| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08192260B2 |
Method and system for a fantasy sports draft game
A fantasy sports game provides for a league of fantasy teams, each managed and owned by a fantasy game player. Teams are filled through a player draft of active players followed by ranking each drafted fantasy team utilizing current season player statistics in multiple predefined categories. The rankings in the various categories are totaled to determine team, and thus fantasy game player, rankings. The player statistics utilized are current as of the previous night during regular season play, and as of the end of the season between seasons of play. The draft may be an online web application or utilize live video conferencing. |
| US08192258B2 |
Method and device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry
A method for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part includes bone parts with at least a part of the rib cage, at least a part of the breast fillet, other muscle tissue that does not form part of the breast fillet, for example at least a part of the back meat that is naturally present on the rib cage and the spine and/or at least a part of the abdominal muscle tissue. This method includes the steps of making an incision through the meat at least up to the bone parts lying under the meat, which incision is made in an area between the breast fillet and the other muscle tissue that does not form part of the breast fillet, and which incision in that area substantially follows the shape of the breast fillet, and detaching the breast fillet from the bone parts of the carcass part. |
| US08192256B2 |
Rotary dressing tool containing brazed diamond layer
A disc-shaped, rotary dressing tool has a rigid core and an abrasive rim around at least one surface of the periphery of the rigid core, the rigid core and the abrasive rim being oriented in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the tool. The abrasive rim comprises an abrasive component bonded to the rigid core by means of an active braze, and the abrasive component is diamond grains arranged in a single layer or diamond film inserts. The abrasive rim may comprise a plurality of abrasive inserts mechanically fastened to the rigid core and comprising an abrasive component bonded to a backing element by means of an active braze. |
| US08192255B2 |
Tool holder with tapered slot for a grinding machine
A tool holder for a grinding machine, where the tool holder is mounted to a grinding platform of the grinding machine. The tool holder includes a plate member having a tapered slot where opposing stop elements are provided within the slot at a central location. The tool includes a pair of circular elements that are positioned on either side of the stop elements in the slot and are forced into the tapered shape of the slot so that the tool is held to the tool holder. |
| US08192252B2 |
Small test piece polishing apparatus
A small test piece polishing apparatus is provided which is less likely to bend or damage a small test piece, which is superior in working efficiency, and which ensures uniform quality for the small test pieces produced. The small test piece polishing apparatus 1 for polishing a surface of a small test piece 3 having a circular cross section using a string-type member 13 includes string-type member delivery/recovery means 10, abrasive applying means 20, holding/rotating means 30, and pressing/scanning means 40. The abrasive applying means 20 applies an abrasive to the string-type member delivered by the string-type member delivery/recovery means 10. Thereafter, the pressing/scanning means 40 presses the string-type member 13 applied with the abrasive against the small test piece 3 held and rotated by the holding/rotating means 30 to perform scanning, to thereby polish the small test piece 3. |
| US08192249B2 |
Systems and methods for polishing a magnetic disk
A polishing system and associated methods are described for polishing a magnetic disk used in a disk drive system. The polishing system includes a polishing film that is used to polish the magnetic disk. The polishing system also includes an actuator operable to move the polishing film across a surface of the magnetic disk to polish the magnetic disk. The polishing system also includes a pad having at least one protrusion extending from a surface of the pad. The protrusion is configured to contact the polishing film and press the polishing film against the magnetic disk. The protrusion is operable to compress to about the surface of the pad when in contact with the polishing film. Once polishing is complete, the pad retracts from the polishing film and the protrusion extends from the pad, reducing the adhesion force between the pad and the polishing film. |
| US08192247B2 |
Pumping/nursing bra
An apparatus allowing a woman to pump milk from her breasts without the necessity of the woman's hands holding the breast pumps utilizes at least one band of material encircling the woman's chest, the band of material provided with two openings corresponding to the woman's breasts. A center panel would be provided to adjust the fit of the band. Additionally, in another embodiment, a back panel would be used in conjunction with the center panel to connect left and right panels together, the left and right panels including openings for a woman's breast. In all of the embodiments, semicircular pieces would cover each of the openings. |
| US08192246B2 |
Toy vehicle track set
A stunt arrangement for a toy vehicle including a launching section configured to launch a propelled toy vehicle into flight; a capturing section configured to receive the toy vehicle from the flight; a deflection section disposed between the launching section and the capturing section and configured to be impacted by the toy vehicle in flight and to redirect the vehicle toward the capturing section, wherein the deflection section includes a target, the target being pivotally secured to a release mechanism for movement from a first position to a second position, wherein movement of the target from the first position to the second position causes the release mechanism to drop another toy vehicle towards the capturing section; and a reorienting section coupled to an outlet of the capturing section, the reorienting section being rotatably driven about the desired direction of travel and is configured to upright the toy vehicle or the another toy vehicle if either vehicle exits the capturing section partly or completely inverted. |
| US08192242B2 |
Force sensing oar
A system for determining the magnitude of force applied to an oar by a rower as the oar is pulled through water includes a deflection sensor and a temperature sensor mounted on an oar shaft to determine deflection and temperature of a portion of the oar shaft during rowing. A processor connected to the deflection sensor and the temperature sensor receives signals indicative of deflection and temperature of the oar shaft and derives a force applied to an oar blade based on the deflection and temperature signals. |
| US08192239B2 |
Marine vessel propulsion system and marine vessel
A marine vessel propulsion system includes a plurality of propulsion devices, each including a motor and a propeller rotated by the motor. The system further includes a common electric power supply switch arranged to be operated by an operator to turn on and off electric power supplies of the plurality of propulsion devices all at once, an electric power supply control unit arranged to put the electric power supplies of the respective propulsion devices in an on state all at once when the common electric power supply switch is turned on and to put the electric power supplies of the respective propulsion devices in an off state all at once when the common electric power supply switch is turned off, an abnormal state detection unit arranged to detect an abnormal state of each propulsion device, and a power transmission cutoff unit, which is arranged to, when an abnormal state of any of the propulsion devices is detected by the abnormal state detection unit, cut off transmission of power between the motor and the propeller of the propulsion device for which the abnormal state is detected. |
| US08192235B2 |
Cable connector for printed circuit boards
A cable connector (1) for printed circuit boards includes a housing (2, 3) and at least two contact elements (4). Each contact element includes a contact (11) for connecting electrical wires and a fork contact (6, 7) for making contact with a printed circuit board. A surge arrester (17) is arranged within the housing (2, 3) and is arranged electrically between the contact elements (4). |
| US08192233B2 |
Connector assembly for a photovoltaic module
A connector assembly for a photovoltaic module includes a locator having a support rib configured to hold a buss of the photovoltaic module, and a connector housing holding a contact. The connector housing is configured to be mounted to the photovoltaic module over the locator such that the contact is mated to the buss in a press-fit connection. |
| US08192232B2 |
Connector assembly having an electrical compensation component
A connector assembly includes a contact module comprising a lead frame having contacts defining separate conductive paths. The contact module also includes a compensation component coupled to selected contacts and affecting signals transmitted along the conductive paths of the selected contacts. The contact module also includes a body overmolded over the contacts and the compensation component. |
| US08192231B2 |
Shielded connector
The present invention provides a shielding assembly for a connector assembly including a connector and a counterpart connector. The shielding assembly includes a shield member having a shield wall and at least one spring element for making electrical contact between the shield wall and the counterpart connector along a first electrical conduction path in the mated situation of the connector and the counterpart connector. The spring element includes a first portion being configured for making electrical contact with the counterpart connector and a second portion for providing a spring force to the first portion. The spring element is configured for having at least a first position in the unmated situation of the connector and the counterpart connector and a second position in the mated situation of the connector and the counterpart connector, such that in the first position the second portion is arranged at a first separation from the shield wall and in the second position the second portion is arranged at a second separation from the shield wall, wherein the second separation is larger than the first separation. |
| US08192230B2 |
Wire harness and method of manufacturing the same
A wire harness includes a plurality of cables arranged in parallel and a connector comprising a housing to which end portions of the plurality of cables are connected. The housing has an air-tight block at a side thereof that the plurality of cables are connected. The air-tight block further includes two closing parts for closing a space between the air-tight block and the cables at two places along a longitudinal direction of the cables, and for defining a part of a cable insertion hole. A metallic member protruding outwardly in a radial direction of the cables is fixed by swaging to a periphery of each of the cables between both of two closing parts for restricting a movement of the cables along the longitudinal direction in a pulling force or pressing force of the cables. |
| US08192228B2 |
Electronic assembly including RF feedthrough connector and related methods
An electronic assembly may include a housing having an opening therein and an RF feedthrough connector in the opening of the housing. The RF feedthrough connector may include a tubular body, and a plurality of displaceable protrusions carried by an upper outer surface portion of the tubular body. The plurality of displaceable protrusions may define an enlarged upper portion thereof engaging adjacent upper portions of the housing. The RF feedthrough connector may also include a sealed joint between the housing and the RF feedthrough connector. |
| US08192226B2 |
One-piece conductive clip for push-in wire connector
This is a one-piece conductive clip for use with push-in wire connectors. The one-piece conductive clip retains electrical conductors within the connector and provides electrical connection between two or more conductors. The clip has terminal blocks which include a spring and a busbar. The spring and the busbar are arranged so that the spring clamps a wire inserted between the spring and the busbar. The terminal blocks are arranged in two separate rows where each row is located along a plane generally parallel to the other row. This allows both vertically-stacked and horizontally-adjacent electrical connections between the electrical conductors. |
| US08192220B2 |
Socket connector with load plate equipped with locking device
An electrical connector (100), mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) (1), includes an insulative housing (2), a load plate (3) shielding over the insulative housing, an elastic piece (51) and a screwing element (50). The insulative housing has a plurality of electrical contacts (22) received therein. The load plate forms a tongue portion (30) at an edge thereof. The tongue portion defines at least one hole (31, 32) therein. The elastic piece forms a base portion (510) with a pair of inner hook portions (512) and a pair of outer hook portions (513) thereon. The outer hook portions and the inner hook portions go through the at least one hole and respectively and correspondingly engage with the tongue portion of the load plate and the screwing element. |
| US08192219B2 |
Connector for plate-shaped object
A connector includes an insulator having an accommodation space into which an object to be connected to the connector is removably insertable, the object being a thin plate having a pair of engaging recesses at opposite side edges thereof; at least one contact fixed to the insulator, the object being connected to the contact upon insertion into the accommodation space; and a pair of resilient engaging protrusions, each having an engaging portion, which are resiliently deformable away from each other in a plane in which the object lies, the engaging portions being respectively engaged in the pair of engaging recesses of the inserted object. A distance between the engaging portions of the pair of resilient engaging protrusions in a free state is smaller than a width of an insertion end of the object which is to be inserted into the accommodation space. |
| US08192217B2 |
Board to board connector with low profile
A battery connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals retained in the housing. The housing defines a mating surface, a rear surface opposite to the mating surface and a plurality of passageways penetrating through the mating surface and the rear surface along a front-to-back direction. At least one pair of first grooves is formed in opposite inner sidewalls of each passageway and running through the rear surface. A pair of slits communicates and is staggered with the corresponding first grooves along a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. Each terminal includes a retention portion with at least one pair of barbs defined at two sides thereof. The retention portions pass through the first grooves along the front-to-back direction and are pressed along the vertical direction so as to retain the barbs in the corresponding slits. |
| US08192216B1 |
Electrical connector with moisture resistant seal
A jumper cable plug for electrically connecting and physically engaging with a socket of the type used in the trucking industry is provided. The plug comprises a hollow cylindrical housing having a front end, a rear end, and a key extending from the front end toward the rear end. An annular grove is provided around the perimeter of the cylindrical housing, and a resilient seal is disposed in the annular grove. |
| US08192215B2 |
Flat cable connector
A flat cable connector includes a casing, a plurality of terminals, and a pressing member. Each terminal has a fixing arm, a movable arm, and a connecting portion, the fixing arm having fixing and contact portions, the movable arm having bearing and pressing portions, and a recess formed on the fixing portion and having first and second shoulder portions. The pressing member forms a rotation shaft and a cam portion having a propping end and an actuation end, wherein the rotation shaft is pivotally disposed on the recess, the propping end props against the bearing portion whereby the pressing portion keeps a first distance from the contact portion. When the pressing member is being pressed, the actuation end rotates and props against the bearing portion whereby the pressing portion keeps a second distance from the contact portion, the second distance being shorter than the first distance. |
| US08192209B1 |
Surface mount clip for routing and grounding cables
Disclosed is a clip is for routing and grounding a coaxial cable on a printed circuit board. The clip may be mechanically and electrically engaged to the printed circuit board and may be comprised of a resilient and conductive material. The clip engages and retains the coaxial cable and establishes an electrical connection between the coaxial cable and the printed circuit board. A sheath may be placed around a portion of the coaxial cable to engage the clip. |
| US08192194B2 |
Mold and method for manufacturing the same
A mold is provided, at an outer circumferential region thereof, with portions to be gripped, to allow a transfer apparatus to perform transferring to an object. The portions to be gripped are formed in a different shape from the remaining portion of the outer circumferential region. For a mold set including two molds, each of the molds is provided, at an outer circumferential region thereof, with portions to be gripped, to allow the transfer apparatus to perform transferring to the object. The portions to be gripped are formed in a different shape from the remaining portion of the outer circumferential region. The portions to be gripped of one of the molds and the portions to be gripped of the other mold are disposed at different angular positions. |
| US08192193B2 |
Molding material feed screw used in a molding material supply device of an injection molding machine
A notched region in which the outer periphery of a screw flight is cut out is provided in a molding material feed screw. A wedge-shaped portion is formed by both a front wall surface of the screw flight and a wall surface of the boundary where the outer periphery of the screw flight is cut out. As a result of rotation of the molding material feed screw, since the wedge-shaped portion advances while pushing aside resin pellets located in the front thereof in two lateral directions of the front wall surface of the screw flight and the wall surface of the boundary where the outer diameter of the screw flight is cut out, entrapment of the resin pellets between the edge of a material supply port of a molding material supply device and the outer periphery of the screw flight is avoided as much as possible. |
| US08192189B2 |
Arrangement and method in connection with extrusion tools
The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with extrusion tools. It comprises a nozzle structure which is provided with coaxially arranged nozzle elements (1, 2, 3, 4) and is arranged to form one or more layers which cover a flexible elongated element (6) on the surface of the flexible elongated element (3), which passes through the innermost nozzle element (4), and a guide member (5) corresponding the diameter of the elongated element (6) for controlling the flexible elongated element (6). The guide member (5) is arranged to be pushed in the direction of the elongated element (6) into its position inside the two innermost nozzle elements (3, 4) defining a first melt channel (7). The guide member (5) is arranged to provide a tapered space (52) between the elongated element (6) and the guide member (5), and the tapered space (52) is in fluid communication with the first melt channel (7). |
| US08192188B2 |
Apparatus of encapsulating display panel and method of manufacturing organic light emitting display device using the same
An encapsulation apparatus capable of securely sealing a gap of a display panel and improving intensity of the display panel, and a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device using the encapsulation apparatus are taught. The encapsulation apparatus includes an injection port having tapered projecting edges formed in both sides of one end the injection port, and injecting a reinforcing material into a gap of a display panel in a dual surface contact manner, the first substrate and the second substrate being attached to each other using a sealant; and a supporter coupled to the injection port and supporting the injection port. |
| US08192186B2 |
Rotor having a cooling channel and compressor element provided with such rotor
Rotor having a shaft having an axial direction, where an inner and central cooling channel with an inlet and an outlet for a cooling agent is provided in this shaft, extending in the above-mentioned axial direction. Additionally, the above-mentioned cooling channel is at least partly provided with inwardly directed fins. |
| US08192184B2 |
Pump with a cylindrical cooling bush
A pump, particularly to a vane-cell pump for a vacuum for brake boosters in motor vehicles or for drawing blow-by gas out of the crankcase of internal combustion engines, with a casing, a rotor and with at least one vane and a liquid cooling device, which is depicted by a simple, essentially cylindrical insertion bush for inserting inside the casing. |
| US08192177B2 |
Auxiliary cooling device
An auxiliary fan that can reduce electricity consumption and increase cooling effects. Air flow which comes from a DC cooling fan is guided to impel one or more auxiliary fans. The auxiliary fans blow and exhaust hot air to increase cooling effects. |
| US08192175B2 |
Method of controlling a cyclically commutated hydraulic pump
When employing synthetically commutated hydraulic pumps (1), a time delay between a change in fluid flow demand (15) and the resulting fluid flow output (13) can be observed. It is suggested to use a time evolvement function, taking into account the time evolvement of the fluid flow demand and/or the time evolvement of the pumping strokes, to modify the actuation of the electrically commutated valves. |
| US08192169B2 |
Highly reliable, low cost wind turbine rotor blade
A wind turbine rotor blade and a wind turbine incorporating the rotor blade include a first and second composite skin. A first and a second spar pultrusion having a base and a plurality of integral ribs generally normal to the base are attached to the inside surface of the first and second composite skins and extend the span of the rotor blade. At least one shear web connects a rib of the first spar pultrusion to a corresponding rib of the second spar pultrusion. The width of the spar pultrusions decreases in a step-wise fashion along the span of the rotor blade from the root to the tip. The leading or trailing edge of the rotor blade may be selectably opened for inspection and repair. |
| US08192166B2 |
Tip shrouded turbine blade with sealing rail having non-uniform thickness
A turbine blade is provided comprising: an airfoil including upper and lower ends; a root coupled to the airfoil lower end; a shroud coupled to the airfoil upper end; and at least one sealing rail extending radially outwardly from an upper surface of the shroud and extending generally along a circumferential length of the shroud. The sealing rail may comprise a mid-section, opposing end sections and at least one intermediate section located between the mid-section and one of the opposing end sections. An axial thickness of the rail may vary. |
| US08192162B2 |
Field installable and removable helicopter rotor blade vibration and blade tracking device
This invention provides convenient airframe vibration and tracking improvements of a helicopter rotor blade by use of an elastomer profile system that is attached through an adhesive system that allows convenient removal and relocation for use by the helicopter manufacturer or by the helicopter operator in a field environment. |
| US08192155B2 |
Multistage slurry pump
A multistage, centrifugal partial emissions pump with a first stage impeller, a final stage impeller, a first stage casing liner, one or more first stage discharge nozzles, a final stage casing liner, one or more final stage discharge nozzles, an interstage delivery channel liner, one or more delivery channels, and an outer pressure shell wherein the first stage casing liner and the final stage casing liner are connected by one or more fluid channels integral within a delivery channel liner, that follow an arced path directed predominantly radially inward within the interstage delivery channel liner, and the sum of the cross sectional areas of all delivery channels taken on a radial plane intersecting the delivery channels is less than the sum of cross sectional areas of the non-channel areas within the boundaries of the channels. |
| US08192154B2 |
Shape of gas passage in axial-flow gas turbine engine
An axial-flow gas turbine engine includes a plurality of inlet guide vanes (V) which are radially disposed in an annular gas passage defined between an inner peripheral wall (Ch) and an outer peripheral wall (Ct) of a turbine. The inner peripheral wall (Ch) of the gas passage includes inner peripheral concave portions (Cc1 and Cc3) on an upstream side, and inner peripheral convex portions (Cv1 and Cv3) on a downstream side. The outer peripheral wall (Ct) of the gas passage includes outer peripheral convex portions (Cv2 and Cv4) on an upstream side, and outer peripheral concave portions (Cc2 and Cc4) on a downstream side. Therefore, a pressure difference in a radial direction of the inlet guide vane V is reduced or partially reversed, and a secondary flow toward an inner side in the radial direction can be suppressed to reduce pressure loss. |
| US08192152B2 |
Repaired internal holding structures for gas turbine engine cases and method of repairing the same
A method of repairing a case for a gas turbine engine includes identifying areas of damage on its internal holding structures in a gas turbine case, and utilizing cold metal transfer to deposit weld material to the internal holding structures. |
| US08192151B2 |
Turbine engine having cooling gland
In one embodiment, a turbine may include a bearing housing for a rotor with a passage along an axis of rotation of the rotor shaft. A cooling gland configured to transfer cooling fluid to the passage may be mounted to the bearing housing with a mounting structure configured to mount the cooling gland substantially in-line with the passage of the rotor. |
| US08192150B2 |
Method of manufacturing a turbomachine element and device obtained in this way
Use of the stator blade platforms for the deposition of a track of adjacent abradable material inside an external turbomachine shell is disclosed. The stator blades are attached to the shell so as to define an annular edge that is substantially continuous and the abradable material is deposited using this edge to delimit a boundary of the track of abradable material. |
| US08192143B2 |
Gearbox assembly
An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes an intermediate case and a gearbox. The intermediate case defines an annular transition duct. The gearbox comprises a plurality of lobes and is integrally formed with the annular transition duct. |
| US08192142B2 |
Steam turbine
A steam turbine has a two-shell housing, including an outer casing and an inner casing arranged therein, as well as a pipe that extends through the outer casing for supplying and/or removing steam to or from the inner casing, the pipe being provided with a pair of apertures arranged opposite each other on the inner casing. According to the invention, a first steam supply or discharge pipe can be connected to a first aperture, and the second aperture is closed by a cover. |
| US08192140B2 |
Apparatus for use of flow energy
The apparatus for use of flow energy has elongated circumferential elements (18) with incident-flow surfaces (34, 35) facing the flow, which elements (8) are connected parallel to one another at intervals to form a rotating cage (1) or to form a strip, which is circumferential on a guide and in which they form crossbars, and the rotation axis or deflection axes is or are arranged transversely to the flow direction, with the elements (8) each having two incident-flow surfaces (34, 35). The two incident-flow surfaces (34, 35) may have the capability to swivel into the direction facing the wind by rotation of the elements (8) when the rotor (1) or strip is running. Outside the rotating cage (1), the apparatus may be provided with essentially radially aligned guide walls (22), and the rotor (1) and the walls (22) may be provided with a roof (24) in the form of a flat truncated cone. |
| US08192138B2 |
Method and device for using wind energy
According to the invention, to use wind energy, a flow is conducted effectively onto a rotor to convert the flow energy by means of a steering mechanism. According to the invention, the steering mechanism permits: the wind to be conducted from a point of higher wind speed to a point of lower wind speed that is preferred for the installation of the rotor; the flow cross-section to be narrowed and compressed, thus increasing the flow speed; one side of a rotor with an axis running transversally to the wind direction to be shielded; and/or a suction effect to be generated downstream of the rotor in the flow direction. The device comprises a hollow tower (2) with a wind trap opening (5) at the upper end and a flow channel that is formed by the hollow cross-section of the tower (2), said channel leading downwards to at least one rotor (12; 14) that is located in the vicinity of the ground for converting the flow energy. An outlet (13) for the air is situated downstream of the rotor. An upper end section (3) of the tower comprising the wind trap opening (5) can be rotated (4). |
| US08192137B2 |
Automatic transport loading system and method
A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A first guidance system follows a travel path to a position near the transport and then a sensor profiles a transport so that a transport path is determined for an AGV to follow into the transport to place a load and for exiting the transport upon placement of the load. |
| US08192136B2 |
Apparatus and method for storing at least one specimen slide and at least one cassette
An apparatus for storing at least one specimen slide and at least one cassette comprising a sample that is embedded in a sample block and that is to be processed, a microtome comprising this apparatus, and a method for handling multiple cassettes and multiple specimen slides are described. A cassette magazine receives at least one cassette having at least one sample block. A slide magazine receives at least one specimen slide. At least one connecting element for connecting the cassette magazine and the slide magazine mechanically with each other is provided. This allows handling at least one cassette and at least one specimen slide together in a simple and efficient manner. |
| US08192134B2 |
Lifting mechanism with a tilting platform for transferring paper stacks
This is a lifting mechanism especially suited to move a stack of paper to a height so that it is easier to remove or work with. The lifting mechanism has as a bottom portion a tilting platform that receives and holds a paper stack and its support. This tilting platform will be tilted in a front down position prior to and during loading of the paper stack thereon, and will automatically tilt down at its back portion when stack loaded. This is because the fulcrum of the tilting platform is located nearer the front sections of the platform than it is to the back section of the platform. When the weight of the paper stack acts upon the tilting platform, it will force the platform down at its back portion. |
| US08192132B2 |
Transfer chamber for a vacuum processing apparatus, and a vacuum processing apparatus
In a transfer chamber having a housing with a transfer region and a passing band region, a transport device comprising a first arrangement of transport rollers is arranged in the transfer region of the housing, and a passing band comprising a second arrangement of transport rollers is arranged in the passing band region of the housing. The passing band region of the housing is subdivided by a horizontal wall, which is arranged above the passing band, into a transport space, which is located below the horizontal wall, and a pump space, which is located above the horizontal wall. The pump space has a vacuum port or a vacuum pump connected to it. |
| US08192131B1 |
Architecture for high throughput semiconductor processing applications
A semiconductor wafer processing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a loading station, a load lock, a process module, an intermediate process module, and a transport module which further includes a load chamber, a transfer chamber, and a pass-through chamber between the load chamber and the transfer chamber. The intermediate process module may be coupled to the load chamber, or both the load chamber and the transfer chamber. In one embodiment, the load lock is a single-wafer load lock capable of accommodating only a single wafer at a time to allow for fast pump down and vent cycles. In one embodiment, the pass-through chamber is configured as a cooling station to improve throughput for processes that require the wafer to be cooled in-between depositions, for example. |
| US08192129B1 |
Pipe handling boom pretensioning apparatus
A pre-loading system for a pipe handling apparatus in which a boom is pivotally mounted at one end to a skid and in which an arm is connected to an opposite end of the boom. The pre-loading system has a tensioning assembly with one end affixed to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted so as to apply tension to the arm when the arm has a load applied to an end of the arm opposite the boom. The tensioning assembly includes a first cable assembly having one end connected to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted, and a second cable assembly connected to the arm and having an opposite end fixedly mounted. The first and second cable assemblies extend from opposite sides of the arm. |
| US08192126B1 |
Mobile hoist system
A mobile hoist system for preventing the application of an overloading input force or an overloading weight force from an elevated load. The mobile hoist system generally includes a frame removably connected to a support structure, a drive assembly connected to the frame and a driven assembly connected to the frame and mechanically connected to the drive assembly via a main elongated member. The drive assembly includes a winch and a brake unit connected to the winch. The brake unit is capable of preventing lowering of a load up to a first torque limit. The driven assembly includes a drum having a strap wound thereon and a slip clutch to brake the drum. The slip clutch prevents slippage up to a second torque limit. The second torque limit is less than the first torque limit to prevent damage to the brake unit by the load having an excessive weight. |
| US08192124B2 |
Self-drilling screw
Disclosed is a screw for hard wood, comprising a screw tip (3) with two cutting edges (5) that extend approximately parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the screw. The cutting angle of the cutting edges amounts to about 90°. A centering tip (7) which slightly protrudes from the two cutting edges (5) is embodied in the extension of the longitudinal axis of the screw. Said centering tip (7) prevents the screw from deviating to the side at the beginning of the drilling process. |
| US08192123B2 |
Drywall fastener
A self-drilling fastener for use in a friable material with or without an underlying member at the point of use comprises an elongated body, a threaded exterior, an enlarged head with torque transmitting surfaces, proximal, intermediate, and distal portions, and a drilling tip generally opposite enlarged head. Proximal portion has an axial length, a threaded exterior having root and crest diameters and a thread height, where the crest diameter is about twice the root diameter. Intermediate portion has an axial length, a threaded exterior having a root, a crest diameter substantially smaller than proximal portion crest diameter and a thread height substantially smaller than proximal portion thread height. Distal portion has an axial length, a threaded exterior with a root that tapers toward the drilling tip, a crest diameter substantially smaller than the proximal portion crest diameter, and a thread height substantially smaller than the proximal portion thread height portion. |
| US08192118B2 |
Stowable storage net
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a stowable storage net and a vehicle with a stowable storage net. The storage net comprises a storage area having a front, a back and two sides, the front and back being pivotally connected at one end. Elements are included for providing a predetermined amount of longitudinal elasticity to the storage area. The storage net comprises elements for removably attaching the storage area to a desired surface of the cargo area. The storage net further comprises a storage pouch forming the bottom of the storage net, the two sides of the storage net pivotally mounted proximally to the ends of the storage pouch and configured to fold into the storage pouch, allowing the associated net to fall easily and neatly into the pouch. The storage pouch can further comprise a zipper or other type of closure. Methods and vehicles are also disclosed. |
| US08192111B2 |
Boot for geosynthetic layer
A boot for attaching a geosynthetic layer to a vertical member in a soil, where the geosynthetic layer extends substantially horizontally outwardly from the vertical member. The boot includes a stack of flexible rings. Each ring has an inner edge defining a center opening larger than the horizontal cross section of the vertical member and an outer edge, and is secured around its inner edge to the inner edge of a ring adjacent one side and around its outer edge to the outer edge of a ring adjacent its other side. The bottom ring of the stack of rings is adapted to secure to the geosynthetic layer. A securement ring is secured around the top ring of the stack of rings and has a center opening adapted to be secured to the vertical member. |
| US08192110B1 |
Yard storm drain emitter
A yard storm drain emitter includes a male fitting having a fitting interior, a flange carried by the male fitting and having a drain opening communicating with the fitting interior, a lid attachment member carried by the flange and a lid pivotally carried by the lid attachment member and having a lid rear surface with a planar portion and a convex portion extending from the planar portion. The convex portion of the lid rear surface contacts the lid attachment member as the lid is pivoted from a closed position to an open position and the planar portion of the lid rear surface contacts the lid attachment member at the open position of the lid. |
| US08192108B1 |
Line marking apparatus
An apparatus to aid in the layout of hashed lines, particularly for laying out lines in parking lots near parking islands and handicapped parking spots is herein disclosed, comprising a large push broom on wheels. Two (2) canisters of marking chalk project downward from a main horizontal member and are spaced so as to produce parallel chalk lines or chalk dots within no parking areas in a parking lot. A guide arm is located on a side of the apparatus such that it can trace the last set of dots and produce two (2) more in an offset, but equally-spaced manner. |
| US08192104B2 |
Machine suspension link pin retention system
A pin joint assembly for pivotally connecting a plurality of components, the assembly including a joint pin with a channel at one end disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis of the pin and a first retainer disposed in the slot that extends beyond a circumference of the pin to restrict axial movement in a first direction, while a second retainer is positioned over the first retainer to restrict axial movement in the opposite axial direction, a retainer base having a slot being configured to receive one end of the first retainer to restrict rotational movement of the first retainer and attached joint pin. The joint pin and pin joint assembly may be provided as part of a suspension assembly for machine axles, the pin joint assemblies providing pivotal connections between an axle assembly, linkage and frame members. |
| US08192101B2 |
Folder binding device
The present invention provides a folder binding device including a binding device main body part in which insertion holes are formed into which binding legs are inserted, operating parts which are attached to the binding device main body part in such a manner as to rotate on rotating projections at end portions thereof as fulcrums, and sliding parts adapted to slide on the binding device main body part, wherein the sliding parts are connected to the operating parts via hinge parts in such a manner as to be activated by rotary operations of the operating parts to slide on the binding device main body part, whereby both fastening and unfastening operations of binding legs are made simple and a stable fastening of the binding legs is enabled. |
