and systems are disclosed employing a quad-tier shale shaker for processing a mixture of drilling fluid and solids which solids include, in one aspect, lost circulation material (and/or material of size similar to the size of the lost circulation material). This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b). |
| US08113354B2 |
Method for sorting mixed plastic
A problem of the invention is to provide a method which targets on polyethylene terephthalate-made bottle scraps composed mainly of polyethylene and/or polypropylene, polystyrene and a polyester and which is able to treat continuously a large amount of the polyester component with a high purity and sort and recover it in a high recovery. The problem of the invention can be solved by a separation method of waste plastics, which is characterized by forming previously a crushed plastic into a water slurry, feeding the water slurry in a fixed rate range such that a swirling flow is generated within a cylindrical tank and that water rises in a fixed rate range and recovering a polyester with a high specific gravity as a precipitated component within the cylindrical tank and a plastic with a low specific gravity as an overflow component from the top of the cylindrical tank, respectively. |
| US08113348B2 |
Hybrid mounting cards utilized in sterile barrier packing systems
A hybrid mounting card is disclosed that includes one or more receptacles form fit for respective portions of a medical device in order to receive and secure the respective portions of the medical device therein and a mounting card adapted to receive and secure the one or more receptacles. The one or more receptacles are configured on the mounting card to secure the medical device to the mounting card in a defined configuration. The use of the receptacles increases the types of medical devices that can be secured to mounting cards. The use of mounting cards enables medical devices to be stored in sterile barrier packaging systems that do not require custom thermoforming of an entire medical tray, such as medical pouches and standard blank medical trays. |
| US08113347B2 |
Razor storage case having mating closure members
A wet shaving razor case suitable for storage of a razor having a cartridge and adjoining handle, the case comprises an upper portion comprising a cartridge hold down member disposed at a periphery of said upper portion and a handle-receiving recess; a lower portion joined to the upper portion wherein the lower portion comprises a engagement member positioned along a periphery of the lower portion; and wherein upon closure of the upper portion onto the lower portion the hold down member both secures the cartridge within the case and engages with the engagement member to maintain closure of the upper portion on the lower portion. |
| US08113344B2 |
Package for storing discs
A package, a system and method of manufacturing discs, the package for storing discs including: a base; a stem, the stem including: a first end including a first protruding portion of a first predetermined protruding shape; and a second end attached to the base, such that the stem is substantially perpendicular to the base; and a cover configured to be locked to the first end of the stem, the cover including a first hole of a first predetermined hole shape, having a shape configured to allow the first predetermined protruding shape to pass through the first hole; wherein the cover is configured to be placed over the stem, such that the first protruding portion enters into the first hole at an open position of the first hole, and the cover is configured to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the stem, to lock the package at a locked position of the first hole such that the first protruding portion extends beyond at least a portion of the first hole. |
| US08113342B2 |
Instrument housing case
Provided is an instrument housing case, which is capable of preventing an instrument from falling down, and which is capable of achieving a reduction in weight. The instrument housing case (10) houses an instrument long in one direction, and includes: a main body case (20) which is defined by an upper surface (21) and a lower surface (22) each having a larger width, and both side surfaces (23 and 24) each having a smaller width and both end surfaces (25 and 26) closing, to thereby form a cylindrical shape as a whole, the main body case including an opening portion (27) cut out a portion ranging from a middle portion in a longitudinal direction of the upper surface (21) through a middle portion in a longitudinal direction of each of the both side surfaces (23 and 24) to a vicinity of one end surface (25); and a cover body (30) which forms a shape adapted for the opening portion (27) of the main body case (20) and which is pivotably fixed through a hinge (40) to an edge portion of the opening portion (27) in the upper surface (21) of the main body case (20), the edge portion being away from the end surface (25). |
| US08113341B2 |
Contact lens case
An improved contact lens case which includes domes that are provided on hinged members. Preferably, the contact lens case is configured to efficiently utilize space and volume such that no more than 10 cc's of contact lens solution are required to disinfect contact lenses in the case. The hinged members are preferably non-planar which allows the domes to be provided on the hinged members, and allows the use of deep larger diameter, back-to-back cages on the stem, without having to resort to using more than 10 cc's of fluid to immerse contact lenses that are disposed on the domes, between each of the domes and a respective cage. Each of the hinged members has a cylindrically-curved shell form in which the axis of its curve is approximately parallel to the central axis of the central planar stem member. |
| US08113339B2 |
Chain conveyor having damping device
A conveyor (10) includes at least one endless conveying device (20) having a conveying section (22) having a conveying surface (21), on which conveyed goods (11) can be conveyed. The conveying device (20) are held on a frame (12) using at least two deflection rollers (40), thereby enabling it to circulate endlessly. A driving wheel (51) with a rotary axle (52) is coupled to the conveying device (20) such that the former can be set into a rotational motion by the latter. The rotary axle (52) of the driving wheel (51) is coupled to the damping device (50) such that vibrations in the rotation of the conveying device (20) can be damped. The rotary axle (52) of the driving wheel (51) is supported on the frame (12) such that it can move with translatory motion. The damping device (50) can dampen a translatory motion of the rotary axle (52). |
| US08113335B2 |
Unit for grouping packages along a transfer path
A unit for grouping packages along a transfer path includes an input station receiving the packages arranged in longitudinal lines parallel to the transfer path; an output station for groups defined by a given number of packages from respective longitudinal lines and aligned in at least one line crosswise to the transfer path. A movable conveying surface is supplied at predetermined time intervals with a number of packages equal to that in each group, and which feeds the packages along the transfer path. At least one aligning member is moved cyclically along a first path having a work portion parallel to the transfer path, and at least one push member is moved cyclically along a second path having a work portion parallel to the transfer path. The aligning member and the push member are moved respectively by independent first and second conveying mechanisms, and the work portions of the first and second paths coincide with each other. |
| US08113334B2 |
Matrix sorter system
A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations. In another embodiment, the system comprises three levels of intersecting conveyers |
| US08113333B2 |
Step band guard for a passenger conveyor
A step band guard (30) for use of a passenger conveyor (20) includes a first panel (32) comprising a first piece of material. A second panel (34) comprises a second piece of material that is distinct and separate from the first piece of material. A securing connection (42) allows for selectively securing the panels together. The first panel (32) can be strategically left in place for blocking access to at least a portion of a step band (22) near a turnaround (28). The second panel (34) can be selectively put in place when blocking access to the entire step band (22) at the turnaround (28) is desired. The first panel (32) allows for some access to the step band and allows an individual to move the step band (22) without having to have the entire step band guard (30) in place. |
| US08113332B2 |
Conveyor system
A foldable side frame for a side conveyor system of a screening unit for processing materials that allows placing the side conveyor system within an envelope of a screening device. The system includes a base, mid and upper frame section of the side conveyor system, and a number of variable length rams that pivot the mid frame relative to the base frame about a first pivot axis and a pivot the upper frame relative to the mid frame about a second pivot axis in which in the operative position the first and second axes are obliquely angled relative to one another. |
| US08113330B2 |
Friction disk for a wet-running clutch for a motor vehicle
A friction disk for a wet-running clutch for a motor vehicle includes a lining carrier ring, provided with connecting areas for connecting the friction disk to a drive side or to a takeoff side of a clutch, and a plurality of friction lining elements, carried on at least one side of the lining carrier ring, Fluid flow channels are provided between the friction lining elements which are directly adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, wherein at least some of the fluid flow channels have different channel widths. |
| US08113329B2 |
Friction clutch and vehicle equipped with the same
A friction clutch includes a clutch housing having a friction plate, a clutch boss having a clutch plate, a pressure plate, a sub clutch, and a power-assist mechanism. An elastic member urges the pressure plate in a predetermined direction to press the friction plate and the clutch plate into frictional contact with each other when the clutch is engaged. The sub clutch includes a friction plate operatively disposed between first and second pressing plates. The power-assist mechanism receives torque from the pressure plate via the sub clutch when the clutch is disengaged and converts the torque into a force for moving the pressure plate in a direction which separates the pressure plate from a plate group. |
| US08113328B2 |
Quick disconnect coupling
A quick disconnect coupling including a first hub, a shaft fixedly connected to the first hub, the shaft being non-round in cross-section, and a second hub having a non-round recess extending therethrough, the non-round recess being sized to closely receive the shaft such that the second hub is capable of sliding along the shaft and is prevented from rotating about the shaft, wherein rotation of the first hub results in corresponding rotation of the second hub. |
| US08113327B2 |
Multiple clutch assembly and an associated control method
The invention relates to a multiple clutch assembly comprising: first (5, 9) and second (7, 11) friction elements; first (15) and second (17) plates for applying pressure to said respective friction elements; first (21) and second (25) diaphragms for actuating said respective plates, each diaphragm being mobile between a disengaged position (21a, 25a or 25b) and an engaged position (21b or 21c, 25c), said first diaphragm (21) approaching the second diaphragm (25) when it passes from the disengaged position thereof to the engaged position thereof; and first (23) and second (27) means for actuating said respective diaphragms. Said second actuating means (27) comprise means for renewing the course of the second diaphragm (25), in such a way that the second diaphragm (25) follows a pre-determined course between the disengaged position (25a or 25b) and the engaged position (25c) thereof, independently of the degree of wear of the second friction element (7, 11). |
| US08113326B2 |
Clutch unit
A clutch unit has a lever side outer ring or a brake side outer ring with increased strength and in which an elastic deformation amount is reduced to improve breaking torque. The clutch unit has a lever side clutch section provided on an input side, for controlling transmission and interrupting rotational torque to an output side through lever operation, and also has a brake side clutch section provided on the output side, for transmitting input torque from the lever side clutch section to the output side and interrupting reverse input torque from the output side. A lever side outer ring of the brake side clutch section includes two members, a thick plate-like member formed by punching and a cover formed by press working. The plate-like member and the cover are integrally fixed together by swaging by means of a lever-side side plate. A lever side outer ring of the lever side clutch section is formed of a thick plate-like member formed by punching. |
| US08113325B2 |
Hydrodynamic clutch arrangement
A hydrodynamic clutch device used to establish and to release a working connection between a drive and a takeoff is disclosed. The device includes a housing capable of rotating around an axis of rotation, the housing containing a torus space, which forms a torus volume (TV) with a pump wheel and a turbine wheel, and a clutch space, which forms the boundaries of the clutch volume (CV) and which encloses a mechanical transmission circuit including a bridging clutch designed with a torsional vibration clamper. During the course of the minimum resting phase of the housing, the fluid which is distributed throughout the housing during the operating state decreases from a total volume comprising at least the torus volume (TV) and the clutch volume (CV) to a resting volume (RV), which is located at least essentially underneath the axis of rotation as a result of the force of gravity. A volume reduction arrangement is provided to the housing to reduce the clutch volume (CV) versus the resting volume (RV). |
| US08113323B2 |
Self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut with internal level control
An oil-filled working cylinder is divided into first and second working spaces by a working piston, the first working space being connected to a high pressure chamber. A piston pump includes a pump rod received in a pump cylinder formed by the hollow piston rod, the pump rod having a bore connected to a low pressure chamber via a discharge valve, a distal end provided with a suction valve, and a down-regulating opening connecting the bore to the first working space as a function of the position of the working piston, the pump cylinder being connected to the first working space by an outlet valve. At least one of the valves is a check valve including a housing having a bore, a ball reciprocably guided in the bore by guide ribs, and a resilient retaining element capturing the ball in the bore and spring-loading the ball toward a valve seat. |
| US08113322B2 |
Motorcycle air suspension system and method
Air suspension systems, devices, apparatus, and methods for allowing motorcycle drivers to increase and decrease compressed air supplies in air suspension devices. Deflating interior air springs/airbags (bladders) inside the devices allows for springs and pistons on shock absorbers in the devices to expand outward separating lower front and rear frame portions which effectively lowers the motorcycle to the ground surface and for the driver to have a firmer ride. Inflating the air springs/airbags (bladders) allows for the springs and the pistons on the shock absorbers in the devices to retract into the devices so that the devices have a more shock absorbing effect giving the rider a smoother ride, which also raises the motorcycles above the ground surface. |
| US08113321B2 |
Helicopter reduced vibration isolator axial support strut
Helicopter reduced vibration axial support struts and aircraft suspension system are disclosed with at least one vibration controlling fluid containing strut. The powered struts include an outer rigid housing containing an inner rigid member and first and second variable volume fluid chambers. Fluid pressure differentials are created between the first and second variable volume fluid chambers to control motion between the strut ends. The powered fluid containing struts, support isolators, suspension systems, and methods of operation provide reduced helicopter aircraft vibrations. |
| US08113319B2 |
Elevator and system and method for locking an elevator car in place
An elevator may include an elevator car, one or more hoisting ropes, a traction sheave, an overspeed governor, at least one safety gear, a locking mechanism, and guide rails. The car may be suspended by the one or more hoisting ropes. The traction sheave may move the car using the one or more hoisting ropes. The at least one safety gear and locking mechanism may be fitted in conjunction with the car. The overspeed governor may be configured to activate and release, via a linkage, the at least one safety gear during operation of the elevator. The locking mechanism may be configured to activate and release, by operatively acting on the linkage, the at least one safety gear during installation, maintenance, or installation and maintenance of the elevator. When activated, the at least one safety gear may engage one of the guide rails to lock the car in place. |
| US08113316B2 |
Scaffolding and worktable apparatus
The present disclosure relates to a scaffolding and worktable apparatus with pivotally connected end legs, and in particular, to an apparatus that can be modified from a scaffold to a worktable by rotating collapsible end legs from a first position to a second position and an apparatus that can also be stored or used in a flattened configuration by rotating the end legs to a third stored position. |
| US08113315B2 |
Rear deck service ladder and handle assembly for combines
A ladder assembly for accessing an elevated platform of a work machine such as an agricultural combine includes an upper ladder portion connected to an upstanding handrail of the elevated platform for upward and downward movement, and a combination lower ladder portion and handle assembly carried on the lower end of the upper ladder portion and pivotable between a stowed position generally vertically coextensive with at least a portion of the upper ladder portion, and a deployed position extending downwardly. A latch mechanism holds the lower ladder portion in the stowed position. The handle is positioned for use to move the ladder down and up, is manipulable to release the latch, and pivots out of the way when the ladder is deployed. The lower ladder portion can also carry a trim panel which covers a portion of the ladder when stowed. |
| US08113312B2 |
Evaporative emissions canister arrangement for a motorcycle, and motorcycle incorporating same
An evaporated fuel vapor from a fuel tank is fed through a charging pipe into an evaporated fuel storage canister, and is reserved there. The charging pipe, an upstream end of which is disposed in the fuel tank, is set to penetrate a side wall of the fuel tank and extends from the inside to the outside of the fuel tank. The canister is disposed in a swell-shaped recess on the inside of the front cowl, which recessed portion is situated between the headlight and the fuel tank as seen in side view. |
| US08113310B2 |
Linear motor charged electric vehicle
An all-electric, wheeled vehicle has a magnet array that can be selectively moved between a retracted position and a deployed position, to respectively operate in a motor mode or a generator mode. When in the motor mode, with its magnet array retracted, wheel rotation to move the vehicle is powered by an onboard battery. Alternately, in the generator mode with the magnet array deployed, the vehicle is powered by a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM). Specifically, the deployed magnet array interacts with a multiple-phase winding (i.e. LSM) embedded into the roadway on which the vehicle travels. Further, rotation of the wheel during vehicle movement in the generator mode recharges the battery. |
| US08113307B2 |
Electric vehicle drive system
An electric powered vehicle includes a first drive unit and a second drive unit. The first drive unit and the second drive unit are coupled to one of the drive wheels. At its maximum power within the system, the second drive unit drives the vehicle at a higher speed than the first drive unit. A clutch automatically disengages the first drive unit from the drive wheel while the second drive unit is operating. The clutch may include a uni-directional device. An electronic control unit automatically adjusts the voltage supplied to the second drive unit to maintain the efficiency of the second electric drive unit within a predetermined efficiency range. |
| US08113305B1 |
Powered patient transport vehicle
A powered patient transport vehicle is disclosed having an improved motion control comprising a frame extending between a first end and a second end. A first and a second caster wheel are located in proximity to the first end of the frame. A first and a second drive wheel are located in proximity to the second end of the frame. A motor drives the first and second drive wheels through a differential gearbox. An electronic control has a control lever for controlling the speed, direction and braking of the motor. A seat is mounted to the frame for transporting an occupant. A steering bar is coupled to the powered patient transport vehicle for steering the powered patient transport vehicle. |
| US08113298B2 |
Wireline communication system for deep wells
A wireline apparatus for deep well measurements in a borehole being drilled includes a drill string having multiple drill pipe sections connected end-to-end, with at least one of the drill pipe sections being electrically conductive and isolated to provide an electrode section. A nonmagnetic drill pipe section is connected in the drill string below said electrode section, and a hydraulic motor having a rotatable drill bit carrying a drill bit instrument sub having a magnetic field sensing instrument package is connected to a lowermost end of the drill string. A wireline locatable within said drill string incorporates an electrode locatable within the drill pipe electrode section, and carries at its distal end a wireline instrument package that is locatable within the nonmagnetic drill pipe section to receive data representing magnetic field data from the magnetic field sensing instrument package. A time-variable AC source is connected to the wireline to energize the drill pipe electrode section by way of the wireline electrode to produce a corresponding target current magnetic field to be detected at the drill bit instrument. |
| US08113297B2 |
Power tool with ergonomic handle
A power tool includes a body, a tool bit, a driving mechanism and a handgrip extending from an end of the handgrip proximal to the body to a grip distal end in a direction that crosses the axial direction of the tool bit. The power tool includes a holding optimization region that is arranged on the handgrip and shaped to match the shape of the user's fingers while the user is holding the handgrip. The holding optimization region at least includes a rearward end surface of a grip distal end region configured such that a normal extending from the rearward end surface crosses the axial direction of the tool bit forward of the handgrip, whereby it is possible to optimize the force of the user's fingers and palm applied to the handgrip. |
| US08113294B2 |
Beach cleaner
A beach cleaner having a grate-like frame is formed with multiple longitudinal members. Each of the longitudinal members is provided with a plurality of sand pins projecting downward therefrom, and the frame is provided at its front end with the tow portion. The beach cleaner can be towed by a towing vehicle to generate on a sand area, while the sand pins scrape and collect waste scattered on the sand. The sand pins are detachably attached to the longitudinal members. The beach cleaner also includes a weight mount member, enabling the amount of burying the sand pins in a sand area to be optimized to enhance waste collection performance. |
| US08113293B2 |
Single packer structure for use in a wellbore
A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer flexible skin and one or more drains coupled to the outer flexible skin. A mandrel is positioned within the outer flexible skin, and an expansion mechanism is provided to control expansion of the outer flexible skin to selectively create sealing engagement with a surrounding wall. |
| US08113292B2 |
Strokable liner hanger and method
A strokable liner hanger includes a liner hanger; one of a slide seal and a casing seal sub disposed adjacent the liner hanger and the other of the slide seal and the casing seal sub disposed adjacent the one of the slide seal and the casing seal sub. A method for completing a wellbore is included. |
| US08113291B2 |
Leak detection method for a rotating control head bearing assembly and its latch assembly using a comparator
A leak detection method uses a comparator to compare fluid values in and from the latch assembly of the latch system for an oilfield device and/or in and from the bearing assembly of a rotating control head. |
| US08113287B2 |
Self sealing hydraulic coupler
A hydraulic coupler for providing fluid communication between adjacent members that includes a two way check valve formed from a double headed poppet set in a hollow cylinder with corrugated bellows like walls. Contoured bores are provided in the cylinder ends and the poppet heads are profiled to match the contour of the bores. When the heads are seated in the bores they form a sealing surface to block fluid from flowing through the coupler. Compressively preloading the cylinder before assembly provides a sealing force between the heads and the bores. Axially compressing the cylinder with respect to the poppet unseats the heads from the bores to form a flow path through the coupler. |
| US08113280B2 |
Formation tester tool assembly
A formation tester tool can include a longitudinal probe drill collar having a surface, a formation probe assembly located within the probe drill collar, the formation probe assembly including a piston reciprocal between a retracted position and an extended position beyond the probe drill collar surface, the piston being slidingly retained within a chamber, a seal pad located at an end of the piston, the seal pad including an outer surface defining a partial cylindrical surface. The piston includes an outer surface having non-circular cross-sectional shape and the chamber includes an inner surface having a non-circular shape similar to the shape of the piston outer surface. The formation tester tool can include interchangeable draw down assemblies and a flow bore having a curving path. |
| US08113279B2 |
Apparatus and method for instantaneously injecting tracer for groundwater well
There is provided an apparatus for injecting a tracer within a groundwater observation well, which is capable of sequentially performing a tracer test by depth by injecting the tracer to a predetermined depth within the groundwater observation well. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for instantaneously injecting a tracer to a groundwater well, whereby opening and closing of a container receiving the tracer is controlled by using a pneumatic cylinder and the tracer on the ground is supplied to the container, so that the tracer is repeatedly carried and injected to a specific depth in a well. |
| US08113274B2 |
Electric submersible pumping system with gas vent
A technique is provided for pumping fluids from a wellbore. An electric submersible pumping system is deployed in a wellbore on a tubing. Free gas can potentially accumulate around the electric submersible pumping system, but a gas vent is positioned to remove free gas. |
| US08113269B2 |
Multi-channel heat exchanger
A combustion gas furnace includes a plurality of primary heat exchangers for passage of combustion gases therethrough. A plurality of secondary heat exchangers receive the combustion gases from the primary heat exchanger. Each of the secondary heat exchangers includes a heat conductive element defining a plurality of elongate passageways for the flow of combustion gas therethrough. The passageways include aligned ports at either end thereof. The passageways are generally aligned and separated by longitudinal walls extending between the ends. The walls are positioned for heat conductive contact with the combustion gases flowing through passageways. |
| US08113268B2 |
Sequential valve member driving mechanism for an HVAC system
An air conditioning system of the present invention for an automotive vehicle includes a housing having at least two sections connected by two side by side air passage. A blower device of the air conditioning system discharges air into the housing. An evaporator is disposed in one of the sections for taking heat from the air discharged from the blower device to produce cool air. A heater is disposed in the other section positioned downstream of the evaporator for adding heat to the cool air to produce warm air. First and second sliding valve plates mechanically communicating with a driving mechanism of the present invention are supported by the housing for selectively closing the two side by side air passages thereby regulating air flow of cool and warm air. |
| US08113265B2 |
Washdown door
An example of a door with a pliable curtain includes various washdown features that make the door particularly suitable for use in food and drug related environments that demand cleanliness. To prevent product contamination, such as bacteria and other microorganisms, some examples of the door include a curtain storage track with a spiral groove machined in a unitary block of plastic, a ventilated side frame with a removable curtain guide track and a removable seal, and various curtain seams that not only join multiple sheets of the curtain together but also promote and strategically direct liquid runoff to avoid creating water-holding surfaces and to prevent liquid from dripping on products passing through the doorway. |
| US08113261B2 |
Window covering
A window covering includes a roller attached to a mounting device and an actuation device attached to the roller to rotate the roller in at least one of a first direction and a second direction. A front member is attached to the mounting device. A second member is attached to the roller. A plurality of ballast members are attached to the front member. Each ballast member has a portion that extends to the second member to engage the second member to cause the front member to form substantially parallel folds when the second member is wound about the roller to retract the front member to a retracted position. Preferably, the folds are similar to or exactly like the transverse folds in shade material that are formed when a conventional Roman shade is raised. |
| US08113259B2 |
Side shade for an awning
A side shade for an awning includes a mounting member having a top end, a bottom end, a hook at the top end and a vertical groove extending from the top end to the bottom end. The mounting member is removably connectable by the hook to the awning near an attachment support of the awning. At least a portion of a stiffening member and a first vertical side of the fabric panel are slidingly disposed within the vertical groove of the mounting member. When assembled and attached to the awning the fabric panel of the side shade is vertically adjustably positionable above or below a lateral side of a predominantly horizontal panel of the awning so that there is no vertical gap between the panel of the awning and the fabric panel of the side shade through which direct light can penetrate. |
| US08113256B2 |
Movable injection passages during the manufacture of laminates
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate with the formation of underpressure between a mold and a vacuum foil and supply of resin from injection areas to the layers of the laminate situated in the mold. The novel aspect according to the invention comprises movement of the injection areas while the resin is supplied. This is accomplished by use of a movable suction unit which is arranged on top of the vacuum foil and which, by means of an underpressure between the suction unit and the vacuum foil, forms injection areas for supply of the resin, which can be moved by moving the suction unit. The invention further relates to such movable suction unit and the use thereof in the manufacture of laminates. |
| US08113253B2 |
Non-pneumatic tire
The invention provides a non-pneumatic tire which can improve a riding quality, a noise performance and the like while improving a durability, and can further sufficiently suppress a buckling of a ground portion between spokes, because a circumferential fluctuation of a tire rigidity is hard to be generated due to a positional relationship between a spoke position and a center position of the ground surface, and a strain can be dispersed into each of portions of a support structure body. In a non-pneumatic tire T comprising a support structure body SS supporting a load from a vehicle, the support structure body SS includes an inner annular portion 1, an intermediate annular portion 2 concentrically provided in an outer side of the inner annular portion 1, an outer annular portion 3 concentrically provided in an outer side of the intermediate annular portion 2, a plurality of inner coupling portions 4 coupling the inner annular portion 1 and the intermediate annular portion 2, and a plurality of outer coupling portions 5 coupling the outer annular portion 3 and the intermediate annular portion 2, and the number of the outer coupling portions 5 is larger than the number of the inner coupling portions 4. |
| US08113252B2 |
Tire traction device with guided radial tensioning arms
A tire traction device having a plurality of radial tensioning arms extending radially from a central hub, a fraction pad coupled to each of the radial tensioning arms at an end opposite the central hub and the radial tensioning arms including rigid bodies movable in a radial direction relative to the central hub along radii spaced about the central hub at fixed angular positions to provide tensioning of the traction pads against a tire. A rotatable tensioner may be disposed within the central hub, the rotatable tensioner including curved guide vanes to which the tensioning arms are coupled. Each of the tensioning arms includes a pin configured to be seated into, and slide within, the curved channel so as to remain in a substantially constant angular position relative to the outer circumference of the central hub while being displaced radially in response to a rotation of the rotatable tensioner. |
| US08113251B2 |
Anti-skid device for a tire
An anti-skid tire device for increasing the grip of a tire of a vehicle on a road surface. The device includes a plurality of modules associated with each other to form substantially a chain disposed annularly around the tire's external surface. The modules each have a shaped plate with a plurality of gripping elements protruding during use towards the outside of the shaped plate, so as to improve the tire's ability to grip the road surface. An attachment element is include which has a first end associated with the shaped plate, a second end selectively attachable to a shaped plate of an adjacent module, and a central body radially facing towards the tire and inserted into a corresponding groove provided on the tire's external surface. The attachment element further has at least one adjustment member adapted to adjust the size of the anti-skid device with respect to the tire. |
| US08113250B2 |
Tire with quadrangular studs
Described herein are several embodiments of an anti-skid stud for insertion into the rubber tread of an air-filled vehicle tire. The stud can include a body that has a bottom flange, a shank element that extends outwardly from the bottom flange, and a hard cermet piece made from a material different than the body. The hard cermet piece is positioned at least partially within the body. The bottom flange can have a substantially quadrangular shape that defines diagonal dimensions. The hard cermet piece can be substantially lozenge-shaped in cross-section and define mutually different diagonal dimensions that extend in a direction perpendicular to a total length of the stud. |
| US08113245B2 |
Device for filling a container with at least one type of powder material
A device for filling a recipient with at least one material in a form of a powder, the device including: a filling channel configured to bring the material from a reserve of material to an entry opening of the recipient; and a pump that evacuates a pneumatic fluid contained in the recipient through at least one first evacuation duct and a second evacuation duct, wherein the at least one first evacuation duct is configured to connect an inside of the recipient to an environment outside of the recipient during a filling phase, the first evacuation duct being internal to the filling channel, and the second evacuation duct is configured to evacuate the pneumatic fluid before filling. |
| US08113239B2 |
Vented valve assembly
In some embodiments, a vented valve assembly for attachment to a rigid container may include one or more of the following features: (a) a unitary tubular valve body of a generally cylindrical hollow form and having a liquid inlet end, and (b) a second end and a liquid outlet port, said liquid inlet end adapted for connection to a male spout on a wall of the rigid container, said liquid outlet port being exterior to the wall of the rigid container when the liquid inlet end is affixed to the spout, the valve body further including an air vent opening formed through a wall of the tubular valve body leading to a channel affixed to an inner wall of the tubular valve body, the channel having one open end. |
| US08113238B2 |
Pumping system with manifold vent
A liquid delivery system includes at least one liquid storage tank; a manifold; an integral manifold vent system communicating directly with the manifold and including a manifold vent valve and a manifold vent pipe; a first liquid sensor; and a delivery outlet flow restrictor. The manifold is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the manifold being connected to the at least one liquid storage tank; the delivery outlet flow restrictor is located downstream from the manifold; the first sensor is adapted to detect the formation of an air pocket in the manifold; and the integral manifold vent system includes at least one section having an internal diameter small enough to ensure smooth filling of the manifold with the liquid being dispensed when the manifold vent valve is opened to release trapped gas. |
| US08113237B2 |
System for controlling fluid level in a sump
A system for controlling the level of hydraulic fluid between a first and second sump in a transmission includes a valve assembly located within the first sump. The valve assembly includes a valve that is moveable between two positions. The valve assembly includes first and second inlet ports that communicate with the first sump and an outlet port that communicates with the second sump. The second inlet port has an opening that is located higher than an opening to the first inlet port. Hydraulic fluid within the first sump communicates through the first inlet port to the outlet port when the valve is in the first position, and hydraulic fluid within the first sump communicates through the second inlet port to the outlet port when the valve is in the second position. |
| US08113236B2 |
System and method for delivering chemicals
Systems and method for delivering materials to a tool are disclosed. A material delivery system utilizes two or more sources of the material to be delivered to the tool. One or more of the sources of the tool may be a batch mixer. The material delivery system also includes at least two material delivery recirculation lines providing material to at tool. The material delivery system may be manually or automatically controlled to switch supply of the material from one source to another, and/or to switch from one material delivery recirculation line to another. |
| US08113227B2 |
Fuel cartridge with flexible liner
A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low. |
| US08113226B2 |
Valve assemblies and related systems and methods
Check valve assemblies and related methods are described. A valve assembly comprises a housing having at least a first inlet passage and an outlet passage. A flow channel is disposed within the housing, with at least a portion thereof extending inward from the first inlet passage. A first check member is disposed within the first inlet passage and is movable along the flow channel between a closed position in which the first check member is disposed against a first valve seat and an open position in which the first check member is spaced from the first valve seat. In varying examples, movement of the first check member from the closed position to the open position is unopposed. Optionally, the housing can include at least a second inlet passage wherein a second check member is disposed. In an example, the second check member is continuously biased toward a closed position. |
| US08113225B2 |
Flush valve actuator for low-flow urinal
A flush valve actuator includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet and a passage therebetween. A diaphragm is disposed within the passage and is movable between two positions so as to control a flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet. A variable flow control is positioned between the inlet and the diaphragm and adjusts a flow rate of fluid through the passage. A filter is positioned between the inlet and the variable flow control and removes debris from fluid flowing through the passage. A solenoid is activated for a certain time period so as to cause the diaphragm to move between the two positions. The flow rate and the activation time are defined so as to allow approximately one-eighth of a gallon of water to enter the outlet per activation of the solenoid. |
| US08113224B2 |
Moisture diversion system for a collapsible structure
A moisture diversion system is provided for a collapsible structure including a collapsible frame assembly and an outer structure coupled to the collapsible frame assembly. The moisture diversion system includes a guide strip coupled at each of a first edge and an opposing second edge to the outer structure. The guide strip defines a channel between the first edge and the second edge for facilitating diverting moisture from the outer structure. |
| US08113223B2 |
Telescoping umbrella
The invention relates to a telescoping umbrella, particularly a sun or rain umbrella, having a receiving tube and a telescoping tube displaceably and lockably located therein, having an umbrella roof connected to the telescoping tube in an articulating manner, the umbrella roof being adjustable by means of a cable or Bowden wire running inside the tubes, and having an actuating device for the cable or Bowden wire, characterized in that the actuating device comprises a winch for the cable or Bowden wire, the winch being located inside the receiving tube. |
| US08113220B2 |
Wet (plastic) and dry concrete disposal device
A device and method for residual concrete collection for disposal or reclamation of same, wherein a bag is formed, generally prismatic in structure, with an opening in the top. Suspension straps serve to attach the bag and support it below the outflow of concrete mixing or delivery equipment such that concrete and/or water will flow into the device, wherein water will subsequently pass therethrough. The device and collected concrete can then be moved and/or stored for disposal or reclamation of the concrete. |
| US08113219B1 |
Cosmetic powder dispenser with retractable brush
A dispenser for storing and applying a supply of cosmetic powder, includes a container and closure cap. The closure cap carries an applicator brush that is manually advanceable or retractable with respect to the closure cap. The mouth of the container is covered by an apertured transverse wall and a lid thereon, the lid normally blocking communication between the powder in the container and the brush. When the closure cap is removed, the lid can be manually lifted by means of a hinged connection, to as to expose a small accumulation of powder that has adhered to the transverse wall. The applicator brush is then advanced, and used in the manner of a dabber to pick up particles of the powder and apply them to the user. Simplified components and assembly characterize the completed unit. |
| US08113218B2 |
Interlocked V-shaped pointed eyelashes
A method to apply a V-shaped eyelash having four symmetric tapered strands attached at the mounting portion to natural eyelash's hair. The V-shaped eyelash has two strands on each side. The V flare corresponds to an angle can be less than or equal to 160° degrees. The thickness of each strand can be 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm thick at the base and tapered at the tips. The lengths can be from 7 mm to 17 mm giving the illusion of a natural long, beautiful and luscious eyelash. Because the eyelash extension is a V shape with the two strands on each side, the eyelash can distribute weight evenly on each side. The natural hair strand as the holder at center also making the eyelash extensions last longer. The eyelashes are made from synthetic fiber which is crimp free and can be permed to a C, and J curl. |
| US08113216B2 |
Synthesis and incorporation of high-temperature ammonia-release agents in lit-end cigarettes
A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200° C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid. |
| US08113204B2 |
Microdosing device
A microdosing device with a dosing chamber for the at least temporary reception of a liquid quantity, and with which is associated at least one discharge opening is provided. A vibrating unit in operative connection with at least one boundary surface of the dosing chamber is provided in order to vibrate the same for a discharge process, and with a delivery function unit connected to the vibrating unit for activating the latter during a delivery time period. A drying function unit is additionally provided and can be activated in time-separated manner with respect to the delivery function unit in order to free the dosing chamber from liquid residues. |
| US08113203B2 |
Forehead support for facial mask
The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system that adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-á-vis the mask and/or airflow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention. |
| US08113199B2 |
Counter for use with a medicament dispenser
There is provided a dose counter for use with a medicament dispenser. The dose counter comprises a first count wheel arranged to rotate about a first axis of rotation, the first count wheel including a set of primary drive teeth arranged annularly thereon for drivable rotation of the first count wheel about the first axis of rotation; a second count wheel arranged to rotate about the first axis of rotation, the second count wheel including a set of secondary drive teeth arranged annularly thereon; and a kick wheel arranged to rotate about a second axis of rotation offset from the first axis of rotation, the kick wheel including a set of kick teeth arranged annularly thereon and in meshed relationship with the set of secondary drive teeth of the second count wheel such that rotary motion of the kick wheel results in rotary motion of the second count wheel. The first count wheel further includes a fixed index tooth arranged for intermittent meshing with the kick teeth of the kick wheel such that rotary motion of the kick wheel results from rotary motion of the first count wheel only when the intermittent meshing occurs. |
| US08113198B2 |
Self-contained breathing system
A breathing apparatus is operable in self-contained and filtered modes of operation. In the self-contained mode of operation, a breathable gas is delivered to a user from a self-contained source of breathing gas. In a second, filtered mode of operation, a suction source draws ambient air through a filter removing contaminants and delivers filtered ambient air to the user. A method of delivering air to a subject is also provided. |
| US08113194B2 |
Breath-controlled inhalation therapy device
A breath-controlled inhalation therapy device includes an obturation mechanism, obturating a nozzle opening through which a pressurized gas, preferably pressurized air, is issued when the device is in operation. An actuation mechanism actuates the obturation mechanism only in the exhalation phases of the respiration cycle of a patient. The fluid to be atomized is therefore substantially atomized only in the inhalation phases. |
| US08113192B2 |
Evacuated tubular solar collector with eccentric type manifold flange
There is provided an evacuated tubular solar collector with an eccentric type manifold flange capable of changing flow of a heating medium and improving the electric heat performance of a manifold by employing an eccentric end cap with a fluid path and a baffle in the manifold and improving the structure of the manifold. The evacuated tubular solar collector may comprise an evacuated tubular solar collector; a manifold being installed at an upper position of the evacuated tubular solar collector and including a number of heat dissipation holes; eccentric end caps attached to both sides of the manifold, the eccentric end cap including a fluid path; and a baffle attached to an exit of the fluid path through which a fluid flows into. The fluid path and the baffle may be positioned tilted, thereby to improve uniform transfer of heat in the evacuated tubular solar collector. |
| US08113184B2 |
EGR valve device
An EGR valve device includes a valve housing of which inside exhaust gas passes through, a poppet valve as a valve body accommodated in the valve housing, and a hydraulic servo actuator for driving the poppet valve to be opened and closed. The hydraulic servo actuator is provided by a three-port or four-port servo valve. |
| US08113181B2 |
Method and apparatus for capturing and controlling fugitive gases
Method to provide fugitive gases to an engine. A source of fugitive gases is directed to the air intake of the engine. A fugitive gas pipe supplies the fugitive gases to the air intake and a vent allows the fugitive gases to vent to atmosphere. A check valve in the vent inhibits the flow of fugitive gases to the vent and allows the escape of the fugitive gases to the vent if the pressure of the fugitive gases exceeds a predetermined value. |
| US08113180B2 |
Multi-component transient fuel compensation
A method adjusts fuel injection to account for fuel puddling in the engine intake. The fuel is adjusted based on the ethanol content of the fuel in the puddle, and the make-up of the various fuel components in the puddle. In this way, it is possible to better account for the effects of these parameters on puddle evaporation. |
| US08113177B2 |
Electromagnetic fuel injector and method for assembling the same
An electromagnetic fuel injection valve comprising: a metallic cylindrical-shaped vessel provided at a tip end thereof with a fuel injection port, the other end thereof being closed by a stationary core provided centrally thereof with a through-hole; a movable member arranged between the stationary core and the fuel injection port and provided at a tip end thereof with a valve element, which opens and closes the fuel injection port, a maximum outside diameter of the movable member being smaller than a minimum inside diameter of the through-hole; and an electromagnetic drive mechanism that reciprocates the movable member. |
| US08113174B2 |
Method for determining the ethanol content of the fuel in a motor vehicle
A method for determining the Ethanol content of the fuel in a motor vehicle uses the dependence of the lean-running limit of the internal combustion engine on the ethanol content of the fuel to determine the ethanol content, by the fact that the ethanol content is arrived at from the required reduction in the injected fuel quantity to reach the lean-running limit. |
| US08113173B2 |
Engine control system having speed-based timing
A control system for an engine having a cylinder is disclosed having an engine valve movable to regulate a fluid flow of the cylinder and an actuator associated with the engine valve. The control system also has a controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of engine speed and compare the engine speed signal with a desired engine speed. The controller is also configured to selectively regulate the actuator to adjust a timing of the engine valve to control an amount of air/fuel mixture delivered to the cylinder based on the comparison. |
| US08113165B2 |
Stationary block rotary engine/generator
An internal combustion engine, and integrated electrical generator, both enclosed in a single housing. The engine has at least one cylinder and piston which extends radially from an axis of rotation about which a combination cam plate and generator armature assembly rotates to produce electrical energy as it passes a stationary electrical coil secured within the housing. The engine block, including at least one cylinder, remains stationary. |
| US08113164B2 |
Ignition source adapted for positioning within a combustion chamber
An ignition source for initiating combustion is provided. The ignition source includes an electrical delivery conductor mounted in a delivery conductor mounting structure. An electrical ground conductor is mounted in a ground conductor mounting structure and extends from the ground conductor mounting structure to a point proximate the delivery conductor to define an ignition spark gap between the delivery conductor and the ground conductor. At least one of the delivery conductor and the ground conductor are mounted in a respective one of the delivery conductor mounting structure and the ground conductor mounting structure so as to be selectively positionable with respect to the other one of the delivery conductor and the ground conductor to selectively adjust a width of the ignition spark gap. |
| US08113160B2 |
Camshaft phasing system
An engine cylinder head 10 is disclosed having a first camshaft 14 driven by the engine crankshaft via a phasing system 12 mounted to the camshaft 14. A second camshaft 22 is driven via the phasing system 12 mounted to the first camshaft, and two oil control valves 46, 48 are connected to the phasing system for enabling the phasing system to vary the timing of each camshaft independently with respect to the engine crankshaft in response to oil pressure signals from a respective one of the control valves. In the invention, oil feeds from each control valve 46, 48 enter the camshaft 14 via an oil feed journal 34, 36, and connect to the phaser 12 via axially extending channels within the camshaft 14. |
| US08113159B2 |
Camshaft phaser and drive adapter for a concentric camshaft
A camshaft adjuster for a concentric camshaft assembly of an internal combustion engine is provided. The adjuster includes a stator that is connected to the timing gear, and a rotor located within the stator having a plurality of vanes that extend into spaces created between inwardly directed projections of the stator to define chambers on each side of the vanes. Front and rear sidewalls are connected to the stator and form the front and rear walls of the chambers. An outer cover connects to the stator to the inner camshaft via a drive adapter, and the rotor is connected to the outer camshaft. Radial loads acting on the timing gear are transmitted from the stator to the rotor and into the outer camshaft. The drive adapter includes an open cylindrical body having first and second ends. The first end includes a slot or recesses in which a timing feature of the cover engages. The second end has a keyed portion configured to matingly engage a corresponding portion of the inner camshaft. |
| US08113155B2 |
Two-cycle engine
A two-cycle engine includes a starting fuel supply passage for supplying a starting fuel to a crankcase from a starting fuel reservoir, and a flow passage opening and closing unit provided in a midway portion of the starting fuel supply passage. The starting fuel supply passage is opened to be constantly in communication with the crankcase. Accordingly, simultaneously with the generation of a negative pressure within the crankcase when a piston starts to ascend from a bottom dead center, the starting fuel starts to be supplied to the crankcase. Since the starting fuel is supplied to the crankcase for a relatively long time as compared to a conventional engine, a sufficient amount of the fuel is supplied for starting and startability of the two-cycle engine is improved. |
| US08113154B2 |
Transition element for a passage in a water heater
A water heater. The water heater includes a water tank adapted to contain water to be heated, a combustion chamber positioned proximate the water tank, a combustor positioned in the combustion chamber and operable to create products of combustion, a passage extending upwardly from the combustion chamber and through the water tank, the passage having an upper portion comprising an inner tube and an outer tube and a lower portion comprising an inner tube and an outer tube, and a transition element positioned in the passage and configured to direct supply air from the outer tube of the upper portion to the inner tube of the lower portion and deliver hot products of combustion from the outer tube of the lower portion to the inner tube of the upper portion, the transition element maintaining separation of the supply air and the products of combustion. |
| US08113152B1 |
Canine wound boot
A canine wound boot is fabricated using a breathable substrate having two layers of generally open weave and a fibrous material spacing and bonding the two layers together. Onto the substrate, various friction pads, wear pads, one or more straps, and strategically located cushions are attached. Specially configured slits ensure that a wide range of leg sizes relative to paw sizes may be accommodated, while easing application of the boot and eliminating any risk of bunching. Elastic material serves as a gusset in the boot which expands to cover a bandage or cast. |
| US08113150B1 |
Interactive pet toy
A pet toy is provided having an interactive stimulus that actively engages the pet's senses during use. Stimuli include sight, sounds, smell, taste, and sound, and can include a combination of more than one such stimulus. |
| US08113148B2 |
Pet house
A pet house, for providing convenient and comfortable accommodation for a pet, includes a housing and a plurality of amenities. The housing includes a surrounding wall having a lodging room for the pet accommodating therein, and a side entrance communicating with the lodging room, and a roof frame, which is supported on the surrounding wall to define the lodging room within the surrounding wall and the roof frame. The amenities, including at least one of a solar power system, a power storage, a ventilating device, a dimmer light, an audio device, a remote intercommunication system, and an outdoors shading arrangement, is provided at the pet house for providing the comfort and convenience of the pet house so as to enhance the quality of living. |
| US08113144B2 |
Photoresist-coating and photoresist-coating method using the same
A photoresist-coating apparatus includes a substrate on which a particle-detecting area and an invalid particle-detecting area are defined, a nozzle discharging photoresist to the substrate and moving along a direction, and a particle-detecting sensor controlling on and off of the nozzle in the particle-detecting area according to presence of particles, wherein in the invalid particle-detecting area, the nozzle operates independently from detection of the particle-detecting sensor. |
| US08113142B2 |
Apparatus for processing a substrate
In a substrate-processing apparatus for performing coating, baking and developing processes on a semiconductor substrate, a first processing block performs a coating process and a developing process on substrates. A second processing block is disposed opposite to the first processing block to heat-treat the substrates. The first processing block includes upper, middle and lower unit blocks. The upper and lower blocks include at least one coating unit for forming a layer on the substrates and at least one developing unit for developing a photoresist layer on the substrates, respectively. The middle unit block is detachably disposed between the upper and lower unit blocks and includes at least one of coating units and developing units. The configuration of the middle unit block may vary according to a process recipe to improve the throughput of the substrate-processing apparatus. |
| US08113140B2 |
Powder coating apparatus and powder coating method
A powder coating apparatus is provided with: a coating booth, wherein a work to be coated is moved by a conveyer in the coating booth; and a coating gun that sprays powder coating material to the moving work. In the powder coating apparatus, the coating booth includes a movable wall on at least one of a side wall and a ceiling wall of the coating booth. The movable wall is configured to move in accordance with the work passing the coating booth. |
| US08113139B2 |
Gas wiping apparatus having adjustable gas guide
A gas wiping apparatus is a type of equipment for coating a molten metal onto a steel strip, in which the molten metal solution deposited on the steel strip is wiped to adjust a coating thickness. The gas wiping apparatus includes a body containing a high pressure gas and a multiple nozzle unit disposed at the body to eject the high pressure gas onto a surface of a moving coated steel strip. The surface of the coated steel strip passing through a hot dipping bath filled with the molten metal is wiped by a high speed gas jet. Here, the molten metal is prevented from splashing even at a high-speed and the steel strip can be adjusted in the coating thickness stably and uniformly. |
| US08113138B2 |
Apparatus for application of decorative items to food products
An apparatus for the automated decoration of a food product, the apparatus includes: a transporter configured to move the food product to a decoration area of the apparatus; a detector configured to detect the food product in the decoration area; a deposition mechanism disposed above the decoration area, the deposition mechanism comprising a sliding plate disposed between a first fixed plate and a second fixed plate; wherein, in a first position of the sliding plate, cavities extending though the sliding plate are aligned with cavities extending through the first fixed plate, and in a second position, the cavities extending through the sliding plate are aligned with cavities extending through the second fixed plate. |
| US08113137B2 |
Folding seat with movable backrest
A movable seat and backrest are coupled by a pivoted link system, allowing the seat to pivot from a raised stowed position to a lowered use position. A connecting link is coupled to one of the pivoted seat links, such that, as the seat is lowered, the connecting link raises the backrest. When the seat is raised to a stowed position, the connecting link lowers the backrest to a lowered position. When mounted in a vessel, the backrest forms part of the bolster system when the seat is stowed. |
| US08113135B2 |
Device for closing a fuselage connected to a towed submarine object and the appliance thus equipped
A device for selectively opening and closing a fuselage coupled to a towed submarine object. The device comprises first and second shells articulatable with respect each other by a hinge assembly. A releasable locking system locks the shells on each other. Hinge members of the hinge assembly are slidable with respect to each other along the articulation axis of the shells in order to actuate the locking or unlocking of these shells. |
| US08113134B2 |
Chain stowage mechanism for marine vehicles
A mechanism for releasing and retracting an anchor chain into/from water in marine vehicles, comprising a stowing reservoir which is driven by a motor for automatically stowing the chain. |
| US08113133B2 |
Dissimilar joint structure, tank skirt including dissimilar joint structure, transport ship including tank skirt, and method for joining dissimilar metal members
A dissimilar joint structure according to the present invention is provided at a first metal member and a second metal member which are made of dissimilar metals to each other. The dissimilar joint structure couples the first metal member and the second metal member 7. An inserting groove 8a is formed at the first metal member. The second metal member includes an inserting portion which is able to be inserted into the inserting groove. The first metal member is joined to the inserting portion 9 with the inserting portion 9 inserted into the inserting groove 8a. |
| US08113132B2 |
Method of retrofitting a pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system and an improved pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system
A pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system wherein seed from the auxiliary hopper enters the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter. And a retrofit kit for existing on-demand seed delivery systems, and method of retrofitting such existing pneumatic on-demand seed delivery systems, so as to provide an auxiliary hopper that communicates seed to the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter. |
| US08113128B2 |
Folding table assembly
A table assembly is provided for removably coupling to a chair or couch or other furniture with an opening from the floor, such as a bed or cabinet, to provide a horizontal table surface. The table assembly is removably coupled to the chair or couch by a spring engaging the bottom surface of the chair or couch or other coupling mechanism for removably coupling the table assembly to the chair or couch. The table assembly includes a base for engaging the floor and a table leaf that can be pivoted from a retracted position to an extended horizontal position. A latching mechanism is provided for retaining the table leaf in the upright extended position. |
| US08113124B2 |
Auto laundry conveyor dolly
A car wash dolly that uses a single shaft having two camshaft lobes and a series of snap ring grooves. The bolt-less design of the dolly includes a stronger camshaft and minimized component count. The center link and wheels may be mounted directly on the shaft to produce a sturdy design for the dolly. Grooves and snap rings are provided to “lock” wheels in their place on the shaft and to keep wheels physically close to one another to prevent dirt or other debris from getting between the wheels. Optional thrust washers also may be provided between plastic wheels and snap rings to reduce friction between the wheels during operation of the dolly in a car wash facility. The dolly according to the present disclosure is intended to roll, via a conveyor chain, on a slotted track of an auto-laundry system. Because of rules governing Abstracts, this Abstract should not be used to construe the claims in this patent application. |
| US08113123B2 |
Overhead transport service vehicle and method
A overhead transport service vehicle system includes a carriage frame structured and arranged to carry a user. A hoisting mechanism utilizes at least one lifting device for lifting and lowering the carriage frame and at least one moving device for causing movement of the hoisting mechanism along one of a track or rail. A control controls at least one of the at least one lifting device and the at least one moving device. |
| US08113121B2 |
Guideway system to roadway interchange system
According to one embodiment, a transport interchange system includes a roadway that intersects a guideway system such that the roadway is discontinuous across the guideway system. A guideway vehicle is provided that transports an intermodal container over the guideway system. The guideway vehicle is operable to rotate the intermodal container from a first position in which the intermodal container is parallel to the roadway to a second position in which the intermodal container is parallel to the guideway vehicle. |
| US08113120B2 |
Track position correction machine
A track position correction machine includes a multi-part machine frame and a satellite frame associated with the machine frame. A first drive displaces the satellite frame relative to the machine frame. A first packing unit and a track lifting unit are disposed on the satellite frame. A stabilization unit is associated with the machine frame. A second packing unit is disposed between the satellite frame and the stabilization unit. A second drive displaces the second packing unit relative to the machine frame. |
| US08113119B2 |
Surface safe explosive tool
An explosive tool is disclosed. The explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure. |
| US08113118B2 |
Spin sensor for low spin munitions
A spin sensor includes a fuze housing, a sense weight and a rotating induction device. The rotating induction device comprises a first rotatable element affixed to the fuze housing and a second rotatable element affixed to the sense weight. The second rotatable element is mechanically coupled to the first rotatable element such that it may rotate relative to the first rotatable element. In addition, the second rotatable element is inductively coupled to the first rotatable element such that the relative rotation between the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element generates a spin signal on an electrical connection to the rotating induction device. The spin signal may be compared to a suitable spin profile to determine if a valid spin environment is present. |
| US08113114B2 |
Tractor and baler interaction system
An agricultural power control system including a moving element, a power source, a signal generating element and a torque modifying device. The moving element is configured to engage a quantity of crop material in a cyclical manner. The power source conveys power to the moving element. The signal generating element is configured to provide a signal relating to an anticipated quantity of crop material prior to the moving element engaging the quantity of crop material. The torque modifying device is configured to cause the power source to alter an amount of torque delivered to the moving element dependent upon the signal. |
| US08113112B2 |
Foot sensor rubbish bin
A foot sensor rubbish bin is controlled to open and close by extending the user's foot into a recess of a base to actuate a sensor without using the user's hands, which provides the user with much convenience. Moreover, since the sensor is disposed at the recess of the base, the unnecessary interference can be avoided, thus reducing the energy waste and complying with the requirements of environmental protection. |
| US08113111B2 |
Device and method for preventing a tool from breaking during fine blanking and/or forming a work piece
A device and method are provided for preventing a tool from breaking during fine blanking and/or forming in a press. The device includes a fine blanking head positioned above a ram that carries out a stroke movement. The fine blanking head includes, among other things, a main cylinder retaining a V-shaped projection piston, a touch piston, several V-shaped projection pins, a main plate covering the main cylinder and a touch table to which the tool can be connected. Pressure provided by a hydraulic system is introduced to the device in distinct regions. Gaps between certain device components are maintained and monitored for purposes of determining the undesirable presence of foreign objects in the press operating path. If a sensor determines that the gaps are not maintained then the computer which operates valves that supply the pressure from the hydraulic system will shut the press down. |
| US08113107B2 |
System for preparing a beverage comprising a beverage maker and a cartridge that is removably arranged in the beverage maker
A system for preparing a beverage comprises a beverage maker (15) and a cartridge (10) that is removably arranged in the beverage maker (15). The cartridge (10) comprises a beverage making unit (1) having a duct system (30) for conveying flows of steam and flows of liquid. The duct system (30) comprises two combinations of ducts (31, 32; 41, 42), wherein the arrangement of the ducts (31, 32; 41, 42) of each combination is adapted to enabling a flow of steam to perform a pumping action on a flow of liquid. The beverage maker (15) comprises a steam generator (16) having two steam sockets (17, 18), wherein each of the steam sockets (17, 18) is in communication with another combination of ducts (31, 32; 41, 42) of the duct system (30). As each of the combinations of ducts (31, 32; 41, 42) is associated with a different steam inlet (36, 46), and the steam inlets (36, 46) may be located at different positions on the cartridge (10), it is achieved that the duct system (30) may be of a relatively simple design. |
| US08113106B2 |
Tea making device having an improved liquid collection chamber
A device for making tea, which device comprises a brewing chamber (2) for enclosing a tea-pad, means for supplying heated water through one or more openings in the upper wall of the brewing chamber, and a restricted opening (8) in the lower wall (1) of the brewing chamber (2), so that tea is squirted into a liquid collection chamber (10) underneath the brewing chamber (2). The lower wall (11) of the liquid collection chamber (10) is provided with a substantial circular ridge (14) around the location where the tea hits the lower wall (11) of the liquid collection chamber (10). |
| US08113094B1 |
Emergency responder rescue tool
A multipurpose rescue tool comprising a unitary metallic sheet member of a uniform diameter having an L-shaped hook portion, a grip portion with U-shaped finger guard, and a flared base portion. The head of the hook portion has pivot notches formed within the peripheral edge, a first end tapered to an acute tip, and a second end comprising a spanner wrench opening. The base portion includes opposed V-shaped flanges for improved grip and a gas valve shut-off aperture. Balanced weight distribution, size and overall tool weight render it capable of storage and transport within a responder's turnouts for efficient use regardless of hand size or strength, in striking, peeling, screw driver, hammer, pry bar, spanner-wrench and valve stem applications. |
| US08113093B2 |
Combination wrench socket
A combination wrench socket is provided that includes, but is not limited to a one-piece outer part, in the form of a wrench socket having an inner part situated therein, a first tool head molded onto the inner part, and a second tool head, designed differently there from, molded onto the outer part, in which the outer part is designed in such a way that it has at least one retention element for the lockable fastening of a tool head. |
| US08113091B2 |
Hammer with a socket hole blocking device
A hammer includes a metal hammerhead having a socket hole, a wooden handle fastened to the socket hole, and a socket hole blocking device blocking the socket hole. The socket hole blocking device includes a cap, which is fitted into the socket hole in flush with the metal hammerhead and has wedge holes and a magnet embedded therein for securing an iron nail temporarily for driving into a workpiece, and metal wedge bolts respectively fitted into the wedge holes and driven into the wooden handle. |
| US08113090B1 |
Bottle, cap, and cap-remover assembly and its method of operation
An assembly that includes a bottle, a bottle cap and a tool for removing the bottle cap. A pry tool is provided having a lever tab, a thumb tab and a prying catch. A flexible restraint is used to attach the pry tool to the neck of the bottler. The flexible restraint passes into a groove formed in part by the presence of the bottle cap. The pry tool is free to rotate about the connection point between an engaged position, wherein the pry tool engages the cap, and a disengaged position wherein the pry tool is disengaged from the cap. When the pry tool is in its engaged position, the pry tool will pry open the cap when an upward force is applied to the thumb tab of the pry tool. This configuration enables a container to be held in one hand and opened. |
| US08113089B2 |
Engine starting apparatus
An engine starting apparatus is provided that has a constantly engaged starter pinion and a one-way clutch lubricated with transmission fluid, without modification to the engine and without adding axial length to the transmission. Specifically, a starting apparatus for cranking an engine crankshaft using a starter motor is provided for an engine that is operatively connected to a transmission through a torque converter. |
| US08113083B2 |
Device for displacing and positioning an object in space
The invention relates to a device for displacing and positioning an object in a space, having at least three actuating arms that can pivot about a transmission axis. Each arm is connected to a motor unit/transmission unit. A carrier element is provided in order to arrange at least one gripping element for gripping the object. Each actuating arm, on the free ends thereof, has a first articulated axis that is parallel to the transmission axis with first articulated parts arranged at a distance from each other, of a first ball joint. The carrier element has a second articulated axis associated with each actuating arm with first articulated parts that are arranged at a distance in relation to each other, of a second ball joint. The first articulated axis is connected to the second articulated axis by a pair of connecting bars which include terminal second articulated parts. The terminal second articulated parts of the connecting bars form the first and second ball joints with the first articulated parts on the first articulated axis and the first articulated parts on the second articulated axis. The connecting bars for stabilizing the ball joints are connected together. According to the invention, the connecting bars are made of an essentially elastic material and are connected together by at least one prestressing element made of an essentially stiff material. |
| US08113081B2 |
Universal shifter system for a vehicle
A universal shifter system that is adaptable to any of a variety of locations in a vehicle has a shift assembly with a frame supporting a shaft for rotation about a primary axis. An end of the shaft is exposed axially through the frame for circumferentially indexed attachment of either a shift arm or a cam device of the system dependent upon the selected system location in the vehicle. A side mount feature has a secondary axis that traverses the primary axis. The cam device rotates about both axes when selected. A shifter mechanism is supported by the frame and is constructed and arranged to rotate the shaft between park and drive positions. Preferably, a flexible park lock cable interfaces between the shifter mechanism and a start device of the vehicle to prevent the shaft from rotating from the park and into the drive position if the start device is not in a predetermined position. |
| US08113077B2 |
Dual clutch transmission
A dual clutch transmission includes odd-numbered forward traveling speed drive trains to be activated by engaging a first clutch, even-numbered forward traveling speed drive trains to be activated by engaging a second clutch, and a plurality of backward traveling speed drive trains including at least one backward traveling train to be activated by engaging either the first or second clutch. While a reverse mode is set and when a reverser operation means is shifted between a forward traveling position and a backward traveling position, the first and second clutches are alternately engaged/disengaged for a forward/backward traveling speed shift between a backward traveling speed set by at least one backward traveling speed drive train and a forward traveling speed set by any one forward traveling speed drive train activated by engaging the first or second clutch which is different from the first or second clutch adapted to be engaged for activating the at least one backward traveling speed drive train. |
| US08113075B2 |
Drive for reclining furniture
A drive mechanism for a piece of reclining furniture. The mechanism has a housing whose side walls are formed adjacent an upper wall with a pair of longitudinally spaced seats defining a pair of generally parallel and transversely extending axes lying in a common first plane. Respective furniture shafts rotatable in the seats are connectable to parts of the piece of reclining furniture, and respective arms project from the furniture shafts. Respective servomotors in the housing each have an output shaft defining an output rotation axis. The output rotation axes define a second plane forming an angle greater than 0° with the first plane, respective transmissions and links between the output shafts and the control arms so that rotation of the output shafts is transmitted through the respective transmissions and links to the control arms to rotate the furniture shafts. |
| US08113072B1 |
Electromagnetic physical scale model modularization system
The present invention's physical scale model (PSM) of a full-scale ship and associated degaussing system is typically embodied to include: an electrically wired, open, box-shaped framework; electronic structural modules; non-modular structural components; and, non-modular electronic components. Each edge-segment has alternating elevations and depressions for “tongue-in-groove” attachment thereto of modules and non-modular structural components, which are complimentarily raised and recessed and include selected quantities of ferromagnetic and electrically conductive material. Each module includes a ferromagnetic, electrically conductive, dimensionally scaled skin on the circuitous surface of a printed wiring board (PWB). The ferromagnetic and electrically conductive attributes of modules and non-modular structural components serve to simulate electromagnetic effects of corresponding areas (e.g., hull sections, decks, bulkheads, etc.) of the full-scale ship. The inventive PSM's circuitry (including framework wiring, PWB wiring, and electronic components electrically connected to modules on sides opposite their skins) serves to simulate electromagnetic effects of the degaussing system. |
| US08113071B2 |
Multi-threat detection portal
A method and a system for efficiently screening for dangerous threatening items in or on an animate subject (e.g., a person) are presented. The system includes a portal that accommodates an animate subject and a test unit that includes equipment for subjecting the animate subject to a combination of two or more tests. There are sensors located in the portal, wherein each of the sensors reads data resulting from testing the animate subject and generates an output signal. A computation unit receives the output signal from each of the sensors and processes the output signals in parallel to determine a risk factor based on parameters resulting from the two or more tests. The test unit may be coupled to a portal and an object unit, wherein the object unit is for screening inanimate subjects (e.g., bags, coats). The parallel acquisition and processing of the output signals enhances accuracy. By testing multiple animate subjects (or a combination of animate subject(s) and inanimate subject(s)) at once, the system improves throughput. |
| US08113069B2 |
Aerodynamic sampler for chemical/biological trace detection
An aerodynamic sampler for sampling particles from a surface or a flowing gas stream is provided. The sampler can include an arcuate-shaped shroud having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being directed in a first direction and the second opening oppositely disposed and spaced apart from the first opening. A gas nozzle having at least one gas outlet directed generally in the first direction can be included and may or may not be located at least partially within the shroud. The gas nozzle is operable to supply a gas jet to a surface that is proximate the first opening of the shroud. In addition, a suction device operable to pull or suck the gas proximate the first opening through the second opening and afford for the gas to enter a detector is provided. The arcuate-shaped shroud can be a bell-shaped shroud with the first opening located at a bottom of the bell-shape. |
| US08113068B2 |
Micro-liquid transfer apparatus and micro-liquid transfer method
In a micro-liquid transfer apparatus including two washing tanks (first washing tanks A and B), operations to transfer a sample are carried out using two pin tools (pin tools A and B) alternately. While one pin tool A is being mounted on a pin tool holder and is being used to transfer a liquid, the other pin tool B is waiting in a state where the lower end portions of their associated pins are immersed in the first washing tank B. While one pin tool A is being mounted on a pin tool holder and is being used to transfer a very small amount of liquid, the lower end portions of the respective pins of the other pin tool are washed, whereby the liquid transfer operations can be made in progress with no interruption and thus the generation of the operation waiting time can be prevented. |
| US08113066B2 |
Chuck-integrated force-measuring system
A chuck-integrated force-measuring system for determining cutting forces at the cutting tool tip of a rotating tool, for example a drill or milling cutter having at least one measuring sensor, as well as a measured-value processing station. The at least one measuring sensor is designed as a strain sensor which is placeable on a tool holder of a machine tool. A measuring hub assembly is also provided which is insertable as an adapter piece into the chuck of the machine tool and is designed with its own chuck for receiving the tool, the at least one measuring sensor being integrated in the adapter piece. |
| US08113063B2 |
Fluid measurement device, method of measuring fluid, and fluid spacial distribution visualization device
A fluid measurement device includes a fluid measurement unit which includes a plurality of fluid measurement sections configured to measure a measurement fluid introduced into a measurement chamber from the outside, each of the fluid measurement sections including a fluid measurement sensor on which the measurement fluid introduced into the measurement chamber acts. The fluid measurement devise includes a measurement controller which sequentially introduces the measurement fluid into each of the fluid measurement sections every set time shorter than a fluid measurement time required for one of the fluid measurement sections to conduct one fluid measurement, the measurement controller measuring the fluid to provide a time difference for each of the fluid measurement sections, and a central controller which accumulates fluid measurement data from the fluid measurement sensors and rapidly measures a change of the external measurement fluid. |
| US08113060B2 |
Pressure sensing device and use of the same in a connecting structure
A pressure sensing device adapted for having a liquid flowing there through and for sensing the pressure of said liquid. The device has a casing being fluid-tightly divided into a first and a second chamber by a flexible, impermeable wall. The first chamber has a first opening for the liquid, said opening being placed at the lower part of the chamber, and a second opening for the liquid, said opening being placed at the top of the first chamber. The second chamber has a measuring port, which is connectable to a pressure transducer for bringing the second chamber into gas-tight communication with the pressure transducer. The device has a first orifice to permit the liquid to flow into and out of the device, the orifice being placed at the upper part of the device at a higher level than the second opening. A first channel is connecting the first orifice with the first opening. A second orifice permits the liquid to flow out of and into the device and is placed at the lower part of the device at a lower level than the first opening. A second channel connects the second opening with the second orifice. |
| US08113057B2 |
Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system
A switched resonant power amplifier system for ultrasonic transducers is disclosed. The system includes an amplifier that receives and processes a driver output signal for generating a drive signal that is provided to an ultrasonic device for controlling output of the ultrasonic device. An output control circuit receives and processes a signal related to a feedback signal generated by the ultrasonic device and a divider reference signal, and generates a compensated clock signal that is adjusted for at least one of phase and frequency differences between the received feedback signal and the divider reference signal. A compensated drive circuit receives and processes the compensated clock signal for generating the divider reference signal, and for generating the driver output signal. |
| US08113054B2 |
Capacitive accelerometer
A conventional capacitive accelerometer has a limitation in reducing a distance between a sensing electrode and a reference electrode, and requires a complex process and a separate method of correcting a clearance difference caused by a process error. However, the capacitive accelerometer of the present invention has high sensitivity, can be simply manufactured by maintaining a very narrow distance between a reference electrode and a sensing electrode, and can make it unnecessary to individually correct each manufactured accelerometer by removing or drastically reducing a functional difference due to a process error. |
| US08113053B2 |
Capacitive accelerometer
Substantially hemispherical concave first and second surfaces of substantially equal radius and surface area face each other about a proof mass supported for movement between the surfaces. The surfaces and proof mass have electrically conductive portions allowing assessment of differential capacitance for measurement of acceleration. Electrically conductive portions are connected to a conditioning circuit in an embodiment. |
| US08113045B1 |
Means for improving inertial measurement unit reliability for cannon launched applications