| US08192100B2 |
Fluid applicator device and method of using same
A fluid applicator device having the interconnected components of a container, a base, a shaft, a piston, a collar, a plurality of fluid conduction pathways and an applicator head is presented. The applicator head is rotatably mounted within the collar and slidably held in place by the inner surface of the collar. The inner surface of the collar also has a plurality of fluid conduction pathways cut into it so that a viscous fluid confined within the container may be flow into the fluid conduction pathways and onto the applicator head so that it may be soothingly applied onto a portion of a user's epidermis such as onto the lips of a user. The method of using the applicator device includes the acts of manipulating, obtaining, pressing, removing, returning, rolling, and withdrawing. |
| US08192098B1 |
Automatically loading printing device and method of printing
A printing device is provided with a print die storage rack, a pickup head, a print head, and a printing surface. The print die storage rack is adapted to hold a multitude of print dies. The pickup head is provided to move one or more print dies to and from the storage rack and the print head. The print head is adapted to hold one or more print dies and move them between the pickup head and the printing surface. The printing surface is provided to hold and secure print media. The device is capable of any form of printing, embossing, debossing, foil stamping and the like. A method of printing is also provided. |
| US08192093B2 |
Optical transmission module and manufacturing method thereof
An optical transmission module is provided which has excellent long-term reliability, high manufacturing efficiency and a smaller optical output loss and which facilitate its downsizing, weight saving and high integration. The optical transmission module is provided with a first optical device 118 placed on an output side, a second optical device 122 placed on the first optical device 118 aligned with an optical axis of the first optical device 118, a package 111 including the first and second optical devices 118 and 122, and an optical fiber 115 configured to guide light emitted from the first optical device 118 to the outside of the package 111. The first optical device 118 and the second optical device 122 are in close contact with each other on the surface perpendicular to the optical axis. |
| US08192091B2 |
Optical fiber connector adapter
An optical fiber connector adapter has a housing, a front sleeve holder, a rear sleeve holder, a sleeve and detachable positioning member. The housing has a cavity, two limiting protrusions and two positioning slots. The cavity and positioning slots are defined in the housing. The limiting protrusions are formed in the cavity. The front and sleeve holders are mounted in the cavity and each has a tube and a mount abutting the limiting protrusions. The sleeve is mounted in the tubes. The detachable positioning member is mounted on the housing and has two stoppers extending respectively the positioning slots to make the mounts clamped between the limiting protrusions and the stoppers. The optical fiber connector adapter with the detachable positioning member may be detached easily to facilitate rework. |
| US08192089B2 |
Wet mate connector
A connector has first and second connector units, each unit incorporating an oil-filled chamber housing one or more contact elements to be joined. At least one connector unit has a face seal assembly which seals the forward end of the contact chamber in the unmated condition. The face seal assembly comprises three elements. One element is an annular elastomeric seal situated radially outward. The two other elements are inner seal elements which are pressed together radially to form a substantially disc-like shape. The resulting disc-like shaped seal fills the central, circular end face opening of the outer annular seal. As the connector units are mated, elements of the elastomeric face seal assembly are displaced, one axially, and others both axially and radially, creating an opening between the oil-filled chambers that is sealed from the outside environment. |
| US08192087B2 |
Microfabricated fluid dynamic bearing
A fluid dynamic bearing formed by a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) wafer-level batch-fabrication process is provided. The process results in a high performance and high reliability fluid dynamic bearing having features including higher bearing lifetime at high RPM, improved bearing stiffness, durability and thrust/restoring forces capabilities. The present invention is especially useful with small form factor disc drive memory devices having constraints in motor height, such as a 2.5 inch disc drive, requiring high performance including high rotational speed and large areal density. A sacrificial layer is utilized in the process to simultaneously form symmetrical facing surfaces of relatively rotatable components. The facing surfaces define, therebetween, a desired feature, such as a journal bearing, a thrust bearing, a fluid channel, a fluid reservoir, a capillary seal, pressure generating grooves, and other profile geometries. Such geometry control allows for design freedom in obtaining a desired bearing performance and stiffness. |
| US08192085B2 |
Enhancement to a closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch and a method of opening same
An enhancement to a closure mechanism includes at least one flange that extends upwardly from an interlocking member of the closure mechanism. A line of transverse indentations is formed into the flange parallel to the interlocking member. |
| US08192084B2 |
Anti-drip sandwich bag
A bag made of water resistant paper or plastic for holding a “goopy” sandwich such as a hamburger, hot dog, etc while eating the same is fitted on the open end with a collar extending generally radially from the bag. The collar or drip plate is adapted to catch liquids, slurries, and small particles falling from the sandwich. The catchings are either retained on the collar or directed back into the bag where they either soak into the sandwich or run to the bottom of the bag. In either case, the drippings do not fall onto the diner, table, or floor. |
| US08192077B2 |
Method of measuring in situ differential emissivity and temperature
A method for measuring the differential emissivity between two sites on the surface of a body and the temperature of the two sites. The method includes a plurality of measurements of the infrared radiation arising from each of the two sites under a number of different conditions. Some of the measurements include irradiation by external infrared radiation at a known wavelength and intensity. The infrared radiation arising from each of the sites may include emitted radiation, reflected ambient radiation, and reflected external radiation. Additionally, the temperature determined using the method described can be used to calibrate infrared imaging devices used to inspect the entire body. |
| US08192068B2 |
Light-emitting module
A light-emitting module includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a fastening member, and a light-emitting package. The PCB has a power-supplying pad to provide electrical power. The fastening member is disposed on the PCB and has a package-receiving hole exposing the power-supplying pad. The light-emitting package is received by the package-receiving hole such that the light-emitting package is electrically connected to the power-supplying pad and detachably coupled with the fastening member. Therefore, the light-emitting package may be easily combined with the PCB, and the light-emitting package may be replaced when desired. |
| US08192064B2 |
Vehicle mini lamp
A low profile vehicle lamp assembly includes a housing having a top end, body with an interior portion and a lens portion covering the top end. The housing is adapted to fit within an opening in a surface such that the lens portion is substantially flush with the surface and the body is positioned behind the surface. In addition, circuitry is disposed within the interior portion of the housing and at least one light source is electrically connected to the circuitry. |
| US08192062B2 |
Vehicular lamp
A vehicular headlamp is provided. The vehicular lamp includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis of a lamp extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle; a light source disposed on a rear side of a rear focal point of the projection lens; a reflector that concentrates the light emitted from the light source on the projection lens; and a shade disposed such that an upper edge of the shade extends through the vicinity of the rear focal point to block a part of the light reflected from the reflector. In plan view, the light source is disposed near the central axis of the reflector, and the reflector is disposed such that the central axis of the reflector intersects the optical axis of the lamp in a vicinity of the projection lens while being inclined toward the own lane of the vehicle on the front side. |
| US08192059B2 |
Illuminant device and lamp clip
Indexes indicative of the locations of lamp clips are formed on a chassis where lamps are juxtaposed with different juxtaposition pitches. The lamp clips comprise: plate-like bases; holding portions, which are provided at one face of the bases, for holding the lamps; and markers corresponding to the indexes. |
| US08192057B2 |
Solid state spot light assembly
A light assembly that includes a base, a housing extending from the base having a partial paraboloidal cross-sectional surface, a light-shifting element disposed within the housing, and a plurality of light sources coupled to the housing. The light sources generate light. The light assembly also includes an angular portion reflecting light from the light sources toward the parabolic cross-sectional surface so that the light reflected from the parabolic surface is directed toward the light-shifting element and light reflected from the light-shifting element is directed out of the housing after reflecting from the housing. |
| US08192056B2 |
Light emitting diode packages
Lighting packages are described for light emitting diode (LED) lighting solutions having a wide variety of applications which seek to balance criteria such as heat dissipation, brightness, and color uniformity. The present approach includes a backing of thermally conductive material and two or more arrays of LEDs attached to a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB is attached to the top surface of the backing and the two or more arrays of LEDs are separated by a selected distance to balance heat dissipation and color uniformity of the LEDs. |
| US08192050B2 |
Illumination device for visual inspection and visual inspection apparatus
An illumination device for visual inspection includes: a transmissive reflector plate that is formed of a light transmitting material, has an opening in a center, assumes a dome shape, a radius of which is gradually expanded downward with a center axis of the opening set as a center, and has a lower surface formed of a reflecting surface on which fine unevenness for diffusing and reflecting light from below is formed and an upper surface located on an opposite side of the lower surface; first, second, and third light source units that irradiate light on an inspection object, the first, second, and third light source units being provided on the upper surface of the transmissive reflector plate and arranged in a place below the opening and passing the center axis; and a fourth light source unit that irradiates light on the inspection object and being provided below the transmissive reflector plate. |
| US08192044B2 |
Solar-powered collapsible lighting apparatus
A solar-powered lighting apparatus having a light transmissible shade coupled to a housing that receives a solar cell, a battery and at least a portion of a lighting element assembly. In one embodiment, the shade may have a spherical shape achieved with a support unit or achieved by operation of gravity. A bottom device or bottom portion may be coupled to the shade and cooperate therewith forming and maintaining the spherical shape. |
| US08192043B2 |
Helmet lighting system
A helmet including a lighting system integrated into said helmet, the lighting system comprising a first layer; light emitting means mounted to said first layer; controller means mounted to said first layer for controlling said light emitting means; wiring means for linking said light emitting means to said controller means; a second layer fixably attached to said first layer thereby providing an area between said first and second layer for said light emitting means, controller means, and wiring means; power means fixably attached to said second layer for powering said controller and light emitting means; and operating means functionally linked to said controller means for operating said controller means. The application also discloses lighting system contained in a shell that that can be attached to an existing helmet. This application also discloses a lighting system contained in a flexible material that can be fitted onto an existing helmet. |
| US08192041B2 |
Safe illuminating fragrant device
A safe illuminating fragrant device has a base, electric circuit, case body, and an electrothermal unit. The base has a through hole, and the electric circuit is arranged in the base. The electric circuit has a plurality of lighting components capable of emitting light in predetermined color. The case body covers the base. A plurality of apertures is arranged around a peripheral of the case body with a predetermined interval. Lights from the lighting components will go into the case body and project out through the apertures. A receiving slot is formed to a top of the case body for receiving spices, and the electrothermal unit will heat up a bottom of the receiving slot. A safety and visual effect are improved by above assembly. |
| US08192040B2 |
Decorating guitars
Apparatus and methods to decorate guitars are disclosed. An apparatus of one aspect may include a guitar shaped video game controller having a body and a neck. The apparatus may also include a decoration applied over a front surface of the body. The apparatus may also include a light coupled with the body of the guitar, the light disposed underneath the decoration, the light to transmit visible light through the decoration. |
| US08192035B2 |
Projection display apparatus
A projection display apparatus includes a housing case housing a light source unit, a light valve, a projection unit, and a cooling unit. A size of the housing case in an orthogonal direction to a projection plane is smaller than a size of the housing case in a horizontal direction parallel to the projection plane. The projection unit is arranged at substantially center of the housing case in the horizontal direction parallel to the projection plane. |
| US08192026B2 |
Tear film measurement
The disclosure comprises a method for measuring the relative thickness of the lipid layer component of the precorneal tear film on the surface of an eye after distribution of the lipid layer subsequent to blinking. Light is directed to the lipid layer of a patient's eye with an illuminator. The illuminator is a broad spectrum light source covering the visible region and is a lambertion light emitter such that the light source is specularly reflected from the lipid layer and undergoes constructive and destructive interference in the lipid layer. The specularly reflected light is collected and focused using a collector such that the interference patterns on the tear film lipid layer are observable. The collector also produces an output signal representative of the specularly reflected light suitable for further analysis, such as projection on to a high resolution video monitor or analysis by or storage in a computer. |
| US08192020B2 |
Tilted-wear type contact lens
A contact lens including a circumferential positioning member that can selectively set up a first stable state where a superficial center of a second power zone is decentered on a symmetrical meridian from a geometrical center of an optical zone and an orthogonal meridian perpendicular to the symmetrical meridian with the lens worn on a right eye is circumferentially tilted by a first angle relative to a vertical line of the eye, and a second stable state where the orthogonal meridian under condition in which the lens is worn on a left eye with the right eye wearing state inverted upside down is circumferentially tilted by a second angle on the opposite side of the first angle relative to the vertical line, as well as a visible indicator mark for identifying a lens orientation. |
| US08192019B2 |
Wraparound corrective lens
A corrective wraparound lens is provided for a wearer where the wraparound lens has a non-corrective lens element and a corrective lens element where the curvature of the non-corrective lens element is different from the curvature of the corrective lens element. Such lens has the ability to correct the defect in eyesight while capable of contouring to the face of the wearer thus able to protect the face of the wearer. In addition, a method to correct defect in eye is provided using a corrective wraparound lens for a wearer comprising a non-corrective lens element and a corrective lens element wherein a first curvature of said non-corrective lens element is different than a second curvature of said corrective lens element. |
| US08192013B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method
An inkjet recording apparatus, includes: a black ink ejecting portion configured to eject a black ink containing a self-dispersion pigment; color ink ejecting portions configured to eject, respectively, a cyan ink, a magenta ink and a yellow ink which contain a polymer emulsion containing a polymer fine particle containing a coloring material which is insoluble in water or slightly soluble in water; and a recording-controlling unit configured to control recording. When the recording medium is optically transparent and is provided, on a transparent base material thereof, with an ink accepting layer, the recording-controlling unit controls recording on the recording medium such that the color ink ejecting portion is used for recording a monochrome image and a color image which has a plurality of colors, leaving the black ink ejecting portion substantially free from being used. |
| US08192006B2 |
Liquid-jet head chip, liquid-jet head, and liquid-jet recording apparatus
To simplify a head-chip is provided with an actuator including grooves and a cover plate bonded onto the one surface of the actuator and including an opening portion including an ink chamber having an aperture plane being open on an upper end surface and slits extending from the ink chamber to be in communication with the grooves, and an flow path for bringing the upper end surface and one end surface extending in a thickness direction into communication with each other, the opening portion and the flow path being provided independently of each other. In the head-chip, foreign substance removal filter for removing a foreign substance is provided at a position at which the aperture plane of the ink chamber is substantially closed, and a filter for allowing passage of air bubbles, is provided at a position at which an opening of the flow path is substantially closed. |
| US08192005B2 |
Rollers for phase-change ink printing
A printer for transferring a phase-change ink onto a substrate includes components for conveying the substrate along a path through the printing machine, a printing station including a plurality of printheads disposed along the path and configured to transfer the phase-change solid ink onto the substrate as it is conveyed along the path, a plurality of metal backing rollers facing the plurality of printheads and arranged to support to the substrate passing between the backing rollers and the printheads, and a spreader station receiving the substrate from the printing station and configured to spread the phase-change solid ink on the substrate, the spreader station including a spreader roller and a metal pressure roller opposing the spreader roller. Each of the non-oiled metal rollers includes a coating that is oleophobic that has low adhesion toward the solid ink image but sufficient lateral friction as to not slide against the ink or paper web. |
| US08192004B2 |
Method and apparatus for melt cessation to limit ink flow and ink stick deformation
A system controls application of heat with a melt plate to an ink stick in a solid ink imaging device. The system includes a melt plate, a heater configured to heat the melt plate to a temperature sufficient to melt solid ink, a feed channel configured to direct solid ink sticks towards the melt plate to enable a leading edge of a solid ink stick to be melted by the heated melt plate, and a controller configured to separate the heater and the leading edge of the ink stick by a distance that arrest melting of the ink stick. |
| US08191996B2 |
Element substrate, and printhead, head cartridge, and printing apparatus using the element substrate
This invention relates to a printhead element substrate having a plurality of electrothermal transducers and a plurality of switching elements which drive the plurality of electrothermal transducers. The element substrate has a level converter which is shared by adjacent electrothermal transducers and steps up an input driving signal, and a switch circuit which supplies the driving signal output from the level converter to one of the adjacent electrothermal transducers. The switch circuit switches the supply destination of the driving signal in accordance with an external input selection signal. |
| US08191994B2 |
Liquid ejection head utilizing deflection members
Provided is a continuous-type charge deflection liquid ejection head that is suitable for higher-density and multiple nozzles. This liquid ejection head includes: an orifice plate having a plurality of nozzles arranged in a two-dimensional manner; a charging electrode plate having a charging electrode to charge ink droplets from each of the plurality of nozzles; and first and second deflection electrode plates each having a deflection electrode to deflect each of the ink droplets charged by the charging electrode, in which each of the charging member, the first deflection member, and the second deflection member has through-holes that ink droplets pass through, and the charging member, the first deflection member, and the second deflection member are laminated in this order in an ejecting direction of the ink droplets. |
| US08191986B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes a recording head having a plurality of nozzles and scanning in forward and backward scanning directions to form dot images on the recording medium, an imaging unit imaging an image on the recording medium, a detection unit detecting a positional shift amounts of the dot images and inclination amounts of the recording head based on calibration image data obtained by imaging two first marks and two second marks in a single view by the imaging unit, and a correction unit correcting a drive of the recording head based on the detected positional shift amounts and the inclination amounts of the recording head. |
| US08191983B2 |
Correction value calculating method and method of manufacturing liquid ejecting apparatus
There is provided a method of calculating a correction value in a liquid ejecting apparatus in which a plurality of heads is arranged in a predetermined direction and each of the heads has a nozzle row in which nozzles ejecting a liquid on a medium are arranged in the predetermined direction. The method includes: forming a first and second pattern by a first and second operation; and calculating, on the basis of the first pattern, a first correction value and, on the basis of the first and second patterns, a second correction valve to line up a landed position of the liquid ejected in the first operation and the second operation. |
| US08191979B2 |
Depositing drops on a substrate carried by a stage
A device for depositing drops includes a head configured to eject drops on a region of a substrate; a stage configured to hold the substrate while the head ejects drops on the region of the substrate; a first transporting device configured to transport the substrate in a transporting direction onto the stage; and a second transporting device configured to transport the substrate in the transporting direction off the stage. The stage and at least one of the first transporting device or the second transporting device are movable together in the transporting direction. |
| US08191976B2 |
Coreless rubber crawler track
A coreless rubber crawler track has an endless rubber elastic body (1), steel cords (3) embedded in the longitudinal direction of the elastic body, rubber protrusions (2) formed at a constant interval from the inner peripheral surface toward the longitudinal direction of the elastic body, and rubber lugs formed on the outer peripheral surface. Bias cords (5, 6) are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the steel cords (3) so as to extend to the lateral right and left in the directions opposite from each other. Both bias cords (5, 6) are overlapped on each other over a width of 10 mm or more directly under the rubber protrusions. With such an arrangement, torsional rigidity and lateral rigidity of the rubber crawler track are improved and, even when the rubber crawler track is passed over sprockets etc., bending rigidity is not high and a tooth skip phenomenon is suppressed. |
| US08191975B2 |
Single channel roll stability system
A method and system for assessing and preventing overturn of a vehicle, the method and system being particularly suitable for use with commercial vehicles with brake systems typically used in North America, wherein a vehicle equipped with single brake pressure modulator is controlled to increase or decrease brake pressure, depending on braking state, to test vehicle wheel speed by response. If the vehicle wheel speed response indicates the inside wheels of the vehicle are off the ground or only lightly loaded, it may be assumed that the vehicle is approaching overturning. A braking intervention may be then executed by the single brake pressure modulator to prevent the incipient overturn event. |
| US08191974B2 |
System and method to control hydraulic pump to provide steering and braking assist
A method to control a hydraulic pump of a vehicle, the pump coupled to at least a power steering system and a power braking system is provided. The method comprises measuring steering and braking information using a brake sensor and a steering sensor; and adjusting output of said hydraulic pump based on measured information from said sensors. |
| US08191970B2 |
Backrest device in a chair
A backrest device for a chair, in which a backboard is easily flexible without a reduction in its strength, thus making the chair comfortable to sit on. The lower ends of both right and left sides of the back frame are supported at both sides at the back of a leg body, and the flexible back board is formed on the inside of rear frames. A large number of openings are formed in the backboard so as to be close to each other in the top-bottom and left-right directions. Between openings adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, there is formed a connection section continuing in the top-bottom direction, and the dimension in the front-back direction of the connection section is made larger than the dimension in the left-right direction of the connection section. |
| US08191969B2 |
Head restraint
A device for use with a headrest having lateral portions extending out of a plane which the headrest predominantly occupies, and defining a longitudinal open area at one end of the headrest, has a flexible tubular body with a circumference sized to fit the around the headrest including its lateral portions. The flexible tubular body of the device further has a first open end, the first open end being sized and dimensioned to not obstruct the longitudinal open area at one end of the headrest. A mesh netting web closes the first open end of the flexible tubular body and is operative to preclude the longitudinal migration of the device in at least one direction on the headrest. A friction-enhancing pad is secured to an inward-facing surface of the tubular body. One or more positioning straps extending from the flexible tubular body may be provided. |
| US08191965B2 |
Damper and vehicle seat equipped with the damper
A damper 1 includes a vessel 2; a partitioning member 6 which partitions an internal space of the vessel 2 into two accommodation chambers 4 and 5 for accommodating a viscous fluid 3 and which is movable with respect to the vessel 2; a moving force imparting device 7 for imparting to the partitioning member 6 a moving force in an A1 direction by the input of rotation in an R2 direction with respect to the vessel 2, so that the moving velocity is set to one corresponding to the rotating velocity of that input of rotation; a resilient device 8 for resiliently urging the partitioning member 6 in an A2 direction; a communicating hole 9 formed in the partitioning member 6; and a flow limiting device 10 for limiting the flow of the viscous fluid 3 in the accommodating chamber 4 into the accommodating chamber 5 through the communicating hole 9 when the internal pressure of the viscous fluid 3 accommodated in the accommodating chamber 4 has exceeded a fixed value. |
| US08191962B2 |
Deflector of sliding roof system
The present invention discloses a deflector of a sliding roof system including a blade provided along on an front edge of an opening of a fixed roof and moving upward and downward along with an opening and closing movement of a roof panel; arms installed on right and left end portions of the blade, each of the arms provided with a cam pin and a support pin; a cam groove that guides the cam pin so as to define a movement trajectory of the blade; and a support groove that guides a frontward and backward movement of the support pin, wherein the support groove includes a guide frame that guides a frontward and backward movement of the roof panel. |
| US08191959B2 |
Front end module for a motor vehicle
A front end module for a motor vehicle substantially contains a downwardly open assembly support which is connected to a crash cross-member via lateral connecting limbs, and the two components form a rectangular, closed frame. A further, lower crash cross-member which likewise forms a rectangularly closed frame is connected to the crash cross-member. |
| US08191954B2 |
Motorcycle windshield trim
A trim for a motorcycle windshield having windshield-adjacent storage compartments along the lower windshield edge. The trim includes a body with a shield portion and a mounting portion of rigid sheet material sufficiently flexible to conform to the windshield surface. The shield portion has a length for spanning the full width of the windshield lower edge and a vertical dimension sufficient to reach to a level along the tops of the windshield-adjacent storage compartments. The mounting portion extends below the shield portion to engage existing windshield-mounting hardware for securement of the trim to the motorcycle. The trim is secured to the motorcycle windshield by loosening the existing windshield-mounting hardware from a fairing at the windshield and pulling the top of the fairing away from the windshield. The mounting portion is then slid between the fairing and the windshield along the lower windshield edge, adjusted to the desired position, and the hardware is tightened to sandwich the trim between the fairing and the windshield. |
| US08191947B2 |
Clamp for manipulating robot with enhanced gripping accuracy and manipulating robot comprising at least one such clamp
This invention relates to a gripper for a manipulator robot comprising two members articulated at a first end, each member comprising a jaw support (8′) at a second end, and a jaw (10′) that will come into contact with an object, the jaw (10′) being approximately plane, a force sensor (26′) arranged between at least one jaw support (8′) and a jaw (10′) so as to apply a force during displacement of the jaw (10′), and a deformable parallelogram connection (14′) connecting the jaw (10′) to the jaw support (8′), the sensor (26′) being oriented such that a sensitive axis of the sensor is orthogonal to the plane of the jaw (10′). |
| US08191945B2 |
Ball retrieving apparatus
A ball retrieving apparatus configured to receive and retain one or more altering balls from a surface. The ball retrieving apparatus comprises a housing including a first end for receiving one or more altering balls from a surface and a second end for dispensing the one or more altering balls from the housing. The ball retrieving apparatus also comprises a retention member releasably attached to the first end, said retention member comprising (a) one or more clips disposed along the first end of the housing; and (b) a displacement member surrounding the housing and at least part of the one or more clips; the displacement member being configured to regulate the displacement of the one or more clips as a ball is received from said surface into said housing. |
| US08191942B2 |
Bumper for a motor vehicle
A bumper for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a bumper shell having an outer surface and a cut-out opening. A cut edge of the opening meets the outer surface at a sharp edge. A frame inserted into the opening covers the cut edge and an exposed outer surface of the frame has a convex curvature with a curvature radius of at least approximately 2 mm. |
| US08191941B2 |
Lock with a turning and drawing bolt
A pull-turn bolt latch for mounting in an opening in a thin wall, particularly for securing plug-ins, doors or flaps in switch cabinets, comprises a housing that can be secured in a non-round opening in a thin wall, a shaft which is provided with an external thread and which is mounted in the housing so as to be rotatable but fixed with respect to axial displacement, on which external thread a bolt provided with a matching threaded bore hole is guided in the housing so as to be acted upon by pressure by a spring engaging around the shaft such that when the shaft is rotated by hand or by a tool into the stop position at the outer end of the shaft or when the pressure is relaxed the bolt carries out a rotational movement with the shaft covering at least 90°, and in the position remote of the stop position accompanied by axial guidance, such as in an axial slot formed for the bolt in the housing carries out a translational movement in axial direction. The housing has a head part such as a flange which covers the outer edge of the opening in the mounted position, and a body part proceeds from this head part and penetrates the opening. The invention is characterized in that flexible holding elements project from the body part in direction of the outer surface thereof and form a self-locking contact surface or contact line or contact point for supporting the body part without play on the rim or edge of the opening. |
| US08191932B2 |
Fluid coupling and method for assembling same
A coupling for liquid and gas applications has a valve cartridge loaded from a front end of the coupling. The valve cartridge includes a valve body, a valve member, and a valve spring. The valve member is within the valve body and the valve spring coaxially surrounds the valve member and is disposed between the valve body and the valve member. An aperture in the valve body allows the valve member to pass through the valve body. A stop ring is disposed between the valve cartridge and the front-end portion to secure the valve cartridge in the valve cavity. The valve cartridge is secured in a valve cavity of the coupling by the stop ring. The valve member includes a valve that is opened when a mating coupling is inserted into the coupling. The valve also operates to shut off the flow when the couplings are disconnected. |
| US08191929B2 |
Reduced-size vehicle with large internal voids
Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles. |
| US08191926B2 |
Inflatable airbag assembly with an airbag housing vent panel
Vents in inflatable airbags can be used to soften airbags during deployment by allowing inflation gas to exit from the interior of the airbag. Airbag vents can be used in conjunction with vents in an airbag housing and a vent panel that can align with airbag vent with the housing vent and cover the aperture of the housing vent. |
| US08191919B2 |
Locking device for a stroller
A locking device for a stroller is provided. The stroller includes a pair of side frames and a base frame. The locking device comprises an articulated mechanism pivotally connected between the respective rear frames of the pair of side frames, a locking member slidably provided on the articulated mechanism for locking the articulated mechanism, and a pair of side braces pivotally connected to the locking member at one end thereof respectively and pivotally connected to the respective rear frames of the pair of side frames at the other end thereof. The folding and unfolding of the stroller can be easily carried out by means of the locking device. |
| US08191918B2 |
Device for adjusting ski binding height for improved balance
A mechanism for attaching a boot to a ski with the heel end of the boot being height adjustable. The toe end portion of the boot is pivotly attaching to the ski. A pair of members engaged to the heel end portion and the ski respectively engage each other in a manner to provide height adjustability of the heel end of the boot. A track on either of the boot or the ski is slidably engaged by the respective member. One of the members has an inclined serrated surface which engages a serrated surface of the other member for adjusting height. Alternatively, one of the members has an inclined surface, and height adjustment is achieved by a threaded rotatable member on one of the members which threadedly engages longitudinally spaced indents or other formations in the other member. |
| US08191916B1 |
Versatile trailer hitch configuration for vehicle restraint
An improved manner of attaching, restraining, and securing a vehicle onto a trailer through a versatile hitch configuration. Such a configuration permits utilization of at least one hitch coupler assembly for releasable attachment/connection to a selected vehicle with a complementary component for connection therewith. Additionally, the coupler assembly is present on a trailer through a temporary or permanent base connector configuration that includes a removable crossbar through which the coupler assembly is threaded to allow for movement around said crossbar as well as along the length of said crossbar simultaneously. The crossbar may also be adjusted height wise within the base connector through placement and securing within graduated openings within the connector itself. Further designs utilizing the base movable hitch coupler concept, as well as entire trailers and methods of transporting vehicles with such a device, are also encompassed within this invention. |
| US08191915B2 |
Vehicle docking assistance system
An automatic docking system for docking a towing vehicle with a towed vehicle includes a sensing device, a controller, an automatic steering system, an automatic braking system, and a plurality of targets. The sensing device detects the plurality of targets located on a hitch of the towed vehicle. The controller determines the location of the towing vehicle relative to the towed vehicle based on the detection of the plurality of targets. The controller automatically steers the towing vehicle towards the towed vehicle to assist in the docking of the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle. The controller engages the automatic braking system to slow or stop the towing vehicle as required. |
| US08191909B2 |
Modular patient support system
A patient support platform or mobile support cart is provided. The mobile support cart includes a transmission system that allows the patient and/or medical staff member to choose a stop, walk or roll mode. In the stop mode, the castor wheels are prevented from rolling across the floor by a braking mechanism. In the walking mode, the transmission causes a tracking wheel to engage the floor for providing tracked or guided motion to the mobile support cart. In a roll mode, the tracking wheel is raised and is disengaged from the floor, and the castor wheels are free to rotate. The platform is capable of supporting devices that may be attached or associated with a patient throughout their stay at a healthcare facility. The braking mechanism can include a cable and an associated brake arm, with the cable positioned to allow braking without inhibiting the ability of the castor wheel to swivel with respect to a castor mounting plate. |
| US08191908B2 |
Mobile storage unit
A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit includes a rigid exo-skeletal frame and a flexible storage bag that couples to the rigid exo-skeletal frame while within an open storage region framed by the exo-skeletal frame. The mobile storage unit also includes a top seat portion and stabilizing features that extend and retract from the rigid exo-skeletal frame to support the mobile storage unit in the upright position. The mobile storage unit can also include a monitoring device for transmitting signals that are used to determine the location of the mobile storage unit. |
| US08191907B2 |
Multi-use wagon