This invention provides a shock mitigation means that attenuates the high frequency energy transmitted to the floating element of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) device in a cannon launched guided projectile or cannon launched munition improving the ability of the IMU to survive the extreme forces of such cannon launched environment. The invention utilizes a crushable foam mitigator located in the IMU device's housing to interfere and apply a compressive force to the floating element of the IMU device, plus a rubber pad attenuator element placed above the foam mitigator to further tailor the transmission of shock energy to the floating element in the IMU device. |
| US08113043B2 |
Downhole fluid property chromatography
A method for analyzing properties of fluids contained in a geological formation including the steps of lowering a tool containing a chromatograph down to a location within the geological formation; setting the tool into position; extracting a sample of formation fluid from the location within the geological formation under controlled conditions and directing it into the chromatograph; and analyzing the composition of the formation fluid sample located downhole. The formation fluid sample is delivered to the chromatograph with or without admixture with a solvent. A sampling tool for use in the method forms another aspect of the invention. |
| US08113038B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting a coating on an item such as a magnetic head
Systems and methods for detecting presence of a coating on an item such as a magnetic head. Points on a surface of the item are contacted with an electrically conductive object. A determination may be made as to whether an electrical connection is made between the electrically conductive object and one or more of the points on the surface of the item, an extent of an electrical connection made between the electrically conductive object and any of the points on the surface of the item, etc. |
| US08113037B2 |
Method for testing high temperature mechanical durability of articles
A process for erosion testing of a specimen article includes securing a test specimen in a test rig; measuring physical characteristics of the test specimen article; using a thermal spray coating apparatus, flowing incident particles at the test specimen; and re-measuring the physical characteristics of the test specimen. |
| US08113036B2 |
Air velocity apparatus and system
An apparatus and a system is provided that may be utilized to determine air flow through an air filter and/or a plurality of air filters. The present invention utilizes a demonstration apparatus to illustrate the differences in air flow and air restriction between a plurality of different air filters and filtration media. The apparatus and system utilizes a common plenum which subjects the plurality of air filters to the same differential pressure. The air flows through a first side of the air filter and is measured on the second side of the air filter by utilizing a wind meter or similar device to gauge the amount of air flow velocity of the second side of the filter. Additionally, the apparatus and system utilizes a display means to illustrate the differing air velocity through the second side of the air filter. |
| US08113033B2 |
Method to calibrate a flow balance valve on a windrower draper header
A simplified method for calibrating a variable-displacement hydraulic PTO system on an agricultural windrower when powering a header wherein the variable-displacement pump is operated at maximum flow capacity while the engine is operated at a pre-determined speed and a flow balance valve is adjusted to achieved a pre-determined cutterbar speed. Operation of the cutterbar at the pre-determined speed allows sufficient hydraulic fluid flow through the remaining parallel fluid circuit to power the remaining equipment, typically a reel, on the header. Controls for managing pump displacement and engine speed as well as indication of cutterbar speed are typically available on the windrower tractor thereby eliminating the need for additional diagnostic equipment and making the method suitable for use in the field. |
| US08113032B2 |
Punch device
Referring to a punch device in accordance with the invention, the punch stamp (10) is driven by a hydraulic actuating drive (6), in which case, in connection with an advance device (4) driven by a servo motor and travel-measuring systems on the ram axis and on the partial-apparatus axis (advance axis), the ram movement is freely programmable relative to the advance movement of the partial apparatus. |
| US08113029B2 |
Drop forging method and forging device for carrying out said method
The invention relates a drop forging method by means of a forging device provided with a hammer and a forging die, wherein a part placed in the forging die is shaped with a hammer blow, several engravings are formed in the die, a blank is initially inserted into the first engraving and said blank is moved along the other engravings to the last engraving, and then said blank picked up during shaping by a forging gripper. In order to obtain an optimum operating mode, the invention is characterized in that the part is received in a plurality of engravings with each hammer blow. In order to obtain a symmetrical distribution of the hammer load between occupied and non-occupied engravings, the parts are gripped respectively during shaping by the forging grippers. After each hammer blow, a successive displacement of the parts is carried out in the other engravings by removing the part from the last engraving or from the last but one by an engraving occupied by a part and a blank is inserted in the first engraving to be occupied. |
| US08113028B2 |
Platform for industrial installations, particulary for high-pressure descalers, emergency shears and pendulum shears in rolling mill trains or the like
A platform for industrial installations, in particular for high-pressure descalers (3a) or other machines (3) with optionally bundled supply, discharge, and/or distribution conduits (11) which in operational position, are connectable with fixed conduits of a respective machine (3), can be provided as a central installation for connecting media and power lines that can be monitored and easily inspected, with an arrangement being carried out in an immediate proximity with predetermined distance, lateral position and height with regard to a connectable machine (3) with control units (4), devices (4), drives (5) and drive consoles (5a), distribution blocks (6), valve units (7), control elements and the like being distributed over a horizontal, polygonal platform foundation surface (2) according to their functions with regard to the machine (3). |
| US08113027B2 |
Method and device for the manufacture of multiple grooved wire
A plurality of rollers for producing longitudinal grooves in an elongated metal substrate, the plurality of rollers comprising a first set and a second set of rollers, the plurality of rollers having groove-forming fluted edges thereon. The plurality of rollers are aligned circumferentially around and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated metal substrate, wherein the plurality of rollers are configured to produce an odd number of grooves distributed asymmetrically about a circumference of the elongated metal substrate. |
| US08113025B2 |
Technique and process for controlling material properties during impact consolidation of powders
Impact consolidated powders form deposits that are densified by substantially simultaneous shot peening of the impact consolidated powder. |
| US08113020B2 |
Lock and electronic device using the same
A lock includes a housing, a cover, a lock cylinder holder, a lock cylinder, a cam, a resisting shaft, at least one latching block, and at least one first elastic member. The cover is secured to one end of the housing. A gap is formed between the cover and the housing. The lock cylinder holder is secured to the housing. The lock cylinder is rotatably mounted in the lock cylinder holder. The cam is received in the housing and secured to the lock cylinder. The resisting shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing and includes a frustum shaped end. The latching block is received in the gap. The latching block includes an inclined surface corresponding to the frustum shaped end. The first elastic member is configured to connect the latching block to the cover or the housing. An electronic device using the lock is also provided. |
| US08113017B2 |
Method for cleaning a glass substrate, method for fabricating a glass substrate, and magnetic disk using same
A method for cleaning a glass substrate which ensures removal of abrasive and other foreign matter without making a cleaning step complicated involves cleaning the glass substrate by scrubbing using two or more types of cleaning liquid having different Si element elution abilities. The cleaning liquid having the highest Si element elution is used first, and the cleaning liquid having the lowest Si element elution is used last. |
| US08113016B2 |
Molds opening/closing group of a forming glass machine items
In a machine for forming glass items, a mold having two half-molds movable between a closed forming position and an open extraction position by a mold opening/closing group is provided. The mold includes two handling arms, each connected to a respective half-mold, which are rotated about respective fixed hinge axes by a single linear actuator. The mobile member translates in a direction parallel to the fixed hinge axes, and is connected to the handling arms by a mechanical transmission having a respective guide-and-slide assembly for each handling arm. |
| US08113012B2 |
Inter-rack airflow arresting apparatus and method for facilitating cooling of an electronics rack of a data center
An airflow arrester is provided and configured to reside between electronics racks disposed in a row within a data center. The airflow arrester includes a panel, which when operatively disposed, has a first vertical end, a second vertical end, and a central vertical hinge located intermediate the first and second vertical ends. The airflow arrester further includes an attachment mechanism at the first vertical end and at the second vertical end, and when operatively disposed between a first and second structures, the airflow arrester has a single V-shaped configuration, and is sized and constructed to block airflow from passing therebetween. The single V-shaped configuration provides operational stability to the airflow arrester by translating net twisting forces applied to the airflow arrester to normal forces applied to the first and second structures at the attachment points of the airflow arrester to the first and second structures. |
| US08113010B2 |
Data center cooling
A system for cooling air in a data center includes a data center having electronic equipment in operation, a cooling water source, and a plurality of on-floor cooling units. The cooling water source is configured to retain at maximum capacity a total amount of water. Each on-floor cooling unit is configured to cool air heated by a portion of the electronic equipment in the data center using water from the cooling water source. The total amount of water is insufficient to maintain a leaving air temperature of each on-floor cooling unit below an inside setpoint when a temperature outside of the data center is above a predetermined external temperature. |
| US08113008B2 |
Refrigeration circuit and method for operating a refrigeration circuit
The invention relates to a refrigeration circuit having a mono- or multi-component refrigerant circulating therein, said refrigeration circuit comprising, in the direction of flow, a condenser, a collecting container, a relief device connected upstream of an evaporator, an evaporator and a compressor unit with single-stage compression. According to the invention, there is an intermediate relief device (a) arranged between the condenser (1) and the collecting container (3). Furthermore, there is disclosed a method of operating a refrigeration device in which pressure relief of the refrigerant to an (intermediate) pressure of 5 to 40 bar is effected in the intermediate relief device (a) arranged between the condenser (1) and the collecting container (3). |
| US08113005B2 |
Jet engine with detachably arranged generator unit
The present technology generally relates to jet engines, in particular for an aircraft, having at least one turbine shaft on which at least one compressor and a turbine are arranged, and a housing extends over the lateral surfaces of the jet engine, wherein furthermore at least one electrical generator unit for generating electricity is arranged on at least one turbine shaft, wherein the electrical generator unit has a locating plate and a generator, wherein the generator unit is detachably mounted on the engine-side locating plate. Therefore, a jet engine having a generator unit is provided which permits simple installation, removal and servicing of the generator unit in or out of the jet engine. |
| US08113004B2 |
Wall element for use in combustion apparatus
A tile for use as part of an inner wall of a gas turbine engine combustor, the tile being provided with deformable cooling pedestals extending into a space between the tile and the outer wall. The pedestals are deformed in contact with the outer wall of the combustor. |
| US08113003B2 |
Transition with a linear flow path for use in a gas turbine engine
A transition duct for routing a gas flow from a combustor to the first stage of a turbine section in a combustion turbine engine is disclosed. The transition duct may have an internal passage extending between an inlet to an outlet. An axis of the transition duct body may be generally linear such that gases expelled from the transition duct body flow in a proper direction into the downstream turbine blades. |
| US08113001B2 |
Tubular fuel injector for secondary fuel nozzle
A fuel injector for a secondary fuel nozzle in a gas turbine includes axially oriented air slots and a plurality of fuel injection holes disposed between the air slots. The plurality of fuel injection holes include axially oriented injection holes and radially oriented injection holes such that fuel input through the plurality of fuel injection holes is injected in both a radial direction and an axial direction to mix with air flowing through the air slots. |
| US08112999B2 |
Turbomachine injection nozzle including a coolant delivery system
An injection nozzle for a turbomachine includes a main body having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion defining an exterior wall having an outer surface. A plurality of fluid delivery tubes extend through the main body. Each of the plurality of fluid delivery tubes includes a first fluid inlet for receiving a first fluid, a second fluid inlet for receiving a second fluid and an outlet. The injection nozzle further includes a coolant delivery system arranged within the main body. The coolant delivery system guides a coolant along at least one of a portion of the exterior wall and around the plurality of fluid delivery tubes. |
| US08112994B2 |
Method of controlling a turbocharger having a variable-geometry mechanism and a waste gate
A method for controlling a variable-geometry turbine (24) that includes a variable-geometry mechanism that is movable between a fully closed position closing a relatively greater portion of the turbine nozzle and a fully open position closing a relatively smaller portion of the nozzle. The turbine (24) further comprises a waste gate (40) movable between a closed position and an open position in which some of the exhaust gas bypasses the turbine (24). At low engine speeds, turbocharger boost us regulated by regulating the position of the wastegate. At high engine speeds, the variable geometry is fully open and the wastegate is opened again. When at medium engine speeds, the variable geometry mechanism is to be moved from its closed position toward its fully open position, the waste gate (40) is in an open position to cause a proportion of the exhaust gas to bypass the turbine (24) and thereby reduce the pressure of the exhaust gas in the chamber. While this reduced pressure of the exhaust gas is in effect, the variable-geometry mechanism is moved from the fully closed position toward the fully open position while simultaneously the waste gate begins to close. |
| US08112993B2 |
Arrangement of a charge air cooler in an intake system of an internal combustion engine
The arrangement of a charge air cooler in an intake system of an internal combustion engine has a charge air cooler that on the one hand is supplied with combustion air and on the other hand with a liquid coolant. A coolant/air cooler is provided in which the liquid coolant is cooled by an air stream. The charge air cooler is slantedly arranged in a pipe conduit for the charge air with regard to the end face of a heat exchanger block exposed to the charge air. The end face of the charge air cooler is arranged relative to the cross-section of the pipe conduit at an angle of >45°. |
| US08112989B1 |
Electrically resistive coating for remediation (regeneration) of a diesel particulate filter and method
A resistively heated diesel particulate filter (DPF). The resistively heated DPF includes a DPF having an inlet surface and at least one resistive coating on the inlet surface. The at least one resistive coating is configured to substantially maintain its resistance in an operating range of the DPF. The at least one resistive coating has a first terminal and a second terminal for applying electrical power to resistively heat up the at least one resistive coating in order to increase the temperature of the DPF to a regeneration temperature. The at least one resistive coating includes metal and semiconductor constituents. |
| US08112983B2 |
Gas turbine engine
A bypass turbofan gas turbine engine is started by means of electric starter motor mounted directly about a downstream end or upstream of the low pressure spool of the engine. This causes air to be driven by a fan through a bypass duct around the engine casing. Closures close to substantially seal an outlet of the bypass duct, and the air is directed into a combustion chamber of the engine and through the turbines, causing the high pressure spool to pick up speed for starting. |
| US08112978B1 |
Mobile hedging machine
A mobile hedging machine includes a hedger frame having an elevated platform supported by a plurality of spaced apart legs to form a passage under which hedges are traversable in a travel direction. A plurality of motor-driven wheels are mounted to lower ends of the legs allowing the machine to be driven and steered. First and second cutter arms extend from generally opposite sides of the elevated platform generally perpendicular to the travel direction. Each cutter arm includes an upper arm positionable generally perpendicular to the travel direction, a lower arm pivotable about an axis generally parallel to the travel direction, and a cutter head attached to a lower end of the lower arm. The cutter arms are preferably offset in the travel direction. A topper assembly is secured to a forward edge of the platform and vertically positionable relative thereto. |
| US08112975B1 |
Saddle horn cover apparatus
A saddle horn cover apparatus is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, a cover sized for engagement on a saddle horn and a padding configured for being received within the cover in a position between the saddle horn and an inner surface of the cover. Thus, with the apparatus so engaged on a saddle horn, the apparatus provides padding to protect the user from injuring their hands while performing various horseback riding activities. |
| US08112974B1 |
Microwaveable food package
A microwavable food package is disclosed, comprising a packaging sheet including first and second column of apertures, the apertures between 100 microns and 800 microns in diameter; and a central seal, the central seal joining a first edge of the packaging sheet to a second edge of the packaging sheet, the central seal running longitudinally along the length of the food package, wherein the first column of apertures is on one side of the central seal and the second column of apertures is on the other side of the central seal. |
| US08112972B2 |
Method for molding and assembling containers with stoppers and filling same
A stopper and container body are molded in the same molding machine. An assembly device, such as a pick and place robot, transfers the stopper from one mold cavity into the opening in the container body located within another mold cavity, or vice versa, to assemble the stopper and container body. Then, the assembled container body and stopper are removed from the molding machine and transported to a needle filling and laser resealing station for filling and laser resealing. A laminar flow source directs a substantially laminar flow of air or sterile gas over the mold surfaces, stoppers and container bodies, and assembly device, to prevent contamination during assembly. |
| US08112970B2 |
Flexible carrier and system for application to a plurality of containers
A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet and a plurality of container receiving apertures formed in the flexible sheet together with a system and method of application including an applicating machine for applying the flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes a jaw assembly that reciprocates to apply a generally continuous string of carrier stock onto a quantity of containers. |
| US08112969B2 |
Transport system for bottles or similar containers and plant for the treatment of bottles or similar containers
This present application relates to a transport system for the transport of bottles or similar containers between at least a first machine, for example a blow molding machine for the manufacture of the containers out of plastic, and at least one second machine, for example a filling machine. |
| US08112967B2 |
Mechanical locking of floor panels
Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system having tongue of magnetic material that could be locked vertically by a magnetic field. |
| US08112964B2 |
Clip for joining reinforced members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns
A clip for joining reinforcing members, which includes a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the first pair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member; a second pair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having an inner surface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a side surface of a second reinforcing member, and a mid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs. |
| US08112962B2 |
Grating system with enhanced see-through characteristics
A grating system provides enhanced see through characteristics and typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, axial filler bars between the crossbars and longitudinal joining bars which join the crossbars and filler bars to one another. The deep bars are part of a first subassembly and the other bars are part of a second subassembly which may be lowered to join the two subassemblies to one another. The crossbars and filler bars are typically seated on the deep bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the deep bars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are usually substantially flush with one another. The grating system is configured to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic. |
| US08112958B2 |
Flooring system having complementary sub-panels
Laminated flooring panels include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms facilitate the alignment of adjacent flooring panels. Adjacent flooring panels substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual flooring panels within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture that is complementary with a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture of a neighboring partial sub-panel. |
| US08112956B2 |
Frame construction arrangement forming an opening in a wall of a low-rise building
A frame construction for a low rise building. In the construction, a wall frame panel is made of thin light-gauge section steel by bonding together a surface member, a lower frame member, vertical frame members and an upper frame member. Roof or floor support girders are made of heavyweight section steel having H-shape or channel shape. The girders are coupled to frame construction panels by bolts or hold-down fasteners. |
| US08112952B2 |
Bent pole composite stairs
A staircase including a bent pole stringer with first and second straight stair sections separated by a spiral stair section. There is preferably a first bend defined on the stringer between the first straight stair section and the spiral stair section, and a second bend defined on the stringer between the spiral stair section and the second straight stair section. There are also a plurality of first straight stair treads cantilevered from the first straight stair section of the stringer, a plurality of spiral stair treads cantilevered from the spiral stair section of the stringer, and a plurality of second straight stair treads cantilevered from the second straight stair section of the stringer. |
| US08112950B2 |
Panel for sheathing system and method
The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes. |
| US08112943B2 |
Convertible hard side shelter
A hard side shelter is convertible between transport and deployed modes. When in the transport mode, the shelter has an envelope identical to an ISO-cargo container. A side section floor and cover are each connected to the center section for rotating between being coplanar with the center section floor and roof when in the deployed mode, and being vertical and lying in a center section side planes when in a transport mode. Each side section has end and middle panels that are turnable relative to each other, and a door assembly that is turnable relative to the middle panels. Locking bars engaged the center section floor when the shelter is in a transport mode, and engage the side section floors when the shelter is in the deployed mode. The shelter is handleable by pallet handling systems and includes insulation panels to enhance the heat transfer characteristics of the shelter. |
| US08112942B2 |
Operating room/intervention room
A hospital layout comprising a plurality of adjacent OR/intervention rooms (46, 48) uniquely configured and equipped to perform surgical and other interventional procedures, with adjacent intubation rooms (52) configured and equipped to prepare patients for procedures to occur in the OR/intervention rooms and at least one extubation room (54) adjacent the OR/intervention rooms, configured and equipped to post-intervention awaken and extubate patients. A plurality of universal patient rooms (40) are located adjacent the OR/intervention rooms and universal patient rooms, and are configured and equipped to admit patients for surgery/intervention, prepare patients for surgery/intervention, allow patients to recover post-intervention, and discharge patients post-recovery. |
| US08112939B2 |
Oscillating self-centering traffic-door
A door that has a beam and door panel that are secured by molding the door panel to the beam. |
| US08112934B2 |
Bear trap
A bear trap comprising a trap door, a housing that is large enough to enclose a bear and bait, a bait arm, a first computer, a first temperature sensor located inside the housing, and a camera. When a bear enters the trap and pulls on the bait on the bait arm, the trap door descends. The first computer allows a user to lift the trap door remotely from anywhere in the world via a second computer or device with Internet access. The first computer and first temperature sensor allow a user to monitor temperature inside the housing from anywhere in the world via a second computer or device with Internet access. The first computer and camera allow a user to view a bear inside the housing from anywhere in the world via a second computer or device with Internet access. The first computer preferably connects to the Internet via satellite. |
| US08112929B2 |
Key device for guns
In a key element (110) for locking a hammer gun or bolt gun (100) comprising a trigger rod which can be reciprocated by a trigger, the locked state of the gun is apparent at a glance in a conspicuous manner in that the key element (110) is a releasably securely attachable component of the gun housing. |
| US08112928B2 |
Trigger-controlled select fire for M-16 rifle
A trigger system for a firearm has an enclosure having a bottom surface, a trigger pivoted at a first pivot axis within the enclosure, a firing hammer pivoted at a second pivot axis within the enclosure, the firing hammer spring-loaded to rotate clockwise to fire, the firing hammer having a first notch, a disconnector pivoted at the first pivot axis, the disconnector rocker having a hook for engaging the first notch in the firing hammer preventing firing while engaged, and a full auto rocker pivoted at a third pivot axis through the trigger, the full auto rocker having a first portion extending downward and forward from the third pivot axis and a second portion extending rearward from the third pivot axis, a part of the second portion overlying a contact point on the disconnector to the rear of the first pivot axis. |
| US08112924B2 |
Expandable sign support assembly
An expandable support assembly for hanging a sign on a host structure subject to dimensional changes over time includes a pair of elongate arms pivotally attached together at a crossing point, a connector pivotally attaching the elongate arms together and permitting the arms to rotate relative to each other, four anchors, and a panel attached to the connector for supporting the sign. Each anchor engages a respective longitudinal portion of one of the arms such that the connector is positioned between two anchors with respect to each arm. The anchors are movable along the arms for securing the expandable support assembly to the host structure. The arms are adapted to permit movement of the anchors along the arms and the connector is adapted to permit relative rotation of the arms in response to dimensional changes over time of the host structure. |
| US08112920B2 |
Rolling information display for roller grill
In one aspect, a rolling information display apparatus for use with a roller grill includes an elongated envelope. A cap is removably positioned over at least one opening of the envelope. An information bearing medium is removably positioned inside the envelope. In one embodiment, a sealing member is disposed to create a substantially watertight seal over at least one opening of the envelope. In another aspect, a rolling information display apparatus for use with a roller grill is a cylindrical rolling member having one or more rolling surfaces rolling in contact with heated rolling surfaces of the grill. The cylindrical rolling member also has one or more recessed surfaces bearing information about food items offered for sale on the grill. The recessed surfaces are provided in regions of the rolling member that are of diameter less than regions of the rolling member in which the rolling surfaces are provided. |
| US08112918B1 |
Foldable display system
In the present invention, a plurality of panel members are supportingly retained in a first holding plate, with each of the panel members being arcuately pivotable relative to the holding plate. In addition, a second, movable plate is cooperatively associated with the panel members for being longitudinally movable along the length of the panel members while securely retaining and being cooperatively associated with each panel member. In this way, the second, movable plate is quickly advanced from a first position in direct association or engagement with the first holding plate into a second position wherein the second, movable plate is extended away from the first holding plate substantially the full length of each panel member. When in this second position, each panel member is fixed in a locked and fully erect position. |
| US08112916B2 |
Electric iron capable of quickly cooling
An electric iron capable of quickly cooling comprising: an ironing base and a housing, herein a soleplate is disposed on the bottom of the ironing base, while the housing comprising a shell covered on the upside of the soleplate of the ironing base, and a chamber enclosed by the shell. To improve the safety just after using, the present iron is characterized by that the shell is provided with a plurality of vents, and the soleplate is provided with a plurality of cooling fins which is protruded into the chamber, and a fan is installed in the chamber to emit the hot air to the chamber with the aid of the cooling fins, and discharge the hot air from the vent by the running of the fan, so as to cool quickly and improve the safety of the iron just after using. |
| US08112914B2 |
Fully automatic coupler for excavator arm
A coupler comprising two jaws and a latch for each jaw, one of the latches being powered for movement between a latching position and a non-latching position, and being associated with a blocking mechanism that is remotely movable between a blocking position and non blocking position, and the other latch being independent of the blocking mechanism, but being also remotely moveable between a latching position and a non-latching position, wherein the powered latch, in its non-latching position, can maintain both the blocking mechanism in its non blocking position and the other latch in its non-latching position, irrespective of the orientation of the coupler. |
| US08112913B2 |
Multi-purpose bucket
Disclosed is a multi-configurable bucket for screening material comprising a blade having a bottom edge, a top edge and a connector therebetween for securing to a distal end of the arm of a earth moving equipment. The bucket has a bottom screen having front and rear edges being rotatable about the top edge of the blade section. The bottom screen is positionable so as to extend angled away from the bottom edge of the blade. The bucket further comprises a front screen rotatable relative to the bottom screen having a main screen portion and an angled end screen portion. The front screen is positionable to a closed position proximate the front edge of the bottom screen such that the front edge of the bottom screen extends past the angled bottom portion of the front screen. |
| US08112910B2 |
Shoe wrap and system
A shoe system includes a shoe having a sole with forward and rearward portions, the forward portion having opposed sides and including a plurality of spike elements and the rearward portion being void of spike elements. The shoe system includes a cover configured to span between the opposed sides of the forward portion lowerly adjacent the spike elements; the cover having opposed sides and including a lower layer, an intermediate layer, and an upper layer. The lower, intermediate, and upper layers are removably coupled to the shoe. The lower layer is constructed of flooring-friendly material, the intermediate layer is constructed of a yielding material, and the upper member is constructed of a porous material. The spike elements interact with the upper layer and at least a portion of the intermediate layer when the cover is lowerly adjacent the spike elements. |
| US08112909B2 |
Sole with reinforcement structure
This invention relates to a shoe sole that solves the problems on weight saving in shoes, prevention of distortion, improvement in the fitting property and prevention of upthrust simultaneously. The reinforcing member 3 for reinforcing a part of the midsole 2 is arranged so that the top surface 36 of the second arch 3c and the bottom surface 29 of the first arch 2c are opposite to each other. At least a part of the bottom surface 29 of the first arch is not in contact with a part of the top surface 36 of the second arch in vertically spaced relationship to each other, thereby that the non-contact areas of the first arch 2c and the second arch 3c can be deformed independently from each other when impact load of landing is applied. |
| US08112908B2 |
Shoe with removable/interchangeable heel and related method
A shoe with a removable and interchangeable heel includes a first fixed heel disposed on a heel bottom portion of the shoe. The fixed heel includes a first fastener disposed therein. A second removable and interchangeable heel has a cooperating second fastener disposed therein that is engageable with the first fastener to secure the removable heel to the fixed heel, thereby increasing the effective height of the heel of the shoe. |
| US08112907B2 |
Disposable cushion shoe insert
The present invention is a disposable cushion inserts for shoes designed to temper forces imparted on a foot during activities such as walking and running. The cushion insert in one embodiment has first and second layers conjoined by a bonding method taken from the group of adhesive and ultrasonics. The first layer is constructed of fibrous material taken from the group of fiber crops and polymers that will be treated to have a low moisture content and absorbency with a plurality of air passages apertures passing between the second layer and the cushioned insert exterior. The second layer is manufactured from a cross-linked open cell silicone material having a plurality of conjoined truncated-apex square pyramids where the walls enclose a central cavity with open bottoms providing a structure that is mostly ambient air-filled space that when released from a compressed state returns to its original form. Each of the truncated-apex surfaces has an aperture placed therethrough providing passage for air between each of the pyramid-shaped cavities and the cushioned-insert exterior. Also provides is an embodiment having a base layer conjoined to the second layer manufactured from a frictional material to prevent slippage of the cushioned insert during use. |
| US08112906B2 |
Article of footwear with interchangeable heels
An article of footwear includes a group of interchangeable heels. Each heel in the group may be removably associated with the article of footwear. A finger-operable locking mechanism prevents a heel that has been secured to the article of footwear from unintentionally moving toward a toe region. Similarly, a tab positioned at the rear of the article of footwear inhibits a heel that has been secured to the article of footwear from unintentionally moving away from the toe region. |
| US08112901B2 |
Seal unit of gas dryer
A seal unit is adapted to a gas dryer. The seal unit is assembled on the chamber rear wall, an end of heating disk is compressing on the seal unit. Said seal unit includes seal loop shaped as a ring, this seal loop is composed of inner fix part with the shape of flat-sheet ring and outer seal part shaped as a closed ring. The seal unit can, bring effective sealing performance, decrease the leakage of hot-air, quicken drying speed and have high efficiency. Additionally, the seal unit can, be easily produced, have high reliability and have better consistency of production quality. |
| US08112898B2 |
Apparatus and methods for the placement of badges, ribbons and/or other items
A template is provided for positioning at least one ribbon assembly on a garment at a predetermined position relative to the pocket. The template has a template body having a generally two-dimensional profile that is removably positionable on the front of the garment at least partially above the pocket. The template also has ribbon assembly positioning guides positioned on the template body to locate a predetermined position of a ribbon assembly on the garment in spaced relation with the pocket and with the template body. The ribbon assembly positioning guide includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the template and configured to support the ribbon assembly at a position at least partly coincidental with the predetermined position of the ribbon assembly. In other words, when the ribbon assembly is supported on the protrusion, the ribbon assembly is at least partly in the predetermined position. For example, the ribbon assembly may be at the proper elevation (i.e., spaced from the pocket). |
| US08112896B2 |
Articulated arm
An articulated arm CMM comprises a plurality of transfer members, a plurality of articulation members connecting at least two transfer members to each other, a coordinate acquisition member at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end. At least two of the articulation members can include at least one encoder and the at least two encoders can both be enclosed within a single monoblock housing. |
| US08112895B2 |
Power hacksaw with a fastening device for a saw blade
A reciprocating saw has a locking element (9) for axially fixing the saw blade (5) in a fastening device, wherein a release device (10) is provided, with which the locking element can be displaced into its release position against the spring force of an adjusting spring. A component (12), acting upon the locking element, of the release device is arranged, with respect to the plane of the saw blade, on the same side as the locking element. |
| US08112893B2 |
Cable cutter with reciprocating cutting wheel for cutting flexible cable
A cutting tool includes a frame, a shaft, a cutter and a cam. The shaft is rotatable about an axis. The cutter is coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft about its axis causes rotation of the cutter about the shaft's axis. The cam is positioned around the shaft such that the cam contacts the frame upon rotation of the shaft. The cam has a cam surface which is distanced away from the axis of the shaft a varying amount such that contact of the cam with the frame upon rotation of the shaft causes the shaft, and thus the cutter, to reciprocate in a generally transverse direction relative to the axis of the shaft. |
| US08112890B2 |
Decorative bead and other ornamental objects and their method and tools of manufacture
The present invention in one embodiment is a bead formed from bottle caps of a beverage container. In another embodiment of the invention, pieces of jewelry or other ornamental objects are formed from bottle caps of beverage containers. In yet another embodiment of the invention, pieces of jewelry or other ornamental objects are formed from the metal of cookie tins, candy tins, mint tins or similar metal containers. After appropriate preparation, a bottle cap or piece of metal from a tin is placed in a press tool having a punch member forming tool and cutting die that cooperatively interact to reform the bottle cap or metal from a tin, and in some cases punch out a piece of the bottle cap or metal from a tin. This produces, in several embodiments, a component that will be joined with one or more other similar components to form the bead or ornamental object of desire. In other embodiments, the reformed bottle cap or piece punched out of the bottle cap or tin is the desired ornamental object itself. |
| US08112885B2 |
Method for forming copper interconnection structures
A method for forming a copper interconnection structure includes the steps of forming an opening in an insulating layer, forming a copper alloy layer including a metal element on an inner surface of the opening, and conducting a heat treatment on the copper alloy layer so as to form a barrier layer. An enthalpy of oxide formation for the metal element is lower than the enthalpy of oxide formation for copper. The heat treatment is conducted at temperatures ranging from 327° C. to 427° C. and for a time period ranging from 1 minute to 80 minutes. |
| US08112884B2 |
Method for providing an efficient thermal transfer through a printed circuit board
A method of heat sinking a surface mount device (SMD) component. In an example method through holes are formed in a printed circuit board (PCB), a first copper layer is electroless plated in the holes, a second copper layer is standard plated in the holes and surrounding surfaces of the PCB, a third copper layer is masked and pulse plated in the holes, the holes are filled with non-conductive material and then is sanded flush with the second copper layer. A fourth copper layer electroless plated on the PCB over the area of the holes, a fifth copper layer (or pad) plated on the PCB over the area of the holes, and a surface mount device is attached to the fifth copper layer. |
| US08112883B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing electronic circuit board
A method for manufacturing an electronic circuit board which contains an electronic circuit on a main surface of a glass substrate according to the invention sequentially performs a step of electrically inspecting the main surface of the glass substrate on which the electronic circuit is formed, a step of specifying positions and defect types of defects on the main surface of the glass substrate, a step of calculating reference point coordinates on the main surface of the glass substrate and correcting the coordinates, a step of extracting respective defects from an image around the defects and specifying a defect to be corrected in the extracted defects by referring to a defect existing range registered in advance for each defect type, and a step of cutting the specified defect. By this method, a foreign material adhering to the glass substrate is not erroneously judged as short-circuit defect causing short-circuit on the electronic circuit, and only defect actually requiring correction can be removed. |
| US08112879B2 |
Method for removing a cover from a jack module