A multi-use wagon is disclosed. The wagon includes a body supported by a plurality of wheels, front and rear seats disposed within the body, and forward and rear back-support panels pivotably coupled to the front and rear seats to provide back support and to selectively fold to create a table top surface. The seats are removable. The wagon also includes left and right side panels pivotably coupled to the body, wherein the left and right side panels are configured to be operatively placed in one of three positions: to be used in a stowed position at a left and right sides, respectively, of the wagon body, to be lifted to provide upper side support to the wagon body while carrying a child or cargo, and to operatively fold, outwardly to provide a right or left side portion, respectively, of the table top surface. The wagon includes an insulated chest. |
| US08191906B2 |
Modular utility stand storage apparatus and method
A modular utility stand storage apparatus includes a plurality of components for storage/transport and utility stand operation. The storage components are stacked on top of one another in a utility stand mode. The apparatus also includes a platform which can serve as a working platform or a hand truck for transport of the various components. The stacked utility stand storage apparatus provides various working heights and the individual storage compartments are easily lifted and portable. |
| US08191905B2 |
Retractable wheel system for snowmobile ski
The retractable wheel system of the present invention may be installed on a snowmobile ski without affecting its structural integrity by installing the system on the reinforced portion of the snowmobile ski. When a user circulates in a path with little or no snow, the retractable wheel system is positioned in the extended configuration by the user and the system will automatically return to the retracted configuration when the user returns in a snowy zone. This is realized by using a pre-tensioned spring that will reposition the wheel in the retracted configuration. The spring transmits a rotational movement to the member on which the wheel is fixed. |
| US08191902B2 |
Drill chuck
A chuck including a body having a tail section and a nose section defining an axial bore. A plurality of jaws are movably disposed with respect to the axial bore and a nut is in threaded engagement with the jaws. A sleeve engages the nut so that rotation of the sleeve moves the jaws. A first ring defines a plurality of teeth and a second ring is rotatable relative to the nut over a limited arc and defines at least one pawl. In a first state, the second ring is non-rotatable relative to the first ring in both the opening and closing directions, and in a second state the first and second rings are rotatable about the body, and the second ring is rotatable relative to the first ring in the closing direction. |
| US08191901B2 |
Minimal thickness, double-sided flanges for ultra-high vacuum components
A thin flange, for use with a vacuum system, includes a member having a diameter and a thickness. The member has a first face having a first sealing surface. The member has a second face opposed and substantially parallel to the first face. The second face has a second sealing surface. The thickness of the member is less than previously attained. In some designs, the thickness of the member is less than 0.28 inches. |
| US08191895B2 |
Color by symbol picture puzzle kit
A picture puzzle kit is provided for coloring a picture puzzle marked with indicia corresponding to multiple colors. The picture puzzle kit comprises puzzle pieces, color charts, and coloring tools. The puzzle pieces comprise parts of a picture and are marked with indicia corresponding to different colors. The color charts display colors corresponding to the indicia marked on the puzzle pieces. In an embodiment, multiple removable layers are stacked one above the other on each of the puzzle pieces. In another embodiment, an embedded audio assembly is provided in each of the puzzle pieces and the color charts for audibly indicating characteristics of the puzzle pieces and the color charts respectively. The puzzle pieces are linked to assemble the picture puzzle. The coloring tools enable the user to color the puzzle pieces using the colors displayed on the color charts corresponding to the indicia marked on the puzzle pieces. |
| US08191891B2 |
Paper feeding device having tray with curved auxiliary member
To provide a paper feeding device that can stably feed a recording media of an angle bottomed envelope or the like with a non-uniform thickness in which defects such as feeding failure, oblique feeding, dog ears and paper jamming or the like are not generated, a paper feeding device of the present invention includes a bottom plate 41 that sends up a recording media stacked thereon to a paper feeding position, a feeding device 24 that feeds an uppermost piece of the recording media sent up to the paper feeding position in which an auxiliary member 50 with a curved surface is disposed at least within a width directional area occupied by the paper feeding device 24 and atop an upper surface of the bottom plate 41, a height from each point of the curved surface of the auxiliary member 50 to the bottom plate 41 is non-uniform. |
| US08191889B1 |
Method and apparatus for maintaining a predetermined media stack height in a media tray used in an image production device
A method and apparatus for maintaining level media stack in a media tray used in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a stack of media sheets on top of a plurality of selectively-controllable inflatable bladders located in the media tray, and maintaining a level media stack by inflating or deflating one or more of the plurality of selectively-controllable inflatable bladders. |
| US08191885B2 |
Home-position detecting method, sheet processing device, and image forming apparatus
A processing unit performs a predetermined processing on a sheet in a process of carrying the sheet. A home-position detecting unit detects a home position of a moving member of the processing unit by detecting a part of the moving member using a detecting unit. The home-position detecting unit sets in advance a detection range for recognizing the home position, and when a part to detect the home position is detected in a state in which the moving member is stopped, sets a detection position as the home position by assuming that the detection position is in the detection range without moving the moving member once out of a detection range of the detecting unit. |
| US08191884B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
The present invention provides a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus in which even if the apparatus includes a gripping apparatus gripping one side of a sheet bundle to be stapled, the sheet bundle can be stapled in a portion thereof in which the gripping apparatus is located. A gripper unit is moved in a direction crossing one side of sheets and placed in a discharge position in which the gripper unit discharges the gripped sheets and in a coupling position where the gripper unit is coupled to a staple unit. The gripper unit is thus moved in the same direction as that in which the staple unit coupled to the gripper unit at the coupling position moves. Thus, the staple unit can be moved to a stapling position without the need to ensure a retract space. |
| US08191882B2 |
Spine formation device, post-processing apparatus, and spine formation system
A spine formation device includes a sheet conveyer to transport a bundle of folded sheets, a pressing unit including a first pressing member movable according to a pressing load in a pressing direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction to press opposed sides of the front end portion of the folded sheets and a second pressing member attached to the first pressing member, to press the front end portion of the folded sheets, and a spine formation member disposed at a predetermined distance from the pressing unit. The second moves in the sheet conveyance direction in conjunction with the first pressing member moving in the pressing direction and presses the folded portion of the bundle of sheets with a predetermined spine-forming load against a contact surface of the spine formation member, thereby forming a spine of the bundle of sheets. |
| US08191881B1 |
Portable cutting table and associated method
A portable cutting table may include a free-standing and collapsible frame adapted to be transported between remote locations. A cutting surface is preferably connected to a top-most region of the frame in such a manner that the cutting surface preferably remains centrally conjoined to the frame while the frame preferably is biased between folded and unfolded positions. A frame biasing mechanism articulates the frame between the folded and unfolded positions while the cutting surface remains statically engaged with the top-most surface. A plurality of knife-holding implements may be directly and fixedly mated to the frame biasing mechanism. Such knife-holding implements may be simultaneously articulated about a fulcrum axis registered orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the cutting surface such that the knife-holding implements are automatically displaced between stored and exposed positions as the frame is biased between the folded and unfolded positions respectively. |
| US08191879B2 |
Vise pads for accurate work piece alignment
The present disclosure general relates to vise pads which provide accurate alignment of work pieces in a vise. The movement of internal members of these pads eliminates the need for manual adjustment such as with the use of a hammer to ensure alignment. The vise pads include wedge bars in combination with connectors which reduce friction and thus provide for longer life and efficient operation. In another embodiment, the vise pads include elastomeric bars which act as sealant to reduce entry of dust resulting from machining of a work piece. |
| US08191872B2 |
Heat exchange laminate
A heat exchange laminate comprises a formable carrier layer at least partially covered with a flexible liquid retaining layer having an open structure. By forming such a laminate of two layers, desired properties such as the spatial distribution of the liquid retaining layer, can be imparted to the heat exchange laminate prior to forming. The laminate may then be conveniently formed into any desired shape by known manufacturing procedures for incorporation into a heat exchanger. The laminate may be used to cool a first fluid by evaporation of a liquid into a second fluid operating at or near its saturation point. |
| US08191871B2 |
Diffuser for aeration
Disclosed is a diffuser installation structure capable of improving uniformity of air bubbles discharged from air bubble discharge holes, restricting the formation of dead zone air bubble discharge holes, and having the tolerance against design deviation. In the installation structure for a diffuser including at least one air feeding port and an air bubble discharge wall having a plurality of air bubble discharge holes, the air bubble discharge wall is inclined upward in the direction of increasing distance relative to the air feeding port. |
| US08191869B2 |
Method and apparatus for submersible or self contained aeration of liquid medium
An apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid comprising a submersible or a self contained, self powered floating pressurized dome aeration apparatus housing multi-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs with a remote umbilical power and control unit and process for adding dissolved gas (oxygen) into fluid (water), wherein intermeshed rotating sets of discs operate on parallel shafts driven by variable speed motors or drives, and strakes are radially mounted on the discs to carry liquid up into a mixing area and to carry air and liquid down into a mixing area resulting in a shear force that drives air into the oxygen depleted liquid. |
| US08191867B2 |
Method and apparatus for carbonizing a liquid
A system and method for carbonizing a liquid, such as tap water with CO2, are disclosed. The liquid is carbonized inside a pump housing, thereby obviating the need for a separate high-pressure carbonator tank and a separate feed pump. The pump housing has an inlet for receiving in combination the liquid and CO2 at a first pressure, and an outlet for transporting the liquid carbonized with CO2 from the pump housing into an outlet line at a second pressure higher than the first pressure. A constriction is disposed in the outlet line for producing said higher pressure with the pump. The system and method can be employed in closed-loop carbonizing systems in the beverage industry. |
| US08191864B2 |
Jack bar with extendable tubes and fixturing mechanism
A jack bar includes an outer tube, an inner tube and a positioner tube coaxially located. The positioner tube is extendable to adjust a length to the jack bar in use while enabling the jack bar to be retracted for storage. The jack bar further includes a clamp configured to receive tubes of various shapes. The clamp is further configured to prevent twisting or turning of clamped tubes. |
| US08191863B2 |
Staple remover
The staple remover is a device that effectively removes staples, especially staples that have already been partially removed. The device includes top and bottom jaws that are pivotally connected in pliers-like fashion. A conventional spring biases the jaws apart. Each jaw is provided with a toothed or serrated-like inner surface. The outer surface of each jaw is padded to enhance ergonomic dexterity and comfort. An elongate prong extends from the front surface of the bottom jaw. |
| US08191861B2 |
Control valve for controlling a gas flow
The present invention relates to a control valve (1) for controlling a gas flow in a gas line (3) of an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising a rotationally adjustable flap (4) for controlling a flow cross section (13), a throttling sealing gap (14) which, in a closed position of the flap (4), is formed radially between a sealing contour (15) of the flap (4) and a sealing face (16) which faces the flap (4), and a drive shaft (5), on which the flap (4) is arranged fixedly in terms of rotation. In order to simplify the adjustment of the throttling sealing gap (14), a line piece (2) is provided for installation in the gas line (3) axially between line ends (9), wherein the flap (4) controls the flow cross section (13) of the line piece (2), wherein the sealing face (16) is formed on the line piece (2), wherein the drive shaft (5) penetrates the line piece (2) and is mounted in two bearings (18), wherein two bearing shells (19) are provided which are arranged on the outside of the line piece (2) and in each case have one of the bearings (18). |
| US08191858B2 |
Solenoid valve having a short axis
According to a solenoid valve of the invention, which is fitted in a pump housing, when ABS/TCS/ESP operate, a valve body with a plunger that forms the internal channel with a plunger seat is formed in a simple cylindrical shape to reduce a cycle time and manufacturing cost while a seat housing that is manufactured by pressing, in which a filter and plunger seat forming an internal channel are assembled is fitted in a vale body by staking. Accordingly, a laser welding is not needed and the length of the end portion of valve body is reduced, such that the entire length is reduced and the weigh is reduced as well. |
| US08191856B2 |
Piezoelectric element driven metal diaphragm control valve
A control valve has a body that forms a valve chamber and a valve seat, a metal diaphragm installed inside the valve chamber and making contact with and departing from the valve seat, an actuator box fixed to the side of the body, a piezoelectric element installed inside the actuator box to thrust the metal diaphragm through mediation of a metal diaphragm presser by elongating downward when voltage is applied, a conical spring mechanism that absorbs elongation of the piezoelectric element at the time when the metal diaphragm makes contact with the valve seat and a prescribed thrust is applied to the valve seat and the like, and a preload mechanism that applies upward compressive force to the piezoelectric element all the time wherein the compressive force applied to the piezoelectric element is externally adjustable. |
| US08191855B2 |
Bypass valve for internal combustion engines
A bypass valve for internal combustion engines for connecting the pressure side to the intake side of a supercharging device. The bypass valve includes an electromagnetic actuator and a valve housing in which a closing component is movably accommodated. The closing component has a valve body, acted upon by pressure and movable in a flow channel, and a switchable sealing element. |
| US08191853B2 |
Concrete form holding a partial sheet of insulation at a preselected position therein
A concrete forming apparatus having an inside form panel and an outside form panel spaced opposite from the inside form panel to create a gap into which plastic concrete will be placed and cured. A sheet of rigid insulation of a reduced height less than the height of the form panels is placed in the gap. A plurality of tie sleeves are pre-inserted through the insulation at regular intervals. A plurality of form ties are releasably connected to at least one of the form panels and extended through the tie sleeve to support the reduced height sheet of insulation at the desired vertical position. The tie sleeve strengthens the insulation in the area of the form tie and prevents damage to the insulation and prevents vertical movement of the insulation during placement and curing of the plastic concrete. |
| US08191852B1 |
Tacky block and method for elevating laptops
A system and method for elevating a portion of a laptop relative to a support surface to improve underbody ventilation by obtaining one or more removable blocks having a tacky surface on one face of the block, removably adhering the tacky surface to either the laptop support surface or the underside of the laptop, and positioning the laptop on the support surface such that the removable block elevates a portion of the laptop above the support surface. |
| US08191851B2 |
Method and apparatus for securing a device at a desired location
An apparatus and method are disclosed for securing an electrical device at a desired location. The apparatus includes a housing comprising a support surface on which an electronic device can be supported and a pair of opposed jaw members mounted with the housing, locatable with respect to each other, and arranged to be urged against respective sides of an electronic device to thereby clamp the electronic device at a desired location. At least one of the jaw members includes a region arranged to urge the electronic device against the support surface when the electronic device is clamped at the desired location. |
| US08191850B2 |
Longitudinal adjuster with at least one end stop
A longitudinal adjuster, in particular for a vehicle seat, has at least one first seat rail (2) and, at least one second seat rail (3) which is arranged in a manner such that it can be displaced in a sliding manner relative to the first seat rail (2), and at least one end stop (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) which is attached to the first seat rail (2) and limits the relative displaceability of the two seat rails (2, 3) to each other by means of interaction with a second end stop (3a) which is formed by the second seat rail (3) or is attached to same. The first seat rail (2) is provided with at least two apertures (2e) through each of which protrudes a region of the end stop (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) serving to limit the seat rail movement in the longitudinal direction of the seat rails (2, 3), and the region is formed by a respective tab (11a, 21a, 31a, 41a, 51a); formed integrally with the end stop (11, 21, 31, 41, 51). The associated aperture (2e) is formed in each case by a slot (2e) in the first seat rail (2), and the two tabs (11a, 21a, 31a, 41a, 51a) are arranged at the same height in the longitudinal direction of the seat rail (2). |
| US08191845B1 |
Multi-function hook
A multi-function hook is provided. The multi-function hook includes a hook unit and a plug unit. The hook unit includes a fixing board and at least one hook body. The fixing board includes a first L-shaped sheet and a second L-shaped fixing sheet having a hole respectively. The fixing board further includes at least one first protruded hook member, and an assembling hole disposed corresponding to the second L-shaped fixing sheet. The hook body is fixed on the front surface of the fixing board. The plug unit is assembled to the assembling hole and is fixed on the fixing board. The plug unit includes a cover and at least one second protruded hook member connecting with the cover. The cover includes a hollow hole disposed corresponding to the second L-shaped fixing sheet. The hook is fixed on a fixing body by nailing way with the first and the second L-shaped fixing sheets, and the hook is fixed on a fixing body by fastening way with the first and the second protruded hook members, so that the hook would be fixed by nailing and fastening ways. |
| US08191842B2 |
Fixing module
A fixing module and a case having the fixing module are provided. The case includes a plate having at least one first mounting hole, and a fixing module. The fixing module is used to fix an electronic device to the plate. The electronic device has at least one second mounting hole corresponding to the first mounting hole. The fixing module includes a base, a sliding member, and at least one resilient element. The base is mounted to the plate. The sliding member is movably disposed on the base. The resilient element located between the base and sliding member includes at least one pressing portion and at least one locking pin located on the pressing portion. When the sliding member is in a locking position, the sliding member presses the pressing portion such that the locking pin passes through the first mounting hole and inserts into the second mounting hole. |
| US08191830B2 |
Aircraft ejection seat with moveable headrest
An ejection seat includes a headrest that, upon initiation of the ejection seat, moves forward to support the pilot's head in a tilted-forward position. By holding the crewmember's head in a tilted-forward position, windblast forces are controlled to prevent the helmet from pulling upward and backward on the crewmember's head. The headrest may include a pair of struts that extend forward around the sides of the crewmember's helmet to support the crewmember's head against flailing from the windblast. A flexible panel extending between the struts and the headrest panel may also be included to further support the crewmember's head against windblast flailing. |
| US08191829B2 |
Seat track adapter
An apparatus comprising an elongate planar member, a number of flanges, and a number of channels at ends of the number of flanges. The elongate planar member may have a first side, a second side, and a number of holes. The first side may be opposite to the second side, wherein the first side may be capable of being secured to a track having a substantially planar surface with an array of holes. The number of flanges may extend from the second side of the elongate planar member. Each channel in the number of channels may have a bottom, a first wall, and a second wall. The first wall may have a first lip, and the second wall may have a second lip, wherein the first lip and the second lip may extend towards a centerline of an associated channel in the number of channels. |
| US08191827B2 |
System for maneuvering an aircraft landing gear and aircraft comprising same
The invention concerns a system for maneuvering an aircraft landing gear mounted in a landing gear box closed by a set of hatches, comprising: a general control unit of the landing gear box to trigger the different maneuvers, a control channel for the hatches (16), a control channel for the landing gear (15), the general control unit, the hatch control channel and the landing gear control channel being controlled by an electric power source, when the aircraft is in normal operating conditions, emergency operating conditions and in maintenance phase. The invention also concerns an aircraft comprising such a system. |
| US08191825B2 |
Fairing system for a horizontal stabiliser of an aircraft and process for installing said system
A fairing system for a horizontal stabilizer of an aircraft and to a process for installing said system, such that the fairing system for the sealing of the horizontal stabilizer and the fuselage of the aircraft includes a primary fairing arranged on the horizontal stabilizer of the aircraft, the primary fairing being solidly connected to the horizontal stabilizer which is in turn trimmable with respect to the fuselage, the fairing system in turn comprising a secondary fairing such that the primary fairing is coupled to the horizontal stabilizer through supports arranged in the direction of the chord of the primary fairing, said supports being located in the outer part of said primary fairing with respect to the fuselage, the secondary fairing being arranged in the outer part of the supports. |
| US08191823B2 |
Mast having modifiable geometry for securing an engine to an aircraft wing
A securing mast for securing an engine to the wing of an aircraft, wherein the device includes two fasteners, a first end of each fastener being secured to the engine and the second end of each fastener being secured to the wing, wherein the fasteners include hinged junction means capable of modifying the geometry of the aforementioned fasteners in order to modify a distance between the engine and the wing. |
| US08191813B2 |
Laying reel for coiling rolled wire
A laying reel for coiling wire has a generally spiral laying tube generally centered on and rotatable about an axis and having offset from the axis a tangentially directed output end. The wire to be coiled extends through the tube and exits the output end thereof. A brake shoe at the output end is engageable with the wire extending therefrom. An actuator urges the brake shoe against the wire and thereby brakes the wire as it exits the output end. |
| US08191810B2 |
Crusher
A crusher is provided that can quickly return to the operating state from a shutdown state which occurs due to the incorporation of a foreign object. Provided are a crushing rotor 32, a housing 41 and an anvil 33 supported by the housing to face a crushing chamber 31. A lever 90 is disposed on the side opposite the crushing rotor 32 with respect to the housing 41, pivotably installed with respect to side frames 19, and provided with a holding portion for holding the housing 41 to keep a posture where the anvil 33 faces the crushing chamber 31. An elastic member 93 is for biasing the lever 90 at a set biasing force. When the biasing force is exceeded, the lever 90 turns to permit the anvil 33 to turn and retreat from the crushing chamber 31. |
| US08191808B2 |
Fluid spray nozzle, pulverizer and method of preparing toner
A fluid spray nozzle for spraying fluid, satisfying a formula (r−r0)≦L tan 35°, wherein r0 is a radius of a section having a minimum area of the nozzle when cut perpendicular to a spray direction of the fluid; and r is a radius of cross-sections of an upstream side and a downstream side of the spray direction from the section having a minimum area with a distance of L. |
| US08191807B2 |
Use of acrylic comb polymers with hydrophobic groups as coupling agents in a method for grinding mineral materials with binders
The invention pertains to the use as a coupling agent, in a method for manufacturing self-binding particles by grinding at least one latex binder and at least one mineral material in an aqueous medium, of an aqueous solution of a fully or partially acidic water-soluble copolymer, present during the step of grinding, wherein the copolymer is made up of at least one ethylenically-unsaturated anionic monomer, and at least one ethylenically-unsaturated oxyalkylated monomer terminated by a hydrophobic alkyl, alkylaryl, arylakyl, or aryl chain having 10 to 32 carbon atoms. |
| US08191805B2 |
Electrostatic atomizer
Disclosed is an electrostatic atomizer, which comprises a cooler adapted to cool an atomizing electrode so as to allow moisture in air to be frozen onto the atomizing electrode, a melter adapted to melt ice frozen on the atomizing electrode so as to supply water onto the atomizing electrode, a high-voltage applying section adapted to apply a high voltage to the atomizing electrode, and a control section adapted to activate the high-voltage applying section in a state after supplying water onto the atomizing electrode by melting the ice frozen thereon, so as to apply a high voltage to the atomizing electrode to electrostatically atomize the water supplied on the atomizing electrode. The electrostatic atomizer of the present invention can reliably supply water onto the atomizing electrode and electrostatically atomize the water, without restrictions due to temperature/humidity conditions in a mist-receiving space targeted for implementation of electrostatic atomization therewithin, even if the mist-receiving space has a low temperature and/or a low humidity. |
| US08191800B2 |
Fuel injection valve
A fuel injection valve has a first and a second injection ports whose central axes are parallel to each other, the central axis of the second injection port is out of alignment with respect to the central axis of the first injection port so that, when the largest length M1 of a longer-side line along which a plane including the central axis of the valve seat member and the central axis of the second injection port intersects with an inner wall of the second injection port is larger than the shortest length M2 of a shorter-side line along which the above plane intersects with an inner wall of the second injection port, the distance W1 from the inner wall of the first injection port to the longer-side line of the second injection port as measured within the plane is larger than the distance W2 from the inner wall of the first injection port to the shorter-side line of the second injection port as measured within the plane. |
| US08191798B2 |
Agricultural field sprayer and process for its operation
An agricultural field sprayer (10) includes an electrically driven pump (50) locatable directly under sprayer fluid tank for conveying the fluid from the tank to a supply line. A return line (54) connects the pump (50) to the tank (22), and a sprayer line (32) connecting the pump (50) to an application assembly (20). The return line (54) and the sprayer line (32) include electrically operated control valves (68, 64), and an electronic control system (56) operates the motor (46) and the control valves (64, 68) as a function of different variables including field sprayer speed and sprayer fluid characteristics. The valve and motor controls and an additional valve-controlled return line facilitate numerous operational modes including tank fill, rinse, recirculation, spray, partial width spray, and stop modes. |
| US08191784B2 |
High density, rectangular binary code symbol
A binary code symbol for non-linear strain measurement designed specifically for perimeter-based deformation and strain analysis. The symbol is rectangular with a continuous outer perimeter, two data regions along adjacent sides of the rectangle and a utility region adjacent each side opposite the data regions. Each data region is made up of at least two rows, each of which is made up of a number of data cells, and each utility region is made up of at least two rows, each of which is made up of utility cells with alternating appearance. There are at least two distinct finder cells on opposite corners of the rectangle, which can be used to orient the symbol. A non-linear strain gage for measuring the strain on an object under load in accordance includes a target, a sensor, and a computer, wherein the target is a binary code symbol. |
| US08191783B2 |
Bar code generation method using color code, data compression method, and internet service method thereof
A method and a system for exchanging electronic information data, using a color code recognition device are provided. An electronic information data from the first computer is recognized in either in the ASCII code or in the binary digit format. The electronic information data is encoded by substituting each character of the ASCII codes or the binary digit recognized with a color value. The encoded data is transmitted to the second computer, and the transmitted data is decoded into the original electronic information data. The system for exchanging an electronic information data includes a storage device for storing the user identification database and the legend database, an encoding device for encoding the electronic information data, a decoding device for decoding the encoded data to restore the encoded data into its original format, and a network device for transmitting the data between a plurality of computers over the network. |
| US08191782B2 |
Swipe card and a method and system of monitoring usage of a swipe card
A swipe card and a method and system of monitoring usage of a swipe card. The swipe card includes a substrate forming a body of the card, a magnetic strip for storing accessible account information and a swipe counter. The swipe counter detecting and accessibly storing a count of the number of times the magnetic strip is swiped. The swipe counter can include a piezo-electric element. The swipe counter can include a capacitive element for storing pulses of energy generated when the magnetic strip is swiped. The swipe counter can include a micro-electromechanical system for recording select physical movement of the card. The swipe card can further include a swipe analyzer for detecting and accessibly storing descriptive information associated with at least one transaction associated with each swipe, wherein the swipe analyzer is operatively coupled to the magnetic strip. |
| US08191781B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated access control system
An automated access control system and method in one embodiment includes a storage rack comprising a plurality of storage compartments, a user port, a memory including program instructions for placing a key within one of the plurality of storage compartments, associating the key with the one of the plurality of storage compartments, identifying a user, associating the user and the stored key, removing the stored key from the one of the plurality of storage compartments, and making the removed key accessible to the user at the user port, and a processor operably connected to the memory for executing the program instructions. |
| US08191779B2 |
Wireless management of remote vending machines
A wireless system for managing a plurality of remote vending machines includes an enterprise control center; and a two-way wireless network coupling the enterprise control center and the plurality of remote vending machines. A touch screen may be associated with each of the plurality of vending machines for selecting items to be vended therein, and means for displaying a plurality of advertisements on the touch screen. The touch screen may also include means for paying for the items to be vended within the plurality of vending machines. |
| US08191777B2 |
Dynamic hold decisioning
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining, communicating, and/or executing hold decisions for deposit items. For example, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving information associated with a deposit item; (b) determining a deposit amount for the deposit item; (c) determining a payee account to receive the deposit item; (d) determining a hold limit for the payee account; and (e) determining a hold decision for the deposit item based at least partially on a comparison of the deposit amount to the hold limit. In some embodiments, the hold limit is based at least partially on (a) an account balance associated with the payee account, and (b) one or more other characteristics associated with the payee account. |
| US08191774B2 |
United crimes elimination network
A computerized method and apparatus are established to identify a subject of common interest among multiple parties without releasing the true identity of any subject. Furthermore, a computerized network provides different parties at different locations with a mechanism to conduct cooperative activities concerning such a subject of common interest without exposing that subject to possible identity theft. |
| US08191772B2 |
Method for generating customer one-time unique purchase order numbers
Multiple secure transactions are provided through use of a method that uses customer one-time unique purchase order numbers (“Coupons”) generated by an algorithm that uses a permutated user key and a user insertion key as input variables. A user key (such as a Personal Identification Number, or “PIN”) is combined with a permutation variable that is correlated with a customer sequence number to create the permutated user key. A random number generator is used to generate the user insertion key correlated with the customer sequence number. The algorithm can insert the permutated user key into a user account number through use of the user insertion key. A Coupon is validated by confirming that it is contained in a set of money source Coupons generated by a money source using the user key and a random number generator that is synchronized with the random number used to generate Coupons. Once a Coupon is validated, the matching money source Coupon and all earlier generated money source Coupons are deleted from the set, and a new set is generated. If a preselected number of Coupons are not validated for a chosen entity, an invalid user account number will be set. Coupons can be used for credit card or bank card transactions, and they can be generated without changing fixed digits of traditional twenty digit account numbers. |
| US08191769B1 |
Method and system for pre-filling account information
Method and system are disclosed for automatically filling in external account information on a new account application. The method and system capture account-identifying information for an external account from electronic transactions involving the external account. The captured external account information may be used to automatically pre-fill new account information fields that require information about the external account. Account-identifying information for internal accounts may also be used to automatically pre-fill the new account application. Such an arrangement greatly simplifies the process of filling out new account applications. |
| US08191766B2 |
Methods and systems for managing merchant identifiers
A method and system for processing a merchant identification request from a private label payment card issuer is provided. The issuer is communicatively coupled to a multi-party payment card interchange that includes access to a database. The database stores a plurality of historical multi-party payment card transactions. The method includes transmitting a list of private label merchant locations from the issuer to the interchange wherein the list includes physical location information relating to the private label merchants listed, processing the list at the interchange by applying thereto an identification analysis including one of merchant matching only, test transaction only, and merchant matching plus test transaction, identifying at least one private label merchant location included within the list including associating a unique identifier with the at least one identified private label merchant location, and outputting the at least one identified private label merchant location with the associated unique identifier. |
| US08191761B2 |
Cooler box with handle
A carton for holding containers is disclosed. The carton can be converted from a first configuration for storing and shipping containers therein to a second configuration in which the carton forms an open-top cooler for chilling and serving the containers. According to an embodiment, a handle is formed in a top panel and end panels of the carton in the first configuration. Conversion of the carton from the first configuration to the second configuration can be accomplished by detaching the handle from the top panel and folding open portions of the top panel and end panels. |
| US08191760B2 |
Method for attaching porous metal layer to a metal substrate
A method for attaching a porous metal layer to a dense metal substrate, wherein the method is particularly useful in forming orthopedic implants such as femoral knee components, femoral hip components, and/or acetabular cups. The method, in one embodiment thereof, comprises providing a solid metal substrate; providing a porous metal structure; contouring a surface of the porous metal structure; placing the porous structure against the substrate such that the contoured surface of the porous metal structure is disposed against the substrate, thereby forming an assembly; applying heat and pressure to the assembly in conjunction with thermal expansion of the substrate in order to metallurgically bond the porous structure and the substrate; and removing mass from the substrate after the porous structure is bonded to the substrate, thereby finish processing the assembly. |
| US08191755B2 |
Method of manufacturing a rotor disc
A method of manufacturing a composite rotor disc (2) in which, following diffusion bonding of a ceramic core section (4) of the rotor disc (2) to a metallic outer section (6) of the rotor disc (2) at an elevated temperature, the rotor disc (2) is allowed to cool to a predetermined temperature and is held at this predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. While the rotor disc (2) is held at this predetermined temperature it is loaded in a radially outward direction. The rotor disc (2) is then allowed to cool to a temperature below the predetermined temperature. |
| US08191750B2 |
Apparatus for cutting a liquid crystal display panel and method thereof
An apparatus and method for cutting a LCD panel is provided. The apparatus comprises a first scribing unit for forming first scribing lines and second scribing lines for dividing LCD panels on a substrate having a plurality of LCD panels. The apparatus also has a first flipping unit for flipping the substrate, a first breaking unit having a breaking bar for striking the flipped substrate along the first scribing lines to form a crack on the substrate, and a plurality of breaking rollers for pressing the flipped substrate along the second scribing lines to form a crack on the substrate. A breaking process of an LCD panel may be performed without rotating the substrate by using the breaking bar and the breaking rollers. Also, the breaking process may be performed without damaging image display regions of LCD panels where different sized LCD panels are on the substrate. |
| US08191749B1 |
Object holding system
A housing assembly is constructed of a front and rear sheets. The rear sheet has a horizontal linear upper edge and a convex lower edge with curved first and second side edges. The rear sheet has an upper section with opposing side edges and a lower section with opposing convex side edges. The front sheet has a horizontal linear upper edge and a convex lower edge with curved side edges, the lower and side edges overlying and coupled to the lower and side edges of the rear sheet. The upper edge of the front sheet is parallel with and spaced below the upper edge of the rear sheet with an upper opening to define a primary pouch. A generally rectangular supplemental sheet is coupled at its side and lower edges to the front sheet to form a secondary pouch. |
| US08191739B1 |
Mixed gas method for filling aerosol containers and aerosol formulas for improved environmental profile by VOC/HFC reduction
An aerosol dispenser that is pressurized by both compressed gas and liquefied gas is able to retain desired spray characteristics, such as foaming, while reducing volatile organic compound content or hydrofluorocarbon content. A minimal amount of liquefied gas allows the product to retain its desired spray characteristics, and the compressed gas causes higher internal pressures while reducing the amount of liquefied gas needed as a propellant. The aerosol container may be filled by first placing a desired aerosol product in the container, followed by introducing liquefied gas followed by compressed gas, or by introducing compressed gas followed by liquefied gas. |
| US08191738B2 |
Device for grains dosing with air sealing
Device for grains dosing with air sealing, comprehending a molded packaging in a way that the product within is not in direct contact with the air outside and is totally hermetical when closed, preserving its physical and chemical characteristics, therefore it is conformed basically by five pieces being one lid (1A), a container/bottle (2A), a mobile acting element (3A), a spring (4A) and a passage element (5A)1 where said lid (1A) is connected to a mobile sealing element, conformed by the container/bottle (2A), containing a fixed passage element (5A) at its top portion which may be connected to or screwed and at its bottom portion it is conformed the inlet (6A) of the dosing element; at the bottom portion of the body (1A) is provided a guide (7A) for the accommodation of the acting element (3A). |
| US08191736B2 |
Fluid dispenser
A fluid dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir (1) provided with a neck (11) that is externally threaded and that internally defines an opening (10) that communicates with the inside of the reservoir, the neck (11) forming at least one helical thread (12); a dispenser head (2) mounted on the neck (11) of the reservoir (1), the head (2) comprising: a dispenser member (3), such as a pump or a valve; a pusher (4) for actuating the dispenser member (3); and a fastener member (5, 6) engaged both with the threaded neck (11) of the reservoir (1) and with the dispenser member; the fluid dispenser being characterized in that the fastener member (5, 6) comprises: a deformable and malleable skirt (51) for coming into engagement with the threaded neck (11); and a rigid hoop (6) that is engaged around the skirt (51) so as to push the skirt radially against the threaded neck (11) in such a manner as to deform the skirt (51) against the thread (12) so as to create a thread imprint (530) in the skirt. |
| US08191734B2 |
Method and apparatus for gasifying and/or maintaining gasification in liquids
Embodiments of a method and apparatus for gasifying and maintaining gasification of a liquid contained in a resealable container are provided herein. In some embodiments, a gas delivery system for gasifying a liquid is provided, including a storage vessel for storing a gas; a controllable release mechanism; and an output device for facilitating delivery of a gas from the storage vessel via the controllable release mechanism. |
| US08191733B2 |
Arrangement for dispensing colour paste, apparatus and method
An arrangement for dispensing color paste, a shading apparatus, a method, a computer program product, and a memory. The arrangement includes a piston pump including a feed channel. The feed channel is provided with a substantially different amount of color paste per travelling length unit when the piston is moving towards the first end of the cylinder than when the piston is moving towards the second end of the cylinder. The arrangement further includes a valve connected to the feed channel, a dispensing channel connected to a first outlet channel of the valve for conveying color paste into a can, and a by-pass feed channel connected to a second outlet channel of the valve for conveying color paste past the can for the paint to be shaded. |
| US08191725B2 |
Party trash pail
A party trash pail including a container of predetermined volume, a plasticized liner removably insertable therein of a configuration to expand towards filling the container volume when laden with trash, yet with an upper dimension to overlap a defining outer rim of the container, and a header bearing against an outer surface of the liner to retain it in place within the container. |
| US08191721B2 |
Method and device for mounting of wind turbine blades
A method for mounting a wind turbine blade to a wind turbine hub by use of a crane boom is provided. The orientation of the blade is kept substantially horizontal when the blade is lifted off the ground and mounted to the rotor hub. Control wires which connect the blade via the crane boom to a winch arrangement are used for keeping the blade orientation substantially horizontal in addition to at least one bearing wire for bearing the blade weight. |
| US08191719B2 |
Rack arrangement for kiosk dispenser
A rack assembly of storage bins has a back wall, series of vertical slots in the back wall, partition members having tongues for fixing the partition member to the back wall. Extending between the partition members are bin floors, the edges of the floor members located in slots in the partition members. The spacing of the slots in the back wall and of the slots in the partition members is selected to permit a range of spacings of horizontally adjacent partition members and a range of spacings of vertically adjacent floor members. By suitable selection of the spacings, a large variety of bin sizes can be obtained. |
| US08191718B2 |
Rack modules
Various aspects include a rack module comprising a side including one or more receptacles. A receptacle may include a contact surface shaped to receive a container. A rack module may include one or more engagement features operable to removably attach the rack module to another rack module having complementary engagement features. The other rack module may also have a side including one or more receptacles, and the attached rack modules may commonly orient their respective receptacles such that the containers received therein may be used. |
| US08191717B2 |
System for safely transporting loading and unloading slabs
A system including a collapsible, recyclable, cost-effective module for transporting, loading and unloading slabs or tiles. The module comprises two lateral U-shaped members with each U-shaped member defining a top portion, bottom portion, proximal arm and distal arm. The member bottom portions are attached to one another and corresponding releasable connectors close each U-shaped member. The module is attached to a stabilizing base which in turn is secured to a transport ship or vehicle. Multiple modules are interconnected for the purpose of stabilization. |
| US08191715B2 |
Centrifugal force-based microfluidic device and microfluidic system including the same
A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device in which a sample including particles and a fluid is centrifugally separated such that the separated fluid is quantitatively distributed, and a microfluidic system including the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device are provided. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure in which, within a rotatable disc-shaped platform, a sample, including particles and a fluid, is quickly centrifugally separated into the particles and the fluid using the rotation of the disc-shaped platform and the fluid having a certain volume of the separated fluid is discharged by rotation of the disc-shaped platform. |
| US08191713B2 |
Interactive display packaging for a toy figure
The present invention is directed to a display package for a toy product (e.g., a toy figure), the package facilitating demonstration of the toy's animated features, or provides animation features to a toy that otherwise would not otherwise not be animated. The display package of the present invention defines an enclosure that houses the toy. The display package includes a manually-manipulated animation mechanism that repositions the toy within the enclosure and/or moves a portion of the toy from a first display position to a second display position (and vice versa). For example, the display package may include a movable segment to which the toy is connected. An actuator drives the movable segment, which, in turn, generates motion in the toy (motion which simulates animation of the toy). |
| US08191712B2 |
Surfboard protector
An adjustable surfboard transporter that protects the most fragile parts of a surfboard whether in transit or for storage. The surfboard protector or transporter can be adjusted in size to accommodate several different surfboard lengths. The transporter may focus on the most vulnerable parts of the surfboard protecting the nose, tail, and rails. In particular, an adjustable protective cover for the fragile outer perimeter of a surfboard is described. The light and durable form of protection cushions the surfboard to prevent damage from impacts. The system may be easy to use, quick to assemble, and may be broken down to an easily-transportable or storable size. |
| US08191711B2 |
Bend and peel tablet package
A blister package and method of removing a dosage form from a blister package are disclosed. In one embodiment, the blister package includes a unitary blister sheet and a unitary sheet of lidding material. The lidding sheet is peelably sealed to the blister sheet, and includes unsealed areas for facilitating the peeling of the lidding material from the blister sheet. The unsealed areas are preferably only accessible upon a bending of the blister package. |
| US08191709B2 |
Package containing a window and a performance characteristic indicator
A package including a container having a layer with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The layer forms an interior space. The container includes a window on only a portion of the exterior surface. The container contains within the interior space one or more absorbent articles each having substantially the same absorbent capacity. Each absorbent article is individually wrapped in a wrapper. The exterior surface of the container has a signal color corresponding to the absorbent capacity, and each of the wrappers has a substantially similar signal color in the form of a design. In addition, only a portion of the wrapper can be viewed through the window. |
| US08191698B2 |
Three position control solenoid for hydraulic activation
A hydraulic system having a clutch assembly (30) which is hydraulically actuated, a pressure device (32) in fluid communication with the clutch assembly, and a multi-position actuator device (34) in fluid communication with the pressure device and the clutch assembly. The position of the actuator device includes at least a first position in order for the pressure device to fluidly communicate with the clutch assembly, a second position for maintaining fluid pressure in the clutch assembly, and a third position for bleeding the hydraulic system. |
| US08191694B2 |
Lock-up clutch hydraulic pressure supply apparatus
A lock-up control valve (550) selectively applies secondary pressure P (L/U) to the apply side hydraulic chamber of a torque converter (200) or to the release side hydraulic chamber thereof. The lock-up control valve (550) has a valve element (600), a first port (611), a second port (612), a third port (613), a fourth port (614), and a drain port (616). The valve element (600) has a first land (601) and a second land (602). The diameter of the second land (602) is larger than that of the first land (601). |
| US08191686B2 |
Device and method of standby lubrication for an engine
A method of providing a standby lubrication for an engine in the event of the failure of a main lubrication system of this engine, in which the failure is detected and, in response to the detection of this failure, at least one portion of a fuel fluid of the engine is tapped off to lubricate at least one element of the engine. A standby lubrication device includes a device for detecting a failure of a main lubrication system, a device for tapping off at least a portion of a fuel fluid of the engine in order to direct it to at least one element of the engine intended to be lubricated, and a controller connected to the tapping and detection devices, in order to carry out the standby lubrication method. |
| US08191685B1 |
Folding ladder
A folding ladder with a pair of parallel front support members having a plurality of sequentially positioned grooves, a plurality of front aligned fastener holes aligned with a plurality of back fastener holes, a pair of non-parallel back support members, wherein the back support member inside forms a flush engagement with the front support member outer side; a plurality of pivot means disposed centrally through each back top end and extending from each back top end to an off center position in each front support top end, a plurality of pivoting non-removable rungs, a pair of locking spreader bars, a pair of pivotable cross braces and a plurality of recessed magnets for supporting the pivoting cross braces and for allowing portions of the folding ladder to compactly and securely engage each other. |
| US08191683B2 |
Height reducible electronic enclosure compatible entrance platform
The subject invention features an entrance module for a height adjustable enclosure with a top portion movable with the respect to a bottom portion. The preferred entrance module comprises a hingedly attached platform movable between a stowed folded position and a deployed unfolded position. A locking assembly releasably locks the platform in the folded position independent of the position of the top movable part of the shelter. The preferred locking assembly includes a rail attached to the top movable portion of the shelter, one of a female and a male portion of a lock attached to and slideable along the rail, and the other of the female and the male portion of the lock attached to the platform. |
| US08191682B2 |
A-frame ladder with a flexible gate/barrier
An A-frame ladder has a first ladder and a second ladder. The first ladder has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a first set of grooves that receive a gate/barrier device to inhibit a person from using the first ladder's steps. The second ladder also has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a second set of grooves, interconnected to the first set of grooves, that receive the gate/barrier device so the first ladder and the second ladder can be used and inhibits a person from entering the area between the first ladder and the second ladder through the second ladder's steps. |
| US08191680B2 |
Support assembly
This invention relates of a support assembly for a vehicle of the type that includes an enclosed load carrying compartment having a roof, said support assembly being adapted to provide support for a person when moving about on said roof. The support assembly includes a guide that is mountable on the roof and a base that is adapted to engage said guide and which is capable of movement along said guide while remaining engaged therewith. The support assembly also includes a support structure that includes a lower end portion that is pivotally connected to the base and a handle that is spaced from said base. The support assembly also includes a lock for selectively locking the support structure in a desired attitude relative to the base. |
| US08191675B2 |
Silencer
A silencer is described for damping the outflow noise of compressed air from compressed air appliances, in particular compressed air appliances of vehicles, with an inlet port, with at least one outlet port and with a pot-like housing which is arranged between these ports and which has a pot casing and a pot bottom, a sound-absorbing material in the form of a cartridge of a filter knit, serving for noise damping, being arranged in the inner space of the pot-like housing, characterized in that a layer of fibrous material is arranged between the cartridge and the pot casing. |
| US08191672B2 |
Storage system, storage panel, and storage wall
A storage system is provided. The storage system includes a storage unit that stores items; and a panel-shaped display that displays an image of a storage state of the items stored in the storage unit. The storage unit is provided on the backside of the display. |
| US08191670B2 |
Crash support in the tunnel region of a motor vehicle
A crash support assembly is provided in the tunnel region of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has at least one exhaust tract guided through a tunnel of the vehicle and seat cross members are disposed to the side of the tunnel. A crash support is held on the exhaust tract and is disposed such that it swings freely between the seat cross members. A crash support of this type permits the vehicle to be optimized with regard to the conditions of a pole crash with a low outlay on production and assembly. |
| US08191668B2 |
Mounting assembly for emissions control system
An exhaust system is disclosed. The exhaust system may have an emissions control system including a mount and at least one exhaust treatment device secured to the mount. The exhaust system may also have a mounting assembly including a platform and a base frame. The emissions control system may be secured to the platform. The mounting assembly may be configured to position the emissions control system substantially adjacent to a power source. The platform may be movable relative to the base frame between a first position and a second position. |
| US08191658B2 |
Cutting elements having different interstitial materials in multi-layer diamond tables, earth-boring tools including such cutting elements, and methods of forming same
Methods of forming cutting elements for earth-boring tools include providing a barrier material between a first powder and a second powder each comprising diamond grains, and subjecting the powders and barrier material to high temperature and high pressure conditions to form polycrystalline diamond material. The formation of the polycrystalline diamond material is catalyzed, and catalytic material may be hindered from migrating across the layer of barrier material. Cutting elements for use in earth-boring tools include a barrier material disposed between a first layer of polycrystalline diamond material and a second layer of polycrystalline diamond material. Earth-boring tools include one or more such cutting elements for cutting an earth formation. |
| US08191653B2 |
System and method for tracking and maintaining an on-grade horizontal borehole
A tracking receiver system is used to track the progress of a downhole tool along a subsurface path having a desired grade. The tracking receiver system is adapted to detect a reference line originating from a reference line receiver and to determine the position of the downhole tool along a desired subsurface path relative to the reference line. In an alternative embodiment the tracking receiver system may comprise a global positioning satellite system to provide information used to determine the position of the downhole tool relative to the desired subsurface path. |
| US08191651B2 |
Sensor on a formation engaging member of a drill bit
In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly comprises a drill bit comprising a bit body and a cutting surface. A formation engaging element protrudes from the cutting surface and is configured to engage a formation. At least one compliant member is disposed intermediate the bit body and formation engaging element and is configured to provide compliancy in a lateral direction for the formation engaging element. |
| US08191649B2 |
Impact screwdriver having a shaft locking device
The present invention provides both an impact switching function and a shaft locking function for use in an impact screwdriver. The impact screwdriver includes a housing, a motor located in the housing, a motor drive shaft driven by the motor, a hammer which can move axially and rotate around the motor drive shaft, a hammer anvil, an impact switching device and a shaft locking apparatus. The shaft locking apparatus has a mating member coupled with the hammer anvil, an engagement ring fixed to the housing and a middle member located between the mating member and the engagement ring. The shaft locking apparatus has a locked position, where the mating member is secured to the hammer anvil and also secured to the engagement ring and the housing. |
| US08191648B2 |
Power tool
It is an object of the invention to easily determine a currently-selected operation mode in a power tool which offers several operation modes. A representative electric hammer drill 101 embodying a power tool according to the invention has a controller 171 for at least controlling a driving motor 111. The controller 171 includes a switch detecting circuit 173 that detects the on or off state of each of first and second switches 141, 146 when power is on, a computing/driving section 174 that determines a current operation mode based on results of detection of the switch detecting circuit 173, and a motor control section 176 and a drive circuit 177 that output a drive control signal to the driving motor 111 when the switch in the off state is turned on after the computing/driving section 174 determines the operation mode. |
| US08191634B2 |
Magnetic flapper shock absorber
A flapper in a subsurface safety valve has at least one magnet that comes in close proximity with another magnet mounted in a fixed position on the valve body. There is a fixed magnet on the body adjacent to the fully open and the fully closed positions of the flapper. In each case like poles on the flapper magnet and the housing magnet come in close proximity as the flapper reaches its fully open and fully closed positions. The orientation of like poles adjacent each other creates a repelling force that damps or eliminates shock loading. |
| US08191632B2 |
Method of treating a subterranean formation using a rheology model for fluid optimization
Subterranean formation treatment methods incorporating a rheology model which enables prediction of fluid rheology properties during a treatment operation, where the foundation of the model is a description of the reaction chemistry which describes how the number of crosslinks and broken polymer linkages develops in time under the influence of crosslinkers, breakers, and/or thermally induced effects and pressure effects. In one aspect, when used as a tool for simulating the fluid viscosity, the model can help optimizing the fluid design and optional breaker schedule for a hydraulic fracturing treatment. |
| US08191624B2 |
Bypass gas lift system for producing a well
A completion system delivers lifting gas supplied from the surface via a casing annulus through the packer for injecting to the wellbore at bottom hole. So, lifting gas maximizes hydrocarbon producing from a subterranean well while maintaining integrity and serviceability as a typical gas lift well. More specifically, a single completion system uses the same tubing string for both producing the well and delivering lifting gas to the wellbore at downhole. The top section of the tubing is used for producing the well, while the bottom section of the tubing is used for delivering lifting gas for injecting at bottom hole. The lifting gas will be injected to the wellbore proximately at perforation intervals for helping unloading liquid and producing the well. The use of modified equipment named “TK Bypass Mandrel” and “JP Bypass Nipple Sub” allows delivering and controlling of the lifting gas for injecting at bottom hole via a single tubing string. |
| US08191620B2 |
Gripper for coiled tubing injectors
The current device relates to a gripper assembly for use within a coiled tubing injector unit. The gripper assembly comprises a carrier for securing the gripper to the chain drive mechanism of the coiled tubing injector unit and a gripping shoe carried by the carrier. The configuration of the gripper assembly permits quick and easy removal and replacement of the gripping shoe. |
| US08191619B2 |
Downhole system and an immersion hydraulic machine for extraction of fluids
The claimed invention relates to the downhole systems for extracting various fluids, in particular—for simultaneous extraction out of a number of producing formations. The inventive downhole system comprises a casing pipe and a tubing extending through said casing pipe, between which pipe and tubing formed are separate isolated cavities. Each one of which cavities communicates, via perforations, with a respective producing formation. In each one of the isolated cavities, to the tubing coupled is a hydraulic machine comprised by a motor and pump. The hydraulic machines in different isolated cavities being adapted to be adjusted independently. This system permits simultaneous extraction of fluids out of different producing formations, with independent controlling of such extraction in various formations. The claimed invention also relates to an immersion hydraulic machine used for extracting fluids. |
| US08191615B2 |
Linked heat exchangers having three fluids
A heat exchanger apparatus is provided wherein a multifluid or at least three-fluid heat exchanger is mounted externally to but in combination with a two-fluid heat exchanger. The multifluid heat exchanger includes three fluid passages or conduits wherein heat energy can be transferred efficiently between at least one of the fluid conduits and each of the other fluid conduits. The multifluid heat exchanger and two fluid heat exchanger are arranged so that the two heat exchangers share a common fluid, the multifluid heat exchanger, therefore, allowing heat transfer to or from the common fluid to the two other fluids in the multifluid heat exchanger thereby improving the overall heat transfer amongst the fluids. |
| US08191606B2 |
Security screen system
A screen system in which a mesh is connected to a frame through a tensioning system. The tensioning system includes a plurality of holders which are fastened to edge portions of the mesh and a plurality of adjustable tensioners which connect the holders to the frame. Tension in the mesh and the frame can thereby be adjusted after the screen has been assembled. |
| US08191605B2 |
One cord blind
Disclosed is a one cord blind that has a simplified structure enabling it to be easily manufactured, prevents a safety accident by not using a ball chain, makes an interior design neat and enables a roll screen to move upward and downward by a rotating cord or hands, so that the upward and downward operations can be easily made. |
| US08191603B1 |
Accordion-type transparent segmented shutter and shutter assembly
A shutter blade and blade assembly in an accordion shutter assembly used to protect a building opening from flying object damage caused by storm or hurricane. The blade assembly includes one or a plurality of preferably transparent or translucent plastic, preferably polycarbonate blades each having one molded edge defining a male hinge half and a slide-on metal female hinge half slidably engaged into the other edge of the shutter blade which is formed as a rail. The molded plastic male and slide-on metal female hinge halves have pivotally interacting features which matably engage with the corresponding edge of the next adjacent blade assembly to form the shutter assembly. Each blade assembly is preferably formed of a plurality of blades connectable together in an end-to-end arrangement and strengthened into a blade assembly by the preferably one-piece metal female hinge half. |
| US08191601B2 |
Screen device
A weight moving in a height direction interlocking with development and reception of a slide guide frame is provided, and the weight brakes reception of the slide guide frame owing to an increase in potential energy and promotes development of the slide guide frame owing to a decrease in potential energy, whereby an operating force is decreased, a feeling of operating a slide bar is made light, and the slide bar is decreased in sliding speed at the time of closing to achieve an improvement in safety. |
| US08191599B2 |
Apparatus for laminating a solar module
The apparatus for laminating a solar module includes a press for pressing and heating the solar module including: a first press part and a second press part between which an evacuable cavity is formed; a bearing surface for the solar module disposed in the cavity; a heater being disposed in the cavity and being movable relative to the bearing surface so that the solar module can be pressed via the heater against the bearing surface. The press includes one or more sealing bodies being disposed in an intermediate space between the heater and the first press part and/or in an intermediate space between the heater and the second press part and being brought into contact with the heater and at least one of the press parts so that the cavity is divided into at least two chambers being separated from one another in an airtight manner. |
| US08191596B2 |
Fiber application machine comprising a flexible compacting roller with a thermal regulation system
A fiber application machine for the production of parts made of composite materials comprising a compacting roller for applying on an application surface a band formed of at least a resin pre-impregnated flat fiber, and a heating system able to emit a heat radiation towards the band. The compacting roller comprises a rigid central tube provided with radial holes, and a cylinder made of an elastically deformable, flexible material, assembled on the central tube, and having a fluid communication assembly that brings the radial holes into fluid communication with the external surface of the cylinder. The machine includes a thermal regulation system that injects a thermal regulation fluid in the central tube internal passage. |
| US08191594B2 |
Wheel axle and drive or universal shaft for vehicles with a central tyre pressure supply
A wheel axle system for vehicles with a central tire pressure supply through a bore in the wheel axle. The invention includes a first wheel component removably coupled to a second wheel component, and a seal therebetween. The first wheel component includes a first mechanical valve, a coaxial circumferential groove, and an axial bore defined in the first component. The circumferential groove is located at a wheel side end of the axial bore. The second wheel component has a second mechanical valve, and a coaxial circumferential groove facing the circumferential groove of the first wheel component. The second mechanical valve co-acts with the first mechanical valve. The seal is interchangeable placed in the circumferential groove of the first and second wheel components, and acts as a coupling member between the first and second wheel components which revolve in relation to one another. |
| US08191589B2 |
Method of processing wood and compressed wood product
A desired property is readily granted to a wooden piece (1) subjected to compression. When the wooden piece (1) is processed by a pair of metal molds (51, 61), a property granting liquid (101) is applied to a surface of at least one (61) of the metal molds (51, 61) which comes into contact with a surface of the wooden piece (1). The property granting liquid (101) is in liquid state at temperatures of 5 to 35 C and grants a certain property to the surface of the wooden piece (1). The wooden piece (1) is sandwiched and compressed by the pair of metal molds (51, 61) including the metal mold (61) to which the property granting liquid (101) is applied. |
| US08191587B2 |
Dosage-dispensing device with a tapping mechanism
A dosage-dispensing device for dosage material in powder- or paste form includes a holder device and at least one receiving device. At least one dosage-dispensing unit can be set into, as well as removed from, this receiving device. The dosage-dispensing device further includes at least one actuator whose action is directed at the receiving device. The receiving device is pivotably supported on the holder device with the freedom of performing a pendulous movement. The actuator can generate oscillatory pendulous movements of the receiving device. |
| US08191586B2 |
Automated apparatus and method for tire pressure maintenance
A device and method for tire air pressure maintenance with a compressor. The device includes a manifold having an input from the compressor and an output, and wherein the output is in pressure communication with the tire and an air chuck for clamping onto the tires, wherein the air chuck is in pressure communication with the manifold. The device also comprises an air pressure sensor, operatively associated with the manifold, for monitoring changes of pressure within the manifold and generating a data signal. A processor, operatively associated with the manifold, for processing changes in pressure is included, and wherein the processor receives the data signal. The device further includes a bleeder line operatively attached to the manifold, and an actuator valve operatively associated with the bleeder line, and wherein the actuator valve is operatively attached to the processor, and wherein the processor is capable of generating a low pressure command signal to open the actuator valve. |
| US08191584B2 |
Method and device for filling pressure containers with low-boiling permanent gases or gas mixtures
On cold filling of pressure containers the filling gas is cooled before introduction into the pressure container to be filled. On completion of the filling process the pressure container is sealed in a pressure-tight manner. As the gas warms up the pressure in the pressure container rises rapidly. According to the invention, the pressure container is cooled before the introduction of the filling gas. The filling gas cools rapidly by means of heat transfer to the pressure container, whereby the filling capacity of the pressure container is considerably increased. Said method is particularly suitable for the filling of small tanks, in particular, for gas-driven vehicles and fuel-cell systems. |
| US08191580B2 |
Method of lining pre-existing pipes or passages and apparatus therefor
A method and apparatus for lining a pre-existing pipe or passage having at least one curved section or bend along its length with a pipe assembly (10) is disclosed. An assembly is formed from a plurality of pipe sections (11), having axial ends (15,16) which are inclined at non-orthogonal angles (x) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sections, and having interengagement means, placed end-to-end and engaged together. The pipe assembly is advanced into the passage or pre-existing pipe, pipe sections being vibrated such that the relevant pipe sections rotate relative to one another towards a relative orientation in which the axes of adjacent pipe sections within a curved section of pre-existing pipe or passage lie inclined at an angle to one another such that the pipe assembly can be advanced through the pre-existing pipe or passage. |
| US08191579B2 |
Directional or flow control valve
A directional or flow control valve has an inlet connection, an outlet connection, and a slide that controls a fluid connection between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and is configured to control the fluid connection in at least two adjustable opening cross-sections that are spaced axially apart from each other and allow a partial flow to pass through. |
| US08191575B2 |
Double poppet quick connect
Two independent poppets/valves that open and close independently as a quick connect coupling is mated and unmated are employed as part of a cooling system for high end data processing systems. More particularly, the present invention comprises a quick connect poppet valve having two internal, independently functioning sealing seats therein disposed within a serially connected flow path to prevent leakage and to minimize the effects of debris. |
| US08191572B2 |
Snap action valve with bumper pad
A rotary valve plate adapted for housing within a conduit employs a vibration absorbing bumper pad coupled to the valve plate at a surface thereof adapted to contact an inner surface of the conduit whenever the valve plate is rotated to a closed position. The bumper pad minimizes vibratory noise and improves the durability of the valve plate over extended periods of operation. |
| US08191570B2 |
Bi-directional flapper valve
The invention provides a valve assembly comprising a conduit with a bore 1b for passage of fluid therethrough. The valve assembly also comprises a sealing member that is movable within the conduit to open and close the bore. The seal assembly has a valve seat on which the sealing member seals when the bore is closed, and wherein the valve seat is movable within the conduit. The invention also provides a valve assembly comprising a sealing member, a first valve seat for the sealing member, and a second valve seat for the sealing member. The valve assemblies can be resettable. The invention further provides a flapper valve assembly wherein the flapper is pivotable through more than 90° and a bi-directional flapper valve assembly. |
| US08191567B2 |
Mixer cartridge
A mixer cartridge for insertion into the basic body of a fitting contains a bottom making the water connection with the basic body of the fitting. This bottom is guided so as to be displaceable to some extent with respect to the cartridge housing. In the initial state, this bottom is positioned such that the seals present between it and the mixer system are compressed to an extent such that sufficient sealing-off takes place in the case of a low water pressure. It is arranged so as to be displaceable with respect to the cartridge housing in the direction of an increasing compression of these seals. Consequently, in the case of an increasing water pressure, a higher compression of the seals and therefore an increasing sealing action are made possible. |
| US08191559B2 |
Compressible cosmetic applicator
An applicator head for cosmetic products such as mascara is described. The applicator head has at least two arched supports, each with and outwardly directed applicator surface. The arched supports surround a clearance and define a relatively large, expanded configuration for loading and application purposes. The arched supports flex inwardly, into the clearance, so that the expanded configuration can collapse to permit the applicator head to be drawn through a relatively smaller wiper opening. The applicator head can be used in stock packaging. |
| US08191554B2 |
Nipple covering system
One aspect of the present invention relates to a covering member for a protruding portion of a patient's body. This cover is flexible and collapsible so that it conforms to the shape of the encased portion of the body. This prevents the cover from being noticed while it is worn under clothing. The cover can contain a medicament or agent for pretreating a portion of the body before an examination or procedure. When the cover is used to apply a topical anesthetic to a portion of the body for a recommended period of time prior to the procedure or examination commencing, the amount of discomfort experienced by the patient can be significantly reduced compared to the amount experienced by the patient who has the anesthetic applied for just a few moments before the procedure begins. Alternatively, the cover can be used to hold a medicament or agent on the intended portion of the body in order to heal a wound or cure a condition such as a skin rash or the like. |