A block-out cover is installed in a jack module to prevent entry of undesirable objects. The block-out cover includes at least one window and at least one locking arm. The locking arm secures the cover to the jack module. The window receives a removal tool designed to remove the cover from the jack module. The removal tool includes a body, a lever secured to the body to engage the cover and a prong with a cam surface. The cam surface of the prong deflects the cover from locking engagement with the jack module allowing the removal tool to remove the block-out cover. |
| US08112877B2 |
Connector compression tool
A connector compression tool is provided wherein the tool includes a handle, pivotally moveable from a second position to a first position, a body, configured to compress together when the handle is moved to the first position, and a jaw, operably associated with the body, wherein the jaw includes at least two centering openings having different widths to accommodate differently configured connectors having different diameters and different lengths. |
| US08112875B2 |
Vacuum suction nozzle for component mounting apparatus
A vacuum suction nozzle operable to reduce or eliminate electronic component blow off and electrostatic damage is disclosed. The vacuum suction nozzle comprises a ceramic body with a first surface at a side opposite to a second surface of the ceramic body. The ceramic body causes static electricity generated on the vacuum suction nozzle to be dissipated to an electronic component mounting device. Dissipation of the static electricity reduces or eliminates electrostatic damage to the electronic component and electrostatic repulsion induced blow off during suction by the vacuum suction nozzle. |
| US08112872B2 |
Method of manufacturing a coil component
A coil component having an easily discernible orientation, and a method of producing such a coil component that facilitates the injection of resin. A coil component includes a core with a winding portion, first and second flanges disposed on either end of the winding portion, and a winding accommodating region defined by the winding portion and the first and second flanges, terminal electrodes disposed on the second flange and a winding wound about the winding portion and connected to the terminal electrodes. An insulating resin is formed over the winding at the winding accommodating region. A marker made from a material the same as the insulating resin is provided at outer peripheral surface of the flanges. |
| US08112869B2 |
Avascular necrosis cage manufacturing process
A method for manufacturing a spherical cage. The method includes providing a wire braid and inserting a spherical ball inside the wire braid. The wire braid and spherical ball are placed inside a mold. Excess wire braid is trimmed from the mold, creating trimmed ends of the braid. The mold is heat set with the spherical ball and wire braid. The spherical ball and wire braid are removed from the ball and the spherical ball is removed from the wire braid, resulting in a spherical wire cage. |
| US08112868B2 |
Method for manufacturing custom chairs
A method for manufacturing a chair assembly (20) with a customized backrest (46) includes fabricating a standardized frame (22), preparing a contoured plywood blank (48) for the backrest (46), selecting a customized design for the backrest (46) and then converting the design for the backrest (46) into a readable format, loading the readable format for the backrest (46) design into a customized cutting apparatus, loading the blank (48) into the cutting apparatus, cutting the blank (48) in conformity with the selected backrest (46) design, removing the completed blank (48) from the cutting apparatus, mounting the backrest (46) onto the frame (22), and lastly, mounting a seat (36) onto the frame (22). |
| US08112866B2 |
Method for resisting pivoting movement between an outer member and an inner member of a universal joint
A method for resisting pivoting movement between an outer member and an inner member of a universal joint includes engaging the outer member with the inner member in a chamber for pivoting movement through a first range of movement with a plurality of balls disposed in a plurality of inwardly facing grooves of the outer member and a plurality of outwardly facing grooves of the inner member to transmit rotation between the outer member and the inner member. The method includes enclosing the chamber portion with a boot having a plurality of convolutions defined by roots extending radially inward and resisting pivoting movement of the inner member relative to the outer member with an inner surface of a root contacting a shaft portion of the inner member upon the inner member and the outer member pivoting beyond the first range of movement. |
| US08112865B2 |
Refrigerator cable ejection method
The refrigerator cable ejection method is used to eject one end of a cable out of an outer liner through an ejection hole formed at the outer liner before a filling space is filled with a foam insulation material in a refrigerator constructed in a structure in which the outer liner is fitted outside an inner liner, the cable is distributed in the filling space defined between the inner liner and the outer liner, and the filling space is filled with a foam insulation material while the cable is distributed in the filling space. The method is performed to eject one end of the cable out of the outer liner through the ejection hole at the time of fitting the outer liner outside the inner liner using an ejector including a pass-through member mounted outside the inner liner corresponding to the ejection hole such that the cable passes through the member. |
| US08112863B2 |
Method for securing wires of an armour layer of a flexible pipe body
A method and apparatus for securing wires of at least one armour layer of a portion of flexible pipe body in an end fitting is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of bending wires of at least one armour layer away from an axis of the flexible pipe body at a predetermined location, locating each wire of the armour layer in a respective groove formed in a contact surface of at least one of an inner collar member and an outer collar member of the end fitting and urging contact surfaces of the inner collar member and the outer collar member together to thereby lock wires of the armour layer in a fixed position at said predetermined location in the end fitting. |
| US08112859B2 |
Method of manufacturing custom sized plastic tote having intermediate sleeve
A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces. |
| US08112855B1 |
Tool for the removal and reassembly of cylinder valve caps
A tool to assist in the removal and reassembly of a valve cap, to a cylinder includes a shaft. The first end of the shaft includes a support surface. The second end of the shaft includes threads for selectively engaging one of the threaded apertures contained in the cylinder upon removal of one of the plurality of cap bolts. The shaft is insertable through a valve cap aperture and is attachable to the cylinder, such that the support surface supports the valve cap when the valve cap is removed from the cylinder. The shaft includes a slot. A toggle is pivotally mounted within the slot and rotatable between a retracted position wherein the toggle is contained within the shaft and an extended position wherein the toggle extends beyond the shaft. The toggle is positioned in the retracted position to allow the valve cap to slide past the slot. The toggle in the extended position engages the valve cap to thereby support the valve cap during reassembly of the valve cap to the cylinder. |
| US08112853B2 |
Method of manufacturing capacitor-integrated busbar
A method of manufacturing a capacitor-integrated busbar includes disposing a pair of metal conductors having surfaces facing each other with a gap lying therebetween, injecting a resin material in a fluid state into the gap between the metal conductors disposed to face each other, and forming a plate-like resin by hardening the injected resin material. |
| US08112851B1 |
Casket with retractable handle
A casket with retractable handles which are flush with the sidewalls. The casket comprises a first and second sidewall, a first and second end wall, an exterior bottom, an interior floor, a top connected to one of said sidewall and at least one reinforcement member offset form one of said sidewall. A first and second opening are linearly aligned and pass through a sidewall and the reinforcement member respectively. An elongated handle with a first end and a second end, extends through and is slidingly received in said first and second opening, said handle having a stored position wherein said first end is flush with said sidewall and an extended position where said handle extends from said sidewall. In the preferred embodiment the elongated handles are located between a plane of the exterior bottom and a plane of the interior floor. |
| US08112848B2 |
Slider for a fluid tight slide fastener
A slider for a fluid tight slide fastener that has upper and lower plates joined together by a guide post. A guide plate is formed on the guide post to cooperate with the upper and lower plates, to guide the coupling elements and sealing lips of the slide fastener into engagement in conjunction with side flanges on the upper and lower plates. The slider is integrally formed, such as by die casting or moulding. To facilitate moulding the guide plate may be thickened at its leading end and provided with a tapered edge, and connected to the upper plate by a web at its trailing end. |
| US08112843B2 |
Centering bush and combination, system and printing press having the centering bush
A centering bush for connecting components includes a bush head having a construction generally in accordance with that of a blade pin. A combination, a system and a printing press having the centering bush, are also provided. |
| US08112842B2 |
Cleaning appliance
A cleaning appliance includes a main body, including a motor and fan unit for generating an airflow, a separating apparatus for separating dirt and dust from the airflow and a passageway for receiving a filter. The passageway and a filter may be located downstream of the separating apparatus and upstream of the motor, and the filter may have an at least partially curved filter surface. The filter is arranged around at least a part of the motor and fan unit. The filter is removable through a side, and through a wheel, of the appliance. The arrangement facilitates ease of removal of the filter from the cleaning appliance. |
| US08112839B2 |
Synthetic grass cleaning element for vehicle washing apparatus
A cleaning element for washing a vehicle includes a support having a layer of synthetic grass material mounted thereto. The support maybe a rotatable support which forms a rotary brush. The cleaning element also may be a solid curtain of synthetic grass material or a curtain formed into individual strips of synthetic grass material. |
| US08112837B1 |
Vehicular wheel changing assembly
A vehicular wheel changing assembly, consisting of a case assembly housing a transformer. The transformer has electrical connections to at least first and second electrical connectors. The case assembly also houses a cable connector that supplies power to the transformer. The cable connector extends from the one circuit of a vehicle to the first electrical connector. An electrical power gun has an electrical cord having a plug that inserts into the second electrical connector. The electrical power gun further comprises a socket assembly having a plurality of sockets that each mount thereon. At least one of the plurality of different sized sockets is of a cooperative size to fit onto lug nuts of a vehicle wheel assembly. A jack assembly has lifting means to lift a vehicle, whereby the jack assembly has a cooperative head to receive at least one of the plurality of different sized sockets thereon. |
| US08112835B2 |
Bassinet with height adjustable wall
A bassinet includes a frame and a bed basket supported by the frame. The bed basket defines an infant sleep surface. The frame and the bed basket are pivotably coupled to allow the bed basket to rotate relative to the frame to convert between a first bassinet configuration and a second bassinet configuration. The second bassinet configuration has a greater wall height about the infant sleep surface than the first bassinet configuration. |
| US08112833B2 |
Table assembly for patient transfer device
A table assembly for a patient transfer device has upper and lower tables surrounded by belts which counter-rotate as the table assembly moves between a patient and a supporting surface such as a bed. The table assembly includes integrated means for laterally retracting side plates of the upper table while adjusting incident angles of the side plates and vertically separating the upper table from the lower table. Guide slots in end plates fixed to a slide assembly retain positioning posts attached to ends of the side plates. The slots are inclined upwardly toward a centerline of the table assembly at different angles. A crank moves the side plates using a rotating disk attached to a central frame of the upper table and linkage arms with one end pivotally attached to a peripheral region of the disk and another end pivotally attached to one of the positioning posts. |
| US08112829B2 |
Flush valve assembly structure of water tank
A flush valve assembly structure of a water tank is provided, and includes a valve seat, a guide rod, and a canister flush valve. The canister flush valve seals a flow path from an internal of the water tank to a toilet bowl, and may be lifted up to be separated from the valve seat to form a valve port. A water passage part is mounted on the canister flush valve, and a water passage post is disposed on the water passage part. A water inlet is disposed on the water passage post, which may be appropriately blocked by a block wall correspondingly disposed on the bottom wall. Meanwhile, a position of the water passage post may be adjusted to change a degree that the water inlet is blocked, so as to change a flow volume of flush water entering the canister flush valve from the water inlet. |
| US08112827B2 |
Shower drain adapter
A shower drain adapter system configured to allow use of a bondable waterproof membrane with a shower pan drain system comprises a drain body and an integrated bonding flange extending upwardly from the drain body. The integrated bonding flange is operable to be sealably attached to a bondable waterproof membrane to provide a substantially waterproof seal between the membrane and the adapter. A lower mating flange is separable from the drain body, the lower mating flange operable to mate with a component of a shower pan drain system installable on a waste pipe. The lower mating flange includes a substantially rigid frame; and a pliable gasket disposed at least partially about the frame, the pliable gasket having an inner diameter sized to correspond to an outer diameter of a portion of the drain body. |
| US08112825B2 |
Seat with massage function
A toilet seat includes a body with a plurality of massage mechanisms installed in the body, and means for sealing the massage mechanisms. The massage mechanism includes a housing which comprises an upper part and a lower cover part, a motor held between the upper part and the lower cover part, an eccentric weight fixed to the output shaft of the motor, and a resilient suspension device for suspending the assembly of the motor, the eccentric weight and the housing inside the body. The suspension device includes a housing fixing end fixed to the housing, a body fixing end fixed to the body, and a connecting part connected between the two fixing ends. In use, the motor rotates the eccentric weight to thereby produce vibrations which are transmitted to a user sitting on the seat. |
| US08112820B2 |
Interface system for garment barrier
A protective sealing system with a barrier seal between two articles of apparel is provided. The system has at least two elastomeric cuffs securable to a sealing support oriented between wearer of garment and both the first cuff and the second elastomeric cuff to expand said cuffs providing a double barrier seal. |
| US08117665B2 |
Data managing method, data managing device and data managing server suitable for restricting distribution of data
In order to prevent invalid distribution of data, a data managing method includes the steps of inputting a document, extracting, from the input document, a document No. for identifying the document, receiving the input of a user ID for identifying a user, determining whether or not a process for the input document is permitted for the user identified by the acquired user ID by referring to permission data, and forbidding the execution of output processes for the input data in the case where it has been determined in the determining step that the process is not permitted. The permission data is data which associates, for each document No., user IDs with the process names for identifying processes permitted for the document. |
| US08117660B2 |
Secure control flows by monitoring control transfers
A cross-module detection system and method for detecting and monitoring control flow transfers between software modules in a computer system. The system and method detect and monitor control flows entering and exiting the software modules. For a particular module, a checking model is extracted from the binary file of that module. In addition, a relaxed shadow stack is generated. If the module is an original module, meaning that the control flow originated from that module, then the checking model is used to check the validity of the control flow transfer. Otherwise, the relaxed shadow stack is used. An interception module is used to intercept and terminate invalid control flow transfers. If an invalid control flow transfer is detected, then the transfer is terminated. Otherwise, the control flow transfer is allowed to continue. |
| US08117649B2 |
Distributed hierarchical identity management
A system and methods for identity management and authentication are provided herein. The present invention employs shadow domains to prove entity membership in an identity management system where responsibility for trust relationships is devolved to the user. The present invention additionally teaches doubly signed certificate transmission for authentication of assertions made by third parties in the identity management network. |
| US08117645B2 |
Systems and methods of controlling network access
A new approach to network security includes manipulating an access point such that an initial communication from an external device is passed to a restricted subset of a computing network including a gatekeeper. The gatekeeper is configured to enforce a security policy against the external device before granting access to a less-restricted subset of the computing network. If requirements of the security policy are satisfied, then the gatekeeper reconfigures the access point such that further communication from the external device may be received by elements of the less-restricted subset. Enforcement of the security policy optionally includes performing a security audit of the external device. |
| US08117642B2 |
Computing device with entry authentication into trusted execution environment and method therefor
A computing device (10) includes a trusted execution environment (TEE) manager (40) that manages a switchover from non-trusted software (116) to trusted software (118). The TEE manager (40) includes memory (90) configured to store password-bearing, immediate-operand instructions (54). At the point of switching between the non-trusted software (116) and the trusted software (118) the memory (90) may be accessed as instruction fetches, and its contents fetched into a CPU core (24) as instructions. Immediate-operand portions (60) of the immediate-operand instructions (54) provide passwords, which are written back into guess registers (80) within the TEE manager (40). When a predetermined relationship between the instructions (54) and guesses in guess registers (80) is identified, actual execution of the immediate-operand instructions (54) is verified, the TEE mode of operation is signaled, and security-sensitive hardware (44) is enabled for use by a privileged routine (42) portion of the trusted software (118). |
| US08117641B2 |
Control device and control method for information system
A technique of performing concurrency control of policies is provided, which makes it possible to efficiently utilize resources of an overall information system. According to the present invention, a policy execution device creates a list of components of a application system which are influenced by execution of an action of a policy instance, for respective policy instances. If trigger conditions of another policy instance are newly met during execution of a policy instance, the policy execution device compares a list of components of the policy instance presently being executed with a list of components of the policy instance whose trigger conditions are newly met. If there are no common components in the lists, the policy execution device executes the policy instance whose trigger conditions are newly met, and if there are common components in the lists, the policy execution device suspends the policy instance whose trigger conditions are newly met. |
| US08117639B2 |
System and method for providing access control
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for provisioning network access for a user in order to provide access control to one or more networks with regard to the user. More particularly, a user may be authenticated and, based on a user profile associated with the authenticated user, provisioning rules may be established for the user such that the user's network access to one or more networks may be controlled based upon the user profile associated with the user. In a network utilized by multiple users, the use of access control based on user profiles associated with the users may prevent any one user or users from accessing one or more networks to the exclusion or detriment of other users because each user may be limited to the network resources provisioned to that user based on the user profile associated with the user. |
| US08117632B2 |
Chuck pin and disk chucking device having the same
A chuck pin and a disk chucking device equipped with the chuck pin are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the chuck pin fastening a disk by compressing an inner circumference of the disk includes a protruding part, which presses against the disk, and a body, in which a front part of the body is coupled to the protruding part and an inclined part is formed on a lower surface of the body such that the front part of the body can be rotated about a back part of the body as a pivot when pressure is applied to an upper surface of the protruding part. With this configuration, the chuck pin is kept from floating when the disk rotates, and the chuck pin can be easily tilted downward when the disk is loaded. |
| US08117629B2 |
Optical disc device
A lever having an end rotatably supported by a rack is disposed, a long groove is formed in either another end of the lever or a base chassis and extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to a direction of transporting an optical pickup, a fulcrum member is disposed in either the base chassis or the other end and is rotatably and slidably engaged with the long groove, and to slide along the long groove when the optical pickup is transported, and a spring that always exerts a pushing force in a direction of rotating the lever with the other end being a fulcrum and with the end being a point of action to exert a pushing force of bringing the rack into contact a gear series upon the rack is disposed between a predetermined position of the base chassis and an intermediate position of the lever. |
| US08117627B2 |
Optical disk unit with folding circuit board
An optical disk unit includes a tray for supporting an optical disk thereon, a body for receiving the tray therein, a first board provided at the body, a second board provided at the tray, and a wiring board (flexible board) electrically connecting the first board and the second board together. The wiring board (flexible board) has a number N of bent portions, the wiring board being bent at the number N of the bent portions of the wiring board, such that the wiring board is superposed in (N+1) layers where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1, and an area of the (N+1)-layer superposed portion is changed according to an amount of drawing-out of the tray. |
| US08117626B2 |
Asynchronous remote procedure calling method and computer product in shared-memory multiprocessor
A first processor makes a procedure call, specifying an address of a procedure in an address space controlled by a second processor and an address of procedure control information generated in an address space controlled by the first processor. The second processor executes the procedure present at the address specified by the first processor. Upon finishing of execution of the procedure, the second processor returns the address of the procedure control information to the first processor. The first processor changes the execution status included in the procedure control information at the address returned from the second processor from “being executed” to “completed”. |
| US08117619B2 |
System and method for identifying least busy resources in a storage system using values assigned in a hierarchical tree structure
An apparatus, system and method to optimize load distribution across logical and physical resources in a storage system. An apparatus in accordance with the invention may include an availability module and an allocation module. The availability module may dynamically assign values to resources in a hierarchical tree structure. Each value may correspond to an availability parameter such as allocated volumes, current resource utilization, and historic resource utilization. The allocation module may serially process the values and allocate a load to a least busy resource in the hierarchical tree structure based on the assigned values. |
| US08117616B2 |
Preventing deadlocks
A deadlock prevention mode indicator is provided, wherein the deadlock prevention mode indicator is a lock that can be held in a shared mode or in an exclusive mode by one or more of a plurality of threads, and wherein the plurality of threads can cause deadlocks while acquiring a plurality of data locks. An execution of the plurality of threads is serialized by allowing a data lock to be acquired by a thread in response to the thread holding the deadlock prevention mode indicator, wherein serializing the plurality of threads avoids any deadlock from occurring. |
| US08117615B2 |
Facilitating intra-node data transfer in collective communications, and methods therefor
Intra-node data transfer in collective communications is facilitated. A memory object of one task of a collective communication is concurrently attached to the address spaces of a plurality of other tasks of the communication. Those tasks that attach the memory object can access the memory object as if it was their own. Data can be directly written into or read from an application data structure of the memory object by the attaching tasks without copying the data to/from shared memory. |
| US08117612B2 |
Enterprise device driver management for operating system deployment
Enterprise driver management and image installation are described. In an implementation, a computer-implemented method is performed in which a determination is made as to whether drivers for a plurality of clients are available from an operating system to be installed on the plurality of clients. A report is then generated describing the availability of the drivers. |
| US08117610B2 |
System and method for integrated artifact management
A system and associated method for availing literate programming in a software development environment. An integrated artifact manager processes a retrieval request and a storage request pursuant to a user group associated with respective interface. A developer user uses an integrated development environment interface. A commentator user uses a wiki interface. An integrated artifact has a source code fragment and a design code fragment that is associated with the source code fragment by tag describes the source code fragment. The source code fragment is stored in a source code management system. The design comment fragment is stored in a wiki repository. The developer user modifies both source code fragments and design comment fragments, and the commentator user modifies only design comment fragments. |
| US08117607B2 |
Administration of kernel extensions
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for implementing a generic kernel extension framework that operate generally to allow one kernel extension to register a function callable by other kernel extensions. A kernel extension can be loaded even if a function it potentially could need is not available. If in fact the running kernel extension does eventually request a function that no other kernel extension has registered to provide, it is failed gracefully with a return error code. The client kernel extension can still function normally, assuming the desired service is non-critical. Example services in the non-critical category may include, for example, advanced error handling functions, statistical functions, reporting functions, and so on, including many others as will occur to those of skill in the art. |
| US08117604B2 |
Architecture cloning for power PC processors
A method for implementing architecture cloning including: constructing a program call graph in a link phase of interprocedural analysis to model calling relationships between one or more procedures in a program; analyzing the program call graph to obtain information about the program; analyzing the program to identify the one or more procedures subject to architecture cloning; determining feasibility of architecture cloning; marking the one or more procedures in the program suitable for architecture cloning; naming the one or more procedures in the program suitable for architecture cloning; inserting a runtime routine call at an entry point of the program; invoking architecture cloning when one or more candidate procedures are identified during procedure cloning; providing a user with an interface for specifying multiple architecture targets to the compiler; and enabling the compiler to generate architectural specific instructions optimized for each of the multiple architecture targets. |
| US08117599B2 |
Tracing profiling information using per thread metric variables with reused kernel threads
A method and system for tracing profiling information using per thread metric variables with reused kernel threads is disclosed. In one embodiment kernel thread level metrics are stored by the operating system kernel. A profiler request metric information for the operating system kernel in response to an event. After the kernel thread level metrics are read by the operating system for a profiler, their values are reset to zero by the operating system kernel. The profiler then applies the metric values to base metric values to appropriate Java threads that are stored in nodes in a tree structure base on the type of event and whether or not the kernel thread has been reused. In another embodiment non-zero values of thread level metrics are entered on a liked list. In response to a request from a profiler, the operating system kernel reads each kernel thread's entry in the linked list and zeros each entry. The profiler can then update the intermediate full tree snapshots of profiling information with the collection of non-zero metric variables. |
| US08117598B2 |
Method and apparatus to automatically identify specific code changes to probabilistically exclude from regression
Techniques for efficiently isolating software regressions are provided. In one embodiment, it is determined that a particular regression is present in a particular build of a software system. A set of candidate code components that may have caused the particular regression is identified. In accordance with an order established based on historical data for the software system, one or more intermediate builds each involving some subsets of the candidate code components may be tested to identify a set of suspect code components that caused the particular regression. For each candidate code component that is not in the set of suspect code component, a likelihood factor associated with that candidate code component is decremented. |
| US08117596B2 |
Method and system for version independent software release management
A method for assembling an update for a software release is described, comprising defining classes of software components, each class comprising one or more instances of the class, each instance having a unique identifier, each instance representing a software component, which has one or more version; for each version of a software component, assigning time stamps and indicators identifying status of the version; introducing a flexible coupling between versions of components and instances of classes by providing a pointer between a version of a component and a unique identifier of an instance of a class; selecting versions of software components from which pointers originate; for each instance of the class, to which the pointer points at, selecting one version of the software component based on the assigned indicators; and assembling the selected versions of software components into the update of the software release. A corresponding system is also provided. |
| US08117595B2 |
Method for updating data in accordance with rights management policy
Disclosed is a method for dynamically applying a rights management policy to a message by allowing an administrator to associate certain rights management policies with certain senders and recipients of messages, with groups of users possessing certain common criteria which define the users and groups of users, with certain attributes of the message, and with certain environmental attributes. Also disclosed is a method for allowing an administrator to automatically update a rights management protected message as it passes through a message transfer agent. The administrator may determine either on a regular interval or an ad-hoc basis that the message transfer agent scan the messages stored to determine whether or not the content has expired. If the content has indeed expired the administrator may take steps to have the expired content deleted entirely, refreshed with more current content, or replaced with a tombstone indicating that the original content has expired. |
| US08117592B2 |
Code assist for multiple statement patterns
A process and system for assisting a user to write new lines of code of a computer program based on code examples. A first line in each code sample matching a specified anchor line. A loop having a custom line branch and a code assist branch is executed. The custom line branch generates a new line for the computer program via a custom line provided by the user. The code assist branch generates a new line for the computer program via code assist. The code assist determines a set of assist lines from the code samples, selects from the assist lines set of preferred lines sequenced in an order of preference, presents the set of preferred lines to the user, receives a preferred line selected by the user after the user edits the selected line to fit the user's context, and stores the preferred line as a new line. |
| US08117589B2 |
Metadata driven API development
The described method and system synchronizes source code with byproducts or artifacts of an application creation process. In one embodiment, a generation tool may be used to produce source code header files based on a design specification, where the source code header files are compiled with a current version of source code. Compilation errors may direct a developer to modify either the specification or the source code to eliminate the errors. The described method and system may be integrated into a development platform that is adapted to direct the user to perform particular revisions or updates to bring the source code in line with the artifacts. |
| US08117586B2 |
Printed circuit board layout system and method thereof
A method for automatically checking signal areas includes: recording etching line information of etching lines which divide an internal plane of an opened PCB file into a plurality of signal areas, recording input signal names and positions where the input signal names are arranged, obtaining the outline information of the opened internal plane and the etching line information, obtaining position information of points within each signal areas according to the outline information and the etching line information, determining whether one signal area is associated with one input signal name, determining whether the one input signal name matches one standard signal name, and setting one input signal name as a name attribute of the signal area associated with the one input signal name if the one input signal name matches one standard signal name. A related PCB system is also provided. |
| US08117581B1 |
Self-propelling decoupling capacitor design for flexible area decoupling capacitor fill design flow
A method of filling dcaps in an integrated circuit includes identifying a set of dcap-eligible areas of the integrated circuit for areas large enough to accommodate at least one dcap cell having a selected size smaller than a default size. The dcap cell includes at least one built-in power track. A set of dcap cells are filled in the identified set of dcap-eligible areas. Each of the built-in power tracks included in the set of dcap cells is connected to a corresponding power grid. An integrated circuit including a power grid channel formed between at least two power grids and a plurality of dcaps including a first dcap included in a dcap cell, the dcap cell including built-in power tracks, each one of the built-in power tracks being connected to a corresponding one of the at least two power grids is also described. |
| US08117579B2 |
LSSD compatibility for GSD unified global clock buffers
A method, system and program are provided for generating level sensitive scan design (LSSD) clock signals from a general scan design (GSD) clock buffer using an intermediate clock signal and one or more first mode control signals to generate a plurality of LSSD clock signals from an output section of the GSD clock buffer that receives the intermediate clock signal and the first mode control signal(s), where the GSD clock buffer is also configured to generate a plurality of GSD clock signals in response to receiving a GSD mode, generating an intermediate clock signal from the input section of the GSD clock buffer in response receiving a GSD mode signal. |
| US08117572B2 |
Data processing device, behavioral synthesis device, data processing method, and recording medium
A behavioral synthesis unit generates an intermediate level description that describes a plurality of processes indicated by a behavioral level description and data passed over during the plurality of processes based oil a behavioral level description describing the behavior of an electronic circuit and synthesis constraint information constituting constraints to be satisfied while generating a register transfer level description based on the behavioral level description and the number and type of circuit configuration elements that can be described in the register transfer level description. The data flow path information analyzing unit acquires path information indicating a data path and at least one process executed on the path based on the intermediate level description. A synthesis constraint generating unit then generates new synthesis constraint information that improves prescribed circuit performance of the electronic circuit based on library information and path information. |
| US08117565B2 |
Digital image magnification for internet appliance
A magnifying tool that enlarges a selected region of displayed image surrounding a cursor in a graphical user interface (GUI), and superimposes the enlarged region directly over the selected region (and a portion of the adjacent non-selected region). The location of the cursor relative to the enlarged region is co-located with the location of the cursor relative to the selected region such that the locations are identical. |
| US08117564B2 |
Systems and methods for generating a media guidance application with multiple perspective views
Systems and methods are provided for navigating a media guidance application with multiple perspective views. A first of a plurality of media guidance objects may be displayed in a first perspective view that appears flat on the screen. A second media guidance object may be displayed in a second perspective view that appears to be going into the screen creating the appearance of a fold between the first and second media guidance application objects at a location where the first perspective view changes into the second perspective view. The second media guidance object in the second perspective view may be caused to slide through the fold into the first perspective view. The second media guidance object displayed in the first perspective view may be selected. An action may be performed for a media asset corresponding to the selected media guidance object. |
| US08117560B1 |
Methods and apparatuses for selectively removing sensitive information during a collaboration session
In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses include: selectively sharing desktop content with an attendee device wherein the desktop content includes a shared window and a sliding type of window; displaying the desktop content including the sliding type of window on the presenter device; detecting a modification to the desktop content that is beneath the sliding type of window wherein the modification is performed by the attendee device; and excluding the sliding type of window from the desktop content for display on the attendee device. |
| US08117557B2 |
Multi-mode viewer control for viewing a series of statistical values
Methods, systems, and techniques for presenting a series of values of statistical data using numeric data and interpretive information are provided. Example embodiments provide a stat viewer control that allows a user to toggle seamlessly between a numeric view of the data and an interpreted view, the interpreted view presenting value judgments associated with the data. In one embodiment, the interpreted view is based at least in part upon one or more rules for interpreting the numeric data as belonging to one or more zones, each zone corresponding to a background emanating from a ring of an archery target representation. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08117543B2 |
Method for providing GUI to display a plurality of lists and multimedia apparatus using the same
A method of providing a graphical user interface (GUI) and a multimedia apparatus using the same are provided, the method including: dividing a list display area into a plurality of sub-areas; and displaying a plurality of related lists regarding the multimedia content on the plurality of sub-areas, respectively. Accordingly, a plurality of related lists are displayed on a plurality of divided areas, and the scroll directions of the lists are independently decided according to each area. Therefore, a user can find desired content with greater convenience. |
| US08117539B2 |
Method and system for bi-directionally synchronizing tracing relationships between a requirements repository and textual requirements documents
A method for bi-directional synchronization of tracing relationships between a requirements repository and textual requirements documents, including: in a first operating mode: gathering trace information from a requirements repository; and formatting the trace information and inserting the trace information as text in textual requirements documents; and in a second operating mode: modifying the trace information in the textual requirements documents; and updating the requirements repository to match the modifications that were made in the textual requirements documents. |
| US08117536B2 |
System and method for controlling downloading web pages
A system for controlling downloading web pages is disclosed. The system parses a current web page to generate information about the web pages pointed to by the selected links in the current web page. A number of the selected links and the number of script commands is counted and information about each of the web pages pointed to by the selected links is obtained. Script commands are used for downloading the web pages pointed to by the selected links. The system also switching to a next page of the current web page if the current web page comprises two or more pages, and if the number of the script commands equals the number of the selected links. |
| US08117535B2 |
System and method for creating dynamic folder hierarchies