| US08191553B2 |
Jaw thrust device
A pair of pads is held against the remus of a patient's jaw, to prevent the jaw from slipping back and causing an airway obstruction, while the patient's neck is hyperextended to also cause the patient's airway to stay open. A device including the adjustable jaw pads as well as a triangularly shaped portion over which the patient's neck rests is not required to be attached to the surface on which the patient is lying, and permits the patient to be rolled on either side while still maintaining the patency of the patient's airway. |
| US08191551B2 |
Oxygen delivery system
Disclosed are apparatus and method for delivering oxygen from an oxygen supply to a person in a convenient, sanitary and organized manner. The oxygen delivery system includes a rail attached to a surface of the room and a sliding trolley attached to the rail. An oxygen supply tube is attached to the oxygen supply and the trolley for transferring oxygen from the oxygen supply to the trolley. The system enables the person to move to various locations in the room while receiving oxygen from the oxygen supply through the oxygen supply tube, the trolley, a drop tube and a nasal cannula, or other breathing device connected to the trolley. The person may guide the trolley around the room by pulling the drop tube in the desired direction of travel. |
| US08191550B2 |
Method and apparatus to relieve menstrual pain
An apparatus to relieve menstrual cramping includes one or more tapered pads having an inner and outer side, each outer side being semi-rigid and each inner side being flexible. The outer side of each pad is connected to one or more straps having first and second ends. A fastener is attached to the first end of each strap and a corresponding second fastener attaches to the second end of each strap. The apparatus includes a variable compression drive located proximate to one pad to create a compression force through each strap when the first and corresponding second fasteners connect. The drive includes an outer drum shell, an inner rotator having an inner diameter that is treaded, a motor which communications with the inner rotator, and a threaded shaft which engages the inner diameter of the inner rotator. A tab attaches the threaded shaft to the strap. |
| US08191549B2 |
Tube collector with variable thermal conductivity of the coaxial tube
Collector tube for a solar collector, having an envelope tube, an absorber tube which is arranged within the envelope tube and into whose interior a heat carrier medium can be carried, characterized by an inner tubular element which is arranged within the absorber tube and has a thermal conductivity which is variable. Distributor segment for at least one collector tube which is designed in particular according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one first opening for supplying a heat carrier medium into the at least one collector tube, at least one second opening for carrying the heat carrier medium away from the at least one collector tube, a channel for supplying the heat carrier medium from outside the at least one collector tube into the at least one collector tube, a channel for carrying the heat carrier medium away from the collector tube to outside the at least one collector tube, with the supply channel and the output channel being arranged such that the distributor segment can be directly coupled to at least one further identical distributor segment in a heat carrier medium circuit. |
| US08191547B2 |
Portable solar-heating system having an inflatable solar collector
A solar-heating system having an inflatable solar collector connected to a housing that can be installed, e.g., in a sash window of a house. The housing has an air blower that draws air from the interior of the house and directs it into the inflatable solar collector, which is positioned outside the window. The collector has a flexible permeable membrane that serves as a transpired absorber of solar radiation. The air flowing through the collector is heated when it percolates through the membrane exposed to solar light. The heated air is returned back to the interior of the house, thereby providing space heating. In certain embodiments, in addition to serving as a transpired absorber, the membrane can also serve as an air filter that removes particles, odor-causing pollutants, and/or allergens from the drawn air. |
| US08191546B2 |
Flue tuning and emissions savings system
A flue tuning and emissions saving system is disclosed. The device or system includes an inlet duct (20) having an inlet cross-sectional area and an outlet duct (18) having an outlet cross-sectional area that is the same as the inlet cross-sectional area. An outer duct (16) that is of an outer duct cross-sectional area is sealingly connected to the inlet duct (20) and the outlet duct (18), while separating the inlet duct (20) and the outlet duct (18). At least one disc (12) that is positioned at a specified distance S between the inlet duct (20) and at the same S to the outlet duct (18) and centered in the outer duct, the disk (12) includes a specified disc area so that flow of an exhaust gas entering the system through the inlet duct (20) will be diverted by the disc (12) into the outer duct (16) before the flow continues to the outlet duct (18) without encountering a restriction in flow cross-sectional area. When two or more discs are used, an annular fin (22) that extends from the outer duct to create a passage of the inlet duct (20) diameter that separates the discs. |
| US08191538B2 |
Deaerating and aerating device for a supercharged internal combustion engine
The present invention relates to a deaerating and aerating device (19) for an internal combustion engine (1) for discharging blowby gas out of a crankcase (3), comprising a first line (20) which is connected at one end to the crankcase (3) and at the other end to a fresh gas line (7) downstream of a supercharging device (10) and which contains a deaerating valve (23), and a second line (21) which is connected at one end to the fresh gas line (7) upstream of the supercharging device (10) and at the other end to the crankcase (3) and which contains a throttle device (28) and, parallel thereto, a non-return check valve (29) which provides a blocking action in the direction of the crankcase (3). |
| US08191537B1 |
Crankcase ventilation system with variable blower for increased efficiency
A crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine includes a separator and an amplifier increasing at least one of flow and pressure along the flow path through the separator to provide higher separation efficiency. |
| US08191535B2 |
Sleeve hydrocarbon trap
A sleeve hydrocarbon trap is provided. In some examples, the sleeve hydrocarbon trap includes a hydrocarbon adsorbing sleeve, the sleeve adapted to be positioned in a sensor bore and the sleeve including one or more hydrocarbon adsorbing layers, and a cage adapted to retain the hydrocarbon adsorbing sleeve in the sensor bore. |
| US08191533B2 |
Fuel delivery system diagnostics after shut-down
A method for operation of an engine fuel system includes initiating a mitigating action based on a fuel rail pressure response, the fuel rail pressure response occurring after an engine shut-down. The mitigating action includes disabling vehicle operation if fuel rail pressure drops below a threshold value after activation of one of the higher or lower pressure pumps, the activation occurring before a subsequent engine start. In this way, a distinction can be made between internal and external leaks, allowing the mitigating action taken to be adjusted accordingly. |
| US08191527B2 |
Compensation shaft of a multi-cylinder engine
A compensation shaft for a multi-cylinder engine at least two bearing pegs and at least four unbalanced weight sections, two of the at least four unbalanced weight sections being arranged respectively, around each of the at least two bearing pegs, so that at least two units are formed, these at least two units being connected to each other by a connecting part, wherein two of the unbalanced weight sections are arranged asymmetrically around each of the two bearing pegs, and the connecting part is configured as a flexurally rigid and torsion-proof component. |
| US08191525B2 |
System for improving gas distribution in an intake manifold
A system for improving distribution of gases within an intake manifold of an engine is presented. The system may be used to improve engine air-fuel control. In one example, turbulence of gases entering an intake manifold is increased. |
| US08191523B2 |
Rocker arm
A rocker arm includes a pair of side wall portions formed so as to face each other, an engaging portion connecting the pair of side wall portions and adapted to engage with a rocking support member arranged in an engine, and a sliding portion connecting the pair of side wall portions and being adapted to be in slidable contact with a stem front end portion of an engine valve. The engaging portion includes a board surface portion connecting the pair of side wall portions and a protruding portion protruding from the board surface portion toward the rocking support member. In the protruding portion, a spherical concave portion adapted to engage with a spherical protruding portion of the rocking support member is formed as a depression. |
| US08191522B2 |
Varying the phase and lift of a rocker arm on a camshaft actuating a valve or injector
In an internal combustion engine using poppet type valves, a center pivot rocker arm is moved through a specific path wherein the roller in contact with a cam is moved to alter the phasing of the valves or injectors in the engine. Depending on the interface between the valve or injector and the rocker arm, the rocker ratio of the rocker arm may be altered, giving a change in lift as well. By positioning a control arm at desired points on either side of a centered position, and rotating the control arm about its own pivot point via an arm actuator, phase change is achieved. The arm actuator controls the location of the control arm and thus the timing of the valve or injector relative to the rotation of the cam. Advanced, centered, and retarded phase change is possible depending upon the movement of the control arm. |
| US08191519B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes intake and exhaust camshafts including high-lift lobes and low-lift lobes separated by a lobe separation angle. The engine transitions between operating in a controlled auto-ignition combustion mode with positive valve overlap and a controlled auto-ignition combustion mode with negative valve overlap solely by selecting the corresponding one of the high-lift lobes and the low-lift lobes. |
| US08191513B2 |
System and method for controlling a pump in a recirculating hot water system
A system and a method for controlling a pump in a recirculating hot water system is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for controlling a temperature of water in a recirculating hot water system including a storage tank for storing heated water, a recirculation conduit including a supply conduit for supplying the heated water to users via a plurality of outlets having a first outlet and a last outlet and a return conduit for returning an unused portion the heated water to the storage tank, a pump for circulating the heated water, the pump disposed along the return conduit, the method including measuring, at a point along the recirculation conduit, a temperature of the heated water provided from the storage tank, and controlling a speed of the pump, disposed along the return conduit, based on the measured temperature. |
| US08191507B2 |
Automatic monitoring of milking plant valve means
The invention relates to a solution for cleaning a milking plant, which includes a milk line system (MLS), connectable to a collecting means, and is adapted to deliver milk that has been withdrawn from animals to a milk storage means (250). The milking plant also includes milk storage valve means (100; 235, 240), arranged between the milk line system (MLS) and the milk storage means (250). The valve means (240) are selectively adjustable to prevent fluid communication between the milk line system (MLS) and the milk storage means (250) during cleaning of the milk line system (MLS). Moreover, the valve means (100; 235, 240) are associated with a monitoring arrangement (275, EPS), which is adapted to determine an amount of leakage through the valve means (100; 235, 240) during the cleaning of the milk line system (MLS), and produce a valve health status signal (Sv) reflecting the amount of leakage. Hence, the functionality status of the valve means (100; 235, 240) may be qualitatively evaluated. |
| US08191506B2 |
Milking system and method for generating and communicating error messages in such a milking system
A milking system comprises a plurality of apparatuses (11a-g), wherein each of the apparatuses comprises a device (12a-g) for performing an action related to the operation of the milking system; a microprocessor (13a-g); an error message generating system (14a-g) for generating error messages (21) about errors that have occurred in the apparatus; and means (15a-g) for communicating said error messages to all other ones of the apparatuses. Each of the error messages comprises information, preferably categorized information, regarding the nature (22) and severity (23) and optionally physical location of the error and is interpretable by all other ones of the apparatuses. |
| US08191502B1 |
Adjustable protective paint shield
A tool used for covering or shielding a length of baseboard, trim or molding that is connected to a wall being painted. The adjustable protective paint shield has a fixed length center section from which are adapted two telescopic inner sections that extend to a desired length in order to cover or shield varying lengths of baseboard or trim. Each section has a general appearance of an elongated inverted L-shape. The center section has a plurality of pivotally affixed legs used in securing the shield in an upright position. The legs have an outwardly arched shape. The ached shape allows the bottom of the leg to sit securely flat against a floor while supporting the adjustable paint protection shield upright and tightly against a section of baseboard or trim being covered. |
| US08191500B2 |
Coating device comprising flowing coating material for smooth or structured surfaces
The invention relates to a device for coating plates (6) in circulation. Said device comprises a transport system for transporting plates (6) and a feeding device (5) which can apply the coating material (8) to the surface of the plates. Means (7) for drying and/or hardening the coating material are provided next to the feeding device and above the plates. Contrary to state of the art devices, said inventive device comprises means which enable a material web (3) to pass between the transport elements for the transport of plates and means (7) for drying and/or hardening. |
| US08191496B2 |
Pump horn
The pump horn includes a chamber that can be filled continuously and indefinitely by a push/pull slide that when pushed into the chamber forces pressurized air through an attachable member, a tube, a sound producing device, and an amplifying unit to produce a loud blast sound. The push/pull slide includes a screw in piece at the end which is secureable to the attachable member within the chamber for releasable securement of the push/pull slide. This allows compact carrying and storage. |
| US08191492B2 |
Sewing machine and computer-readable recording medium storing sewing machine control program
A sewing machine that sews a work cloth being moved by a user includes a detection device that detects the work cloth, a movement calculation device that calculates movement data of the work cloth, a movement data storage device that stores the movement data, a movement data creation device that causes the detection device and the movement calculation device to respectively detect the work cloth and calculate the movement data for each stitch, and that stores the movement data into the movement data storage device, a line segment specification device that specifies a line segment based on the movement data, a determination device that determines whether a stitch to be formed next will overlap with an already formed stitch corresponding to the specified line segment, and an error control device that performs an error correction operation based on a determination result. |
| US08191490B2 |
Disc planter for applying fertilisers and seeds to soil
A disc planter (10) for applying fertilizers and seeds to soil, and incorporating previously applied chemicals therein, the disc planter (10) having a frame (12) with a longitudinal forward direction of travel, and a plurality of rotatable tools mounted in series to the frame, the plurality of rotatable tools including a fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), a seed furrow opening disc (18), a soil throw controlling wheel (20), a soil closing wheel (22) and a soil disturbing star wheel (24), wherein the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are alternately oppositely inclined to one another in the forward direction of travel, the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), soil throw controlling wheel (20), soil closing wheel (22) and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are longitudinally spaced and alternately laterally offset from one another in the forward direction of travel, the soil throw controlling wheel (20) is closely adjacent to and rearwardly overlapping the seed furrow opening disc (18), and the soil closing wheel (22) is laterally aligned with the seed furrow opening disc (18) in the forward direction of travel. |
| US08191488B2 |
Reconfigurable support leg
A support leg for a table includes a rod having a first end and an opposing second end. The rod includes a first groove that extends into the rod from an outer surface of the rod toward a geometric center of the rod. The first groove extends generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the rod and is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a first side panel of the table. The rod includes a second groove spaced-apart from the first groove along the outer surface of the rod. The second groove extends into the rod from the outer surface of the rod toward the geometric center of the rod. The second groove extends generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis and is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a second side panel of the table. |
| US08191486B2 |
Nestable pallet
A nestable pallet includes a deck having an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of ribs extending perpendicularly from the upper panel to the lower panel. The upper panel further includes a plurality of openings for receiving feet of a similar pallet when nested. The lower panel further includes a plurality of feet extending downward from the deck, each foot having a cavity defined therein lined within one of the plurality of openings in the upper panel. Each cavity is configured to receive a foot from a similar pallet when nested therein. |
| US08191479B2 |
Reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) including fuse system with shaped charges and a system and method of making same
A reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) bomb casing is described and disclosed along with the system and method for making it. The RCDB bomb casing may be formed from conventional or penetrating warhead bomb casings. The RCDB bomb casing has a filler material/materials disposed on the interior walls that will assist in controlling the collateral damage caused by the finished bomb but not prevent the appropriate destructive power being delivered to a selected target. Further, the fusing system may include a shaped charge to control the ignition of the main explosive charge to control the amount of collateral damage when the bomb casing is filled with high explosives. |
| US08191478B2 |
Low foreign object damage (FOD) weighted nose decoy flare
The present invention discloses a low foreign object damage nose weight for affixing to a either a standard or kinematic decoy flare comprising a thin walled nose cup having a closed end, an open end, an internal cavity, and at least one sidewall attached to said closed end and surrounding said internal cavity; and a metal powder disposed within the internal cavity for weighing down the forward end of the decoy flare, said nose cup capable of being affixed to a forward end of a decoy flare such that said powder is jettisoned from said nose cup upon burn out of a flare pellet subassembly of said decoy flare thereby reducing the weight of the nose cup and the possibility of foreign object damage to aircraft, ground troops, ground equipment and buildings resulting from the falling nose weight. |
| US08191477B1 |
Microelectromechanical safe arm device
Microelectromechanical (MEM) apparatus and methods for operating, for preventing unintentional detonation of energetic components comprising pyrotechnic and explosive materials, such as air bag deployment systems, munitions and pyrotechnics. The MEM apparatus comprises an interrupting member that can be moved to block (interrupt) or complete (uninterrupt) an explosive train that is part of an energetic component. One or more latching members are provided that engage and prevent the movement of the interrupting member, until the one or more latching members are disengaged from the interrupting member. The MEM apparatus can be utilized as a safe and arm device (SAD) and electronic safe and arm device (ESAD) in preventing unintentional detonations. Methods for operating the MEM apparatus include independently applying drive signals to the actuators coupled to the latching members, and an actuator coupled to the interrupting member. |
| US08191473B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing information about printing plates to be manufactured for a new production of a printing press
A method and an apparatus are used for providing information about printing plates to be manufactured for a new production of a printing press. A point of use of at least one of the printing plates is visualized on a display. Several different positions exist at the point of use of each respective printing plate. Each may relate to one of several installation positions on a plate cylinder disposed in the printing press. These can also relate to storage positions of a printing plate magazine. Using the display, several different points of use in the printing area, for a particular printing plate, are displayed. The display depicts which one of the positions of use is to be provided. The display additionally depicts different states or properties of at least one printing plate. It may also depict a print location of a printing plate on a transport path. |
| US08191472B2 |
Method and apparatus for screen printing
When a printed circuit board is inspected and determined to have an insufficient amount of printing of a print pattern, the printed board is returned to a screen-printing apparatus so that a new print pattern is formed so as to overlap a previous print pattern. In the re-printing, a raising speed of the printed board at a final stage of the board raising operation is rendered lower than in the previous screen printing so that the printed board is brought into contact with the underside of the screen mask more slowly. |
| US08191471B2 |
Method for inspecting print, apparatus for inspecting print, and printer
A print inspection device is provided with a camera for picking-up an image of a substrate to be processed after a paste is printed on the substrate through a mask sheet by a printer, a measured value calculating a measured value of a printed paste area based on the picked-up image of the substrate, a setting means for setting a standard range for working state judgment of the area, and a comparing and judging means for comparing the measured value with the standard range and for judging whether the printer is in a normal working state or not depending on whether the measured value is in the standard range or not. The setting means sets the standard range to a less paste amount side for a predetermined period of time after the mark sheet is cleaned up than for other periods of time. |
| US08191458B2 |
Gas spring piston with partial bellows support feature and gas spring assembly including same
A piston for use in forming a gas spring assembly includes a longitudinally extending axis, a first end wall extending approximately transverse to the axis, and an outer side wall extending longitudinally from adjacent the first end wall. The outer side wall includes a first side wall portion that forms a fully circumferential outer surface and a second side wall portion that forms a partially circumferential outer surface that extends longitudinally beyond the fully circumferential outer surface. A gas spring assembly including such a piston is also included. |
| US08191457B2 |
Actuating mechanism for fluid displacement and pressurizing device
A fluid displacement device, particularly for use of the device to pressurize balloon catheters, or the like. The device includes a plunger which is displaceable through a housing, and an actuating mechanism which engages the plunger. The actuating mechanism includes a nut member that is biased into engagement with a threaded portion of the plunger. The device has a press-to-release feature wherein the plunger is instantly releaseable by simply depressing a toggle lever of the nut member to overcome a restorative spring force. Subsequently, the plunger can be translated using macro movements (i.e., by pushing or pulling the plunger). |
| US08191456B2 |
Method of driving an hydraulic actuator by means of a pressure controlled proportioning solenoid valve
A method of driving a hydraulic actuator provided with a pressure-controlled proportioning solenoid valve; the method includes the steps of: determining a first open-loop contribution according to a pressurized oil flow rate which crosses the proportioning solenoid valve and according to the desired load pressure inside the actuation chamber; determining a second open-loop contribution according to the desired position of the spool of the proportioning solenoid valve; determining a third closed-loop contribution according to the difference between a desired value of the position of the mobile piston and a real value of the position of the mobile piston; and calculating a desired electric driving current value of the proportioning solenoid valve by means of an algebraic sum of the three contributions. |
| US08191454B2 |
Canisterized interceptor with embedded windings and method for safe round detection
Embodiments of a canisterized interceptor and method to prevent the launch of a canisterized interceptor that may have been penetrated by small arms fire are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the canisterized interceptor includes a composite canister for housing an interceptor. The canister includes an embedded winding to provide a conductive path and comprises a conductor arranged within composite material of the canister. A maximum spacing may be provided between windings of the conductor and penetration of the canister may be indicated by an open or short circuit in the conductive path. |
| US08191452B2 |
Device for punching green sheets
A punching tool for green sheets or similar sheet-like work-pieces having a support plate with punched holes (7), and a holding-down plate disposed above the support plate and containing stripper openings (24). Operative portions (23) of dies (8) extend through the stripper openings (24) and are guided therein. The operative portions (23) are formed in graduated form with a punching portion (26) of reduced diameter. Each punching portion (26) has a length that is less than the length of the stripper opening (24), and is located entirely in the stripper opening (24) when the die (8) is at its top dead center. A part (25) of the operative portion (23) protrudes into the stripper opening (24) to guide the die (8). The punching portion (26) is only approximately as long as required for the punching stroke of the die (8). The slight length of the punching portion (26) makes possible an especially slender punching portion, and thus the creation of especially small punched holes. |
| US08191441B2 |
Hybrid powertrain and dual clutch transmission
A dual clutch transmission is provided including a transmission input member, a first output member, a first, second, third and fourth gear sets, a first and second countershafts, and a first and second sleeve shafts. In operation, the first countershaft is engaged to the first sleeve shaft or the second countershaft is engaged to the second sleeve shaft, at least one of the first and second gears of the first and second gear sets is engaged to at least one of the first and second sleeve shafts, and at least one of the first and second gears of the third and fourth gear sets is engaged to at least one of the first and second countershafts to establish at least eight forward speed ratios between the transmission input member and the output shaft. |
| US08191440B2 |
Actuator
An actuator comprises a screw shaft, a nut translatable along the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position, a tine component carried by the nut, the tine component including tine fingers formed with projections each being engageable with a formation provided on a housing when the nut occupies its extended position to secure the nut against axial movement, and a lock member engageable with the tine fingers to restrict radial movement of the tine fingers. |
| US08191437B2 |
Gas sample collection and analysis
A system and method for capturing a sample gas for analysis is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an accumulator that has a variable volume. A volume of the sample gas is fed to the accumulator. The system also has an analyzer. An aliquot of the sample gas is withdrawn from the accumulator and fed to the analyzer. The analyzer analyzes a desired component of the sample gas. |
| US08191424B2 |
Low differential pressure transducer
It is an object of the present invention to provide a pressure transducer having a header wherein the header is comprised of a first section and a second section that are offset from each other. Each first and second section has a flexible diaphragm adapted to receive a first and second pressure, respectively. A central channel connects the diaphragms and a pressure sensor, located within the central channel, communicates with the channel and produces an output equal to the difference between the first and second pressures. The resultant device is a low differential pressure transducer which enables one to bring leads from the sensor out while having diaphragms of substantially the same size and diameter, therefore enabling the diaphragms to exhibit the same back pressure and be equally compliant. |
| US08191423B2 |
Grooved structure for die-mount and media sealing
Dual piezoresistive transducers formed into a single silicon die, are anodically bonded to a pedestal. Two separate pressure ports extend through a plastic housing. The port openings inside the housing are surrounded by a groove having a shape and size that accepts the pedestal. A thin, liquid adhesive is deposited into the groove and allowed to level out. The pedestal is placed into the adhesive and embeds itself therein. Adhesive overflow into the ports is avoided by dimensioning the groove and depositing an amount of adhesive that will fill the groove but not overflow when the pedestal is placed therein. Once the adhesive cures, the adhesive bond strength is greater due to the adhesive being in shear relative to the groove side walls and pedestal sidewalls. The grooved structure provides an apparatus and methodology for precise die mounting and media sealing. |
| US08191421B2 |
Digital ballistic impact detection system
Methods and devices for a miniature, ultra-low power impact recorder for detecting, quantifying and recording the energy of an explosive blast or ballistic projectile impact. In one embodiment, the impact recorder can included a sensor comprised of an array of electromechanical resonators that is sensitive to the vibrations produced in selected, discrete frequency ranges that approximate the spectral signature characteristics of the shockwave resulting from the ballistic impact event, even after traveling through impacted material or body tissues. |
| US08191419B2 |
Multiple-sensor measuring device for on-board gauging probe
A multiple-sensor device for a gauging system including: an insert configured to be inserted along an axis in a capacitive probe so as to assume a predetermined axial position with regard to the probe; a support on which a plurality of sensors are mounted; and a retaining mechanism to maintain the support at a predetermined distance from the insert along the axis. |
| US08191417B2 |
Flow rate measuring apparatus including a recess for changing air flow direction
An inflow port and an outflow port of a bypass passage have openings on a front surface near a projecting end and on a bottom surface, respectively, of a bypass passage forming member. A recess portion is disposed on the front surface of the bypass passage forming member on a circuit housing portion side of the inflow port so as to extend at a predetermined depth over an entire region in a longitudinal direction of a short side of a rectangular cross section of the bypass passage forming member. |
| US08191411B2 |
Device and method for monitoring a fuel metering system
A method and device for monitoring a fuel metering system, in which fuel is pumped from a low-pressure zone into a high-pressure zone. The pressure in the high-pressure zone is detected. An error is recognized on the basis of the pressure variation in the high-pressure zone. The type of error is recognized on the basis of the shape of a pressure drop curve. The variation of the pressure quantity over time is approximated using a function such as the hyperbolic function. The type of error is recognized on the basis of the quantity characterizing the function. |
| US08191405B2 |
Solvent delivery device and analytical system
Disclosed herein is a stable solvent delivery device capable of delivering solvent both at high pressure and at constant flow rate. A solvent delivery device comprises a plurality of plungers which reciprocate in the respective pump chambers including an eluent charge side pump chamber and an eluent discharge side pump chamber, a motor to reciprocate these plungers, a control unit to control the operation of the motor, valves which are respectively set at the eluent inlet and outlet of the eluent charge side pump chamber, a first sensor to measure the quantity of load received by the plunger in the eluent charge side pump chamber, and a second sensor to measure the pressure of the eluent discharged from the eluent discharge side pump chamber. |
| US08191404B2 |
Liquid chromatograph and sample introducing apparatus
Disclosed herein is a sample introducing apparatus which is designed such that the analytical flow path runs from the needle to the separation column without the flow path switching means placed at the downstream side of the needle. This design reduces dead volume, which in turn reduces the diffusion of the sample injected into the analytical flow path. Moreover, the absence of the flow path switching means at the downstream side of the needle to inject a sample into the analytical flow path eliminates connection of the pipe with the flow path switching means. This prevents the sample from remaining in the connecting part, thereby reducing sample carry-over and improving the accuracy of analysis. |
| US08191400B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting accelerometer based controls in a mobile environment
A method of processing signals from an accelerometer/gyroscopic-based input device includes providing the input device within a vehicle. An accelerometer/gyroscopic-based second device is also provided within the vehicle. The input device is manually actuated while the vehicle is in motion. First signals are transmitted from the input device in response to the manually actuating step. Second signals are transmitted from the second device in response to the motion of the vehicle. The first signals are adjusted dependent upon the second signals. |
| US08191393B2 |
Micro-channel tubes and apparatus and method for forming micro-channel tubes
An apparatus and method are provided for extruding a micro-channel tube (402) from a non-aluminum metal or alloy such as copper. The micro-channel tube is formed by simultaneously extruding two rectangular shaped billets (404; 406) to form a top portion of the micro-channel tube and a bottom portion of the micro-channel tube in parallel. The top and bottom portions are then joined during the extrusion process (e.g., within a die assembly) to form the micro-channel tube (402). |
| US08191391B2 |
Drive for a cold pilger mill
A drive for a roll stand having a reciprocal frame, has a pair of substantially identical cranks rotating about respective crank axes offset from the frame, respective connecting rods pivoted on and connected between the cranks and the frame, and respective counterweight on the cranks opposite the respective arms. The cranks, rods, and counterweights flank a central plane. Respective drives rotate the cranks about the respective axes in opposite rotational directions. |
| US08191389B2 |
A washing machine
A tub having a structurally strengthened rear wall and a washing machine with the same therein are disclosed. A washing machine includes a bearing housing having a flange part and a tub part injection-molded with the bearing housing inserted into a wall thereof, the wall having a recessing part and a projecting part formed on an inner or an outer surface thereof along a circumferential direction, and a circumferential rib or a radical rib formed on the recessing part. |
| US08191387B2 |
System and method for controlling temperature in a forehearth
Systems and methods are provided for controlling temperature in a glass forehearth. In one implementation, a system includes at least one burner disposed in said forehearth, a manifold coupled to said burner, a combustion fuel supply coupled to said burner, a combustion air blower for delivering ambient air under pressure to said manifold, and a controller coupled to said burner for controlling operation of said burner. The system may include a temperature sensor operatively coupled downstream of the blower for providing to the controller a temperature signal indicative of temperature of air delivered to the manifold by the blower. The controller may be responsive to the temperature signal for controlling operation of the burner as a function of current temperature of air fed to the manifold. Operation of the burner may also be controlled as a function of an average air temperature over a preceding time duration. |
| US08191384B2 |
Refrigeration system
The invention concerns a refrigeration system comprising a refrigerant circuit which comprises several evaporator paths and a distributor (5) which distributes the refrigerant on the evaporator paths. The aim of the invention is to improve the operation of said refrigeration system in a simple manner. According to the invention, the distributor (5) comprises a controllable valve (12) for each evaporation path. |
| US08191383B2 |
Ejector device and refrigeration cycle apparatus using the same
An ejector device includes a nozzle having an inner wall surface defining a circular cross-sectional fluid passage extending from an inlet to a jet port. Furthermore, the fluid passage has a throat portion at a position between the inlet and the jet port, and a passage expanding portion in which the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage is enlarged from the throat portion as toward downstream. The passage expanding portion includes a middle portion in which the inner wall surface is expanded in a fluid flow direction by a first expanding angle, and an outlet portion from a downstream end of the middle portion to the jet port, in which the inner wall surface is expanded in the fluid flow direction by a second expanding angle that is larger than the first expanding angle. The ejector device can be suitably used for a refrigeration cycle apparatus. |
| US08191382B2 |
Refrigerator having a switching compartment and controlling method for the same
A refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment, and a switching compartment to store food items. Various elements are provided to maintain the three compartments at selected target temperatures. A heater and/or a light source may be provided to rapidly heat the switching compartment when the switching compartment is being changed from a freezing operation to a refrigerating operation. |
| US08191381B2 |
Outdoor unit of air-conditioner and fan used therefor
An outdoor fan for an air-conditioner is provided to reduce unnecessary energy consumption and noise generated during an operation by reducing a side circulation flow generated when the fan rotates. The outdoor fan may include a hub shaft with a side hole, and rotary blades that convert rotary power received from the hub shaft into a pressure difference. The hub shaft may include a main plate unit perpendicular to the hub shaft and, positioned at a front side as compared to a virtual plane that includes the side hole, and the main plate unit to cover at least a portion of the hub shaft. |
| US08191378B2 |
Dispenser related technology
A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position, and a dispenser receiving structure defines a receiving space in which at least a portion of the dispenser unit is positioned when the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position. The refrigerator also includes a cover unit that is attached to the dispensing unit and moves with the dispensing unit. The cover unit covers a portion of an opening defined in a surface of a door by the dispenser receiving structure when the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position. The refrigerator further includes a shielding unit that covers a gap remaining between the dispenser receiving structure and the cover unit when the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position. |
| US08191374B2 |
Two-shaft gas turbine
The temperature rise of a wheel space between a high-pressure turbine and a low-pressure turbine is suppressed. Cooling air is led from outside a casing 17 to a wheel space via a low-pressure turbine initial stage stator blade 5 and a diaphragm 11. An upstream side space seal portion 41 is adapted to restrict and divide the upstream side space into an outer circumferential portion 25 and an inner circumferential portion 27 and to allow cooling air to the upstream side space outer circumferential portion 27 to blow out into the upstream side space outer circumferential portion 25. Also, a downstream side space seal portion 42 is adapted to restrict and divide the downstream side space into an outer circumferential portion 26 and an inner circumferential portion 28 and to allow cooling air to blow out into the downstream side space outer circumferential portion 26. |
| US08191373B2 |
Interlocking retention strip
An impingement shield assembly for a turbine includes a first impingement shield portion and a second impingement shield joined to the first impingement shield portion. The assembly also includes a first connection portion formed on the first impingement shield portion, a second connection portion formed on the first impingement shield portion and first and second wedge weld portions that mate with and hold the first and a second connection portions in a fixed relationship to one another. |
| US08191371B2 |
Drive train, particularly for motor vehicles
The invention relates to a drivetrain, in particular for motor vehicles, having an internal combustion engine, comprising an output shaft; having a turbocharger, comprising an exhaust gas turbine, which is situated in the exhaust gas stream of the internal combustion engine, and a compressor driven by the exhaust gas turbine, which is situated in an air channel leading to the internal combustion engine in order to compress air for the internal combustion engine; the exhaust gas turbine additionally having a drive connection to an auxiliary system or to the output shaft of the internal combustion engine or being switchable into such a connection, in order to transmit drive power alternately or simultaneously from the exhaust gas turbine to the compressor or the output shaft and the auxiliary system; and a hydrodynamic clutch being situated in the additionally provided drive connection, comprising a bladed primary wheel and a bladed secondary wheel, which implement a working chamber with one another, which is fillable or filled with a working medium, in order to transmit drive power hydrodynamically from the primary wheel to the secondary wheel, and the primary wheel has a drive connection to the exhaust gas turbine, and the secondary wheel has a drive connection to the auxiliary system or the output shaft. The invention is characterized in that the hydrodynamic clutch is switched between the exhaust gas turbine and the compressor. |
| US08191364B2 |
Method for controlling pump of working machine
The present invention is intended to provide a technology that can utilize the advantages of both a load sensing control and a regeneration circuit without causing any problem.A regeneration circuit is added to a hydraulic circuit provided with a hydraulic pressure signal line for detecting a hydraulic pressure value of a circuit and controlling a volume of hydraulic fluid to a cylinder 1 with reference to the detected value. A pressure reducing valve 6 that outputs a reduced pressure as an operating signal to a pump 2, and subsequently the controlling means 5 causes the pressure reducing valve 6 to output a pressure reduction command to a pump 2 and thus to reduce a discharge rate from the pump 2, when the regeneration circuit is in a regeneration state. |
| US08191360B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08191357B2 |
Method for adjusting the metered additions of reducing agent for selective catalytic reduction
A method for use in conjunction with an exhaust gas post-treatment system for metering an ammonia-releasing reducing agent into the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine installed in a motor vehicle and operating with excess air. A control unit meters the quantity of reducing agent as a function of a stored model and, during the operation of the internal combustion engine, determines, by comparison of a value proportional to the nominal emission or the nominal conversion stored in the control unit of the internal combustion engine for the associated operating point of the internal combustion engine and/or of the exhaust gas post-treatment system with a value proportional to the actual emission or the actual conversion metrologically determined by the control unit. |
| US08191355B2 |
Method to reduce engine emissions for an engine capable of multi-stroke operation and having a catalyst
A method to control valves in a cylinder operating in a multi-stroke cylinder mode. Valves are controlled to improve engine emissions as operating conditions vary. |
| US08191354B2 |
Method and aftertreatment configuration to reduce engine cold-start NOx emissions
Systems and methods for reducing NOx emissions using a branched exhaust system with a first and second turbine including an emission-control device containing a zeolite, are described. In one example approach, a method comprises: during a first duration when exhaust temperature is below a first temperature threshold, directing exhaust gas through the second turbine and the emission-control device, and adjusting the second turbine to control intake boost; and during a second duration following the first, directing exhaust gas through the first turbine, and adjusting the first turbine to control intake boost. In this way, the first and second turbines may provide a greater degree of boost control in order to reduce boost fluctuations while enabling storing cold start NOx emissions for later reduction. |
| US08191351B2 |
Insensitive rocket motor
There is disclosed a solid fuel rocket motor including a center-perforated solid fuel grain. The solid fuel grain may be adapted to burn outwardly from a center surface facing the center perforation when ignited by a primary igniter during a normal mode of operation. The solid fuel grain may be further adapted to burn longitudinally from an end face when ignited by a secondary igniter during a safety mode of operation. |
| US08191350B2 |
Compressed-air or gas and/or additional-energy engine having an active expansion chamber
An engine supplied with compressed air includes a main drive piston (1) driving a crankshaft (5) and one active expansion chamber (13) of a variable volume allowing work to be produced and which is connected, by a passage (6), with the volume contained in the driving cylinder (2). The passage (6) includes a shutter (7) thus allowing the active expansion chamber to be isolated from or to be placed in contact with the dead volume, in such a manner that the engine works according to a four-phase thermodynamic cycle: * an isothermal expansion without work; * a transfer-slight expansion with work known as quasi-isothermal; * a polytropic expansion with work; * an exhaust at ambient pressure. |
| US08191349B2 |
System and method for low emissions combustion
A turbine system comprises a compressor for compressing air to generate a compressed flow, an air separation unit for receiving and separating at least a portion of the compressed flow into oxygen and a low-oxygen stream, a combustor for receiving and combusting at least a portion of the low-oxygen stream, a portion of the compressed flow and a fuel to generate a high temperature exhaust gas, and a turbine for receiving and expanding the high temperature exhaust gas to generate electricity and a reduced temperature low-NOx exhaust gas. |
| US08191348B2 |
Layered cord for tire belt
A compact metal cable having two layers (C1, C2) of construction 1+N, rubberized in situ, usable in particular as a reinforcing element for a tire belt for a heavy industrial vehicle, comprising a core or inner layer (C1) comprising a single core wire of diameter d1, and a saturated outer layer (C2) of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2 around the layer C1. The layered cable has the following characteristics (d1, d2, p2 in mm): 0.15 |
| US08191347B2 |
Method and apparatus for indicating the approach to the end of a rope
A device for indicating the approach of the end of a rope includes a stiffening mechanism located at or near the end of the rope which is sufficiently stiff and sufficiently long to warn a user moving along the rope that he is approaching its end, and the method of using such a rope. |
| US08191343B1 |
Systems and methods for cooling a controller assembly
Apparatus and methods for cooling controller assemblies for electric utility vehicles are disclosed. Auxiliary implements powered by electric motors onboard a utility vehicle create airflow that is captured and directed to provide increased ambient airflow across heat sinks used to dissipate heat from heat generating components. Airflow across heated surfaces is further created by vehicle movement and vacuum pressure. Fins and other heat dissipating architecture are employed. Features of the cooling systems enable increased controller assembly functionality and/or decreased controller assembly package size. |
| US08191342B2 |
Riding lawnmower vehicle
A riding lawnmower vehicle includes two main drive wheels, at least one caster wheel, an electric traction motor, an internal combustion engine, a generator driven by the internal combustion engine, and a lawnmower. The electric energy generated by the generator can be supplied directly or via an electric accumulator to the electric traction motor. The main drive wheels are independently driven by the electric traction motor, which can operate as a traction power source. When viewed from one end to the other end in the width direction of the vehicle, the internal combustion engine and a secondary battery operable as the electric accumulator overlap each other, and the main drive wheels overlap at least a part of at least one of the internal combustion engine, the generator, the secondary battery, a fuel cell, a capacitor, an inverter, a cooling device, a mower driving motor, and a grass-collecting duct. |
| US08191341B2 |
Method for forming a transportable container for bulk goods
A transportable container for flowable bulk goods is formed by vertically spacing a slip frame former from a bottom support. An outer wrap is disposed around the bottom support and a portion of at least one former wall to initially form the transportable container prior to the addition of the bulk goods into the transportable container. At least one of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves vertically relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods. As the fill level increases in the transportable container, previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the transportable container and lock together the bulk goods disposed in the transportable container. Additional portions of outer wrap are disposed around a portion of the at least one wall of the slip frame former to maintain the transportable container for receiving bulk goods as the previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged from the at least one wall of the slip frame former. |
| US08191338B2 |
Inserting apparatus and method for placing a product in an envelope using such an inserting apparatus
An inserting apparatus for placing a product in an envelope is provided with a discharge path. The discharge path is provided with a skewed roller conveyer which comprises a plurality of rollers arranged at an angle relative to the discharge conveying direction, to align the envelopes along a stop extending in the conveying direction of the roller conveyer. The discharge path is provided with at least one pressing device extending above the roller conveyor to press envelopes towards the roller conveyor, the pressing device comprising at least one array of vertically moveable, rotatable balls. The roller conveyor is provided with at least one endless transport belt for the envelopes, extending opposite the at least one pressing device, the endless belt extending substantially transversally with respect to the rollers. |
| US08191334B2 |
Method for laying floor panels
A method for laying floor panels in a room to form a closed floor area on a laying plane (R) without using an adhesive. The floor panels especially comprising a wood material, such as MDF or HDF, and having matching corresponding profiles on opposite longitudinal edges (I, I′) and transverse edges (II, II′). The closed floor area is obtained by interconnecting a plurality of panels on their transverse edges (II, II′) to give a row (R1) and on their longitudinal edges (I,I′) to give a plurality of rows (Rn) and then locking them in relation to each other. |
| US08191331B2 |
Demountable paneling system
A demountable and remountable wall assembly for partitioning room space between an overhead and a floor, the major elements of which are reusable. The assembly provides one or two walls, at lease one of which has an outer fastener-free surface. Additionally, the fastener-free surface may be made substantially smooth and seamless. The walls are arranged in planar congruence, separated by internal spacers or studs, and vertically positioned between the overhead and floor of the room space to be partitioned. Removable tracks or spacers at the top and bottom of the wall assembly serves to interface the wall assembly with the floor and ceiling of the space. The walls are constructed of either finished or unfinished wall panels (e.g., fabric covered or sheet rock panels) which are incorporated into the assembly using a combination of removable fasteners and releasable adhesives. The finished or exposed area of a wall surface includes no fasteners. Any fasteners used to fix a wall panel in place is covered by a removable trim or other removable feature, which make the fasteners readily exposable and easy to remove. |
| US08191322B2 |
Payload mast
An extensible payload system including mounting equipment and a mast system removably coupled to the mounting equipment. The mast system includes a plurality of nested mast sections, at least one cable, and a pull block assembly. The plurality of nested mast sections include a first mast section and a second mast section nested within the first mast section. At least one cable is rollably coupled to the first mast section. The pull block assembly is coupled to an end of the second mast section. The pull block assembly has a cable receiving opening. The cable is routed into the cable receiving opening and is coupled to the pull block assembly. |
| US08191321B2 |
Building integrated solar array support structure device, system, and method
The system provides an n-s rail bracket that both supports a plurality of solar panels structurally, provides view-guards to hide electrical components, and a water conduit to channel water shed from the solar panel to a desired collection point provided by the structure. As such, the system includes an n-s structural rail consisting of a bottom wall and two vertically extending sidewalls. An intermediate horizontal member extends between the two sidewalls at or near their midpoint to form a compartment between the intermediate horizontal member, a lower portion of the left sidewall, the bottom wall, and a lower portion of the right side wall. Also, the intermediate horizontal member cooperates with an upper portion of the left side wall and an upper portion of the right sidewall to form a U-shaped channel. Each distal end of the respective left and right side wall includes a T-shaped shoulder for supporting the solar module. |
| US08191318B2 |
Prefabricated resin house
A prefabricated resin house includes a peripheral wall 10 achieved by assembling a plurality of peripheral wall structural members 11-19 constituted of resin and a roof 30 that is formed by assembling a plurality of roof structural members 31-39 constituted of resin and is placed on top of the peripheral wall 10. |
| US08191317B2 |
Ventilated curb-mount skylight with separable hinge
Provided herein is a curb-mounted skylight having a rigid plastic curb frame, a mechanism for firmly securing the curb frame to an opening in a building, a transparent or translucent covering element, and a mechanism for retaining the covering element on the frame. The curb frame includes a fixed base frame (having an interior frame and a counter-flashing element) and a moveable sash frame (having an accessory shelf and a sash). The base frame and the sash frame may be connected to one another by a first hinge member integral with the counter-flashing element and a cooperative and complementary-shaped second hinge member attached to the sash. The hinge members form a watertight seal and may be disengaged to permit the sash to be removed from the skylight assembly during installation, if so desired. Because the frame and hinge components are made of plastic, the skylight assembly is relatively lightweight. |
| US08191311B2 |
Opening and closing apparatus
An opening and closing apparatus having an opening and closing body, a drive portion, a control portion, and a detecting device is disclosed. The detecting device has a sensor portion for detecting the capacitance between the sensor portion and an object that is in the proximity of the sensor portion or is contacting the sensor portion. The detecting device detects that the object is in the proximity of the sensor portion or is contacting the sensor portion based on the capacitance detected by the sensor portion. If the detecting device detects contact of the object with the sensor portion when the opening and closing body is not being moved, the control portion controls the drive portion to start opening the opening and closing body. If the detecting device detects that the object is in the proximity of the sensor portion when the opening and closing body is being closed, the control portion controls the drive portion to stop or reverse the movement of the opening and closing body. |
| US08191310B2 |
Stackable plant pot
A plant pot which is adapted to be stacked with one or more similar plant pots. |
| US08191307B2 |
System and method for harvested water irrigation
A system and method for harvested water irrigation is provided. The irrigation system generally collects harvested water from a variety of sources and disperses it from a tank to a landscape for irrigation. The irrigation may be managed using a system controller. The system controller interacts with a variety of devices, including a level controller, a pump or valve, and at least one zone valve. The system may be configured to end irrigation cycles in response to certain events and to supplement harvested water irrigation with potable water as needed or selected. |
| US08191301B2 |
Firearm attachment
An attachment for the slide assembly of a firearm. The attachment includes a pair of laterally opposed arms, each arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the arms being joined by a central portion oriented perpendicular to the arms, the arms and the central portion defining a void therebetween for receiving a portion of the slide assembly, a bridging portion having a radius, disposed in the void and coupled to the central portion, and a flange portion coupled to the bridging portion and having a radius greater than the radius of the bridging portion. |
| US08191298B2 |
Magazine quick-release blocking apparatus and method
Apparatuses, methods, and kits are disclosed for preventing quick release of a magazine from a magazine well of a Sa vzor 58 rifle without the need to substantially disassemble the rifle, thereby providing a means to modify Sa vzor 58 rifles to bring such rifles within permissible limitations of certain local, state, and federal guns laws. |
| US08191295B2 |
Interchangeable advertising sign
A system and a method for advertisement for a business is provided. The contemplated embodiments of the system and method utilize a sign having interchangeable capabilities such that the sign may be changed based on promotional programs and or may be changed to display new design for advertisement. Additionally, a contemplated embodiment of the system and method utilize a sign that may be interchangeable and moreover may display three dimensional promotional materials including toys, small articles among others. The invention may comprise a plurality of parts including a first backboard portion having a plurality of slots wherein a second promotional material may be inserted in the backboard portions and may be removable inserted and interchanged based on desired promotions and display materials. |
| US08191293B2 |
Digital display advertising apparatus fixable to a printed directory
A solar powered advertising apparatus comprising a digital display to display an advertisement heading, wherein the apparatus is configured to be affixable to an exterior of a printed directory. The apparatus comprises a memory to store a set of advertisement headings, with the advertisement headings stored in the memory prior to affixing the advertising apparatus to the printed directory. The advertising apparatus further comprises a set of buttons for selecting an advertisement heading to be displayed. |
| US08191290B2 |
Displacement-controlled hydraulic system for multi-function machines
A displacement-controlled hydraulic system for installation on a multi-function machine, and multi-function machines equipped with the hydraulic system and having devices for propelling the machine, at least a first implement, and multiple actuators that perform multiple functions of the machine. The multiple actuators include first actuators that control the first implement and second actuators that control the propelling devices. The hydraulic system comprises multiple pumps for controlling the first actuators and optionally the second actuators, and valves that enable at least one of the pumps to sequentially control two of the multiple actuators and a corresponding two functions of the multiple functions performed thereby. None of the pumps sequentially controls the second actuators in combination with any of the first actuators. |
| US08191284B2 |
Footwear cooling system
An article of footwear including a cooling system is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a sole system. The sole system includes a first compression chamber and a second compression chamber, each configured to compress during motion. The compression of the first compression chamber and the second compression chamber creates a pressure imbalance that facilitates the exchange of air throughout the article of footwear by means of apertures disposed along the upper sole portion, and channels configured to transfer air to the apertures. |
| US08191281B2 |
Method of drying honeycomb formed article
A method of drying a honeycomb formed article, in which the honeycomb formed article can be dried in a short time while prohibiting occurrence of defects such as deformation, breakage and the like. There is provided a drying method of an unfired honeycomb formed article including raw material composition containing ceramics raw material, water, and binder, and having a plurality of cells, the cells being separated by partition walls to be passage of fluid, and electromagnetic wave drying is performed to dry the honeycomb formed article after the honeycomb formed article is preheated by steam. |
| US08191275B2 |
Adjustable square device
The disclosure depicts an adjustable square device with a body having a substantially uniform cross-section at planes orthogonal to a longitudinal axis, the cross-section having a generally rectangular outline. A first groove extends inwardly from a first end of the body and oriented generally parallel a bottom surface of the body. A second groove extends inwardly from the first end and is orthogonal the first groove, the first and second grooves intersecting at a vertex. The device also has a tunnel extending from the vertex to a second end of the body, and a blade slidably engagable into one of the first or second grooves. |
| US08191268B2 |
Reciprocating pruning saw
An apparatus for the cutting of tree limbs includes an extensible drive shaft that is detachably-attachable at one end to a portable electric drill and is secured to a housing at an opposite end thereof. The housing converts the rotary motion that is supplied by the drill into reciprocating motion of a saw blade and it disposes the saw blade at an angle with respect to the drive shaft that is slightly less than 90 degrees. An extensible two-part cylindrical outer sleeve covers the drive shaft and is detachably-attached at one end thereof to the drill and at an opposite end to the housing. A hook is provided in the housing and is used to grab and urge severed limbs where desired. An optional clamping mechanism is attached to the housing and is used initially to urge the blade and the limb toward each other during cutting and then to retain the limb proximate the housing after it has been cut for controlled placement and safe release of the limb. |
| US08191265B2 |
Razor cartridge with comb
A multi-function razor cartridge that can be used for hair trimming and normal shaving has a housing including a retractable guard and at least one razor blade having a cutting edge. The razor cartridge also has a comb mounted to the housing that is movable by a user between a non-operable position and an operable position. When the comb is in the non-operable position the razor cartridge can be used for a normal shaving operation. As the comb is moved to the operable position for hair trimming, the guard is retracted so that it will not interfere with the passage of longer hairs between the teeth of the comb. |
| US08191259B2 |
Method for setting up a condensation facility using a pre-assembly frame and a welded root and finish seam
Method for setting up a condensation plant, for which two tube bundles (2, 3) are placed on a roof-shaped preassembly frame (1) and connected to one another in a first area. The tube bundles (2, 3,), along with the base plates (5, 6) thereof which hold the heat-exchanger tubes, are placed in supports (10) at a roof ridge strut (11) of the preassembly frame (1) in such a way that the mutually facing longitudinal sides (12, 13) of the base plates (5, 6) can be welded together by means of a root seam, before the preassembled roof-shaped tube bundle delta (14) is lifted from the preassembly frame (1) and brought into the installed position. |
| US08191258B2 |
Flat tube, flat tube heat exchanger, and method of manufacturing same
A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins. |
| US08191250B2 |
Method for processing terminal treatment of braid of a shield wire
For providing a shield wire, in which efficiency of processing terminal treatment of braid can be improved, and an apparatus for processing terminal treatment of braid, an apparatus for processing terminal treatment of braid of a shield wire includes a first hold unit holding a top of the braid covering the electric wire, a second hold unit holding a far-side of the braid, a push unit pushing the top toward the far-side so as to fold a part of braid from the top to form an overlap portion, and a forming unit forming the overlap portion into a cone shape, in which the top is located. The formed overlap portion is clamped by a set of inner and outer ring brackets. |
| US08191245B2 |
Method of forming a land grid array (LGA) interposer
A land grid array (LGA) interposer structure, including an electrically insulating carrier plane, and at least one interposer mounted on a first surface of said carrier plane. The interposer possesses a hemi-toroidal configuration in transverse cross-section and is constituted of a dielectric elastomeric material. A plurality of electrically-conductive elements are arranged about the surface of the at least one hemi-toroidal interposer and extend radically inwardly and downwardly from an uppermost end thereof into electrical contact with at least one component located on an opposite side of the electrically insulating carrier plane. Provided is also a method of producing the land grid array interposer structure. |
| US08191243B2 |
Method for making contact with a contact surface on a substrate
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed for contacting at least one electric contact surface on a surface of a substrate and/or a surface of a semiconductor chip arranged on a substrate. According to one embodiment of the invention, a film of electrically insulating plastic material is laminated onto the surfaces. A large-area contacting of the contact surfaces, which are freely accessible via the openings in the film, with a layer of electrically conductive material is then carried out. It is the aim of a planar electric contacting method to produce openings in an insulation during a short period of processing time. In particular, openings are to be positioned at a precise position to the contact surfaces. To achieve this, openings are produced in the film of electrically insulating plastic material in the region of the contact surface to be contacted by means of laser cutting and prior to laminating. This method is suitable for all planar contacting processes. Substrates or semiconductor chips which are contacted accordingly may be produced. The semiconductor chips used can be, in particular, power semiconductor chips. |
| US08191238B2 |
Method for forming a magnetic writer
A magnetic writer comprises a write pole, a substrate and a non-magnetic, oxygen-free buffer material. The write pole has a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first side and second side. The substrate is at the leading edge of the write pole. The non-magnetic, oxygen-free buffer material is located between the write pole and the substrate. |
| US08191235B2 |
Method of producing magnetoresistance effect element
The method of the present invention provides a magnetoresistance effect element, which is capable of having a high MR ratio, corresponding to high density recording and being suitably applied to a magnetoresistance device even though a barrier layer is thinned to reduce resistance of the magnetoresistance effect element. The method of producing the magnetoresistance effect element, which includes the barrier layer composed of an oxidized metal, a first magnetic layer contacting one of surfaces of the barrier layer and a second magnetic layer contacting the other surface thereof, comprises the steps of: laminating the barrier layer on the first magnetic layer with using a target composed of the oxidized metal; and laminating the second magnetic layer on the barrier layer. The barrier layer is annealed before laminating the second magnetic layer thereon. |
| US08191232B2 |
Method of manufacturing spindle motor
A sleeve and a hub are fixed to each other, and then the sleeve and the hub are gripped and rotated around a central axis, during which cutting is performed over the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve and a flange surface of the hub. Thus, the flange surface can be finished accurately such that the flange surface is normal to the central axis and the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve. |
| US08191231B2 |
Method for manufacturing antenna
A method for manufacturing an antenna includes steps as follows. First, a substrate is provided, wherein a surface of the substrate has an antenna region. Then, the surface of the substrate is electroless plated with a metal medium, so that the surface is covered with the metal medium. Then, the metal medium is covered with a resist. Then, a portion of the resist in the antenna region is removed. Then, the antenna region is electroplated with metal material to form an antenna main body. Then, a remaining portion of the resist is removed, and excluding a portion of the metal medium in the antenna region, the other portion of the metal medium is also removed from the substrate. |
| US08191229B2 |
Rotor for a rotary electrical machine comprising grooves for magnets
A rotor for an electrical machine that comprises two parallel magnet wheels, each of which comprises axial teeth so that each tooth on a wheel is situated in the space existing between two consecutive teeth on the other wheel, and that comprises magnetic elements, each arranged between two adjacent teeth and partly received in a groove produced in each of the opposite lateral faces of the two adjacent teeth. In one embodiment, each of the two adjacent teeth comprises one groove at a maximum, which emerges at the base of the first tooth. |
| US08191224B2 |
Fastener manufacturing
A fastener has a metallic member and a nonmetallic cap member. The metallic member has a head and a shaft. The shaft has a first end at the head, a distal second end, and an externally threaded portion. The metallic member further has a projection extending from the head opposite the shaft. The cap member is mated to the head opposite the shaft and retained by the projection. |
| US08191223B2 |
Snowmobile track clipping tool
A crimp tool and crimp arrangement for connecting a clip onto a snowmobile tread. The snowmobile tread and clip once connected together are positioned in cooperating engagement with the suspension of a snowmobile. The crimp tool implements a pneumatic actuator having a shaft with a transverse axle that is in operable engagement with bearing surfaces of the two press levers. The transverse axle causes the two press levers to pivot about pivot posts between a crimped and uncrimped position. When a clip for connection to the tread of the snowmobile is positioned between the crimp ends of the two press levers, the clip can be bent from an uncrimped position to a crimped position by the crimp ends, thereby connecting the clip to the tread of the snowmobile. |
| US08191221B2 |
Local buckling performance evaluating method for steel pipe, steel pipe designing method, steel pipe manufacturing method, and steel pipe
A method for evaluating local buckling performance of a steel pipe includes obtaining a stress-strain relationship of a material having a yield plateau in the stress-strain relationship; determining the comparison of a starting strain of strain-hardening in the stress-strain relationship obtained and a critical strain of the steel pipe; and evaluating that the steel pipe has a possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be larger than the starting strain and evaluating that the steel pipe has no possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be not larger than the starting strain. |
| US08191216B2 |
Vibrating piece manufacturing method and vibrator manufacturing method
A vibrating piece manufacturing method includes: (a) preparing a supporting body having first and second surfaces, the first and second surfaces defining a thickness while being directed toward opposite directions, the supporting body including a base and a plurality of arms, the arms extending side-by-side in a direction orthogonal to a direction of the thickness from the base, a lower electrode film being disposed on the first surface of each of the arms, a piezoelectric film being disposed on the lower electrode films, at least one upper electrode film being disposed on the piezoelectric film, at least a part of the second surface of each of the arms being an exposed area; and (b) etching the exposed area of the second surface so as to reduce the thickness to reduce flexural rigidity of the arms with respect to the thickness direction. |
| US08191212B2 |
Security system and method including security buckle
The security buckle includes a first body member having one or more walls defining a receiving cavity and one or more mating slots; and a second body member adapted to engage the receiving cavity, the second body member including one or more latching tabs for engaging the one or more mating slots wherein the second body member is inhibited from disengagement while the one or more latching tabs engage the one or more mating slots, and wherein the first body member includes a portion of the one or more walls defining a security slot adapted for receiving an interfering object that includes an engagement mode for insertion and removal from the slot and an interfering mode for inhibiting the one or more latching tabs from disengaging from the one or more mating tabs until the interfering object is transitioned to the engagement mode. |
| US08191207B1 |
Cord protective apparatus and associated method
The cord protective apparatus includes a protective, flexible, slip-resistant sheath wrap for use with a cord or hose. Binding straps have opposite end portions each having corresponding hook and loop fastener portions, thereby allowing the sheath to wrap securely around the circumference of a hose for protecting said hose from incidental and accidental nicks and other damage that may occur when said hose is placed through a doorway or other high traffic areas. The apparatus further includes a hook to fasten the wrapped hose to a secure mounting structure and conveniently and tidily store said cord/hose in an appropriate place. |
| US08191203B2 |
Dust receptacle and vacuum cleaner having the same
A dust receptacle having a receptacle body that may be attached to and detached from a cleaner body is disclosed. The dust receptacle includes the bottom of which is opened; a handle, which is disposed on the receptacle body in a longitudinal direction; an exhaust cover, an end of which is hinged with a lower end of the handle, and which is used to expose a bottom of the receptacle body; and an operating lever that locks or unlocks the exhaust cover. |
| US08191198B2 |
Wiper blade
In the case of a wiper blade for cleaning windscreens on vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, with at least one spray duct arranged in the wiper blade with spray orifices for applying a washing or cleaning fluid to the windscreen to be cleaned, with at least one first connection for connection of the spray duct to an external line for supply of the washing or cleaning fluid and with at least one adapter for connecting the wiper blade to a wiper arm, the at least one connection is part of a connection and distribution element provided on the adapter, which is connected by at least a second connection to a duct section of the spray duct extending away from the adapter. |
| US08191195B2 |
Scratch and dispose apparatus
An apparatus for scratching and disposing a scratch-off coating that conceals information on a paper is provided. The apparatus includes a panel, one or more scratch tools, a brush and a debris unit. The panel includes a base and a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls is configured along a periphery of the base to form an enclosed area therebetween for accommodating the paper. The paper is accommodated within the enclosed area, and the scratch-off coating is scratched using the one or more scratch tools. The one or more scratch tools are capable of being contained within the panel. Scratching the scratch-off coating forms debris. The debris formed is swept using a brush. The brush is capable of being contained within the panel. The swept debris is received and contained in the debris unit that is coupled to a first wall of the plurality of walls. |
| US08191190B2 |
Deflection compensating mechanism for patient imaging table
When inserting a patient into a bore of a patient imaging device (e.g., CT, SPECT, PET, MRI, fMRI, etc.), a cantilevered pallet supported by an adjustable table deflects under the patient's weight. A pair of springs couples the table to first and second support arms, which are coupled to each other at a pivot point. A lever is coupled to the front end of the table and pivots on a fulcrum. A pair of wires are coupled to a rearward end of the lever and passed over respective pulleys before being coupled to a rearward portion of the table. A component of the patient's weight applied to the front edge of the table causes the lever to pivot on its fulcrum, raising the forward ends of the wires, which pass over the pulleys and pull the rearward end of the table downward to maintain the patient at a desired altitude and/or angle. |
| US08191185B2 |
Holder device for shower head and nozzle
A holder device may be attached to a water outlet tube which is extended from a wall, without drilling holes in the wall, and includes a housing having an inlet attached to the water outlet tube, and two or more outlet ports for coupling to a shower head and a sprayer nozzle, a base having a spring-biased latch for clamping the pipe to the base, a seat slidably attached onto the pipe for adjustably and removeably supporting the sprayer nozzle. The housing includes a casing having a chamber for receiving a valve stem, and a spring-biased valve member received in the valve stem to control the water to flow out through the outlet ports of the housing, and a knob secured to the valve stem to rotate the valve stem relative to the casing and the housing. |