A dynamic foldering system automatically manages the creation and deletion of run-time dynamic folders and selection of documents, items, or object graphs found in the run-time dynamic folders. The system comprises a query/predicate for a design-time folder group based on which dynamic folders are automatically managed, a variable binding mechanism, automatic identifications of dynamic folders containing a particular object, parallel navigation, and customized combination of foldering results. The dynamic folder hierarchy is defined by a hierarchy of design-time folder groups defined by a query/predicate on a document comprising structured or semi-structured data. Modifiable criteria for creating the dynamic folder hierarchy are provided by the user. Variable binding provides powerful query/predicate definitions on hierarchical data or graph-structured data. Given a document, the system automatically identifies which dynamic folders contain the document. |
| US08117529B2 |
Object based navigation
The object based navigation is an intelligent user interface that uses a source object to determine which target information is to be presented to the user. This is done by associating an object to one or more operations, so that selection of a given source object would result in a predefined operation to be activated. The role of the user may also affect the predefined operation that is activated. If multiple operations are associated with a given source object, these operations may be prioritized, so that the one with the highest priority is performed as a default operation. |
| US08117528B2 |
Information handling
An information handling apparatus, in which metadata is generated in respect of a current information item by reference to an ensemble of information items having associated metadata, the metadata having corresponding indicator data representing a degree of trust associated with that metadata, comprises a detector for detecting one or more predetermined properties of the current information item, a detector for detecting a subset of information items from the ensemble of information items, the subset being those which have the one or more predetermined properties most similar to those of the current information item, associating logic arranged to associate with the current information item metadata from one or more of the subset of information items such that the metadata associated with the current information item is allocated indicator data representing a low degree of trust in the association of that metadata and the current information item, and a detector for detecting user interaction with the apparatus which is relevant to an information item and its associated metadata, and for altering the indicator data associated with metadata in response to such user interaction. |
| US08117527B2 |
Automated folio references
Sets of electronic pages (120) are typically obtained for processing with a defined order, such as a reader order, and can be referenced by a page index (131) corresponding to the defined order of the page set (130). However, a page index (131) may not correspond to the folio values represented in the page content, which describe a user's intended reference to the page (120). This invention provides a method for examining information associated with the set of pages to identify folio schemes (201) and corresponding folio values (203) which can be associated with pages (120) of the page set (130) to provide a more user-centric reference mechanism to the pages (120). |
| US08117524B2 |
Data recovery circuit
A data recovery circuit for recovering data from a parity error without entirely rewriting the data. A write circuit is connected to memory regions including an actual data region and a copy region. A first parity generation circuit writes actual data with even parity to the actual data region. A second parity generation circuit writes backup data of the actual data with odd parity to the copy region. A read circuit reads data from the actual data region and the copy region. An even parity checker detects a parity error in the actual data based on the data read from the actual data region. An odd parity checker checks whether the data read from the copy region is backup data. |
| US08117522B2 |
Sphere decoder and decoding method thereof
A sphere decoder sets a Euclidean distance between a lattice vector obtained by using an MMSE or ZF estimate and a received signal as an initial radius, further reduces the initial radius, and searches lattices points included inside a hypersphere with the further reduced initial radius. In addition, one lattice vector having a minimum Euclidean distance is output. One dimension is selected to reduce an initial radius, and estimates in other dimensions are kept fixed, excluding the selected dimension. Then candidate lattice points are searched in the selected dimension, excluding a current estimate, such that a minimum Euclidean distance and a lattice point estimate corresponding to the minimum Euclidean distance are obtained. The initial radius is updated by the minimum Euclidean distance, and a final lattice vector is constructed by combining a lattice point estimate corresponding to the initial radius and the lattice point estimates in other dimensions. |
| US08117520B2 |
Error detection for multi-bit memory
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including a device that includes a plurality of data locations, a quantizing circuit coupled to the plurality of data locations, and an error detection module coupled to the quantizing circuit. In some embodiments, the error detection module includes an encoder configured to encode incoming data with redundant data derived from the incoming data and a decoder configured to detect errors in stored data based on the redundant data. |
| US08117519B2 |
Memory apparatus and method using erasure error correction to reduce power consumption
An error correction circuit coupled to a plurality of memory cells in a memory device includes an error correcting code (“ECC”) generator and an ECC controller. The ECC generator is coupled to the memory cells and recognizes data bits stored in the memory cells as a plurality of data bit strings in a first direction and as a plurality of data bit strings in a second direction such that each data bit string in the first direction and each data bit string in the second direction share one data bit in common. The ECC generator generates a respective correction code in the first direction for each data bit string in the first direction and also generates a respective correction code in the second direction for each data bit string in the second direction. The ECC controller is coupled to the memory cells and the ECC generator. The ECC controller identifies a data bit string in the first direction having more than one data bit in error based on the respective correction code in the first direction and identifies a data bit string in the second direction having more than one data bit in error based on the respective correction code in the second direction. The ECC controller causes the data bit shared by the identified data bit string in the first direction and the identified data bit string in the second direction to be changed from a respective existing value to a respective new value different than the respective existing value. |
| US08117517B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of controlling the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of detecting code generators configured to generate a plurality of detecting codes to detect errors in a plurality of data items, respectively, a plurality of first correcting code generators configured to generate a plurality of first correcting codes to correct errors in a plurality of first data blocks, respectively, each of the first data blocks containing one of the data items and a corresponding detecting code, a second correcting code generators configured to generate a second correcting code to correct errors in a second data block, the second data block containing the first data blocks, and a semiconductor memory configured to nonvolatilely store the second data block, the first correcting codes, and the second correcting code. |
| US08117514B2 |
Methods and apparatus for encoding data in a communication network
Methods and apparatus for encoding data in a communication network. In an aspect, a method is provided for coding data. The method includes generating one or more permutations of the data, determining weights associated with each permutation, calculating one or more code packets from each permutation based on the associated weights, and multiplexing the data and the one or more code packets into a code packet stream. In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for coding data. The apparatus includes permutation logic configured to generate one or more permutations of the data, and weight logic configured to determine weights associated with each permutation. The apparatus also includes processing logic configured to calculate one or more code packets from each permutation based on the associated weights, and a multiplexer configured to multiplex the data and the one or more code packets into a code packet stream. |
| US08117509B2 |
Memory control circuit, semiconductor integrated circuit, and verification method of nonvolatile memory
A memory control circuit includes a conversion circuit performing a conversion processing for parallel readout bit data formed from individual bits read out from memory cells of a nonvolatile memory, by setting the individual bit that is once again read out from the memory cell, which is previously determined to be successfully storing an expectation value, to a corresponding expectation value expected to be stored in the memory cell, and a determination circuit determining a result of a write processing to write parallel expectation value data to the nonvolatile memory, based on the parallel readout bit data converted by the conversion circuit and the parallel expectation value data. |
| US08117508B2 |
Non-volatile memory device and programming method thereof
A non-volatile memory device including: a memory cell array storing an electrically rewritable resistance value as data in a non-volatile manner; a first cache circuit configured to hold program data to be programmed in the cell array; a second cache circuit configured to hold preprogrammed data read from an area of the cell array; and a judging circuit configured to compare and check the program data with the preprogrammed data, and judge whether there are one or more disagreement bits therebetween or not. |
| US08117505B2 |
Resource exhaustion prediction, detection, diagnosis and correction
Resource exhaustion is anticipated, a cause of the resource exhaustion is identified and options are identified to address the resource exhaustion. |
| US08117503B1 |
Fast port failover in a network switch
A network switch including a first port, a transfer circuit, and a redirect circuit. The first port is configured to exchange frames of data with a network, the first port configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode. The transfer circuit is configured to transfer the frames of data from the first port to a second port based on information stored in a forwarding table when the first port is operating in the first mode. The redirect circuit is configured to transfer the frames of data to a predetermined backup port associated with the first port when the first port is operating in the second mode. |
| US08117502B2 |
Bisectional fault detection system
An apparatus, program product and method logically divide a group of nodes and causes node pairs comprising a node from each section to communicate. Results from the communications may be analyzed to determine performance characteristics, such as bandwidth and proper connectivity. |
| US08117501B2 |
Virtual library apparatus and method for diagnosing physical drive
A virtual library apparatus includes an exclusive control section that exclusively secures a logical drive and a physical drive according to an instruction from a host at a time of an occurrence of an error in the physical drive and a diagnostic section that performs a diagnostic process on the exclusively secured physical drive through the exclusively secured logical drive. The exclusive control section releases the exclusively secured logical and physical drives after the diagnostic section completes the diagnostic process for the physical drive. |
| US08117499B2 |
Generation of a stimuli based on a test template
A test template comprising a repetitive block instruction is translated to a stimuli to be used by a target computerized system or a simulator of such a system. The translation comprises reusing translated portion of the repetitive block instruction in order to reduce translation time and to hasten testing phase of the target computerized system. Reuse may be affected by subcomponents of the target computerized system, a predetermined minimal or maximal number of instructions to reuse, and a heuristic determination to increase possibility of discovering a bug using the stimuli. |
| US08117494B2 |
DMI redundancy in multiple processor computer systems
In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a method and apparatus are disclosed that includes aspects of monitoring a first processor of a computer by a monitoring module for a first processor instability; determining if the first processor is stable based on the monitored first processor instability; routing operational priority to a second processor of the computer through a multiplexer module if the first processor is determined not to be stable, wherein a first desktop management interface of the first processor and a second desktop management interface of the second processor are in communication with the multiplexer module and wherein the first processor and the second processor are in communication by a processor interconnect; and operating the computer using the second processor. |
| US08117489B2 |
Disk drive and method for controlling the disk drive
A disk drive. The disk drive includes a non-volatile memory that is incapable of being overwritten more than a limited number of times, a disk and a controller. The controller includes a memory management table used to manage a correlation between a logical block address (LBA) and a physical address of the non-volatile memory. In the absence of a replaceable region in the non-volatile memory and in response to an occurrence of a failure to write data in a region, defined as a failure region, in the non-volatile memory at a first physical address correlated with a first LBA, the controller is configured to write the data at a second physical address correlated with a second LBA of the non-volatile memory different from the first LBA, and is configured to correlate in the memory management table the first LBA with the second physical address. |
| US08117486B2 |
Method and system for detecting an anomalous networked device
Methods and systems for detecting one or more anomalous devices are disclosed. For each of a plurality of devices, semi-structured data may be received from the device. For each pair of devices, of the plurality of devices, a similarity measurement may be determined between semi-structured data from a first device of the pair of devices and semi-structured data from a second device of the pair of devices. One or more anomalous devices may then be identified and one or more remedial actions may be performed for the one or more identified anomalous devices. |
| US08117484B2 |
Method and device for generation of out-of-phase binary signals, and use of the same
A method for the generation of binary signals (So1, So2, So3) which are out-of-phase with a control phase angle (?) which is continuously variable in relation to at least one synchronisation binary signal from a set of synchronisation binary signals (Si1, Si2, Si3) which have the same variable period, such as those creating rising and falling fronts of the out-of-phase signals (So1, So2, So3) by calculating at least one level switching time at least from rising or falling synchronisation fronts of the synchronisation binary signal (Si1, Si2, Si3) at least according to the control phase angle (?). According to the invention, at least one reference front is selected from the synchronisation fronts such that the time is as short as possible. |
| US08117483B2 |
Method to calibrate start values for write leveling in a memory system
A memory controller performs a read test for each of a plurality of memory devices to generate a read delay time of each memory device. There is a prime memory device and a subset of memory devices. For each memory device of the subset, the read delay time for the prime memory device is compared with the read delay time of each memory device of the subset of memory devices to generate a differential delay for each memory device of the subset. For each subset memory device, a write test start time of the prime memory device is combined with a differential delay of each memory device to generate a write test start time for the each memory device. A write test for each memory device uses the write test start time for each subset memory device to generate a write launch time for each subset memory device. |
| US08117481B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing wirelessly communicated information within an electronic device
An electronic device (12) for processing information wirelessly received from another electronic device (14) or to be wirelessly sent to the another electronic device (14) may include a first processor (20) that controls only wireless communications with the another electronic device (14) and excluding operations associated only with the electronic device (12), a second processor (16) that controls the operations associated only with the electronic device (12) and excluding the wireless communications with the another device (14), and a clock circuit (24, 190) that is separate and independent from the first and second processors (20, 16) and that produces at least one timing signal that regulates synchronous exchange of the information between the first and second processors (20, 16). |
| US08117477B2 |
Apparatus and method for entering idle mode in a broadband wireless access (BWA) system
A power saving mode is provided. A method for entering a power saving mode of a terminal includes a first operation for starting a first timer after transmitting an idle mode request message; a second operation for, when an idle mode approval message is not received until the first timer expires, checking whether a number of retransmissions of the idle mode request message exceeds a number of allowed retransmissions of the idle mode request message; a third operation for, when the number of the retransmissions of the idle mode request message exceeds the number of the allowed retransmissions of the idle mode request message, increasing a number of idle mode entry failures; and a fourth operation for, when the increased number of the idle mode entry failures is greater than N times, entering a power saving mode which powers off a modem. |
| US08117476B2 |
Information processing apparatus, startup method and computer program
An information processing apparatus pausing in one of pause states may include a suspension state and a hibernation state, includes a storage control unit for controlling storage of pause state information regarding one of the suspension state and the hibernation state in the case of transition thereto, a detecting unit for detecting a stop of supplying power, the power being supplied to maintain the suspension state as the pause state, and a startup method determination unit for determining a startup method to transition from the pause state to an operating state based on the pause state information and history information indicating a history of supplying power in the pause state accounting for the detection results about the stop of supplying power. |
| US08117475B2 |
Direct memory access controller
A system has a central processing unit (CPU) operable to operate in a sleep or low power mode and in an active mode, a plurality of system components operable to operate in a sleep or low power mode and in an active mode, and a direct memory access (DMA) controller operating independently from the CPU and operable to operate in a sleep or low power mode and in an active mode, wherein the DMA controller is further operable to transfer data from and to a memory or peripheral device, wherein when the system is in a sleep or low power mode, only the DMA controller and any system component which is necessary to perform a DMA transaction are switched into active mode. |
| US08117473B2 |
Noise reduction by returning to normal mode upon above threshold usage while periodically changing between sleep mode and low frequency mode
A noise reduction apparatus and method of a processor to which a dynamic power management technique is applied. The noise reduction apparatus includes a mode setting unit for detecting a use state of a processor and setting an operation mode; and a power supply unit for supplying voltage corresponding to the operation mode set by the mode setting unit. The operation mode includes a general mode in which the processor normally operates; a sleep mode in which activity of the processor is suspended; and a low frequency mode in which the processor operates at voltage and clock frequency lower than those of the general mode and higher than those of the sleep mode. The mode setting unit changes between the general mode and the sleep mode, wherein the processor is set to the low frequency mode as an intermediate step. |
| US08117463B2 |
Information device, information server, information processing system, information processing program method, and information processing program
An information device includes a unit that stores an encrypted content whose use requires a license. The information device also includes a unit that stores the license. The information device further includes a unit that stores user data including (a) grouped device identification information for grouping and identifying a plurality of information devices that includes the information device and whose information devices are configured to decrypt the encrypted content, (b) key information for decrypting the encrypted content and which is commonly provided to a device group that includes the plurality of the information devices, and (c) a group identifier provided to the device group. The unit that stores the user data stores the grouped device identification information and the key information together with the group identifier. The information device also includes a unit that performs a process of decrypting the encrypted content, based on the license and the user data. |
| US08117460B2 |
Time-domain reflectometry used to provide biometric authentication
An electronic device includes one or more Time-Domain Reflectometor (TDR) channels and a security block embedded at a silicon or software level to measure human electrical impedance and characteristics for biometric identification and provide biometric authentication. |
| US08117459B2 |
Personal identification information schemas
A digital identity system includes a principal including an identity selector programmed to receive a security policy from a relying party, review a plurality of digital identities associated with the principal, and request one or more claims related to an identity of the principal from an identity provider. The principal is further programmed to receive one or more security tokens including the claims from the identity provider, and to forward the security tokens to the relying party. |
| US08117454B2 |
Fast update message authentication with key derivation in mobile IP systems
The present invention performs a Binding Update or a Location Update message authentication independently and terminal-specifically in a home SAE gateway. A key, which is derived in a home AAA server from an initially set long term key, is given to a visited network for encrypting the update messages in Proxy Mobile IP. In Client Mobile IP, the key is transmitted to a mobile node for update message encryption. When the update message is received in the home SAE gateway, the key can be derived independently in the home SAE gateway without any key requests between the gateway and the home AAA server. Thus, it is possible to authenticate the binding or location update messages by verifying the two signatures. The present invention can also be implemented on a lower hierarchy of the system. The invention can be implemented in 3GPP standard releases enhanced with LTE technology, for instance. |
| US08117451B2 |
Device controller, method for controlling a device, and program therefor
A device controller for controlling a device, comprises: a sending section that sends a message from an execution object to an operation section; and a control section that controls the device according to a procedure that is preset corresponding to the message in response to the message, wherein the sending section comprises: an evaluation section that generates an indication indicating reliability of the execution object in response to receiving the message from the execution object; and an indication attachment section that attaches the indication to the received message, a storage section that stores a plurality of procedures corresponding to indications, and the control section is configured to check the indication in response to receiving the message, and to execute a given procedure from the plurality of procedures stored in the storage section. |
| US08117448B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus includes a storage section that stores, for a management entity for which a memory area is to be formed, an authentication key and an encryption key. The information processing apparatus also includes a communication section that transmits an identifier of the authentication key, an identifier of the encryption key, and an area 0 key. The communication section receives, upon an authentication based on the authentication key and the area 0 key, data encrypted by the encryption key. The data indicates a size of the memory area. The area 0 key is stored in an area 0. The information processing apparatus further includes a forming section that forms the memory area starting from the area 0, based on the size of the memory area. |
| US08117442B2 |
Data processor
A data processor is connected to and communicating with an external device having at least one predetermined communication/authentication method. A first assigning unit assigns a first level of priority to each combination having a plurality of first type methods including a communication and authentication method. A first selecting unit selects a combination in order from the highest grade to the lowest grade of the first level. A second determining unit determines whether at least one of the plurality of the first type methods corresponds to a prescribed method. A canceling unit cancels the selection of the combination selected by the first selecting unit when the second determining unit determines that at least one of the plurality of the first type methods corresponds to the prescribed method. |
| US08117433B2 |
Method and apparatus to prevent vulnerability to virus and worm attacks through instruction remapping
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for processing instructions by a processing unit. An instruction set is dynamically set for the processing unit using a selected instruction map. The selected instruction map is selected as one being different from a normal instruction map for the processing unit. The instructions are processed at the processor using the instruction set. A set of authorized instructions are encoded using the selected instruction map. |
| US08117432B2 |
Method for controlling boot sequence of server
A method for controlling a boot sequence of a server includes the following steps. A boot image is created, and a first proxy server program is placed into the boot image. The first proxy server program communicates with a management server. The boot image is restored on a rewritable removable storage device, so as to enable the rewritable removable storage device to boot a managed target server. A second proxy server program is installed and executed in the management server. A basic input/output system (BIOS) of the target server is set to enable the rewritable removable storage device to act as a first boot device. Boot files in the rewritable removable storage device are modified through the first proxy server program or the second proxy server program according to a boot instruction received from the management server, thereby controlling a boot sequence of the target server. |
| US08117421B2 |
Data structure for enforcing consistent per-physical page cacheability attributes
A data structure for enforcing consistent per-physical page cacheability attributes is disclosed. The data structure is used with a method for enforcing consistent per-physical page cacheability attributes, which maintains memory coherency within a processor addressing memory, such as by comparing a desired cacheability attribute of a physical page address in a PTE against an authoritative table that indicates the current cacheability status. This comparison can be made at the time the PTE is inserted into a TLB. When the comparison detects a mismatch between the desired cacheability attribute of the page and the page's current cacheability status, corrective action can be taken to transition the page into the desired cacheability state. |
| US08117420B2 |
Buffer management structure with selective flush
A buffer management structure for processing systems is described. In one embodiment, the buffer management structure includes a storage module and a control module. The storage module includes a read position and can store a bit indicating a valid state of a transaction request in a write entry. The control module can receive an invalidation request and modify the bit to indicate an invalid state for the transaction request and discard the transaction request when the transaction request is in the read position. |
| US08117416B2 |
Storage device and power control method
The storage device of the present invention has: a first recording unit that records a time zone history of access to each storage area assigned to a virtual volume; a second recording unit that executes a predetermined calculation based on the time zone history of access to a plurality of storage areas belonging to a plurality of pool areas and records the calculation result for each of the plurality of pool areas; a comparison unit that acquires, from the first recording unit, the time zone history of access to an optional storage area among the plurality of storage areas and compares the acquired access time zone history with the calculation result recorded in the second recording unit; and a migration unit that selects, from among the plurality of pool areas, a pool area for which the calculation result is similar to the acquired access time zone history on the basis of the result of the comparison by the comparison unit, and migrates the data stored in the optional storage area to a storage area in the selected pool area. |
| US08117413B2 |
Logical data set migration
A method for performing data set migration includes receiving a request to migrate data sets, finding the systems with the data sets open, establishing at least one I/O intercept, copying the data set, mirroring changes to the data set, updating control information in the systems with the data sets open, and terminating the at least one I/O intercept. |
| US08117401B2 |
Interconnect operation indicating acceptability of partial data delivery
According to at least one embodiment, a method of data processing in a multiprocessor data processing system includes a requesting processing unit initiating an interconnect operation including a memory access request that indicates an acceptability of a variable amount of data to service the interconnect request for data. In response to snooping the memory access request on an interconnect, a snooper selects an amount of data to supply to the requesting processing unit and transmits the selected amount of data to the requesting processing unit. The requesting processing unit receives the selected amount of data and utilizes at least some of the selected amount of data to service a processor request. |
| US08117400B2 |
System and method for fetching an information unit
A device and a method for fetching an information unit, the method includes: receiving a request to execute a write through cacheable operation of the information unit; emptying a fetch unit from data, wherein the fetch unit is connected to a cache module and to a high level memory unit; determining, when the fetch unit is empty, whether the cache module stores an older version of the information unit; and selectively writing the information unit to the cache module in response to the cache module in response to the determination. |
| US08117399B2 |
Processing of coherent and incoherent accesses at a uniform cache
Each cacheline of a unified cache storing information is marked as incoherent if the information was acquired incoherently or marked as coherent if the information was acquired coherently. A subsequent incoherent read access to a cacheline can result in a cache hit and a return of the cached information regardless of whether the cacheline is marked as coherent or incoherent. However, a subsequent coherent read access to a cacheline marked as incoherent will be returned as a cache miss regardless of whether the cacheline includes information sought by the coherent read access. In response to a cache miss for a coherent read access, a global snoop is initiated so as to query all other target components within the same coherency domain. In contrast, a cache miss resulting from an incoherent read access is processed using a non-global snoop to a limited set of one or a few target components in the coherency domain. |
| US08117398B2 |
Prefetch termination at powered down memory bank boundary in shared memory controller
A prefetch scheme in a shared memory multiprocessor disables the prefetch when an address falls within a powered down memory bank. A register stores a bit corresponding to each independently powered memory bank to determine whether that memory bank is prefetchable. When a memory bank is powered down, all bits corresponding to the pages in this row are masked so that they appear as non-prefetchable pages to the prefetch access generation engine preventing an access to any page in this memory bank. A powered down status bit corresponding to the memory bank is used for masking the output of the prefetch enable register. The prefetch enable register is unmodified. This also seamlessly restores the prefetch property of the memory banks when the corresponding memory row is powered up. |
| US08117396B1 |
Multi-level buffer cache management through soft-division of a uniform buffer cache
Methods and apparatuses provide a multi-level buffer cache having queues corresponding to different priority levels of queuing within the buffer cache. One or more data blocks are buffered in the buffer cache. In one embodiment, an initial level of queue is identified for a data block to be buffered in the buffer cache. The initial level of queue can be modified higher or lower depending on a value of a cache property associated with the data block. In one embodiment, the data block is monitored for data access in a queue, and the data block is aged and moved to higher level(s) of queuing based on rules for the data block. The rules can apply to the queue in which the data block is buffered, to a data type of the data block, or to a logical partition to which the data block belongs. |
| US08117393B2 |
Selectively performing lookups for cache lines
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that selectively performs lookups for cache lines. During operation, the system by maintains a lower-level cache and a higher-level cache in accordance with a set of rules that dictate conditions under which cache lines are held in the lower-level cache and the higher-level cache. The system next performs a lookup for cache line A in the lower level cache. The system then discovers that the lookup for cache line A missed in the lower-level cache, but that cache line B is present in the lower-level cache. Next, in accordance with the set of rules, the system determines, without performing a lookup for cache line A in the higher-level cache, that cache line A is guaranteed not to be present and valid in the higher-level cache because cache line B is present in the lower-level cache. |
| US08117390B2 |
Updating partial cache lines in a data processing system
A processing unit for a data processing system includes a processor core having one or more execution units for processing instructions and a register file for storing data accessed in processing of the instructions. The processing unit also includes a multi-level cache hierarchy coupled to and supporting the processor core. The multi-level cache hierarchy includes at least one upper level of cache memory having a lower access latency and at least one lower level of cache memory having a higher access latency. The lower level of cache memory, responsive to receipt of a memory access request that hits only a partial cache line in the lower level cache memory, sources the partial cache line to the at least one upper level cache memory to service the memory access request. The at least one upper level cache memory services the memory access request without caching the partial cache line. |
| US08117387B2 |
Storage system and method of managing a storage system using a management apparatus
A storage system has NAS apparatuses each including virtual file servers to be provided to host apparatuses, a storage apparatus including logical units, and a management apparatus for managing the NAS apparatuses and the storage apparatus. The management apparatus requests the NAS apparatuses and the storage apparatus to transfer management information, acquires the management information. The management apparatus then creates system performance information concerning the virtual file servers based on the acquired management information to display the created system performance information on a user interface. |
| US08117386B2 |
Management method of performance history and a management system of performance history
A performance history management method and system are disclosed, in which the time-series performance history such as a volume included in a storage device is managed as one time-series performance history at the time of data rearrangement or device change. The data-oriented performance history providing the logical place of storage of the data stored in the volume is generated using the storage performance monitor program based on the rearrangement history information providing the information on the history of transfer of the data stored in the rearrangement history table and the volume of the storage device by the storage structure information acquisition program, the storage structure information stored in the storage structure information table and the performance history of each volume stored in the storage performance history table by the storage performance information acquisition program. The performance history can be displayed or the performance change detected to display an alert. |
| US08117381B2 |
Adaptive deterministic grouping of blocks into multi-block units
The present invention presents techniques for the linking of physical blocks of a non-volatile memory into composite logical structures or “metablocks”. After determining an initial linking of good physical blocks into metablocks, a record of the linking is maintained in the non-volatile memory where it can be readily accessed when needed. In one set of embodiments, the initially linking is deterministically formed according to an algorithm and can be optimized according to the pattern of any bad blocks in the memory. As additional bad blocks arise, the linking is updated using by replacing the bad blocks in a linking with good blocks, preferably in the same sub-array of the memory as the block that they are replacing. |
| US08117380B2 |
Management of non-volatile memory systems having large erase blocks
A non-volatile memory system of a type having blocks of memory cells erased together and which are programmable from an erased state in units of a large number of pages per block. If the data of only a few pages of a block are to be updated, the updated pages are written into another block provided for this purpose. The valid original and updated data are then combined at a later time, when doing so does not impact on the performance of the memory. If the data of a large number of pages of a block are to be updated, however, the updated pages are written into an unused erased block and the unchanged pages are also written to the same unused block. By handling the updating of a few pages differently, memory performance is improved when small updates are being made. |
| US08117379B2 |
Method of processing hard disk drive
A method of processing a hard disk drive. The method can include downloading at least two process codes and a main code to a first storage area of the hard disk drive, sequentially performing processes based on the at least two process codes, and installing the main code in a second storage area. |
| US08117378B2 |
Preventing unintended permanent write-protection
An input voltage range may be established between different voltage levels used for different programming functions of an integrated circuit device, thus implementing a protection zone (“safe zone”) of non-operation to facilitate prevention of an unintended irreversible programming operation, e.g., permanent write protection. |
| US08117374B2 |
Flash memory control devices that support multiple memory mapping schemes and methods of operating same
There is provided an apparatus for controlling a flash memory, which includes a memory for storing a plurality of flash translation layers; and a control block for, when an access is requested from outside, determining a pattern of the access, selecting one of the flash translation layers stored in the memory based on the determination result, and managing mapping data of the flash memory based on the selected flash translation layer. |
| US08117373B2 |
VM host responding to initiation of a page swap by transferring pages from host-but-non-guest-addressable RAM to host-and-guest-addressable RAM
A virtual-machine host responds to a guest operating system's initiation of a page swap by transferring a page from host-but-non-guest-addressable RAM to host-and-guest addressable RAM. |
| US08117368B2 |
System management interrupt interface wrapper
In a personal computing system function calls, formatted in 16-bit format for a 16-bit interface to the firmware, are communicated through an operating system providing a System Management Interrupt (SMI) interface to the firmware. An SMI function call in SMI format is generated and sent to an SMI Interface Wrapper module between the operating system and the firmware. The SMI function call is received over the SMI interface at the SMI Interface Wrapper. In the SMI Interface Wrapper, function data from the SMI function call is extracted to provide function call data. A 16-bit function call with the function call data is generated by the SMI Interface Wrapper and passed to the firmware. |
| US08117366B2 |
Method and device for detecting locations of bus subscribers
In order to register the order of bus subscribers (12) when starting a system without the use of a token line to be specifically laid for his purpose along the two-wire bus (11), the bus master (13) temporarily activates a reflective discontinuity, preferably a bus short circuit, in a respective selectively addressed one of the subscribers (12) after stochastically determining all subscriber addresses (Ki). The echo signal (19) of a voltage jump (18), which is then output onto the bus (11) by the master (13), is superimposed in the master (13) to form a square-wave-like differential signal (20) whose pulse duration which is proportional to the distance between the master (13) and that subscriber (12) along the bus (11) is measured following pulse shaping by analog pulse area integration (25). |
| US08117363B2 |
Memory module capable of improving the integrity of signals transmitted through a data bus and a command/address bus, and a memory system including the same
A memory module and a related memory system are disclosed. The memory module comprises a semiconductor memory having a data output buffer, a data input buffer, a command/address input buffer and a first termination resistor unit connected to a data bus. The memory module further comprises a second termination resistor unit connected to an internal command/address bus. First and second termination resistor units are preferably of different resistive value and/or type. |
| US08117360B2 |
On-vehicle electronic control device
An on-vehicle electronic control device 100A serially transmits A/D conversion data of plural channels from a second control circuit unit 300A including a multichannel A/D converter 204A to a microprocessor 110A disposed in a first control circuit unit 200A. The A/D conversion data are organized into a communication packet and transmitted via first and second buffer memories 204b and 204d, and when there is an abnormality in the A/D conversion data, transfer between the first and second buffer memories 204b and 204d is prohibited and an abnormality report is performed with respect to the microprocessor 110A. As a result, erroneous data are not transmitted, and communication congestion and the burden of the microprocessor 110A are alleviated. |