| US08191184B2 |
Disposable neck pillow for shampoo basin
The disposable neck pillow for a shampoo basin is formed from one or more bladders joined or otherwise positioned side-by-side to form a single cushioning pillow. Preferably, the bladders are filled with air. In a first embodiment, the neck pillow/pad has a top cover and a bottom cover. The top cover is fabricated from a suitable, soft, cloth-like fabric or material. The bottom cover is fabricated from a liquid impermeable or resistant material. The bottom and top covers are arranged to encapsulate the bladders. A layer of adhesive material may be disposed on the outer surface of the bottom cover to secure the pillow to the shampoo basin. |
| US08191183B2 |
Suction fitting for bathing installations
A suction fitting assembly for a bathing installation includes a cover with a pattern of orifices, a wall fitting, and an adapter structure. The wall fitting is configured for insertion through a hole in a wall of a bathing water receptacle, and may be secured in place with a locking nut. The cover is fastened to the wall fitting on the bather side of the wall. A suction adapter structure is connected to the wall fitting. A function of the suction adaptor structure is to admit air through an air tube from the atmosphere to the suction line during a blocked condition, rendering pump operation ineffective. |
| US08191179B2 |
Hockey helmet with an outer shell made of two different materials
The present invention covers a hockey helmet for receiving a head of a player. The helmet comprises an outer shell made of first and second materials having respective first and second flexibilities. The outer shell comprises a front portion for at least partially facing the crown region of the head, a top portion for at least partially facing the top region of the head, a back portion for at least partially facing the back region of the head, an occipital portion for at least partially facing the occipital region of the head, and left and right portions for at least partially facing the left and right side regions of the head, the left and right portions comprising respective left and right projections that extend downwardly in front of the respective left and right ears and left and right sections located above and behind the respective left and right ears wherein one of the occipital portion, left and right projections and left and right sections is made of the second material and wherein the second flexibility is greater from the first flexibility. |
| US08191175B1 |
Cap visor protector
A visor protector for caps having a visor including a periphery having a front edge, a pair of lateral edges, and upper and lower sides. The visor protector includes a flexible body having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the flexible body meets the lower portion of the flexible body at a leading edge of the flexible body. The upper portion of the flexible body is receivable on the upper side of the visor, and the lower portion of the flexible body is receivable on the lower side of the visor. The upper and lower portions of the flexible body cooperate to define a substantial U-shape, wherein the visor is receivable between the upper and lower portions such that the leading edge of the flexible body is substantially aligned with the front edge of the visor. The visor protector includes a pair of spring clips that each have a first leg that is engageable with the upper portion of the flexible body and a second leg that is engageable with the lower portion of the flexible body. The spring clips are configured to urge the flexible body into engagement with the visor. Indicia, such as advertising, can be placed on the visor protector to provide the perfect promotional platform for products. |
| US08196217B2 |
Tip-enhanced resonant apertures
Transmission efficiency and/or spatial resolution provided by resonant apertures can be enhanced by disposing a tip on part of the screen that extends laterally into the aperture. For example, a tip disposed on the ridge of a C-shaped aperture can dramatically improve performance. A spatial resolution of λ/50 has been experimentally demonstrated with this approach. The combination of high spatial resolution and high transmission efficiency provided by this approach enables many applications, such as near field optical probes for near field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM). Another application is high resolution electron sources, where an photoelectron emitter can be disposed at or near a tip+aperture structure such that the high resolution optical near-field provides a correspondingly high resolution electron source. |
| US08196213B2 |
Verification of un-trusted code for consumption on an insecure device
Disclosed is a code verification service that detects malformed data in an automated process and rejects submission and distribution if any malicious code is found. Once the submission is verified it may be packaged in container. The container may then be deployed to a mobile device, and the public key may be used to verify that the container authentic. The device can load trusted managed libraries needed to execute the application and a manager can ensure that only trusted libraries access native resources of the device. |
| US08196212B2 |
Personal information management device
A personal information management apparatus acquires associated information that is associated with target information for which transmission has been requested, and if the acquired associated information includes personal information, transmits the target information after modifying the associated portions of the target information. This structure enables improving protection of personal information by protecting not only personal information but also information that cannot be used independently to identify a person but can be easily correlated with other information and used to identify a specific individual with reference to the other information. |
| US08196211B2 |
Authorized authorization set in RBAC model
The Authorized Authorization Set System comprising a modified operating system, a command table containing authorized authorization sets, and a modified RBAC security system, eliminates the need for inherited privileges that must be passed to subcommands in order for the command to run. The modified operating system accesses a table containing authorized authorization sets which identify the privileges for all subcommands within a command. When a user is assigned an accessauth for a command, and a sub-command is a privileged sub-command, the privileged sub-command is only run when the accessauth of the sub-command is included in the authorized authorization set of the command. |
| US08196210B2 |
Software license compliance
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to software license compliance. In aspects, a configuration manager receives an indication of an intent of an software-related action and determines that a license may affect the action. The configuration manager consults with a license needs calculation engine that determines whether additional licenses are needed to perform the action. If additional licenses are needed, the configuration manager consults with a rules engine to determine whether the action is to be allowed. The rules engine applies one or more business rules to the licenses needed data and indicates a response to the intent. In either case, the configuration manager may provide information to an administrator and others regarding the action and may allow or disallow the action as indicated by the rules. If the administrator determines to take the action, the configuration manager may create an audit record. |
| US08196206B1 |
Network browser system, method, and computer program product for scanning data for unwanted content and associated unwanted sites
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for scanning data for unwanted content and unwanted sites in response to a user request. In use, a user request is received via a network to scan data prior to downloading the data utilizing a network browser. In addition, the data is scanned for unwanted content and associated unwanted sites in response to the user request. Further, a response is sent to the user via the network. |
| US08196204B2 |
Active computer system defense technology
Active computer system defense techniques can include sending disruptive communications to attackers, where the disruptive communications include random data elements which could potentially interfere with the operation of an attacking system. Such computer system defense techniques can also be augmented to automatically optimize the disruptive communications sent to the attackers. |
| US08196200B1 |
Piggybacking malicious code blocker
A method includes determining whether a transaction request has occurred during a transaction session. Upon a determination that a transaction request has occurred, the method includes parsing critical values from the transaction request and determining whether the critical values are legitimate. If the critical values are found to be suspicious instead of legitimate, the method further includes seeking approval of the transaction request from the user of the host computer system. Upon approval of the transaction request, the transaction request is allowed. Conversely, upon denial of the transaction request, the transaction request is determined to be malicious, and protective action is taken including terminating the transaction request. |
| US08196198B1 |
Access using images
A computer-implemented method may include presenting to a user multiple images, multiple identifiers and a challenge to select one of the identifiers for each of the images, receiving the selected identifiers from the user, and providing access to a computing service based on a comparison of the selected identifiers to an answer to the challenge. |
| US08196196B2 |
Provisional administrator privileges
A system grants “provisional privileges” to a user request for the purpose of provisionally performing a requested transaction. If the provisionally-performed transaction does not put the system in a degraded state, the transaction is authorized despite the user request having inadequate privileges originally. |
| US08196195B2 |
Role-based privilege management
A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for role-based privilege management is provided. A transformation request is received from a requester to form a received request, and a target environment of the received request is identified. A determination is made whether the target environment matches a predefined environment in a set of role-based privileges and, responsive to a determination that the target environment matches a predefined environment in the set of role-based privileges, the parameterized privileges from the set of role-based privileges are mapped to the target environment and the request is performed. |
| US08196192B2 |
Setting a preliminary time on a network appliance using a digital certificate
A method and system for setting a time on a network appliance. The method may include attempting to establish a secure connection with a server using a certificate issued for a network appliance, and determining that an attempt to establish a secure connection has failed. The method may further include determining that a possible cause of the failure to establish a secure connection is incorrect time data provided by the network appliance, and updating the time on the network appliance using time data contained in the certificate. |
| US08196184B2 |
Efficient data structures for multi-dimensional security
Efficient data structures are generated to enforce permissions on a multi-dimensional representation in a performance management application. A model site is generated having at least one model with at least one dimension. User permissions and group permissions are set for the model. The user permission and the group permissions are deployed to a relational database. A collective user permission table is generated based on the user permissions and the group permissions. Thus, an end user may receive permissions associated with a model and permissions associated with particular dimensions of a model without an inefficient consumption of resources. |
| US08196181B2 |
Private network system and method
A method for forming a secure virtual private network (VPN) is described comprising: providing a lookup device, causing at least one pre-designated contact entity on the VPN to periodically poll the lookup device for received joining requests, receiving at the lookup device a request from a joining entity to connect to the VPN, in response to a poll for joining requests the lookup device notifying the polling contact entity of at least the address of each joining entity, and the contact entity supplying at least its address to the lookup device which passes this to the joining entity to establish a link with the contact entity. |
| US08196180B2 |
Authorization and authentication of user access to a distributed network communication system with roaming feature
A system and method for providing roaming access on a network are disclosed. The network includes a plurality of wireless and/or wired access points. A user may access the network by using client software on a client computer (e.g., a portable computing device) to initiate an access procedure. In response, a network management device operated by a network provider may return an activation response message to the client. The client may send the user's username and password to the network provider. The network provider may rely on a roaming partner, another network provider with whom the user subscribes for internet access, for authentication of the user. Industry-standard methods such as RADIUS, CHAP, or EAP may be used for authentication. The providers may exchange pricing and service information and account information for the authentication session. A customer may select a pricing and service option from a list of available options. |
| US08196177B2 |
Digital rights management (DRM)-enabled policy management for a service provider in a federated environment
A method operative at a service provider enforces a digital rights management (DRM) scheme associated with a piece of content. The service provider typically is a content provider. The service provider is an entity that participates in a “federation” with one or more other entities including, for example, an identity provider, a DRM privileges provider, and a DRM policy provider. In one embodiment, the method begins upon receipt at the service provider of a single sip on (SSO) message generated by the identity provider entity that includes a reference to a set of DRM privileges associated with an end user requesting access to the piece of content. In response to receiving the message, the service provider as necessary obtains the DRM privileges and at least one applicable DRM policy. It then evaluates the DRM privileges associated with the end user against the DRM policy, and provides the end user a response. |
| US08196171B2 |
System and method for provisioning a single physical broadband drop to accommodate multiple specific devices
A method and system for provisioning a specific device to receive video and/or data services from a plurality of service providers at a physical drop in a digital broadband network serviced by a telecommunication services provider utilizes a broadcast manager for transmitting an electronic message in a modified format determined by the telecommunication services provider, wherein the electronic message contains information identifying the physical drop associated with the specific device. A broadband digital terminal, in communication with the broadcast manager and the physical port, receives the electronic message, stores the information, and upon receiving a sign-on request from a requesting device that is requesting access to one of the video and/or data services, determines whether the requesting device is authorized to access the requested video and/or data service based on the stored information. |
| US08196169B1 |
Coordinate-based set top box policy enforcement system, method and computer program product
A system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, a plurality of coordinates of a set top box is identified. In addition, a policy associated with usage of the set top box is enforced utilizing the coordinates. |
| US08196166B2 |
Content hosting and advertising systems and methods
In an exemplary system, a data store includes at least a subset of media content, media content attribute data associated with the media content, user profile data associated with at least one consumer having access to the media content, advertising content, and content matching data associated with the advertising content. An access module is communicatively coupled to an access device and configured to receive a request sent by the access device, the request being for access to a media content instance included in the media content. A matching module is configured to match at least one advertising content instance included in the advertising content to the media content instance based on the media content attribute data, user profile data, and content matching data. The access module is configured to provide the matched advertising content instance to the access device for user presentation. |
| US08196164B1 |
Detecting advertisements using subtitle repetition
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying advertisements in television broadcasts. In an aspect, a method includes identifying caption data that has been received at least a threshold number of times and received over at least a threshold number of channels as repeated caption data, selecting video frames indexed at times and channels that that correspond times and channels of the repeated caption data, providing the selected video frames to a video processing system that identifies advertising objects in the video frame data and receiving from the video processing system the advertising objects, and for each advertising object, associating the advertising object with the repeated caption data having times and channel indices that match the time and channel index of the video frame from which the advertising object was identified. |
| US08196163B2 |
Controlled delivery of event information to IPTV users
A method and a gateway are provided for controlling delivery of event information to users sharing a user device. The gateway is informed of activity states of each user sharing a same user device. Events related to services used by the users are detected by the gateway. Because some users of a same device may be active while others are inactive, the gateway verifies the activity state of each user for whom an event is detected. Active users are informed of events that are of interest for them. |
| US08196160B2 |
Television receiver, server, operational system of the television receiver and operational program of the television receiver for detecting and correcting unintended connection
Provided are a television receiver, server, operational system of the television receiver and operational program of the television receiver capable of detecting and correcting unintended connection in case that the connection is established, and facilitating the operation of the television receiver from the outside. A television receiver 110 is operable via a network, and has a notifying section 115 that notifies a user of key information for specifying an operational request of the television receiver 110, and a receiver-side transmitting/receiving section 114 that receives connection confirmation information specific to temporary connection when an external terminal 150 and the television receiver 110 are temporarily connected based on the key information, where the notifying section 115 notifies the user of the received connection confirmation information so as to enable the external terminal 150 to operate the television receiver 110 when the connection confirmation information is confirmed between the user and an operator. |
| US08196156B2 |
Optical disc reproducing apparatus having protruding and rotating disc drive
An optical disc reproducing apparatus includes a body installed at a wall or other mounting apparatus, and an optical disc drive protruding from the body such that an optical disc is inserted into the optical disc drive. The optical disc drive is rotatably installed to the body to protrude forward from the body, so that the optical disc reproducing apparatus is installed regardless of positions of a wall-mount television installed above the optical disc reproducing apparatus. |
| US08196154B2 |
Copying workload files to a virtual disk
The present invention is directed to a system and method for transferring workload files on a host to a Virtual Machine (VM) destination disk without the need for the VM to be running. This accomplished by creating a VM disk device interface to move data from the workload files to the VM destination disk. The VM disk device interface comprises a device driver to interact with the VM destination disk and destination access software utilizing standard operating system procedures to access the VM destination disk. |
| US08196153B1 |
Method and apparatus for associating device drivers via a device tree
Techniques for associating device drivers via a device tree are described herein. In one embodiment, a device tree having a hierarchical structure is maintained by a kernel of an operating system. The device tree includes device nodes corresponding to devices installed in a computer, including a first node and a second node. An auxiliary driver identifier is encoded within the first node for identifying a second device driver associated with the second node. The auxiliary driver identifier is used by a first device driver associated with the first node to invoke the second device driver to perform a predetermined operation on a device associated with the first node. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08196148B2 |
Notification of changed parameters in a printing system
A print controller, methods, and software are disclosed. A print controller of the invention includes applications, a parameter manager, and a notification system. The applications register with parameter manager those parameters for which they want to be notified when a change occurs. As part of the registration, the applications designate a callback identifier (CID) for each of the parameters, where an individual CID may be associated with a single parameter or a plurality of related parameters. Responsive to receiving an indication of changes to one or more of the parameters, the notification system identifies the applications registered to be notified of changes to the parameters, and identifies the CIDs associated with the parameters that have changed. The notification system then transmits one or more notification messages, including the identified CIDs for the changed parameters, to each application that is registered. |
| US08196147B1 |
Multiple-processor core optimization for producer-consumer communication
A novel technique for improving throughput in a multi-core system (and in a virtual machine environment) in which data is processed according to a producer-consumer relationship by eliminating latencies caused by compulsory cache misses. A producer process is executed on one processor core and two or more instances of a consumer process are executed on different cores so that while the first instance of a consumer process is executed in a “consuming” mode to process a first subset of data elements produced by the producer process, a second instance of the consumer process pre-fetches, to its cache memory, a second subset of data items produced by the producer process. As a result, the second subset of data items is already cached at the core where the second instance is running even before the consumer process starts processing the second subset of data items. |
| US08196144B2 |
System and method for accelerating input/output access operation on a virtual machine
A system and method for accelerating input/output (IO) access operation on a virtual machine, The method comprises providing a smart IO device that includes an unrestricted command queue (CQ) and a plurality of restricted CQs and allowing a guest domain to directly configure and control IO resources through a respective restricted CQ, the IO resources allocated to the guest domain. In preferred embodiments, the allocation of IO resources to each guest domain is performed by a privileged virtual switching element. In some embodiments, the smart IO device is a HCA and the privileged virtual switching element is a Hypervisor. |
| US08196142B2 |
Use of external services with clusters
A method, apparatus, and system are directed toward managing a system that includes a cluster and an external resource. The external resource may be part of a second cluster that is collocated on the same hardware platforms as the cluster. A proxy resource is used to enforce a dependency relationship between a native resource of the cluster and an external resource, such that a dependency with the proxy resource serves to enforce a dependency with the external resource. The cluster framework may maintain states of the proxy resource, including an offline state, an online-standby state, and an online state. The online-standby indicates that the proxy has been started, but it has not determined that the associated external resource is enabled. The proxy may determine whether the external resource is enabled or disabled and, in response, notify the cluster framework. |
| US08196138B2 |
Method and system for migrating virtual machines between hypervisors
A method for migrating virtual machines between hypervisors is disclosed. Initially, metadata describing a virtual machine are automatically scanned and parsed. The structure of the metadata of a source virtual machine are automatically analyzed. Elements of this structure are mapped to corresponding entries of a target virtual machine. A target metadata descriptor to be used as part of the target virtual machine is generated. A predefined layout description of the data stored in a file system image of the source virtual machine read. A predefined layout description of the data to be stored in a file system image to be used at the target virtual machine is also read. The data are extracted from the source virtual machine. A template of a file system image for the target virtual system is generated. Storage space corresponding to the target virtual machine is allocated, and the extracted data are inserted into the allocated storage space. |
| US08196137B2 |
Remote auto provisioning and publication of applications
Techniques for auto provisioning and publication of applications are described. The auto provisioning process enables automatic installation of applications having their respective file packages pre-stored in the server. Subsequently, publication of these applications is conducted automatically. By employing such an automatic process, the latency involved in provisioning and publication of remote applications is reduced, thereby making the process more efficient. |
| US08196136B2 |
Configuration and change management system with restore points
A configuration and change management system may have installation and configuration processes that include a discovery mechanism for discovering incomplete installations or configuration changes, a cleanup mechanism for placing the system in a state to continue, an installation or configuration mechanism, and a rollback mechanism for rolling back to a defined restore point if a problem is detected. The configuration and change management system may be used for initial installation, as well as configuration changes after installation. The system may be used in a multiple server environment with interdependencies between devices, as well as a multiple services environment with interdependencies between applications and services, including services provided over the Internet. |
| US08196133B2 |
Software change modeling for network devices
A method for software change modeling for network devices provides dynamic (on the device) and static (computer) change modeling. The same source code and libraries are used for both modeling applications, allowing a user to see the impact of activating or deactivating specific software modules without affecting the actual node. A master node passes a node the identity of the software package(s) to be updated and the dependencies. The node notifies its running processes about the update. If any of the processes determine that the update will degrade or have a negative impact on the operation of the node, it returns a veto to the node which sends a list of the processes that are impacted along with the reasons why to the master node. |
| US08196125B2 |
Optimization of policy enforcement
Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for improving the efficiency of policy enforcement. According to one embodiment, a method for improving efficiency during enforcement of a policy can comprise determining a topology for the policy. A plurality of equivalent topologies for the policy can then be determined. A cost function can be applied to each of the plurality of equivalent topologies and one of the plurality of equivalent topologies can be selected based on the cost function. |
| US08196123B2 |
Object model for transactional memory
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing an object model for transactional memory. The object model for transactional memory allows transactional semantics to be separated from program flow. Memory transaction objects created using the object model can live beyond the instantiating execution scope, which allows additional details about the memory transaction to be provided and controlled. Transactional memory can be supported even from languages that do not directly expose transactional memory constructs. This is made possible by defining the object model in one or more base class libraries and allowing the language that does not support transactional memory directly to use transactional memory through the object model. |
| US08196122B2 |
Data flow analysis of transactional processes
A XLANG/s compilation method is provided that uses data flow analysis of a program's flow graph to determine lifetimes of a data object. A flowgraph is created according to abstract computer instructions. A depth-first order is assigned to basic blocks and a dominance relationship between the basic blocks is determined. A determination is made as to whether any loops are present within the flowgraph and, if so, the loops are identified. A creation point, destruction point and lock point for the data object is determined. Instructions are inserted into the computer code to create the at least one data object at the creation point, to destroy the data object at the destruction point and to lock the data object at the lock point. |
| US08196117B2 |
Merging sample based profiling data
In one embodiment, a computer system comprises one or more processors, and a memory module communicatively connected to the one or more processors. The memory module comprises logic instructions stored on a computer readable medium which, when executed on the one or more processors configure the one or more processors to normalize data from a first data set comprising sample based profiling data to form a first normalized data set, normalize data from a second data set comprising sample based profiling data to form a second normalized data set, combine the first normalized data set and the second normalized data set to form a merged data set, and present a portion of the merged data set on a user interface. |
| US08196115B2 |
Method for automatic detection of build regressions
A method and apparatus for automatically performing regression processing on trace data are provided. With the apparatus and method, call tree data structures are generated for two or more executions of two or more builds of a computer program. The apparatus and method perform a “tree-minimization” operation on each set of call tree data structures for each of the builds to generate minimized call tree data structures for each build of the computer program. The minimized call tree data structures are then subtracted from one another to generate a subtracted minimized call tree data structure. From this subtracted minimized call tree data structure, the portions of the computer program that are different from build to build and which appreciably and consistently affect the difference in execution of the computer program from build to build may be identified. Thus, the analyst's attention is directed to these areas of the computer program code which may be optimized in order to obtain better execution of the computer program. |
| US08196113B2 |
Realtime creation of datasets in model based testing
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that tests a software program. During operation, the system creates a behavioral model of the software program using branches, decisions, and options. Next, the system applies a weight assignment technique to the behavioral model to create a set of global identifiers (IDs), which correspond to test cases of the behavioral model. The system then generates a test case from the behavioral model and executes the test case on the software program. Finally, the system analyzes an output of the executed test case to determine a validity of the software program. |
| US08196112B1 |
Systems and methods for testing widgets in computer environments
Widgets or other code modules for applications written in structured languages such as HTML can be tested advantageously by separating the extraction and validation logic. To test the functionality of a widget in response to an action, widget features of interest are identified. Context and feature nodes for these features are extracted from a page tree structure to generate a property vector that is representative of the state of the widget. After performing the action, context nodes for the features are attached to the new page tree for the newly loaded page, and an observed property vector is generated that represents the state of the widget after the action. The previous property vector is used with updated state information to generate an expected property vector. The observed property vector is compared with the expected property vector, and if the vectors match the validation is claimed to be successful. |
| US08196109B2 |
Common debug adaptor in a multiple computer programming language environment
Software developers working on multi-language systems with various debug tools (BPEL, AE, Java, etc.) can use a common debug adaptor (CDA). The CDA implements a method of debugging in a multi-computer program language environment. The method includes registering various debug tools associated with different programming languages in the multi-computer program language environment, each one of the plurality of debug tools providing suspended threads and stack frames in response to a debug event in the multi-computer program language environment. The method can further include receiving the suspended threads and stack frames from the plurality of debug tools. The method can further include correlating the received suspended threads and stack frames under a common suspended thread; and providing the common suspended thread in a debug view. Such a method can have a number of attributes intended to assist developers facing debugging problems in multi-language systems. |
| US08196104B2 |
Systems and methods for testing application accessibility
Systems, methods, and computer program products consistent with the invention expose semantic information for the user interface elements of an application at runtime as part of a rich object model and check accessibility requirements compliance, such as Section 508 compliance, for each user screen or other user-interface that the application presents. In some embodiments, accessibility checks are based at least in part on the context of the user interface elements as exposed through the object model. |
| US08196102B2 |
Software supportability certification
A method for certifying a software product for supportability is disclosed in which the software product is identified, wherein the software product is configured to receive and process one or more user interactions. One or more anticipated log messages corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined user errors which the software product is anticipated to generate on a logging framework associated with supporting the software product are identified. It is required that the software product perform each of the plurality of predetermined user errors responsive to the one or more user interactions. It is determined that the software product generates, for each of the plurality of predetermined user errors, one or more log messages on the logging framework, and the software product is certified for supportability based on a comparison of the anticipated log messages with the generated log messages. |
| US08196099B2 |
Updating application design
A method and system for updating templated application design, which facilitates the later ‘undoing’ of the design update is provided. The method intercepts all design update requests and automatically creates and stores a description of the pre-update version of the application. When a developer intends to apply an update to a design of an application, the application is first asked to provide a description of itself, e.g. a template. If the application comprises a plurality of components, each application component provides a description. Thus a point-in-time design description of the application is created. This is stored and can later be used for an undo method or even multi-level rollback, as required. |
| US08196096B2 |
.Net ribbon model for a ribbon user interface
An object model is provided that allows .NET developers to customize the Office Ribbon user interface according to a .NET Ribbon model rather than the Ribbon XML/callback model of Office applications. The .NET Ribbon model implements the IRibbonExtensibility interface and provides properties and events for Ribbon components. At runtime, the .NET Ribbon model generates and provides an Office application or document with the XML needed to render the custom Ribbon user interface. A visual designer tool uses the .NET Ribbon model to provide .NET developers with a component view architecture that allows developers to set component properties and generate events. |
| US08196095B2 |
Mobile marketing application
Disclosed is a method for facilitating quick mobile website creation by mobile advertisers, including providing access to an advertiser of a mobile marketing application that interfaces with an ad server, wherein the advertiser is authenticated for access to the ad server; enabling the advertiser to input to an interface of the application a plurality of content items selected from the group consisting of a descriptive text, an image, a phone number, and a hyperlink; presenting the advertiser with a go live option; automatically creating the mobile website to include the submitted content items when the go live option is selected, wherein the application facilitates rapid creation by the advertiser of a mobile website having a plurality of web pages, and the mobile website is optimized for mobile delivery; subjecting the created mobile website to a plurality of error checks; and publishing the mobile website to a network through a mobile service provider system. |
| US08196091B2 |
Computer method and apparatus for improving programming modeling with lightweight stereotypes
Computer method and apparatus provides lightweight stereotypes in a programming model. An alternative to applied profiles is disclosed. A keyword list or list of strings is recorded as an annotation to a model element. The keywords are indicative of applied stereotypes of the model element, where the stereotypes are empty or are used as labels. The list of strings effectively augments the collection of applied stereotypes of the model element. |
| US08196087B2 |
Chip area optimized pads
An optimized semiconductor chip pad configuration. The pad includes a pad circuit area Ap, a first dimension x and a second dimension y, in a chip having N number of pins on each side. The pins include a longitudinal axis, and the chip includes a chip core of length Lc. The method includes determining the first dimension x by dividing the length Lc by the N, determining the second dimension y by dividing the pad circuit area Ap by a result of a division of the length Lc by the N, and creating a semiconductor area pad that includes pins with the longitudinal axis positioned parallel to the chip core. A stack of circuits is designed in the chip to fit in the pad based on the first dimension x and the second dimension y. |
| US08196082B1 |
Signal routing and pin placement
A method is provided for assigning signals to input pins of a component subject to asymmetric delays. A latency is determined for each signal-pin combination of the plurality of signals and plurality of input pins. The latency is determined as a function of an arrival time of the signal, a time to route the signal from to the input pin, and a time attributable to processing by the component. A latency threshold is selected. Signal to pin assignments using only signal-pin combinations having latencies less than or equal to the latency threshold are analyzed to determine if a one-to-one signal-to-pin assignment exists that includes all signals. The latency threshold is increased and the analysis is repeated until a valid one-to-one signal-to-pin assignment is found. |