| US08117358B2 |
Revenue management system and method utilizing database backup
A real-time customer relation management system is disclosed. The system can provide increased availability, reduced internal latencies, and reduced data processing and transfer. The system can provide real time processing and batch processing. The system architecture can have an in-memory write-through cache. The cache can store data that would have otherwise been sent to a database. The system can have a backup in-memory write-through cache. The system can use a warm standby, for example, to enhance data backup efficiency. |
| US08117353B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus is capable of communicating data with a plurality of external apparatuses attached to the image processing apparatus. Each of the external apparatuses includes an advisor that advises a user of access to the external apparatus. A display section displays information on the external apparatuses attached to the image processing apparatus. A selecting section selects a desired one external apparatus from among the plurality of external apparatuses displayed on said display section. A transmitter transmits an access command to the desired one external apparatus. When the selected external apparatus receives the access command, the advisor advises the user of the access to the selected external apparatus, emitting flashing light. |
| US08117346B2 |
Configuration space virtualization
Various aspects are disclosed herein for bounding the behavior of a non-privileged virtual machine that interacts with a device by creating a description of the device which indicates to a privileged authority (1) which operations on the device may have system-wide effects and (2) which operations have effects local to the device. The privileged authority may then permit or deny these actions. The privileged authority may also translate these actions into other actions with benign consequences. |
| US08117340B2 |
Trans-network roaming and resolution with web services for devices
Systems and methods are provided that facilitate automated network address determinations and communications between roaming peers. In one aspect, a network communications system is provided. The system includes methods for updating a resolution provider with a current host transport address and for determining a roaming hosts service address and port information. Other processes include opening and mapping ports through a traversal component which can include Network Address Translators and Firewalls and opening/mapping ports in conjunction with cascaded Network Address Translators. |
| US08117331B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive load shedding
One embodiment of the present method and apparatus adaptive load shedding includes receiving at least one data stream (comprising a plurality of tuples, or data items) into a first sliding window of memory. A subset of tuples from the received data stream is then selected for processing in accordance with at least one data stream operation, such as a data stream join operation. Tuples that are not selected for processing are ignored. The number of tuples selected and the specific tuples selected depend at least in part on a variety of dynamic parameters, including the rate at which the data stream (and any other processed data streams) is received, time delays associated with the received data stream, a direction of a join operation performed on the data stream and the values of the individual tuples with respect to an expected output. |
| US08117326B2 |
Data integration system with programmatic source and target interfaces
In one embodiment, a system is provided for executing bulk data transfers between persistent data stores. A data integration server is coupled to persistent data stores. Programmatic source interfaces are each associated with a source store, defined according to a source interface specification, and exposed within the server during a transfer to enable the server to extract from its source store data entities for loading into any selected target data stores during the transfer. Programmatic target interfaces are each associated with a target store, defined according to a target interface specification, and exposed within the server during a transfer to enable the server to load into its target store data entities extracted from any selected source data stores during the transfer. Each programmatic interface: (1) provides to its store an abstraction of transfer operations within the server such that custom code need not be developed in connection with its store to enable transfers between its store and any other particular stores; and (2) isolates from the server specific details associated with its store such that custom code need not be developed in connection with the server to enable transfers between its store and any other particular stores. |
| US08117325B1 |
Policy-based cross-domain access control for SSL VPN
A method may include generating a request that includes a host domain associated with a multiple-domain-to-one domain mapping, capturing the request before transmission of the request, rewriting the host domain, and transmitting the request. |
| US08117324B2 |
System and method to remotely manage and audit set top box resources
A system and method for determining the resources available or used in a remote device is disclosed. The system can be used to determine whether the remote device is using expected resources as originally configured or to determine whether resources are available to support new or extended services. The method can be used to configure or reconfigure the remote device for its intended use or as reconfigure a remote device for new, different or extended purposes. |
| US08117322B1 |
Latency reduction on HTTP servers
Methods, systems, and computer-readable medium for latency reduction on Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) servers using User Datagram Protocol (UDP) are disclosed. In situations where a client needs to establish a new TCP connection to submit an HTTP request to a server, the client sends the HTTP request in a UDP datagram to the server while the TCP connection establishment is in progress. The server starts anticipatory construction of a response upon receipt of the HTTP request in the UDP datagram. After the TCP connection is established, the client sends and the server receives the same HTTP request in one or more data packets through the newly established TCP connection. In response to the receipt of the HTTP request through the newly established TCP connection, the server sends the pre-constructed response to the client through the TCP connection. HTTP response time can be reduced up to one round-trip time. |
| US08117321B2 |
Network connection management using connection profiles
Connections for sources to connect to a network are managed by storing connection profiles identifying network attributes for the connections. Each connection profile includes a status of available or subscribed. Requests for connections are received. If a stored connection profile is available that matches the request, the connection for the matching connection profile is assigned to the source. |
| US08117318B2 |
Electronic apparatus and communication control method
According to one embodiment, a session control module is configured to temporarily release a first session between a first communication program and the external device by stopping a first conversion module corresponding to a an application protocol of the first communication without informing the first communication program of releasing of the first session, and to establish a second session between a second communication program and the external device by activating a second conversion module corresponding to an application protocol of the second communication program. A session restoring module is configured to restore the first session to a data transferable state by activating the first conversion when the second session is finished. |
| US08117311B2 |
Communication method, server and medium on notification of session status
A first server receives the notification of connection ready from each of a plurality of second terminals for executing second communication, notifies the connection ready of each of the second terminals to a second server, detects connection by first communication between a plurality of first terminals, and notifies the detected connection by the first communication to the second server. The second server, upon recognizing the connection ready between the second terminals and the connection by the first communication between the first terminals, provides a service by the second communication between the second terminals. |
| US08117308B1 |
Detecting events of interest
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for detecting events of interest. In one aspect, a method includes generating a network traffic model that includes forecasted time series data representative of a frequency of actions related to a network traffic entity, and identifying that an event of interest has occurred based on a comparison of actual time series data related to the network traffic entity with the forecasted time series data. |
| US08117305B2 |
Communication management system, communication management method, and communication control device
The present invention provides a technique for managing P2P communication appropriately.Each P2P node constituting a P2P network in a communication management system conducts P2P communication with another P2P node. A P2P node has a P2P connection to communicate with a P2P node. A node detector refers to communication data transmitted from or to a P2P node to detect identification information of a P2P node, and registers the information in a P2P node database. A communication control system possessed by an ISP refers to identification information stored in the P2P node database, so as to detect and perform filtering on P2P communication between P2P nodes. |
| US08117304B2 |
Processing event notifications with an event sink
Applications generating events, and system facilities generating events, send notifications of the events to a system event sink. The event sink is preferably associated with an operating system, and provides an application programming interface for registering listeners. (In one alternative approach, the event sink operates as a centrally-accessible or network-accessible entity, where it may concurrently interact with more than one client.) Upon receiving a notification of an event, the event sink forwards the notification to any registered listeners. Optionally, filters may be used to specify criteria to be met before a notification is forwarded to the listener. An event does not rely on a particular application for displaying the event to an end user. As one example, notification of a newly-arrived e-mail message might be presented in a chat window of an instant messaging client. |
| US08117301B2 |
Determining connectivity status for unnumbered interfaces of a target network device
Techniques are described for testing connectivity to unnumbered interfaces of a target device. For example, a software utility and protocol are described that allows an administrator to specify a logical offset that may be internally resolved by the target device to one of a plurality of unnumbered interfaces during the test. Similarly, the administrator may specify an offset that may be internally resolved by the source device to one of a plurality of unnumbered interfaces from which the connectivity test is to originate. The source device may send enhanced request packets and receive enhanced reply packets specifying the source unnumbered interface and the destination unnumbered interface between which connectivity is to be tested. In this manner, an administrator may test for connectivity of particular interfaces even where internet protocol (IP) addresses or other identifiers for the interfaces are not externally known. |
| US08117299B2 |
Method and apparatus for scheduling wireless LAN traffic
To conserve energy, components in mobile devices normally have to transition less frequently between “active” and “sleep” modes, and to sleep for longer intervals. In accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is broadly contemplated herein an approach to reduce energy consumption by using HTTP proxies to shape incoming WLAN traffic. Proxies contemplated herein use techniques specific to the HTTP payload to compensate for any negative impact that shaping may have. Thus, there is described herein the architecture of a “PowerAware Streaming Proxy” (PASP), built on a PowerAware x-Proxy (PAxP) framework. PASP preferably uses RTSP/RTP semantics to effectively schedule media streams across the WLAN. Herein, PASP is compared with PAWP, which is a PAxP extension for web traffic, and problem areas are identified. |
| US08117298B1 |
Multi-homed web server
A multi-homed web server is disclosed including a plurality of virtual hosts operable in a web server. A master configuration file associated with each of said plurality of virtual hosts is provided. A plurality of modules are available for processing particular types of incoming connection requests. Associations are maintained in the master configuration file for determining which of the plurality of modules is appropriate for a particular incoming connection request. |
| US08117297B2 |
System and method of device-to-server registration
A method of registering a central container application executing on a mobile device with one of one or more mediator services executing on one or more remote servers is provided. Configuration information is received at the mobile device identifying a mediator service of the one or more mediator services the central container application is to register with. The central container application is notified that the configuration information is available. The central container application is registered with the identified first mediator service. The configuration information is retrieved and communication is established with the mediator service identified in the configuration information. Information regarding the current state of the central container application is send to the identified mediator service. Administrative information is then received from the mediator service. |
| US08117292B2 |
Server for routing connections between the server and a client machine
The objective of the present invention is to provide an Internet connection system capable of bi-directional communications between the home network and the Internet by relatively simple means, enabling manufacturers of client-end home network appliances to create added values for users.In order to attain the above objective, there is provided a method for connecting a client device and a server. The method is implemented on an Internet connection system, which has the client device, a relay device, and the server, the server being connected to the Internet and also to the client device through the relay device and the Internet. The method includes the steps of: (a) notifying the relay device of an IP address of the server; (b) enabling the relay device to establish a TCP/IP session by means of a tunneling connection between the relay device and the server by use of the IP address; and (c) enabling the relay device to route communications via the TCP/IP session from the server to the client device. |
| US08117289B1 |
Using virtual networking devices to manage substrate devices
Techniques are described for providing managed virtual computer networks that may have a configured logical network topology with one or more virtual networking devices, with corresponding networking functionality provided for communications between multiple computing nodes of the virtual computer network by emulating functionality that would be provided by the networking devices if they were physically present. In some situations, the emulating of networking device functionality includes receiving routing communications directed to the networking devices and using included routing information to update the configured network topology for the managed computer network. In addition, the techniques may further include supporting interactions with devices that are external to the virtual computer network, including remote physical networking devices that are part of a remote computer network configured to interoperate with the virtual computer network, and/or specialized network devices that are accessible via a substrate network on which the virtual computer network is overlaid. |
| US08117286B2 |
Method and apparatus for redirection of server external hyper-link references
A message is provided to a tracking server system in response to a client system referencing a predetermined resource locator that corresponds to a resource external to the tracking server system. The tracking server system indirectly provides for the client system to have an informational element selectable by the client system, where the informational element is graphically identified on the client system with informational content obtainable from a content server system through use of a content resource locator. The informational element includes a tracking resource locator, referencing the tracking server system, and data identifying the informational element. The selection of the informational element causes the client system to use the tracking resource locator to provide the data to the tracking server system and to use the content resource locator to obtain the informational content from the content server system. |
| US08117283B2 |
Providing remote access to segments of a transmitted program
A method for providing remote access to segments of a transmitted program is presented. The program is recorded, and then stored at a communication server. Information specifying a segment of the stored program is transferred from a communication device to the communication server. Also, a request for access to the specified segment of the stored program is transferred from another communication device to the communication server. In response to the request, the specified segment of the program is transferred from the communication server to the requesting communication device. |
| US08117282B2 |
Media player configured to receive playback filters from alternative storage mediums
A media player configured with a first removable memory reader, such as a DVD drive, and a second removable memory reader, such as a flash memory reader, adapted to communicate with a removable memory containing filter data. The media player is configured to allow filtered playback of a multimedia presentation, such as a movie. Filtered playback causes certain portions of the multimedia presentation to be skipped, muted, blurred, cropped, or otherwise modified to eliminate or reduce potentially objectionable scenes, language, or other content. The second memory reader provides a convenient medium for the loading of filter information, whether data files, executable program code, or the like, to local memory of the media player to employ during filtered playback. Alternatively, the filters may be accessed from the removable storage media during playback rather than loading to local memory. |
| US08117281B2 |
Using internet content as a means to establish live social networks by linking internet users to each other who are simultaneously engaged in the same and/or similar content
A system and method that uses internet content and/or content metadata as a means to establish social networks. Examples include linking internet users, searchers, viewers and/or listeners of the same and/or similar internet content to each other via a platform that enables any of the following in n-dimensional environments: social networking, communications, sharing, e-commerce, advertising, search, hosting and registry services, push and pull applications, anonymous communications, and rich presence. |
| US08117280B2 |
Task computing
An apparatus provides computing sources of functionality, each computing source of functionality presents a service and exists in any computing environment of the apparatus. The apparatus associates a semantic service description (SSD) with the service. The SSD has a semantic description of the service, including a semantic description of a parameter of the service, according to a computer interpretable language, and, as a service grounding, a mapping between the computer interpretable language expressing the SSD and an interface, including an interface parameter, of the service. The apparatus dynamically discovers SSDs as available services through discovery mechanisms, filters the services based upon the semantic description in each SSD associated with each service, generates a user interface to dynamically compose a task based upon selecting the services and the filtering the services to continuously present possible tasks, and generates an executable semantic service workflow description of the composed task. |
| US08117274B2 |
Safe output protocol for files to multiple destinations with integrity check
Protocol is provided for safe transfer of files from between nodes of a communication system. The protocol includes a handshake operation between a source (local or initiating) node sending one or more files and a remote (responding) node receiving the files to ensure that control of the file remains with the source node until the file is successfully transferred. The protocol is provided by a file transfer manager that controls the transfer process through a series of file moves that include moving the file into a directory associated with the file transfer manager, from which the file is sent and moving the file out of that directory after the remote node acknowledges a safe copy operation of the file. Files are maintained in the sending directory and under control of the source node at least for a configurable amount of time until the file is safely transferred. Files can be retrieved by the remote node after they have been transmitted for a configurable amount of time, after which they will be deleted from the local node. |
| US08117273B1 |
System, device and method for dynamically securing instant messages
An Instant Messaging security system that encrypts Instant Messages sent by a Instant Messaging user to an Instant Messaging server by intercepting the messages, negotiating a preferred security algorithm and forwarding the encrypted messages to the server. The security system intercepts and decrypts encrypted messages sent by the server to the user. The security system is able to determine whether a receiving user is equipped with a similar security system without prior knowledge of network addresses, configuration or capability. The security system is transparent to the Instant Message service provider and may provide one or more indicators to users that messages are encrypted during forwarding. |
| US08117272B1 |
Matching social network users
Systems and methods are disclosed for matching of individuals to one another using a matching model. The matching model matches social network users based on ratings given by users one to another, as well as, as appropriate and available, explicit attributes indicated by users and other data such as location data and system usage data. |
| US08117271B2 |
Digital image sharing enabled chat application
A method, system, and computer program for remotely sharing digital photographic images. The method, system, and computer program comprising launching at least a first and second real-time chat clients, selecting at least a first digital photographic image, establishing a chat session between the at least first and second real-time chat clients, transmitting at least a first digital photographic image from the at least first real-time chat client to the at least second real-time chat client, and facilitating a chat session between the at least first real-time chat client and the at least second real-time chat client through which the at least first and second real-time chat clients converse with each other, wherein the subject of the conversation is the at least first digital photographic image. |
| US08117266B2 |
Integrated mobile messaging system and method
A hand held device, much like a cell phone or PDA, contains both a data server and a data client along with the voice messaging of a cell phone. The data server communicates through a TCP/IP stack with a local computing system via IR, short distance wireless, a serial bus or Ethernet. The data client communicates with a remote server via a voice network or wireless to the Internet also via a TCP/IP stack and a wide are network. Spare network bandwidth may be used for transferring information. The information may include emails that are received and stored for later review for ultimately transferring to a local computer. Status may include knowing available memory and message sizes. Message that are too large may be noted for later retrieval. On-board memory includes RAM. ROM, and removable modules that may be physically removed and run at a local computing system. |
| US08117264B1 |
Email system
A system and method are disclosed for providing interaction with mail data on a server. Providing interaction with mail data on a server comprises receiving mail information from the server; updating data structures in a client using the mail information received; operating on the mail information at the client and displaying operation results on the client; sending operation information to the server so that the same operation may be executed on the server. |
| US08117263B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering time sensitive messages over a distributed network
A method for displaying content of a time-sensitive e-mail message to a recipient, wherein the content displayed is based on when the recipient opens the time-sensitive e-mail message. A sender of the time-sensitive email message establishes content and a rule set for delivering the e-mail message. The rule set contains a predefined time limit for allowing the recipient of the time-sensitive e-mail message to open it. If the recipient opens the time-sensitive e-mail message within the predefined time limit, the content within the e-mail is delivered to the recipient. If, however, the recipient fails to open the time-sensitive e-mail message within the predefined time limit, then the time-sensitive e-mail message is either deleted from the recipient's mailbox or an alternative message is displayed. |
| US08117261B2 |
Method and apparatus for collecting and dissemination of information over a computer network
A device of and method for collecting and disseminating information over at least one computer network is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one database for storing digital information associated with at least a first user and a second user, at least one links module for the first user to link to at least a portion of said digital information associated with said second user and for the second user to link to at least a portion of said digital information associated with said first user, at least one manipulations module for manipulating said digital information stored in said at least one database, and at least one display device associated with each of the at least first user and second user for respectively displaying at least said linked digital information to each of said at least first user and second user, wherein said linked digital information associated with said first user is automatically updated on at least said display device of said second user when that information is manipulated, and wherein said linked digital information associated with said second user is automatically updated on at least said display device of said first user when that information is manipulated. |
| US08117259B2 |
Method and system for content distribution network performance and quality measurement
A method for delivering content includes receiving the content at an edge server from a content provider, generating an upload signature for the content as received from the content provider where the upload signature includes a hash of the content, receiving a request for the content from a client system, providing the content to the client system, generating a download signature and a screen capture image for the content as provided to the client system, comparing the upload signature and the download signature, and generating an alert when the upload signature and the download signature do not match. |
| US08117257B2 |
Device management using event
In related art, the terminal can receive a particular task from a server, and perform the received particular task, only after the terminal reports to the server that a particular event has occurred. But, according to the present invention, the server provides the particular task in advance of the occurrence of the particular event. Therefore, the particular task can be performed by the terminal as soon as a particular event is occurred, so a waste of the network resources can be reduced. Meanwhile, according to the present invention, a routing service is provided between elements within the terminal, so that the elements within the terminal can be separated. In addition, according to the present invention, a source number and a registration number are used for the routing service, so that the routing service can be accurately operated. Moreover, malfunction of a processing unit can be prevented through the source number and the registration number, and performing of a task by a malicious user can be prevented. |
| US08117256B2 |
Methods and systems for exploring a corpus of content
Methods and systems are described for exploring a corpus of content items stored in one or more information repositories within a distributed communications system. |
| US08117255B2 |
Systems and methods for smart client remote data monitoring
Embodiments consistent with the principles of the invention provide client-server application problem-solving capabilities at sites remote from the operational site by supplying server response data to a copy of the client-side application running at the remote site. The client-side application running at the remote site receives the same inputs as the operational site application, allowing application problems and behavior to be reproduced at the remote site. Debugging tools, expertise, and other resources may be more efficiently applied at the remote site to solve problems and explain behavior than would be the case at the operational site. |
| US08117253B2 |
Condition control system, device and process for message transmission
The invention concerns in particular a system comprising: a first terminal (1); a second terminal (21 or 22 or 23); at least a first messaging system (31 or 32 or 33) able to transmit, to the second terminal, at least the message body of a message (10) from the first terminal; at least one device (4) controlling at least one condition (11), at least once, the said control device allowing the first messaging system to transmit to the second terminal at least the message body of the said message if the condition control result is positive, the said control device preventing the first messaging system from transmitting to the second terminal at least the message body of the said message if the condition control is negative, at least during the time for which the condition control result remains negative; at least one data server (51 or 52 or 53 or 54) external to the control device; at least one link providing communication through the Internet between on the hand the external server, or at least one of the external servers, and on the other hand the control device, the condition control device being designed to: store a message sent by the first terminal; receive at least one item of information from at least one external server; at least partially perform the condition control relating to the said message stored by means of the information received from the external server. |
| US08117252B2 |
Video-monitor/recording/playback system
The invention relates to a stand-alone video recording, playback and Monitoring system. It has network switches, non-volatile storage devices, IP cameras, video servers, and NTSC cameras. The system uses communication channels that are WAN/LAN based and can be hard-wired or wireless. |
| US08117247B1 |
Configurable arithmetic block and method of implementing arithmetic functions in a device having programmable logic
A configurable arithmetic block in a device having programmable logic for implementing arithmetic functions is disclosed. The configurable arithmetic block comprises a plurality of input registers coupled to receive multiple bit words; an arithmetic function circuit coupled to receive the multiple bit words; an output selection circuit coupled to receive the output of the plurality of input registers and an output of the arithmetic function circuit; and a plurality of output registers coupled the output selection circuit. A method of implementing arithmetic functions in a device having programmable logic is also disclosed. |
| US08117242B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for performing a search in conjunction with use of an online application
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for performing a search in conjunction with use of an online application. In operation, a document editing interface is displayed for editing a document. Additionally, at least one term of the document is identified. Further, a search interface is displayed. Still yet, a search is performed utilizing the search interface, based on the at least one term. |
| US08117239B2 |
Aggregating schema data from multiple sources
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for aggregating schema data from two or more schemas are provided. Embodiments of the present invention include receiving schema definitions for two or more schemas. An aggregated property description for an individual property that is common to the two or more schemas may be created. The aggregated property description includes property attribute values that are the same for the property description in both schemas. Where the attribute values are different, rules may be applied to determine which attribute value to include in the aggregated property description. In one embodiment, the less capable of the two different attribute values is included in the aggregated property description. |
| US08117233B2 |
Method and system for message-oriented semantic web service composition based on artificial intelligence planning
A method for modeling a web service operation, includes: defining an input message pattern that describes input requirements of a web service operation, wherein the input message pattern includes a set of variables representing data elements that must be contained in a message input to the web service operation, and a graph pattern that semantically describes the data elements that must be contained in the message input to the web service operation; and defining an output message pattern that describes an output message of the web service operation, wherein the output message pattern includes a set of variables and exemplars that represent data elements contained in the output message, and a graph pattern that semantically describes the data elements contained in the output message. |
| US08117231B2 |
Method and system for categorizing items in both actual and virtual categories
Articles of manufacture and methods are described. Specifically, the methods include constructing category structures within a database, classifying a data item within a database, and facilitating location of a data item within a database are described. A first method includes defining, in a database, a first structure of categories and an alternative second structure of categories to provide an alternative classification of a data item. A second method includes classifying a data item in a first hierarchy of categories and a second alternative hierarchy of categories. A third method includes locating a data item responsive to identifying of a link between a first hierarchy of categories and a second alternative hierarchy of categories. |
| US08117228B2 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Providing a comparison of a set of similar items includes: receiving from a first member of an online community a selection of a stored prior comparison created by another online community member of a set of similar items; providing to the first member a template for the comparison, the template being at least partially pre-populated using data from the stored prior comparison created by the other online community member; and receiving from the first member a submission of the comparison, wherein the comparison includes one or more modifications as made by the first member to the template. |
| US08117223B2 |
Integrating external related phrase information into a phrase-based indexing information retrieval system
An information retrieval system uses phrases to index, retrieve, organize and describe documents, analyzing documents and storing the results of the analysis as phrase data. Phrases are identified that predict the presence of other phrases in documents. Documents are the indexed according to their included phrases. Related phrases and phrase extensions are also identified. Changes to existing phrase data about a document collection submitted by a user is captured and analyzed, and the existing phrase data is updated to reflect the additional knowledge gained through the analysis. |
| US08117220B2 |
Artificial record added to a database
A method comprises receiving a database containing records. The method further comprises determining a number of artificial records to add to the database to achieve a false negative mark detection rate less than a specified threshold. The method also comprises marking the database by adding the determined number of artificial records to the database. Each artificial record contains at least one value that, when used, is detectable by a third party. The false negative rate comprises a probability of failing to detect the mark in a discovered subset of the database. |
| US08117215B2 |
Distributing content indices
A query-centric system and process for distributing reverse indices for a distributed content system. Relevance ranking techniques in organizing distributed system indices. Query-centric configuration subprocesses (1) analyze query data, partitioning terms for reverse index server(s) (RIS), (2) distribute each partitioned data set by generally localizing search terms for the RIS that have some query-centric correlation, and (3) generate and maintain a map for the partitioned reverse index system terms by mapping the terms for the reverse index to a plurality of different index server nodes. Indexing subprocess element builds distributed reverse indices from content host indices. Routines of the query execution use the map derived in the configuration to more efficiently return more relevant search results to the searcher. |
| US08117214B2 |
Music artist retrieval system and method of retrieving music artist
The present invention provides a music artist retrieval system which makes it possible for users to automatically retrieve an unknown music artist similar to the user's favorite artist while actually reproducing and confirming a piece of music of the unknown artist. A music artist similarity map storing section (13) computes a plurality of similarities for a plurality of music artists and makes a music artist similarity map for the plurality of music artists based on the plurality of similarities, then stores the music artist similarity map. Here, the similarities are computed between one of the plurality of music artists and the other music artists based on features of the respective music artists. A similar artists selecting and displaying section (17) displays on a display plurality of indications related to one music artist and two or more music artists whose similarities are close to the one music artist, based on the music artist similarity map. A music data playing section (19) reproduces music data of a music artist related to a selected artist indication when a play command is inputted. |
| US08117212B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, program and recording medium
Herein disclosed an information processing apparatus for providing a service of introducing, from a predetermined item which is to make a reference, associated items associated with the reference item to one or more different information processing apparatus, including: an association degree collection section configured to collect association degrees applied between items by users of the different information processing apparatus and indicative of weights of a relationship between the items; and an introduction section configured to determine the associated items from the reference item based on a result of the collection by the association degree collection section and introduce the determined associated items to any of the different information processing apparatus. |
| US08117210B2 |
Sampling image records from a collection based on a change metric
An image-record subject is identified for a plurality of image records in an image collection. Then, a sampling change-metric related to a changing characteristic of the image-record subject is identified, and sampling of at least a portion of the image collection occurs at least according to the sampling change-metric to obtain one or more image records for the subset. Information pertaining to results of the sampling step is stored in a computer-accessible memory system. |
| US08117209B1 |
Ranking documents based on user behavior and/or feature data
A system generates a model based on feature data relating to different features of a link from a linking document to a linked document and user behavior data relating to navigational actions associated with the link. The system also assigns a rank to a document based on the model. |
| US08117206B2 |
Method and system for indexing and searching timed media information based upon relevance intervals
A method and system for indexing, searching, and retrieving information from timed media files based upon relevance intervals. The method and system for indexing, searching, and retrieving this information is based upon relevance intervals so that a portion of a timed media file is returned, which is selected specifically to be relevant to the given information representations, thereby eliminating the need for a manual determination of the relevance and avoiding missing relevant portions. The timed media includes streaming audio, streaming video, timed HTML, animations such as vector-based graphics, slide shows, other timed media, and combinations thereof. |
| US08117205B2 |
Technique for enhancing a set of website bookmarks by finding related bookmarks based on a latent similarity metric
A method and system for enhancing the quality of a bookmark or a set of bookmarks that have been organized by topic and contain information related to that topic. The method and system analyzes documents accessible by the bookmark or set of bookmarks and performs a search using key terms from that analysis in a vector called a latent similarity metric. The terms that result from this search are preferably ranked in a hierarchy or the like and utilized in a subsequent search to locate and rank additional related documents. |
| US08117204B2 |
Video browser for navigating linear video on small display devices using a similarity-based navigation hierarchy of temporally ordered video keyframes with short navigation paths
A computer-based method is provided for enabling navigation of video using a keyframe-based video browser on a display device with a limited screen size, for a video segmented into video shots. The video shots are clustered by similarity, while temporal order of the video shots is maintained. A hierarchically organized navigation tree is produced for the clusters of video shots, while the path lengths of the tree are minimized. |
| US08117192B1 |
Computerized information system for creating patent data summaries and method therefor
A computerized system and method for generating patent data summary reports for a target entity identified by the user. The information system contains a database containing patent document records. After a user selects the target entity, the system issues a query to the database to identify all entities having a association with patent documents associated with the specified target entity. For example, the user may wish to receive a report on all the clients of a specific attorney. The system would search the database to locate all assignees of all patents prosecuted by that attorney and return a ranked list of such assignees to the user. Optionally, the system may generate a graphical representation of the information in the report and provide it to the user. The report provided to the user may be interactive in a sense that various items of information within the report may be connected by way of links to additional reports with more specific information on those particular items. Additionally, the system may automatically update the patent document database with new records as they become available. |
| US08117191B2 |
XML database management system for an XML database comprising access-protected XML data
The present invention concerns an XML data base management system (XDBMS, 10) for an XML database (20) comprising XML documents (30), each XML document (30) comprising one or more structural elements (35) and adhering to an XML schema (40), wherein at least one of the structural elements (35) is protected against access of a user (60), the XDBMS (10) comprising: a. an optimizer (300) adapted to process an XQuery (50) of the user (60) comprising one or more XQuery expressions (55) and further adapted to generate an optimized XQuery execution plan (70); b. an execution engine (400) adapted to execute the optimized XQuery execution plan (70) to retrieve XML data (80) from the XML database (20), characterized in that c. the optimizer (300) is adapted to generate the optimized XQuery execution plan (70), so that all XQuery expressions (55) relating to one or more of the structural elements (35) which are protected against access of the user (60) are ignored by the optimizer (300). |
| US08117189B2 |
Method and system for pattern matching having holistic twig joins
A method of query pattern matching uses a chain of linked stacks to compactly represent partial results to root-to-leaf query paths, which are then composed to obtain matches for the twig pattern. |
| US08117188B1 |
Evaluation of multiple Xpath queries in a streaming XPath processor
Evaluation of Multiple XPath Queries in a Streaming XPath Processor. A hit of a location path is determined in a SAX event. All XPath queries corresponding to the location path are then identified. XML nodes associated with the SAX event is identified as potential output nodes for all XPath queries including the location path as a main location path. The potential output nodes are nodes satisfying criteria of a node test of a last location step of the main location path. The potential output nodes are then buffered for all XPath queries comprising unevaluated predicates. For each XPath query the potential output nodes are buffered at a location step including an unevaluated predicate. Thereafter, all XPath queries are evaluated by progressively evaluating the unevaluated predicates of all XPath queries based on availability of data. |
| US08117185B2 |
Media discovery and playlist generation
A computer implemented method and system that generates a video playlist having recommended videos based on a user query object is disclosed. A user query object is used to search for a number of web pages. Summaries are generated for the returned web page search results. Valuable terms and phrases from those summaries may be extracted and used to search video storage sites based on the original user query. Playable videos returned from the video storage sites may be compared to the user query or to the extracted terms and phrases in order to rank the videos, and the most relevant videos may be returned. Those videos may be displayed to the user as a playlist in an Internet browser having an embedded video player. |
| US08117184B2 |
SQL adapter business service
A Structured Query Language (SQL) adapter business service that converts data from a data set to a common representation format used for all data sets with which the SQL adapter business service interacts. Hence the SQL adapter business service can communicate with various internal and external systems independently of the native format in which those systems maintain and store data. The SQL adapter business service optimizes operations to update data in the data sets by combining operations when possible and by using result sets from executing previous SQL statements to construct subsequent SQL statements. SQL adapter business service takes advantage of parent/child relationships between tables to construct SQL statements in an order such that the SQL statements process only a minimum amount of data, thereby making retrieval of data as efficient as possible. |
| US08117182B2 |
Apparatus and method for optimizing descendant path evaluation in xpath/xquery
An apparatus and method for optimizing descendant path evaluation in XPath/XQuery includes generating a list of unique paths in a tree structure of an XML document. Each unique path includes one or more nodes of the tree structure. A query is received specifying a descendant node for retrieval from the tree structure. From the list, unique paths are identified that include the descendant node. A navigation aid is then generated to assist in traversing the unique paths that include the descendant node. Using the navigation aid as a guide, descendant nodes in the tree structure may be retrieved by traversing only unique paths that include the descendant node. |
| US08117180B2 |
Personal mashups
In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for automated creation of a mashup is provided, the method comprising: receiving data needs of a user; identifying sources of data to satisfy the data needs by comparing the data needs to available data sources; retrieving metadata relating to the identified sources of data from a source metadata store; identifying services to satisfy the data needs by comparing the retrieved metadata to available services; retrieving metadata related to the identified services from a service metadata store; and generating a plan for supplying data from the identified sources of data to the identified services based on the retrieved metadata from the source metadata source and the retrieved metadata from the service metadata source. |
| US08117176B2 |
Food nutrition management system and method
A food nutrition management system provides a portable electronic device to a user for inputting a personal data and special codes. The personal data and the special codes are received by a register and management unit for further registering at a database. The database is searched for a food nutrition component table corresponding to a special code. The food nutrition component table searched is transmitted for displaying on a display unit, stored in the database when a store instruction is input through the portable device, and analyzed and compared with a suggestion of daily ingestion amounts per person for a variety of nutrition when an inquiry instruction is input. The portable electronic device displays current and past ingestion amounts for the variety of nutrition and notices the user of which nutrition is insufficient or surplus and of the possible diseases and symptoms. |
| US08117171B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for updating web content
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for dynamically updating web content using W3C standards. One such method sends a request to a web server for a web page. A web browser receives and renders a static HTML web page. The web browser periodically sends a query to the web server and, in response, receives a latest date and time stamp indicating the latest update to the web page. The web browser compares the latest date and time stamp to a previously stored date and time stamp representing a previous update. If the latest date and time stamp matches the previously stored date and time stamp, then no update has occurred and no update is required. If, however, the date and time stamps do not match, then the web page has changed since the previous update and the web browser retrieves the latest update to the web page. |
| US08117167B2 |
Method and data processing system with data replication
There is provided a technique capable of executing a predetermined processing while continuing a database processing. Firstly, the database to be operated is switched from the main database to a duplicate database. The predetermined processing is executed to the main database which becomes the non-operation mode by the switching. Next, a database access request is distributed to the duplicate database which becomes the operation mode by the switching, thereby performing the database processing. Update information indicating the content of the update processing performed to the duplicate database is output. The output update information is reflected on the main data base for which the predetermined processing has been executed. After this, the database to be operated is switched from the duplicate database to the main database. |
| US08117161B2 |
Storage system, NAS server and snapshot acquisition method
A storage system including: a storage device for storing a file; a plurality of file systems for managing the file; and a plurality of NAS servers that control access from a client to the file systems via a global namespace formed by grouping local namespaces for the one or more file systems; wherein, each NAS server includes a memory to store global namespace management information including global paths of the file systems; one NAS server of the NAS servers accepts a request to obtain snapshots of the file systems from external of the storage system; the one NAS server instructs itself and the other NAS servers to obtain snapshots of the file systems; the one NAS server and the other NAS servers obtain the snapshots of the file systems, and inform the one NAS server of snapshot identifiers and of local paths of the snapshots; the one NAS server makes snapshot management information including global paths of the snapshots based on each of the snapshot identifiers received from the other NAS servers and each of the global paths of file systems corresponding to the snapshots, included in the namespace management information so that both the global paths of the file systems and the global paths of the snapshots are configured on the same global namespace simultaneously, with a directory configuration of the snapshots being same in configuration layout as a directory configuration of the file systems; and the one NAS server informs the other NAS servers of the snapshot management information. |
| US08117152B2 |
System and method for the synchronization of a file in a cache
The present invention provides a system and method of synchronizing a cache that substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages associated with previously developed systems and methods of synchronizing caches. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for bi-directional synchronization of a cache. One embodiment of the system of this invention includes a software program stored on a computer readable medium. The software program can be executed by a computer processor to run in user space and perform steps comprising: receiving a database asset from a database; storing the database asset as a cached file in a cache; determining if the cached file has been modified; and if the cached file has been modified, communicate the cached file directly to the database. In one embodiment of the present invention, the software program can determine if the cached file has been modified through automatic notification from a file management system. Alternatively, the software program can poll a cached file to determine if the cached file has changed. In another embodiment of the present invention, the software program can be further executable to perform the step of prompting an operating system to open the cached file in an application associated with the cached file's file type. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the software program can be further executable to receive notifications from a database of when contention for a database asset occurs. Thus, bi-directional synchronization can occur. |
| US08117149B1 |
Prediction weighting method based on prediction contexts
A method for prediction weights determination for use in compression (particularly image compression) and forecasting applications. Prediction weights determining significance of different predictions when calculating generalized prediction are calculated using specific context-based procedure. Information about already known best predictions in close neighborhood of the position being processed is used to form prediction context. Number of times each particular prediction was the best prediction in past in current prediction context is treated as a prediction weight. |
| US08117148B2 |
Automatic updating apparatus, automatic updating method, and programmable storage medium embodying program to perform method for automatic updating
An automatic updating apparatus includes a start instructing unit that outputs an analysis start signal at given intervals, an access count analysis unit that calculates an access count for each of menus indicated in a menu list on a network in response to the analysis start signal, calculates predictive evaluated values based on a variation in the access count within a unit time for each of the menus indicated in the menu list, and outputs a start signal unless the predictive evaluated values are arranged in order of a magnitude relation, and a menu updating unit that acquires the predictive evaluated values according to the start signal, and updates contents of the menus indicated in the menu list according to respective magnitude relations of the predictive evaluated values. |
| US08117147B1 |
Type 4 KASER (knowledge amplification by structured expert randomization) providing case-based inductive and analogical reasoning
A method for reaching conclusions from stratified knowledge statements (SKSs) comprising: storing a list of SKSs in at least one memory store on a computer, wherein the list of SKSs is composed of cases, generalizations, and analogs, wherein cases are the most valid, and analogs are the least valid of the SKSs; creating a new generalization based on one of the SKSs; redefining a user-validated generalization as a new case; moving the validated new generalization to the logical head of the case list; expunging the new generalization from the list if the new generalization contradicts an existing case creating with the computer a new analog based on three of the SKSs; redefining a user-validated analog as a new case; moving the new case to the logical head of the case list; and expunging the new analog from the list if the new analog contradicts an existing case, or generalization. |
| US08117144B2 |
Generating predilection cohorts
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for generating risk scores for specific risk cohorts. Digital sensor data associated with a specific risk cohort is received from a set of multimodal sensors. The specific risk cohort includes a set of identified cohort members. The digital sensor data includes metadata describing attributes associated with at least one cohort member in the set of identified cohort members. Description data for each cohort member in the set of identified cohort members is retrieved to form a set of cohort description data. The description data for each cohort member comprises data describing a previous history of the cohort member or a current status of the cohort member. The cohort member is a person, animal, plant, thing, or location. A specific risk score is generated for the specific risk cohort based on selected risk factors, the attributes associated with the at least one identified member, and the set of cohort description data. A response action is initiated in response to a determination that the specific risk score exceeds a risk threshold. |
| US08117135B2 |
Concerned information recommendation system and method considering user's watching or listening time and maximum playing time of contents
A user-concerned information recommendation system and method considering user's watching or listening time and the maximum playing time of contents are disclosed. The user-concerned information provision system includes a plurality of user terminals to provide contents transmitted from an external server to a user, a user-concerned information inference server to infer an association relationship between the contents based on information of maximum playing time and actual playing time of the contents provided to the user terminals, and a content provision server to provide a content requested by an arbitrary one of the user terminals and other contents associated with the requested content according to the inferred association relationship to the arbitrary one of the user terminals when receiving a request of the content from the arbitrary one of the user terminals, thereby providing more accurate user-concerned information to the user. |
| US08117133B2 |
System and method for providing regional community-based membership service
Disclosed herein is a system and method for providing a regional community-based membership service. The method includes registering a customer visiting a certain region as a membership service customer through classification of the customer according to a degree of private relation with the region or according to whether the customer is a foreigner; authenticating a membership of the customer by a service terminal linked to a membership service system server via on-line communication, processing provision of various services by the service terminal, the various service including reservation and commodity purchase ordered from the authenticated customer, and settling or storing details of the services provided to the membership service customer in a database of the service system server. The method enables establishment of a variety of regional community-based businesses and an increase in number of visitors to the region by providing specified regional services to members of the membership service. |
| US08117130B2 |
Batch loading and self-registration of digital media files
Methods and apparatus for batch loading and self-registration of digital media files is provided. The system provides numerous methods of interfacing with a content outlet. The methods further include comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The methods also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The methods further include monetizing the methods between both retailers and right-holders using the system. Additionally, the method may include providing retail analysis, resolving disputes, and distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content. |
| US08117128B2 |
Content usage management system method, and program providing medium therefor
When the encrypted content is provided from a service provider to a user device, a usage log including information of the content usage fee is created in the user device. The created usage log is then sent to the service provider. The service provider compares the content usage fee in the received usage log with a predetermined threshold. If the content usage fee is found to exceed the predetermined threshold, the service provider requests a clearing center to inquire about the electronic money balance of the user. If it is determined that it seems difficult to collect money from the user, the transmission of a content key to the user is suspended. The clearing center also creates an issue log in which the effective period and an allowable amount of money spent by the user are set, and performs settlement processing only when the payment of the content usage fee has been made within the effective period. |
| US08117126B1 |
Method and system for using reward points to liquidate products
A user selects a product to be liquidated from a product provider and then designates to the transacting entity that reward points are to be used towards the purchase of the liquidated product. The transacting entity acts to decrease the number of reward points in the user's reward account by the required number of points. The reward account holder conveys consideration to the transacting entity equivalent to the par value of the reward points consumer obtains the product in exchange for reward points having a retail value equivalent to what he would have otherwise paid for the product, while the reward account holder is required to convey only the par value of the points. The product provider is able to liquidate the product and obtain payment equivalent to what it would otherwise have obtained in a prior art liquidation process, auction or trading environment. |
| US08117123B1 |
Local storage and presentation of self-help information
A mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device comprises a display, a memory, and an application. The memory contains wireless communication service account information comprising at least one of an identification of a service plan, a terms of the service plan, a date of the service plan, a current count of consumed service minutes, a current count of consumed text messages, a current count of unused service minutes, a current count of unused text messages, and a record of a plurality of most recent communication sessions. The application, when executed on the mobile device, receives updates of the wireless communication service account information and writes the updated wireless communication service account information to the memory. The application, when selected by an input, also presents at least some of the wireless communication service account information on the display. |
| US08117122B1 |
Methods and systems for managing transaction card accounts
Methods and systems for managing transaction card accounts in which cardholders are permitted to incur transaction charge balances on existing transaction card accounts and substituting the existing transaction card for each of at least a portion of the plurality of cardholders with a different transaction card product upon an occurrence of one of termination of a private label or co-branded agreement and a predetermined level of inactivity on the transaction card account which has significant additional features and benefits absent from the existing transaction card product. |
| US08117120B2 |
Computer system and method for networked interchange of data and information for members of the real estate financial and related transactional services industry
An Interchange Party Computer System (“IPCS”) comprising: a plurality of units of allocated resources, configured for a lender party, broker party, transaction party and/or investor party, each unit of allocated resources including one or more administrator user interfaces that allow a participating party to manage its allocated resources and define which of its users and which other participating parties may access its allocated resources and use elements thereof, wherein at least one of the allocated resources include database allocated resources that are managed by the participating party assigned the resources, the allocated resources for the database being accessible and usable by a participating party on terms defined by the participating party responsible for managing the database allocated resources wherein at least one of the allocated resources include at one or more modules selected from the group of: a Rate and Loan Program Module that includes means to define loan programs or search defined loan programs in a database, an Automated Underwriting Module, a Mortgage Pools Module; a File Status and Transaction Party Module, which includes means to do two or more of: assign tasks, present task status, control viewing of task status, assign viewing privileges, monitor satisfaction of lender conditions, and upload loan documentation that are managed by the participating party assigned the resources; the allocated resources for the selected modules being accessible and usable by a participating party on terms defined by the participating party responsible for managing the selected modules allocated resources. |
| US08117119B2 |
Systems and methods of trading closed loans, debt, and other financial obligations
A method of trading individual, closed residential mortgage loans without loans being presented in a structured pool. The method includes authorizing a file associated with an individual, closed residential mortgage loan to be made available to a plurality of potential buyers and converting information in the file into electronic file data for submittal to the plurality of potential buyers. The information in the file includes information of importance to the potential buyer in understanding the loan. The method also includes making the electronic file data available to the plurality of potential buyers for review and purchase without pooling or averaging the electronic file data prior to making it available to the plurality of potential buyers, and prior to bidding, thereby making the risk of the individual, closed mortgage loan transparent to the plurality of potential buyers; receiving a bid from one or more of the potential buyers on the individual, closed residential mortgage loan; accepting the bid and forwarding a note associated with the file to a clearing agency for delivery to the potential buyer; and receiving funds from the clearing agency into a seller account as payment for the individual, closed residential mortgage loan. |
| US08117117B2 |
Loan origination system interface for online loan application processing
A loan origination system interface module, methods and computer program products. One computer program product for processing loan application data including instructions to extract loan application data including retrieving identification information for a loan application associated the loan application data from a broker device and displaying on the broker device a list of loan applications available to process in an interface that is consistent with a loan origination computer program associated with the broker device. In response to command input from the broker device selecting a loan application from the list of loan applications, the computer program product includes instructions to reformat loan application data for the selected loan application to a format compatible with that required by a lender device and transmit reformatted loan application data to a lender device. |
| US08117115B2 |
System and method for activity based margining
A system and method for factoring in a trader's trading activity into the margin requirements is disclosed. In the securities arena, day traders are assessed different margins than non-day-traders, however, the specific profile of the trader is analyzed (that is, the same rule applies to all day traders). |
| US08117110B2 |
Conversion of over-the-counter swaps to standardized forward swaps
Systems, processes and methods are described for converting over-the-counter derivative products such as interest rate swaps (IRSs) to standardized forward swaps, such as centrally cleared interest rate swaps. The value of each leg of the over-the counter swap may be determined and compared to a value of a corresponding leg of the forward swap. A mark-to-market value may be determined as the difference between the values. |
| US08117103B2 |
Method and systems for operationalizing process excellence
Method and systems for operationalizing process excellence. An execution methodology of the invention can meld process excellence with various tools and incorporate activity-based financial modeling, and an operating efficiency model. The overall process can be divided into sessions which can include pre-work, as well as characterizing “as-is” and “to-be” processes. The goal of the sessions is to create a continuous improvement productivity loop. The processes of the invention can be aided by apparatus including an instruction execution platform operable to store and execute computer program code instructions for implementing a plurality of the tools for use in characterizing the as-is and a to-be processes. One or more of these tools can be implemented in the form of a spreadsheet. A data store can be operatively connected to the instruction execution platform by a network to supply historical data and store results. |
| US08117102B1 |
System and method for assisted awareness
A data feed is monitored to determine whether a condition is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, an alert is initiated to attract a user's attention. Thereafter, playback mode is entered causing the example system to playback a short period of time-compressed data that occurred just prior to the event occurring to set context for the user. Once the playback signal has caught up with the real-time data feed, the data is output at normal levels. Other configurations, which are described herein, are also possible. |
| US08117098B2 |
Flexible and adaptive accrual method and apparatus for calculating and facilitating compliance with taxes and other obligations
A computer-based system and method calculates and facilitates revenue accrual, for making larger, less frequent payments of estimated taxes or other obligations. Payer preferences are applied to satisfy variable payment intervals, amounts, and available resources. The obligation, required payments, and set-aside schedules are recalculated as needed, under payer and/or system control. Excess accruals are minimized; set-aside schedules are configurable. The system may be self-contained, handheld, or accessed remotely. Automatic datalinks move information and command fund transfers from the payer's bank, to accrue funds and make payments to other accounts. A service host may support a plurality of payers to make set-asides and payments at various levels as needed, on an individual or batch basis, including individual taxpayer enrollment for batch file tax payments by service providers. Some embodiments can be embedded to enhance the capabilities of other systems. |
| US08117096B1 |
Private equity accounting and reporting system and method
A private equity accounting and reporting system and method are provided herein. |
| US08117095B2 |
Apparatus for supporting delivery and redistribution of perishable and time-sensitive goods using a shuffle run
Systems and methods provide for tracking, controlling, optimizing, and otherwise managing the delivery of perishable and time-sensitive goods such as newspapers, periodicals and promotional materials to consumers, both subscribers and non-subscribers, and to retail outlets. One exemplary arrangement includes a web server, a database server, and handheld computers. A database including at least route delivery information may be created and at least portions of the database may be communicated to respective handheld devices for display. Time-sensitive goods such as newspapers or periodicals may be delivered based at least in part on the information displayed on the handheld devices, which are also used to collect information during said delivery. The collected information is communicated to the database for billing, reporting and analysis. Features include intelligent advanced shuffle handling and tracking, web-based planning tools, sequencing of distribution outlets along a trip or route, delivery without employing paper lists, trip management/tracking, intermittent or continual connectivity and/or data reporting, time stamping/time-based tracking, and retail manager signature input as part of data collection. Support for ASP, service-oriented business models may be provided. |
| US08117094B2 |
Distribution channels and monetizing
A system to facilitate royalty tracking is provided. The system includes at least one tag to identify a portion of a creative work. A distribution component tracks the portion of the creative work and a crediting component reports usage of the creative work when the portion is detected in a larger body of work. |
| US08117092B2 |
Inventory management of components
A system for managing inventory of components in a room. The system includes an identification device configured to communicate identification information relating to an associated component, a reader device configured to substantially autonomously receive the identification information from the identification device, and means for identifying the locations of the identification devices. The system also includes a controller configured to communicate with the reader device and compile the identification information received from the reader device and the locations of the identification devices to maintain an inventory of the components. |
| US08117091B2 |
System and method for providing a certified photograph in a network environment
A method for providing a certified photograph in a network environment is offered that includes interfacing with one or more end users and managing information related to one or more of the end users. The method further includes displaying one or more photos of the end users and providing a label on the photos that certifies the photos as being substantially accurate. |
| US08117088B2 |
Method for on-line parts ordering
The present invention is a method of selling replacement parts for a product over a computer network including providing a plurality of product manufacturer selection options for a customer to select from, receiving a manufacturer selection of one of the product manufacturers, providing a plurality of product selections for the customer to select from, receiving a product selection of one of the products, providing a schematic illustrating a plurality of component parts of the product with associated reference identifiers, receiving a selection of at least one of the component parts, providing a description of the component part selected, including at least one name for the component part and at least one part number for the component part. |
| US08117085B1 |
Data mining processes for supporting item pair recommendations
Data mining systems and methods are disclosed for generating data that is helpful to users in selecting between items represented in an electronic data repository, such as an electronic catalog. One disclosed data mining method generates pairwise comparison data for particular pairs of items based on aggregated user activity data reflective of item consideration actions and item selection actions of users. Another data mining method uses item viewing histories and item purchase histories of users in combination to assess whether particular items are good candidates for being purchased or recommended in combination. Statistical data resulting from one or both of these data mining methods may be presented to users (e.g., on electronic catalog pages) to assist users in making informed item selection decisions. |
| US08117079B1 |
Offsetting environmental impact of electronic transactions
The environmental impact of various transactions can be reduced or offset by determining the impact of various shipping and packaging options, and providing these options to customers. Customers then have the ability to select options that reduce the environmental impact of each transaction. A customer also can purchase environmental offsets to offset the determined impact. Customers can be provided with environmental impact information determined or tracked for each item viewed by the customer, such that each customer can be informed of the additional impact of each individual when making a selection. The selections and/or actions of a customer can be tracked such that environmentally friendly options and suggestions can be provided for subsequent transactions. |
| US08117077B2 |
Method and system of online shopping via third party using blog
A system of online shopping via a sales agent includes user terminals (1); seller terminals (21); sales agent terminals (22); two web servers (3) wherein one web server (3) comprises a seller blog (31) including item description web pages (3W1), and the other web server (3) comprises a sales agent blog (32) including item web pages (3W2); an online billing platform (4); and bank terminals (5). The user terminals (1), the seller terminals (21), the sales agent terminals (22), the web servers (3), the online billing platform (4), and the bank terminals (5) are connected together via the Internet (6). Methods of online shopping via a third party (e.g., sales agent or OEM) using a blog are also provided. |
| US08117076B2 |
Method and apparatus for simplified e-commerce shopping via home shopping terminals
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for connecting an e-shopping facility with an e-shopping or merchandise provider via a communications network through the use of an e-shopping appliance. |
| US08117072B2 |
Promoting strategic documents by bias ranking of search results on a web browser
A method, software and apparatus are provided which enable a user to obtain products and services in a manner which counteracts conflicting actions modifying raw ranking data based on merchants interests. For this purpose, an information a user's web browser is provided with modules that modify search results obtained from one or more sources including directly from merchants. When the user enters a set of key words in an entry field in an on-screen form for a web server to obtain a list of items (products and/or services) of interest to the user, the search terms are modified in the users or his agents browser to reflect the interest of the user, his management or his parents. The user or his agent receives ranking information taking the highest ranked products and obtains the product information for the most highly ranked products. The browser then reranks the products using a ranking algorithm preferred by the user that offsets information sources biases in the ranking of the product information. The algorithm adds weighting factors reflecting the modified search terms. The weighting factors are combined with the mentioned ranking mechanisms to the documents to increase the probability that certain items come to the top when the search results are presented to the shopper. |
| US08117071B1 |
Method and system for matching via an image search query at a point of sale
A method for matching an unknown product to an offered product profile at a point of sale involves obtaining a first sensory input from the unknown product, where the first sensory input comprises at least a portion of an image, assigning a value to one or more characteristics of the first sensory input, searching a first product repository for a matching product profile using a pre-defined range based on the value of the one or more characteristics of the first sensory input, identifying the matching product profile on the first product repository when the offered product profile is within the pre-defined range, wherein the matching product profile includes a plurality of product information data, and conducting a transaction at the point of sale using the plurality of product information data. |
| US08117064B2 |
Systems and methods for workforce optimization and analytics
Systems and methods are disclosed for an optimizing operations at a contact center. In one embodiment, an integrated contact center comprises: a content recorder configured to record content of plurality of agent interactions; an analytics component configured to perform speech analysis on at least a portion of the agent interactions, and further configured to evaluate the interactions based on a plurality of criteria, producing a score; and a quality monitor configured to associate the analyzed interactions with interaction metadata. |
| US08117062B2 |
Digital online exchange
A system for dynamically pricing media content is operatively coupled to one or more clients over a network. The system dynamically adjusts pricing of the media content and delivers the media content to the clients that order the media content at a dynamically adjusted price. The price can be dynamically adjusted based on profit optimization. Alternatively or additionally, the price can be adjusted based to time between purchases. Further, the system is capable of rewarding institutions for allowing their members to access the system. |
| US08117054B2 |
Method for estimating task stress factors from temporal work patterns
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for estimating a number of stress factors related to a worker. During operation, the system records a sequence of work steps of the worker for a predetermined period of time, and extracts a number of temporal patterns (T-patterns) from the sequence of work steps. Based on the extracted T-patterns, the system calculates T-pattern statistics, and applies a classification method on the calculated T-pattern statistics to produce a classification result. The system then estimates one or more of the stress factors based on the classification result. |
| US08117053B2 |
Claims based factory pattern for creating objects
A claims-based factory pattern is described for creating objects on an application server. The pattern extends the functionality of factories to include the operations of staking a claim to creating particular objects and re-evaluating their claim in light of other factories staking claims. A process to create an object includes checking all registered factories to see whether they are willing to stake a claim. The claims are then compared to select a factory having the highest claim. If two or more factories have the same claim, they are asked to re-evaluate the claim by providing them information regarding other factories that have also staked a claim. Once the factories have re-evaluated their claims, their number can be reduced to a single factory that will be used to create the object. Alternatively, if no factory can be singled out, the caller can be informed of the deadlock. |
| US08117046B2 |
Method for clinician house calls utilizing portable computing and communications equipment
Mobile clinicians conduct in-home patient visits utilizing on-site diagnostic and treatment equipment, where service is enhanced by the use of portable computing and communications equipment. Initially, a mobile care entity provides a network of predesignated mobile clinicians, each having the use of a preprogrammed portable computer. Each computer is coupled to a wireless communications device, and includes local storage of patient data. Under a predetermined schedule, each portable computer updates patient data in the local storage utilizing the wireless communications device to download updates from a central storage facility. Whenever the mobile care entity receives requests for medical service at a patient's premises, the entity selects a mobile clinician and dispatches him/her to the patient's premises. The clinician visits the patient's premises accompanied by an assortment of electronic diagnostic and treatment devices, such as a pulse oximiter, x-ray machine, lab analyzer, EKG equipment, etc. To examine the patient, the doctor utilizes various diagnostic devices to prepare machine-readable reports of related aspects of the patient's condition. The clinician directs the portable computer to perform follow-up tasks including: (1) electronically collecting the prepared reports and graphically presenting them in human-readable form, (2) storing a machine-readable medical record including details of the patient's exam, and (3) utilizing the wireless device to transmit the reports and records to the central storage facility. |
| US08117042B2 |
Communication and interface support system
A system supports, adaptively processing HL7 compatible transaction message data of different HL7 version as well as conversion of transactions between HL7 versions and operational validation of transaction messages. A system for processing HL7 protocol compatible data comprises an interface for establishing a communication link enabling acquisition of HL7 compatible transaction messages. An acquisition processor acquires multiple different HL7 compatible transaction messages including healthcare data using the communication link. An HL7 data processor automatically parses an HL7 compatible transaction message to identify HL7 items indicating type of information conveyed at a location in the transaction message identified in response to a predetermined message location identifier. The HL7 data processor automatically adaptively routes acquired HL7 compatible transaction messages to multiple different storage destinations based on the identified HL7 items indicating type of information conveyed in response to predetermined information associating HL7 items and type of information conveyed with corresponding storage destinations. |
| US08117039B2 |
Multi-staging recursive audio frame-based resampling and time mapping
A multi-stage recursive sample rate converter (“SRC”) typically embodied as digital signal processor provides for an efficient structure for converting digital audio samples at one frequency, such as 48 kHz, to another frequency, such as 44.1 kHz. A parameter codebook comprising memory stores parameters used at a plurality of stages by the SRC. For each stage, a controller coordinates the SRC to use the appropriate set of parameters from the codebook, process an input audio sample stream, and store the intermediate results in a buffer. The controller then causes the intermediate results to be processed again as input to the SRC in a subsequent stage of processing using a different set of parameters. The process is repeated until all stages are completed, and the final results are the output digital audio data stream at the desired sampling rate. |
| US08117038B2 |
Universal container for audio data
Storing audio data encoded in any of a plurality of different audio encoding formats is enabled by parametrically defining the underlying format in which the audio data is encoded, in audio format and packet table chunks. A flag can be used to manage storage of the size of the audio data portion of the file, such that premature termination of an audio recording session does not result in an unreadable corrupted file. This capability can be enabled by initially setting the flag to a value that does not correspond to a valid audio data size and that indicates that the last chunk in the file contains the audio data. State information for the audio data, to effectively denote a version of the file, and a dependency indicator for dependent metadata, may be maintained, where the dependency indicator indicates the state of the audio data on which the metadata is dependent. |
| US08117037B2 |
Adaptive information presentation apparatus and methods
An adaptive advertising apparatus and associated methods. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a computer readable medium having at least one computer program disposed thereon, the at least one program being configured to adaptively present (e.g., display) advertising-related content (e.g., audio, video, images, etc.) that is contextually related to inputs provided via an input device such as a for example touch-screen display device. In one variant, the at least one program analyzes user input to determine a context of the input, and selects advertising related to the context for presentation to the user. |
| US08117031B2 |
Voice processing apparatus and program
A voice processing apparatus has a storage device that stores registration information containing a characteristic parameter of a given voice. The voice processing apparatus is further provided with a judgment unit, a management unit and a notification unit. The judgment unit judges whether an input voice is appropriate or not for creating or updating the registration information based on a degree of a difference between an inter-band correlation matrix of an input voice acquired this time and an inter-band correlation matrix of another input voice that is judged as being appropriate last time. The management unit creates or updates the registration information based on a characteristic parameter of the input voice when the judgment unit judges that the input voice is appropriate. The notification unit notifies a speaker of the input voice when the judgment unit judges that the input voice is inappropriate. |
| US08117029B2 |
Method and apparatus for matching sound quality measurement sections of variable bandwidth multi-codec
Provided is a transmission apparatus for matching sound quality measurement sections of a variable bandwidth multi-codec. The apparatus includes a measurement section setting unit setting a measurement section, which is to be measured for sound quality, in units of time; a first conversion unit converting the measurement section into a measurement section in units of samples; and an information synthesis unit synthesizing information regarding the measurement section in units of samples with a digital original sound and outputting the synthesis result. In addition, provided is a method of matching a measurement section of a reference sound, based on which the end-to-end sound quality measurement of the variable bandwidth multi-codec is performed, and a measurement section of a sound produced by the variable bandwidth multi-codec in a real-time Internet multimedia service. Therefore, distortion of measurement results due to un-matching measurement sections can be reduced. |
| US08117028B2 |
Method and device for code conversion between audio encoding/decoding methods and storage medium thereof
When performing audio communication by using different encoding/decoding methods, a code obtained by encoding audio by a certain method is converted into a code decodable by another method with a high audio quality and a small calculation amount. In a code conversion device for converting a first code string into a second code string, an audio decoding circuit acquires a first linear prediction coefficient and excitation signal information from the first code string and drives the filter having the first linear prediction coefficient by the excitation signal obtained from the excitation signal information, thereby creating a first audio signal. A fixed codebook code generation circuit uses the fixed codebook information and minimizes the distance between the second audio signal generated from the information obtained from the second code string and the first audio signal, thereby obtaining the fixed codebook information in the second code string. |
| US08117022B2 |
Method and system for machine understanding, knowledge, and conversation
A system for storing knowledge in a speakable, formal class of languages and allowing querying and retrieving of that knowledge is provided. The system further allows the users to input data, instructions, questions, and queries without structure or rules over and above the actual grammar of the class of languages. The system responds in words, phrases or complete sentences as applicable, and its output is bound by the rules of logic, rather than simple correlation or likely meaning. |
| US08117018B2 |
Determining structural dip and azimuth from LWD resistivity measurements in anisotropic formations
Cross-component measurements in combination with standard propagation resistivity measurements are processed to estimate the vertical and horizontal resistivities, relative dip and relative azimuth of an anisotropic earth formation. |
| US08117017B2 |
Engine performance model
A method of constructing a piecewise linear engine performance model, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a non-linear engine performance model which iteratively calculates engine performance variables y from a plurality of sub-models, each sub-model representing the performance of a component of the engine; (b) defining a plurality of engine power conditions, each engine power condition being defined by one or more engine state variables x; (c) for each of the engine power conditions, using the non-linear engine performance model to determine partial derivatives δy of the engine performance variables y with respect to engine control variables u and with respect to the engine state variables x, the values of the partial derivatives δy being determined so that, on integrating the partial derivatives δy, the error between steady state values for the engine performance variables y calculated by the non-linear engine performance model and steady state values for the engine performance variables y calculated from the integrated partial derivatives δy is reduced or eliminated; and (d) constructing a piecewise linearised engine performance model in which calculation of the engine performance variables y involves combining each of the engine control variables u and the engine state variables x with the respective partial derivative δy. |
| US08117016B2 |
System and method for oilfield production operations
The invention relates to a method of performing production operations. The method includes identifying a plurality of simulators from a group consisting of a wellsite simulator for modeling at least a portion of the wellsite of the oilfield and a non-wellsite simulator for modeling at least a portion of a non-wellsite portion of the oilfield, defining a first strategy template comprising a first condition defined based on a first variable of the plurality of simulators and a first action defined based on a control parameter of the plurality of simulators, wherein execution of the first action during simulation is determined based on the first condition in view of a logical relationship, developing a first strategy for managing the plurality of simulators during simulation, wherein the first strategy is developed using the first strategy template, and selectively simulating the operations of the oilfield using the plurality of simulators based on the first strategy. |
| US08117015B2 |
Analytical model creation system
An analytical model creation system can create a desired analytical model by adding a given shape change to an existing analytical model. The system includes an adjacent partial analytical model interlocking section for performing an interlocking change process. The interlocking change process is performed on the existing analytical model as a combined analytical model comprising a plurality of partial analytical models. The process assumes any one of the partial analytical models in the combined analytical model to be a change-targeted partial analytical model. The process allows a partial analytical model adjacent to the change-targeted partial analytical model to reflect a shape change given to the change-targeted partial analytical model. The process thereby makes a shape change to the adjacent partial analytical model in interlock with the shape change. |
| US08117013B2 |
Apparatus, method and program storage device for determining high-energy neutron/ion transport to a target of interest
An apparatus, method and program storage device for determining high-energy neutron/ion transport to a target of interest. Boundaries are defined for calculation of a high-energy neutron/ion transport to a target of interest; the high-energy neutron/ion transport to the target of interest is calculated using numerical procedures selected to reduce local truncation error by including higher order terms and to allow absolute control of propagated error by ensuring truncation error is third order in step size, and using scaling procedures for flux coupling terms modified to improve computed results by adding a scaling factor to terms describing production of j-particles from collisions of k-particles; and the calculated high-energy neutron/ion transport is provided to modeling modules to control an effective radiation dose at the target of interest. |
| US08117012B2 |
Method for determining cooling requirements of a computer system enclosure
A computer-implemented method is used for determining cooling requirements of a computer system enclosure, where the enclosure includes a number of installed modules, the modules including fan modules. The method includes the steps of determining an individual impedance curve of each installed module; determining fan curves for the installed fan modules; based on the individual impedance curves, determining an overall system impedance curve for the computer system; determining desired performance requirements for the computer system; based on the desired performance requirements, determining corresponding fan curves; and choosing a fan curve that intersects the system impedance curve. |
| US08117003B2 |
Method of monitoring an electrochemical half-cell
A method of monitoring an electrochemical second order half-cell (1, 101) is provided, as is a measuring probe with at least one electrochemical second order half-cell (101), a control- and/or regulation unit (7) to close an electrochemical contact between the half-cell and a measuring medium (8), and with at least one temperature sensor (9, 10). The half-cell includes an electrolyte (4) and a first conductor element (2) in contact with the electrolyte and which holds a first electrical potential (E1). The half-cell also has a second conductor element (3) in contact with the electrolyte, the second conductor holding a second electrical potential (E2). The two conductor elements (2, 3) comprise the same metal. The first conductor element has a coating (6) of a low-solubility salt of the same metal. The control- and/or regulation unit includes a program for executing a method of monitoring the electrochemical half-cell. |
| US08116999B2 |
Control of delivery of current through one or more discharge lamps
Method to identify a current drawn by a fluorescent lamp in a circuit. Methods include receiving a voltage supplied to a fluorescent lamp drawing a current in response to the voltage, digitally sampling the voltage at a sampling frequency and associating a first time stamp with a voltage value representing one of a maximum or minimum value in observed voltage, receiving the current after receiving the voltage, digitally sampling the current at the sampling frequency and associating multiple second time stamps with a corresponding multiple current values, identifying a second time stamp, a difference between the first time stamp and the second time stamp being within a threshold, and identifying a current value associated with the second time stamp as the current drawn by the fluorescent lamp. |
| US08116998B2 |
Battery health assessment estimator
A battery state of health estimator and similar method, system and computer product is disclosed providing for a estimate of a state of health (SOH) of one or more batteries, comprising, estimating a sampling of internal resistances of the one or more batteries, generating a time history of the internal resistance over a predetermined amount of time, generating a cumulative internal resistance histogram from the time history, calculating a final estimate of internal resistance of one or more batteries which represents the calculated SOH of one or more batteries and comparing the calculated SOH to a predetermined critical resistance threshold. If the calculated SOH is less than the predetermined critical resistance threshold, the battery is in no worse than a “Blue Monday” condition, and if the calculated SOH is greater than the critical resistance threshold, then the one or more batteries has failed. |
| US08116997B2 |
Battery-capacity supervisory control device and method thereof
A battery-capacity supervisory control device includes a DC current/DC voltage detecting loop, a microprocessor and a display unit. The DC current/DC voltage detecting loop is connected between a battery and a power inverter for detecting a first voltage value before the battery electrically discharges, and a second voltage value as well as an output current value of the battery after electrically discharging for a time unit of the battery, to calculate the available capacity of the battery and to calculate the available time of the battery under loading according to the available capacity of the battery through the microprocessor. The display simultaneously displays the available time of the battery under loading and the available capacity of the battery. Therefore, a user effectively supervises and assures the battery is in the usable state. |
| US08116994B2 |
Method for locating an underground septic tank, conduit, or the like using injection/detection synchronization of an acoustic signal and digital signal processing
A non-invasive method for easily locating an underground septic tank, distribution box, field line, conduit, or underground cavity is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, prescribed acoustic signals are injected into an underground cavity via an accessible port and remotely detected by a time synchronized detector in contact with the ground which cross correlates the detected signal with a duplicate of the prescribed acoustic signal in order to reject background noise, and thus locate the underground cavity. A frequency sweep is conducted to exploit cavity resonance modes and thus further enhance the signal to noise ratio. |
| US08116993B2 |
Apparatus and methods for monitoring quantities of fluid in a container
The present technology relates to a volumetric measurement device and various methods for operation of the device. The device comprises at least one accelerometer for detecting the angle of tilt/tip of a container. The device also comprises at least one fluid property processor capable of providing at least one fluidic property value of a fluid, a flow-rate processor capable of continuously calculating the present flow rate of the fluid when poured from the container, and a volume processor capable of continuously calculating the present volume of the fluid within the container. The flow-rate processor calculates the rate of flow of the fluid poured from the container based on the angle of tilt/tip of the apparatus, the at least one fluid property value, and the present volume of fluid within the container. |
| US08116992B1 |
Apparatus and method for determining solids circulation rate
The invention relates to a method of determining bed velocity and solids circulation rate in a standpipe experiencing a moving packed bed flow, such as the in the standpipe section of a circulating bed fluidized reactor The method utilizes in-situ measurement of differential pressure over known axial lengths of the standpipe in conjunction with in-situ gas velocity measurement for a novel application of Ergun equations allowing determination of standpipe void fraction and moving packed bed velocity. The method takes advantage of the moving packed bed property of constant void fraction in order to integrate measured parameters into simultaneous solution of Ergun-based equations and conservation of mass equations across multiple sections of the standpipe. |
| US08116991B2 |
Device for measuring the flow rate of ringer solution
A device for measuring a flow rate of Ringer's solution includes a key input unit including a number input key through which a user can make an input each time when a drip drips in a drip chamber; a power supply unit for supplying power; an oscillation circuit for oscillating a signal having a preset frequency; a display unit for quantitatively outputting a calculated flow rate of Ringer's solution; and a control unit for calculating an elapsed time when the input is made through the number input key of the key input unit for a preset number of times, calculating the number of drips per an hour using the preset number of times and the calculated elapsed time, acquiring a quantitative flow rate of Ringer's solution by multiplying a preset volume of each drip and the calculated number of drips, and outputting the acquired flow rate to the display unit. |
| US08116988B2 |
Method for indexing nucleic acid sequences for computer based searching
The present invention relates to a method for indexing nucleic acid sequences to aid computer based searching of nucleic acid sequences by indexing a nucleotide sequence by the presence of unique Kmers in the sequence. The method of the present invention comprises utilizing an algorithm to automatically index a nucleic acid sequence. |
| US08116983B2 |
Device for quantitative analysis of a drug or metabolite profile
A device, in particular a sample preparation device for the quantitative analysis of a drug and/or metabolite profile in a biological sample, which includes an insert for such a device being impregnated with at least one internal standard, to the internal standard itself, and to a kit comprising the device. Further, the invention also relates to an apparatus containing the device, and to a method for the quantitative analysis of a drug and/or metabolite profile in a biological sample employing the device. |
| US08116979B2 |
System and method for determining a more accurate resistivity model of a geological formation using time-lapse well logging data
A system and a method for estimating a model of a geological formation are provided. The geological formation has a wellbore extending therethrough. The method includes obtaining a first resistivity log associated with the geological formation from a LWD sensor in the wellbore. The method further includes obtaining a second resistivity log associated with the geological formation from a WL sensor in the wellbore. The method further includes calculating a plurality of horizontal resistivity values associated with the geological formation by utilizing a first inversion technique and the first resistivity log. The method further includes obtaining a plurality of invaded zone resistivity values obtained from a micro-resistivity measurement device in the WL sensor. The method further includes calculating a plurality of invaded zone thickness values proximate the wellbore by utilizing a second inversion technique and the second resistivity log. |
| US08116975B2 |
Landmark information system for an aircraft
A landmark information system in an aircraft, by which landmark information system data relating to informing, instructing and entertaining passengers may be visually presented. An aircraft equipped with a landmark information system is also provided. The landmark information system comprises an aircraft window with at least one pane and a control unit. The at least one pane is coated with a translucent display that is coupled to the control unit, which, for the purpose of presenting information, is equipped to supply electrical current in a targeted manner to the display. Furthermore, the landmark information system comprises a landmark determination device which may provide geographic data relating to landmarks, for presentation on the translucent display. |
| US08116973B2 |
Vehicular display device, method of controlling the same, program, and storage medium having program stored therein
A vehicle has a plurality of traveling modes. A display device for the vehicle comprises: a display unit displaying map information; and a control unit causing the display unit to display recognizably, at a portion of roads in the map information, traveling modes that correspond to the roads. Preferably, the control unit sets a destination in response to an instruction received from an operator, searches for a traveling route extending from a starting point to the destination, divides the traveling route into segments, and associates one of the traveling modes with each of the segments. More preferably, the control unit causes the display unit to display the plurality of candidate traveling routes, each with the traveling mode overlaid thereon, and selects in response to an instruction of the operator one traveling route planned to be taken among the plurality of candidate traveling routes. |
| US08116968B2 |
Method for identification of traffic lane boundary
The invention provides a method for identification of traffic lane boundary. Firstly the microwave signal is received, and the noise reduction is treated for the microwave signal. Then the frequency domain information is employed to calculate the legal set of closed interval, in order to form the frequency span information. Finally, the probability density function model is employed to calculate the frequency span information in order to identify the traffic lane boundary. |
| US08116967B2 |
Control system for internal combustion engine
A control system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. In the control system, an engine state parameter is calculated using a self-organizing map for calculating a predetermined output parameter according to at least one engine operating parameter which indicates an operating condition of said engine. The engine state parameter indicates an engine state which is relevant to the predetermined output parameter. |
| US08116958B2 |
System and method for controlling driving force of hybrid electric vehicle
The present invention provides a system and method for controlling a driving force of a hybrid electric vehicle which can reduce clutch engagement shock generated during transition from an electric operation mode to an internal combustion engine running mode. For this purpose, the present invention provides a driving force control system of a hybrid electric vehicle including an engine, a motor-generator and a clutch, in which at least one starter-generator directly connected to the engine. The output torques of the engine and the starter-generator are controlled so as to make a difference between the rotational speed of the engine and the rotational speed of the motor-generator reach a predetermined threshold value, and the clutch is engaged when the difference between the rotational speeds reach the value. |
| US08116954B2 |
RPM to torque transition control
An engine control module comprises a torque control module, an engine speed (RPM) control module, and an actuator module. The torque control module determines a first desired torque based on a requested torque. The RPM control module selectively determines a second desired torque based on a desired RPM. The torque control module determines the first desired torque further based on the second desired torque when the engine control module is transitioning from an RPM control mode to a torque control mode. The RPM control module determines the second desired torque further based on the first desired torque when the engine control module is transitioning from the torque control mode to the RPM control mode. The actuator module controls an actuator of an engine based on the first and second desired torques. |
| US08116951B2 |
Transmission with substantially identical gear sets for torque load sharing
A transmission has an input member and an output member, first and second intermediate shafts having substantially identical gear sets with gears concentric with and selectively connectable for rotation with the first and second intermediate shafts, respectively. Output gears are concentric with and rotatable with the output member and mesh with the substantially identical gear sets. First and second torque-transmitting devices are operable for transmitting torque from the input member to the first and second intermediate shafts, respectively. Torque-transmitting mechanisms are mounted concentric with, rotatable about and selectively engagable with the gears mounted on the intermediate shafts. A controller is operatively connected to the torque-transmitting mechanisms and to at least one of the torque-transmitting devices. The torque-transmitting mechanisms and torque-transmitting devices may be engaged such that torque is carried substantially equally by both intermediate shafts during a speed ratio established between the input member and the output member. |
| US08116947B2 |
Safety arrangement for a vehicle using separate sensing and control units
A vehicle safety arrangement having a sensor unit (7) comprising at least one sensor (8, 9) responsive to acceleration; an actuator (13) for activating a safety device, the actuator being located remotely from the sensor unit; and a control unit (2) located remotely from the sensor unit and from the actuator, the control unit having no sensors responsive to acceleration and being operable to receive information from the sensor unit and to transmit an actuating command to the actuator to activate the safety device. |
| US08116942B2 |
Steering angle control apparatus for vehicle
A steering angle control apparatus for a vehicle includes a first calculating means calculating a longitudinal force, a second calculating device calculating a longitudinal force difference between at least one of right side wheels and at least one of left side wheels based on the longitudinal force, a third calculating device calculating a contribution rate of front wheels at a steering angle control and a contribution rate of rear wheels at the steering angle control, a fourth calculating device calculating a front wheel correction steering angle and a rear wheel correction steering angle based on the contribution rate of the front wheel, the contribution rate of the rear wheel, and a state quantity including the longitudinal force difference, and a driving device outputting a control command value based on the front wheel correction steering angle and the rear wheel correction steering angle. |
| US08116940B2 |
Systems and method for collecting data in a vehicle
A data collection system for a vehicle is provided. The data collection system includes a first data collection node configured to obtain data from a vehicle subsystem, and a processor communicatively coupled to the data collection node via a wiring system, wherein the wiring system includes a plurality of conductors and an overbraid surrounding said plurality of conductors, said overbraid comprising at least one fiber optic cable integrally woven therein and configured for the transmission of data related to an operational status of the vehicle subsystem. |
| US08116936B2 |
Method and system for efficient data collection and storage
A system for collecting and storing performance data for an engine is provided. The system includes one or more sensors configured to generate sensor data signals representative of one or more engine data performance parameters. The system further includes a data sampling component, a data quantizing component, a data storage sampling rate component, a data encoding component and a data storage component. The data sampling component is configured to sample the sensor data signals at a data sampling rate. The data quantizing component is configured to generate quantized data samples corresponding to the sampled sensor data signals. The data storage sampling rate component is configured to determine a data storage sampling rate for the quantized data samples, based on an analysis of at least a subset of the quantized data samples. The data encoding component is configured to encode the quantized data samples according to the data storage sampling rate, and the data storage component is configured to store the encoded data samples from the encoding component. |
| US08116933B2 |
Reverse failure analysis method and apparatus for diagnostic testing
A reverse failure analyzer determines a group of diagnostic test procedures related to a particular vehicle component from a pool of diagnostic procedures, and then identifies the specific failure modes of each of the diagnostic test procedures. The reverse failure analyzer further associates the specific failure modes with the respective vehicle component associated with each of the diagnostic test procedures, and the symptoms associated with each of the diagnostic test procedures to the correlated vehicle components and failure modes. In addition, the reverse failure analyzer can cross-reference various vehicle components that can be the root cause of a particular symptom or a vehicle operational problem. Furthermore, the reverse failure analyzer can receive observed symptoms regarding a particular test subject vehicle and correlate the observed symptoms to the vehicle components that can cause the symptoms based on the results of reverse failure analyses. |
| US08116928B2 |
Automatic ultrasonic and computer-vision navigation device and method using the same
The present invention discloses an automatic ultrasonic and computer-vision navigation device and a method using the same. In the method of the present invention, the user guides an automatic navigation device to learn and plan a navigation path; next, the automatic navigation device navigates independently and uses ultrasonic signals and computer vision to detect the environment; then, the automatic navigation device compares the detected environment data with the navigation path to amend the physical movement track. The present invention enables ordinary persons to interact with the automatic navigation device without operating the computer. As the present invention adopts computer vision and ultrasonic signals to realize the functions thereof, the manufacturers can save the hardware cost. |
| US08116924B2 |
Drive control apparatus for hybrid vehicle
A drive control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle which has an engine selectively set in one of a normal fuel-consumption operation mode and a low fuel-consumption operation mode for obtaining a lower fuel consumption; a generator selectively used for one of being driven by the engine and assisting driving of the engine; a motor for generating a driving force of the vehicle by electric power supplied by the generator or a battery device; and a clutch between the generator and wheels of the vehicle. The drive control apparatus has a control part for performing a low fuel-consumption driving assistance mode when the engine is set in the low fuel-consumption operation mode. In the low fuel-consumption driving assistance mode, the clutch is connected, and driving of the vehicle is assisted using one of the generator and the motor, which is selected in accordance with an operation state of the vehicle. |
| US08116923B2 |
Stabilized approach monitor
Systems and methods for suppressing an unstable alert when the aircraft is in the process of landing on a temporarily displaced threshold. In an example process, a processor on the aircraft determines the aircraft is on an approach to landing on a runway based on information received from one or more data sources on the aircraft, then retrieves predefined glideslope information for the runway from a memory device that is in signal communication with the processor. Next, the processor determines whether position of the aircraft is above the predefined glideslope by a first threshold amount. If the aircraft is determined to be above the predefined glideslope by the first threshold amount, the processor issues an unstable alert only if a flight path angle of the aircraft is greater than an angle of the predefined glideslope by a second threshold amount. |
| US08116922B2 |
Method for resolving ground level errors in simulations
A method for reconciling ground-level discrepancies between the displayed path of a moving body and a terrain model in a graphical simulation, including the steps of (1) examining the individual data points describing a recorded trip by a vehicle, (2) determining which of the data points correspond to points when the vehicle was actually on the ground, (3) determining the altitude difference between the recorded altitude data and the terrain model at each of the determined “on-ground” points, and (4) using the altitude difference to create a correction signal which can be applied either to the recorded altitude data or the terrain model. |
| US08116921B2 |
Follower vehicle control system and method for forward and reverse convoy movement
A vehicle control system for causing a follower vehicle to follow a leader may have a tether system mounted to the follower vehicle. The tether system may include a tether having an end adapted to be attached to the leader, a length sensor, and an angle sensor. A path tracking system operatively associated with the tether system determines a path traveled by the leader. A path control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to follow the path traveled by the leader. A spacing control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to maintain a predetermined spacing between the follower vehicle and the leader. |
| US08116920B2 |
System, method, and program product for synthesizing non-thermodynamically constrained heat exchanger networks
Systems, methods, and program product to synthesize a grass-roots heat exchanger network for non-thermodynamically constrained problems for a plurality of hot process streams to be cooled and a plurality of cold process streams to be heated according to a plurality of utilities targets, are provided. An exemplary system includes a heat exchange network synthesizing computer and heat exchange network synthesizing program product configured to analyze the waste heat recovery problem without decomposition to produce a result having an optimal number of network heat exchanger units through application of advanced process-to-process matching schemes for non-thermodynamically constrained problems. |
| US08116914B2 |
Wind turbine and operating method thereof
A pitch controller, uninterruptible power supply, and rotational speed detector are disposed in the rotor in a wind turbine. When a slip ring failure or wire breakage occurs, the pitch controller internally creates a pitch angle command so as to control the pitch angle. |
| US08116911B2 |
System and method for sump heater control in an HVAC system
A system and a method are provided for powering up a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and operating a sump heater for a compressor for a first predetermined period of time in response to the HVAC system being powered up. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system and a method for controlling the system are provided. The HVAC system includes a compressor, a sump heater associated with the compressor, and a controller configured to control the compressor and the sump heater so that the sump heater is not operated while the compressor is operated. |
| US08116909B2 |
Gantry position tracking using redundant position sensors
An x-y robotic motion control system includes a controller, a first rail and a second rail spaced from the first rail wherein the first and second rails are substantially parallel to one another. A gantry has a first end movable along the first rail and a second end movable along the second rail. A payload is movable along the gantry and a position sensor is movable along the gantry with the payload. A first encoder is configured to detect the first end of the gantry with respect to the first rail, and a second encoder is configured to detect the second end of the gantry with respect to the second rail. The position sensor and the first and second encoders are coupled to the controller, which calculates a position of the payload as a function of signals from the position sensor and the first and second encoders. |
| US08116908B2 |
Multi-modal push planner for humanoid robots
Multi-modal planning method and system that search a path for the most constrained mode first, and then expands the searches for path in a less constrained mode. By searching the path for the most constrained mode first, less resource are wasted on searching for paths that does not result in a feasible path in the most constrained mode. Multi-modal planning is performed by precomputing feasibility and utility of transition configurations of two adjacent modes. The feasibility is used to exclude non-feasible transition configurations in the most constrained mode from being sampled. The utility is used to bias sampling of the transition configuration so that transition configurations with higher utility are sampled with higher probability. Paths of configurations with higher utility and efficiency are obtained by biasing the sampling of the transition configurations. |
| US08116907B2 |
Reordering of consumable compositions
Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided.A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; (b) detecting an amount of consumable composition dispensed; and (c) requesting an additional amount of consumable composition according to the amount of consumable composition dispensed.A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following: (a) means for dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; (b) means for detecting an amount of consumable composition dispensed; and (c) means for requesting an additional amount of consumable composition according to the amount of consumable composition dispensed. |
| US08116902B2 |
Method of detecting a dynamic path of a five-axis machine tool and dectecting assembly for the same
A method of detecting a dynamic path of a five-axis machine tool having a spindle and a turntable and has a preparing step, a correcting step and a detecting step. The preparing step includes mounting a detector on the spindle, mounting a cat-eye reflector on the turntable, emitting a laser light to the cat-eye reflector, reflecting the laser light to the detector and splitting into two light beams. One of the light beams is emitted to a four-quadrant position sensitive detector. The correcting step includes rotating the detector, detecting a signal of the laser light by the four-quadrant position sensitive detector to eliminate an offset between the detecting assembly and the spindle. The detecting step includes detecting the dynamic path of the five-axis machine tool by detecting the positions of at least two of the linear axes and at least one of the rotation axes of the five-axis machine tool. |
| US08116899B1 |
Computer numerical control of fiber tension in fiber processing
A CNC tensioning system for applying tension in one or more fibers or fiber bundles drawn into a fiber process in a fiber movement direction includes a reverse torque mechanism that applies a net torque on the one or more fibers or fiber bundles in a reverse direction from the fiber movement direction; a motion-control motor that drives the reverse torque mechanism to apply a net torque on the one or more fibers or fiber bundles in a reverse direction from the fiber movement direction; and a computer system controlling the motion-control motor to incrementally control net torque on the one or more fibers or fiber bundles in a reverse direction from the fiber movement direction in discrete incremental values. |
| US08116897B2 |
Method for manufacturing multi-piece article using RFID tags
A method for manufacturing a multi-piece article, such as a garment, comprises the following steps. First, at least two parts of the article are provided. Then, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is attached to each of the at least two parts of the article. Each of the RFID tags stores data including data identifying the part of the article associated with the RFID tag and manufacturing instructions identifying parts of the article to be connected. Next, the RFID tags including manufacturing instructions identifying matching parts of the article are scanned. Subsequently, the at least two parts of the article are connected together according to the manufacturing instructions obtained prior to the step of connecting the at least two parts so as to form at least a portion of the article. |
| US08116894B2 |
Chemical mechanical polishing method and chemical mechanical polishing device
A chemical mechanical polishing method including a step of forming a plurality of interlayer insulating films so as to coat a plurality of projecting patterns, at least one of the plurality of projecting patterns being formed on each of a plurality of substrates, whereby the plurality of projection patterns have different area ratios R with respect to the corresponding substrates, and performing a flattening process on the interlayer insulating films before linear approximation; a step of obtaining a linear approximation formula R=aT+b expressing a relationship between the area ratio R and a polishing time T, where R1, R2, R3, . . . , Rx represent the area ratio R of each of the projecting patterns with respect to the corresponding substrates, and T1, T2, T3, . . . , Tx represent the polishing time T required for achieving a target film thickness when performing the flattening process by polishing each of the interlayer insulating films coating the projecting patterns; and a step of calculating, with the use of a formula T=(R−b)/a, the polishing time T for the interlayer insulating films coating the projecting patterns having the area ratio R. |
| US08116891B2 |
Audio data reproducing method and program therefor
Regarding first and second audio data to be reproduced simultaneously within a certain time period, a computer which has a storage device records the first audio data to the storage device within the period while at the same time reproducing only the second audio data, and, after having reproduced the second audio data, reproduces the first audio data while forcing its playback speed to increase with time. Whereby, the computer enables the two sets of audio data being reproduced simultaneously to be output in such a way as to provide a listener with enhanced audibility. |
| US08116885B2 |
Bachmann's bundle electrode for atrial defibrillation
An implantable system for the defibrillation of the atria of a patient's heart comprises (a) a first catheter configured for insertion into the right atrium of the heart; a first atrial defibrillation electrode carried by the first catheter and positioned to stimulate Bachmann's bundle, or positioned at the atrial septum of the heart (i.e., an atrial septum electrode); (b) a second atrial defibrillation electrode which together with the first atrial defibrillation electrode provides a pair of atrial defibrillation electrodes that are configured for orientation in or about the patient's heart to effect atrial defibrillation, and (c) a pulse generator operatively associated with the pair of atrial defibrillation electrodes for delivering a first atrial defibrillation pulse to the heart of the patient. The second electrode may be configured for positioning through the coronary sinus ostium and in the coronary sinus or a vein on the surface of the left ventricle, such as the great vein. An additional electrode configured for positioning in the superior vena cava, right atrium (including the right atrial appendage, or the right ventricle may also be included, and the pulse generator may be configured or programmed for concurrently delivering a first defibrillation pulse through the additional electrode and the atrial septum electrode, and a second defibrillation pulse through the atrial septum electrode and the second electrode. Electrode assemblies and methods useful for carrying out the invention are also disclosed. |
| US08116875B2 |
Implantable neurostimulation systems
New and useful neurostimulation systems are provided that include an implantable pulse generator dimensioned and configured for implantation in the skull of a patient. The implantable pulse generator has an electrode operatively associated with a distal end portion thereof and can be provided with adjustment means, such as an adjustable biasing member or spring arranged between the electrode to the distal end portion of the pulse generator. Also provided are systems involving networked neurostimulators that are configured and adapted to work jointly in accordance with prescribed treatment protocol to effect a desired recovery from brain injury. Such networked neurostimulation systems are particularly advantageous for effecting relatively large and/or relatively distant regions of the brain. Additionally, systems and methods for motor-evoked potential (MEP)-based neuromodulation are provided. Further, AC and/or DC stimulation can be utilized, depending on the precise implementation. |