| US08196078B2 |
Method for predicting and debugging EMI characteristics in IC system and related machine-readable medium
A method for predicting and debugging electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics of an integrated circuit (IC) system includes the following steps: selecting a frequency domain range according to transformed raw data of the IC system to generate a blocking frequency analysis result, wherein the transformed raw data are transformed by a time-frequency waveform transformation; setting criteria data; comparing the blocking frequency analysis result with the criteria data to generate at least one comparison result; and generating a pass analysis report when a processing unit determines that each comparison result is passed; otherwise, executing an EMI design time-frequency analysis. |
| US08196076B2 |
Optimal flow in designing a circuit operable in multiple timing modes
A design approach provided according to an aspect of the present invention consolidates the constraint files of respective modes into consolidated information and performs place-and-route using such consolidated information. The resource requirements may be reduced as result. Another aspect of the present invention provides a programmatic approach to consolidating timing constraint files of different timing modes into consolidated information. |
| US08196074B2 |
Heuristic clustering of circuit elements in a circuit design
An apparatus, program product and method utilize heuristic clustering to generate assignments of circuit elements to clusters or groups to optimize a desired spatial locality metric. For example, circuit elements such as scan-enabled latches may be assigned to individual scan chains using heuristic clustering to optimize the layout of the scan chains in a scan architecture for a circuit design. |
| US08196068B2 |
Modeling critical-dimension (CD) scanning-electron-microscopy (CD-SEM) CD extraction
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a process that models critical-dimension (CD) scanning-electron-microscopy (CD-SEM) extraction during photolithography process model calibration. During operation, the process receives measured CD values which were obtained using a CD-SEM extraction process, wherein the CD-SEM extraction process determines a measured CD value for a feature by measuring multiple CD values of the feature along multiple electron beam scans. The process then determines simulated CD values, wherein a simulated CD value is determined based at least on a set of CD extraction cut-lines evenly placed around the target feature. During subsequent photolithography process model calibration, the process fits a parameter that models an aspect of the photolithography process based at least on both the measured CD values and the simulated CD values. |
| US08196064B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for managing controlled residential or non-residential environments
A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of devices connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. The devices include audio/visual devices (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, notepads, notebooks, MP3, portable stereo, etc.) as well as household appliances (such as, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.). The control server supports video/audio serving, telephony, messaging, file sharing, internetworking, and security. A portable controller allows a user to access and control the network devices from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. The controllers are enhanced to support location-awareness and user-awareness functionality. |
| US08196061B1 |
Method and system for providing scroll bar enabled bookmarks in electronic document displays
A system and method for providing scroll bar enabled bookmarks in electronic document displays whereby a bookmark enabled scroll bar is provided as a feature associated with a displayed electronic document. The bookmark enabled scroll bar includes one or more bookmark sequencing buttons. When a user desires to mark a portion of an electronic document for future reference, the user activates the bookmark enabled scroll bar and places/creates a bookmark/breakpoint at a location in the bookmark enabled scroll bar corresponding the portion of the electronic document the user wishes to bookmark for future reference. Once the user activates the bookmark enabled scroll bar and creates the bookmark, a visual indicator appears in the bookmark enabled scroll bar at the selected location corresponding to the portion of the electronic document the user wishes to bookmark for future reference. Then when the user desires to return to the portion of the electronic document the user bookmarked for future reference, the user activates one of the one or more bookmark sequencing buttons and the user is taken to the corresponding portion of the electronic document the user had bookmarked using the bookmark enabled scroll bar. |
| US08196060B2 |
Method of displaying planar image
A planar image and a mark are displayed on a display having an outer periphery. A region is provided on the display. The region has a boundary distanced from the outer periphery of the display. The mark is moved with respect to the planar image on the display when the mark is positioned in the region. The planar image is scrolled in a direction directed from the region to the mark on the display when the mark is positioned at an outside of the region. This method allows the mark to be positioned efficiently. |
| US08196059B2 |
Switch and on-screen display systems and methods
A system with switch and on-screen display function includes a display device and a switch device. The display device includes a display panel and a display circuit. The display circuit is coupled with the display panel and is configured to control the display device. The display circuit includes an on-screen display generating circuit. The switch device is coupled with the display device and is configured to switch an access to one of at least two computers. The on-screen display generating circuit includes a signal receiving circuit, a processing circuit and a signal outputting circuit. The signal receiving circuit is configured to receive command signals from the switch device. The processing circuit generates first on-screen display menu signals for providing a first on-screen display menu in response to the received command signals. The signal outputting circuit of the on-screen display generating circuit provides the first on-screen display signals to the display panel. |
| US08196058B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image data list display method
An image processing apparatus includes an image data storage unit, an operation unit, a generation unit, a display unit and a control unit. The image data storage unit stores plural pieces of image data. The operation unit allows a user to input an instruction. The generation unit outputs one of a first list of the stored image data in a first display form and a second list of the stored image data in a second display form according to the instruction. The control unit controls the display unit to display the one. When the generation unit switches from outputting the one to outputting the other in accordance with the input instruction, the control unit controls the display unit to display the other so that image data, which is displayed at a particular position in a previous display form, is displayed at a particular position in a current display form. |
| US08196054B2 |
On-site system building support tool
An on-site system building support tool for assisting a user in building an on-site system by displaying a layout creation screen having an icon area for displaying icons, each of which represents any of various kinds of machines that can be used, and a canvas area in which a virtual system is built. The icons are displayed in the canvas area and connected to each other through an association line. A model setting screen is used to display the icons, and on the basis of setting conditions displayed on the model setting screen, a load on the virtual system built on the canvas area is calculated and displayed which applies to the environment. This enables checking of an environmental load on the basis of various kinds of conditions of the site. |
| US08196045B2 |
Various methods and apparatus for moving thumbnails with metadata
Various methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for a moving thumbnail generator. The moving thumbnail generator generates one or more moving thumbnails that are tagged and time-stamped to arbitrary video trigger events that take place in an associated original video file. Each of the moving thumbnails has two or more moving frames derived from its associated original video file at a portion in the original video file that is tagged and time-stamped to one or more relevant video trigger events in order for the generated moving thumbnail to summarize a visual content of the associated original piece of video file to a user. The tag carries information about content that takes place in the original video file and metadata about that content including a time reference to frames that are contextually relevant to the reason why a viewer of the thumbnail might be interested in viewing that thumbnail. |
| US08196044B2 |
Configuration of user interfaces
Configuration of user interfaces is described. In an implementation, a method includes receiving a query from a device. The query is for a user interface (UI) from a client. The UI, when executed by the device, is configured to form a request for execution of a control function by the client. A processing of the request determines whether the execution by the client of the control function is permitted. The processing is performed at a head end by using client state data. The hardware and/or software capabilities of the device to execute the UI are detected. The UI is configured based on the hardware and/or software capabilities of the device. |
| US08196043B2 |
User interface for presenting media information
A user interface and methods for using a user interface for controlling processing of time-based media files. In one exemplary method, a graphical representation of a time line for a time-based media is displayed along with a graphical representation of a current time along the graphical representation of the time line. A start graphical indicator and a stop graphical indicator is also displayed along the graphical representation of the time line. A portion of the time-based media may be selected for presentation by dragging or positioning at least one of the start graphical indicator and the stop graphical indicator along the graphical representation of the time line. In another aspect of the invention, an exemplary method allows for the adaptive control of a portion of the interface which indicates time relating to a time-based media. An input speed is determined where this input is to change the portion and the rate at which the change to this portion occurs is dependent upon the input speed. Other aspects of the present invention relating to the interface for controlling the processing of time-based media files are also described. |
| US08196042B2 |
Self-revelation aids for interfaces
Systems and/or methods are provided that facilitates revealing assistance information associated with a user interface. An interface can obtain input information related to interactions between the interface and a user. In addition, the interface can output assistance information in situ with the user interface. Further, a decision component that determines the in situ assistance information output by the interface based at least in part on the obtained input information. |
| US08196040B2 |
Color management system and method using natural language description of color differences
Disclosed are embodiments of a color management system and an associated method that display a visual representation of a digital version of a document and further annotate selected object(s) in the visual representation with corresponding statement(s) containing a natural language description of any color differences between the selected object and the same object in a different digital version of the same document. For example, a visual representation of the print-preview version of a document can be displayed and a selected object within the visual representation can be annotated with a statement containing a natural language description of any color differences between the selected object and the same object in the selected-for-print-preview version of the document. By annotating selected object(s) on the display in this manner, the embodiments provide an accurate indication of color variations between the two versions even in a non-calibrated and/or non-optimal viewing environment. |
| US08196038B2 |
System, method and graphical user interface for managing contacts and calendars within an online card system
A system, method and graphical user interface (GUI) are described for managing a contacts and calendar database within an online stationery/card service. For example, a system implemented by an online stationery/card service allowing a user to personalize and send non-electronic stationery/cards is described, the system comprising: a graphical user interface for personalizing and sending non-electronic stationery/cards comprising: a reminder list comprised a plurality of reminder entries, each of the reminder entries identifying an upcoming event including events generated based on a specified relationship between the user and one or more contacts stored in a contacts database of the user; a recommendation region comprising a plurality of stationery/card design recommendations, the recommendation region populated with stationery/card designs associated with a specified one or the one or more entries in the reminder list, including the events generated based on the specified relationship between the user and each of the contacts; and a stationery/card personalization engine executed in response to the user selecting one of the stationery/card design recommendations from the recommendation region, the stationery personalization engine providing the end user with a set of personalization options related to the selected stationery/card design, and generating personalized stationery with the selected stationery/card design based on user input. |
| US08196036B2 |
Method and system for converting hypertext markup language web page to plain text
A method for converting an HTML web page to plain text includes extracting from HTML source code of the HTML web page a portion containing a plurality of character strings and tags, calculating length and position of each character string in the extracted portion so as to find a first predetermined percentage of the character strings with the longest lengths, analyzing a number of position intervals between adjacent ones of the character strings belonging to the first predetermined percentage of the character strings with the longest lengths, labeling the corresponding character strings as belonging to a same block if the number of position intervals is not greater than a second predetermined value so as to find a largest character string block, and deleting the tags in the largest character string block so as to obtain main content of the HTML web page in plain text. |
| US08196034B2 |
Computer system and method for reducing power consumption of storage system
A disk rotation control part for controlling the rotations of a plurality of disk devices is provided. The configuration is such that a disk of a disk device for which an access will not be generated is rotated at a second rate of speed, which is faster than 0, and slower than a first rate of speed, which is the rotation speed at access time. DB management information comprises information denoting which DB schema inside a DB is stored in which location. The disk rotation control part, based on a query plan of a query received by the DBMS, and DB management information, specifies the storage location of a DB schema to be accessed when this query is processed, and rotates a disk of the disk device comprising the specified storage location at a first rate of speed. |
| US08196032B2 |
Template-based multimedia authoring and sharing
Systems and methods for template-based multimedia authoring and sharing are described. In one aspect, media content is selectively applied to a content description template to author media in a content description. The content description template provides a temporal structure for the applied media content. A content representation template is selected and combined with the temporally structured media in the content description to specify rendering criteria and generate a content description and representation for one or more of rendering, sharing, and exporting the temporally structured authored media. |
| US08196030B1 |
System and method for comparing and reviewing documents
A document processing system for accurately and efficiently analyzing documents and methods for making and using same. Each incoming document includes at least one section of textual content and is provided in an electronic form or as a paper-based document that is converted into an electronic form. Since many categories of documents, such as legal and accounting documents, often include one or more common text sections with similar textual content, the document processing system compares the documents to identify and classify the common text sections. The document comparison can be further enhanced by dividing the document into document segments and comparing the document segments; whereas, the conversion of paper-based documents likewise can be improved by comparing the resultant electronic document with a library of standard phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. The document processing system thereby enables an image of the document to be manipulated, as desired, to facilitate its review. |
| US08196029B1 |
System and method for enabling simultaneous multi-user electronic document editing
A document management system and method are provided to support simultaneous multi-user editing of a single document. The system and method do not require the use of a new file format or the use of a central document repository to limit user access to the document. When a user attempts to open the document and a determination is made that the document is in use, then an alert is presented to the user that informs the user that the document is locked for editing. The user may select to receive a notification when the original document is no longer in use. If the user selects to make a local copy and subsequently merge the changes, the local copy will be made and the path of the original document will be stored so that the original document location can be determined at the time that the changes are merged. When the original document becomes available, the user's changes can be merged into the original document. The original document is located using the original path that was stored when the local copy was created. Of course, any time that a merge is attempted, and a conflict exists (i.e., the changes in the local document are inconsistent with the changes made to the original document), an alert can be generated to inform the user of the conflict and the user can be prompted to reconcile the conflict to complete the merge. |
| US08196026B2 |
Method and computer unit for error detection and logging in a memory
In a method for detecting errors in computer data in a memory, a check sum is calculated in runtime and compared to a stored check sum. In this method, the computer data is being subdivided into at least two logical blocks and a check sum is calculated for each logical block. Also provided is a computer unit having a processor and a memory which has a ROM in which firmware is stored, and/or which has a RAM, the memory having at least two logging functions for logging established memory errors, e.g., errors in the ROM and/or the RAM. |
| US08196025B2 |
Turbo LDPC decoding
An iterative low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoding system comprises a first shift register for storing bit estimates, a plurality of parity-check processing node banks configured for processing the bit estimates for generating messages, combiners configured for combining the messages with the bit estimates for generating updated bit estimates, and fixed permuters for permuting the updated bit estimates to facilitate storage and access of the bit estimates. A second shift register is provided for storing the messages, and a subtraction module subtracts messages generated a predetermined number of cycles earlier from the updated bit estimates. |
| US08196024B2 |
Demapper using floating-point representation of soft bits
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and systems for converting fixed-point soft bit values, provided by a demapper, into floating-point soft bits values. In one aspect, there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, from a demapper, soft bits formatted as a fixed-point value. Moreover, the soft bits may be converted from the fixed-point value to a floating-point value. The floating-point value is punctured to remove a bit. The converted soft bits are provided to a buffer to enable decoding of the buffered soft bits. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described. |
| US08196023B2 |
Encoder and optical disk recording apparatus
An encoder includes an information holding section which stores flag bytes and an initial address, a data generation section which generates sets of first parity symbols from the initial address and the flag bytes, a parity generation section which generates and outputs sets of second parity symbols, for each column of data units included in the block, from the columns of data units included in the block and input user control data. The data generation section generates the addresses and the sets of first parity symbols, required to generate the columns of data units included in the block, based on the initial address and the flag bytes, selects necessary portions from the flag bytes and the addresses and the sets of first parity symbols generated, and outputs the portions to the parity generation section, as the columns of data units included in the block. |
| US08196014B2 |
Check matrix generating device, check matrix generating method, encoder, transmitter, decoder, and receiver
When arranging J cyclic permutation matrices I(pj,l) with p rows and q columns (0≦j≦J−1, 0≦l≦L−1) in a row direction and also arranging L cyclic permutation matrices I(pj,l) in a column direction so as to generate a regular quasi-cyclic matrix having uniform row and column weights, a quasi-cyclic matrix generating unit 31 configures the regular quasi-cyclic matrix by combining cyclic permutation matrices I(pj,l) in each of which matrix elements whose row number is r (0≦r≦p−1) and whose column number is (r+pj,l) mod p are “1”s, and other matrix elements are “0”s in such a way that a plurality of cyclic permutation matrices I(pj,l) arranged at, e.g., the 1st row differ from one another. |
| US08196013B2 |
Supporting global input/output interconnect features on ports of a midpoint device
In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a midpoint device utilizing an Input/Output (I/O) interconnect is provided, wherein the midpoint device contains a plurality of ports, the method comprising: receiving a request to initiate a session between a device on a first port of the midpoint device and a device on a second port of the midpoint device; retrieving information regarding whether the first port supports a feature, and information regarding whether the second port supports the feature; and when the first port supports the feature and the second port does not support the feature, permitting the session to be initiated, such that communications between the first device and the second device are performed partially using the feature, independently of support of the feature on other ports. |
| US08196010B1 |
Generic encoder for low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes
Systems and methods are provided for encoding data based on an LDPC code using various inversion mechanisms to obtain parity bits. In some embodiments, an LDPC encoder may compute parity bits using a speculative recursion and correction mechanism. In these embodiments, the LDPC encoder may initiate a recursion using at least one speculative value in place of the actual value for a parity component. The speculative values may then be corrected using a correction factor. In other embodiments, an LDPC encoder is provided that can perform a blockwise inversion mechanism. This mechanism may be used on LDPC codes with parity check matrices having a parity portion composed partially of a large triangular matrix. In still other embodiments, a generic LDPC encoder is provided. The generic LDPC encoder can implement a variety of different encoding techniques, such as different inversion mechanisms, and may be processor-based or finite state machine-based. |
| US08196007B2 |
Frequency-diversity 8-VSB AM broadcasting to mobile/handheld receivers
A system for broadcasting the same data in concatenated convolutional coded (CCC) form from a network of 8-VSB amplitude-modulation transmitters operated with different radio-frequency carrier waves assigns the coded data to time-interleaved ones of time slots that are universal throughout the network. Therefore, a mobile/handheld (M/H) receiver with a single frequency-agile tuner can provide frequency-diversity reception of the time-interleaved data in CCC form. Alternatively, an M/H receiver with two tuners is used to provide frequency-diversity reception of the time-interleaved data in CCC form. The system for a network of 8-VSB AM transmitters that broadcast the same data in CCC form can further provide for each 8-VSB AM transmitter to make repeated transmissions of data in CCC form, to facilitate iterative-diversity reception of those transmissions by M/H receivers. |
| US08196006B2 |
Modified branch metric calculator to reduce interleaver memory and improve performance in a fixed-point turbo decoder
A turbo decoder that calculates alpha, beta and gamma (branch metric) values does not normalize the branch metric but instead applies the normalization factor to the newly calculated extrinsic values before writing them to interleaving memory, resulting in use of less memory than in prior turbo decoders. A compensating factor is applied when the extrinsics are read from interleaving memory. The absence of normalization in the gamma calculation not only conserves memory but also enhances decoder sensitivity. |
| US08196004B1 |
Fast erasure decoding for product code columns
A method, computer-readable medium storing instructions, and apparatus for decoding column codewords of a two-dimensional product code having intersecting row and column codewords is presented that reduces the number of computations needed to decode a column codeword. The method includes computing an error location polynomial for all column codewords based on known failure locations in intersecting row codewords, computing a syndrome polynomial for each column codeword, and correcting errors in the column codeword according to error evaluation values generated based on the syndrome polynomial and the stored error location polynomial. |
| US08196003B2 |
Apparatus and method for network-coding
Provided are a network-coding apparatus and method which can increase a data communication capacity in a communication environment to which an error-correction code (ECC) is applied. The network-coding apparatus includes a received signal processing unit receiving at least two signals, and decoding the at least two received signals; and a transmission signal processing unit receiving the at least two decoded signals from the received signal processing unit, merging the at least two decoded signals, and generating a merged transmission signal. |
| US08196002B2 |
Systems and methods for joint LDPC encoding and decoding
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for LDPC encoding and decoding. For example, a system for performing LDPC encoding and decoding is disclosed that includes a joint LDPC encoder/decoder. The joint LDPC encoder/decoder includes both an LDPC decoder and an LDPC encoder that each utilize a common LDPC decoder circuit to perform the respective functions of encoding and decoding. |
| US08196001B2 |
Identification of potentially erroneous and/or erased data
Systems for identifying potentially erroneous and/or erased data are provided. Systems have a bit detector, an accumulator, and a data reconstruction processor. The bit detector assigns values to bits read in a data signal. The bit detector illustratively assigns multiple values to each of the bits. The accumulator accumulates a count of the multiple values assigned by the bit detector for each of the bits. The accumulator associates each bit with a particular value based at least in part on its accumulated count. The data reconstruction processor determines for each of the bits a confidence level of the particular value associated to it. The data reconstruction process sets flags for a portion of the bits. The flags identify the portion of the bits as possible erased or erroneous data. The flags are set based at least in part on the confidence levels of the portion of the bits. |
| US08195996B2 |
Apparatuses, systems and methods for detecting errors in data streams on point-to-point serial links
Methods, apparatuses and systems for physical link error data capture and analysis. A receiver is coupled to receive a data stream via a point-to-point serial link. A control circuit is coupled with the receiver to cause the receiver to selectively sample the data stream according to an offset parameter and an interval parameter. Comparison circuitry compares the data stream sample to expected data values to determine a bit error rate. |
| US08195995B2 |
Integrated circuit and method of protecting a circuit part of an integrated circuit
A integrated circuit comprises a circuit part to be protected and protective lines located at least one wiring level of the integrated circuit. In addition, the integrated circuit comprises logical gates coupled to the protective lines, whereby a logic circuit is formed, and a processing unit implemented to detect a manipulation of the integrated circuit by applying test patterns to the logic circuit and verifying a logic output value of the logic circuit responsive to the test patterns. |
| US08195989B1 |
Detection of ethernet link failure
A device may detect and report failure in point-to-point Ethernet links. In one implementation, the device may determine, based on a periodic timing signal, whether at least one packet was received on an incoming Ethernet link during a previous period of the periodic timing signal. The device may update an entry in a circular buffer to indicate whether the at least one packet was received during the previous period of the periodic timing signal and analyze the circular buffer to determine whether there is a signal failure on the incoming Ethernet link. |
| US08195987B2 |
Hang recovery in software applications
Various embodiments provide a guard mechanism that is configured to prevent transmission of synchronous function calls to hung application components. In at least some embodiments, the guard mechanism receives a synchronous function call that is intended for an application component. Before permitting the synchronous function call to be transmitted to the application component, the guard mechanism determines whether the component is hung. Responsive to determining that the component is not hung, the guard mechanism permits the synchronous function call to be transmitted to the component. If, however, the guard mechanism determines that the application component is hung, a hung component recovery process is initiated. |
| US08195976B2 |
Fault-tolerance and fault-containment models for zoning clustered application silos into continuous availability and high availability zones in clustered systems during recovery and maintenance
A cluster recovery and maintenance technique for use in a server cluster having plural nodes implementing a server tier in a client-server computing architecture. A first group of N active nodes each run a software stack comprising a cluster management tier and a cluster application tier that actively provides services on behalf of client applications running in a client application tier. A second group of M spare nodes each run a software stack comprising a cluster management tier and a cluster application tier that does not actively provide services on behalf of client applications. First and second zones in the cluster are determined in response to an active node membership change involving active nodes departing from or being added to the first group as a result of an active node failing or becoming unreachable or as a result of a maintenance operation involving an active node. |
| US08195968B2 |
System and method for power reduction by sequestering at least one device or partition in a platform from operating system access
In some embodiments, the invention involves a system and method relating to managing power utilization in partitioned systems. In at least one embodiment, the present invention is intended to control the sleeping/wakefulness of devices, as necessary, to minimize power utilization of devices whose accesses are routed away. Inter-partition communication is used to utilize devices in a sequestered partition while devices in the OS partition are put into a sleep state to save power. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08195963B2 |
Circuit for controlling time sequence
A circuit for controlling time sequence of a motherboard to supply power for a motherboard component includes a control circuit, a switch circuit, and a power conversion circuit. The control circuit is configured for receiving a startup signal during turning on the motherboard. The startup signal is configured to turn off the control circuit to delay a first voltage signal received by the first power receiving terminal for a period of time before outputting a new voltage signal. The switch circuit is configured for being turned off under the control of the new voltage signal. The power conversion circuit is configured for converting a second voltage signal into a supply voltage in response to the switch circuit being turned off, to provide the supply voltage to the motherboard component. |
| US08195958B2 |
Security module for encrypting a telephone conversation
A telephone conversation between one or several first telecommunication terminals in a packet oriented data network and telecommunication terminals in an analog and/or digital network is encrypted by a module which enables the use of protocols from a LAN network to a TDM network to carry out end-to-end encryption. |
| US08195956B2 |
Re-keying data in place
A system comprises an encryption engine and a host processor coupled to the encryption engine. The host processor determines when a time period has expired for a unit of data. Upon determining that the time period has expired, the host processor causes the encryption engine to re-key the unit of data in place. |
| US08195950B2 |
Secure and seamless wireless public domain wide area network and method of using the same
A wireless public domain Wide Area Network (WPDWAN) is a system and method of providing high throughput data services to public domain customers through the use of encoded 2.4 Ghz microwave transmissions. Connecting computers to multi-point wireless bridges USi11g the 2.4 Ghz spectrum has been available for many years. However, the concept of opening the service to public domain has long been limited due to authentication, security and inevitable routing concerns. With the incorporation of a wireless router, methods of authentication through the use LDAP MAC authentication with route control and logical segmentation to preclude sniffing actions. This problem has been addressed with WPDWAN. The WPDWAN provides high data throughput connection rates to residential, commercial and mobile customers. The WPDWAN allows users to connect to the Internet backbone using a 2.4 Ghz 802.IIb standard PCMCIA card. These cards function at rates of at least 2 Mbps. The wireless card connects the computer to the Internet backbone and allows the customer to remain either stationary or be mobile within the area of coverage. |
| US08195949B2 |
Mechanism for generating message sequence order numbers
In one embodiment, a mechanism for generating message sequence order numbers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a timestamp value, and calculating a message authentication code (MAC) using as inputs the timestamp value, public information of an intended recipient, and a shared secret key kept between a broadcaster and the intended recipient. In addition, the method includes extracting, according to a pre-determined process agreed to between the broadcaster and the intended recipient, a required number of bits that define a size of an initial sequence number from the MAC. Lastly, the method includes using the extracted result as the initial sequence number. |
| US08195948B2 |
Hybrid signature scheme
A signature scheme is provided in which a message is divided in to a first portion which is hidden and is recovered during verification, and a second portion which is visible and is required as input to the verification algorithm. A first signature component is generated by encrypting the first portion alone. An intermediate component is formed by combining the first component and the visible portion and cryptographically hashing them. A second signature component is then formed using the intermediate component and the signature comprises the first and second components with the visible portion. A verification of the signature combines a first component derived only from the hidden portion of the message with the visible portion and produces a hash of the combination. The computed hash is used together with publicly available information to generate a bit string corresponding to the hidden portion. If the required redundancy is present the signature is accepted and the message reconstructed from the recovered bit string and the visible portion. |
| US08195946B2 |
Protection of data of a memory associated with a microprocessor
A method and a circuit for checking the coherence between data read from a first area of a memory of a microcontroller and the address of these data, including calculating a current digital signature of the read data by a function also taking into account the address of these data in the memory, and checking the coherence between the current signature and a previously-recorded signature. |
| US08195942B2 |
Network security authentication method
An authentication method for network security includes: configuring a Media Gateway (MG) with an authentication key and setting a security data package on a network protocol by a Media Gateway Controller (MGC); during a security authentication, sending, by the MGC, security authentication request data to the MG using the data package; receiving by the MGC a calculation result obtained by performing an encryption calculation on the request data using the authentication key by the MG; and determining by the MGC whether the MG is legal according to the calculation result. |
| US08195940B2 |
Key updates in a mobile wireless system
This disclosure describes a key update scheme for use in a mobile IP network. The update scheme may be implemented to facilitate key updates between a mobile device and a server computer that authenticates the mobile device. The techniques described herein can facilitate key updates in a manner that accounts for potential message loss during the update routine, mobile device failure during the update routine, or other problems typically encountered in a mobile network settings. In this manner, the techniques can provide a robust scheme for key updates and may improve network security. |
| US08195939B2 |
Systems and methods for protecting sensitive data
Methods and systems are disclosed for protecting sensitive data. In one implementation, a message is received that includes a plurality of information elements, at least one of the plurality of information elements having message information and belonging to at least one of a plurality of predefined classes of information elements. At least one of the plurality of information elements may be selected that belongs to a predefined class corresponding to a target class, the target class including classes of information elements selected for removal. Further, any message information corresponding to the selected information elements may be removed to protect sensitive data. |
| US08195938B2 |
Cloud-based application whitelisting
Systems and methods for allowing authorized code to execute on a computer system are provided. According to one embodiment, an in-memory cache is maintained having entries containing execution authorization information regarding recently used modules. After verifying a module, its execution authorization information is added to the cache. Activity relating to a module is intercepted. A hash value of the module is generated. The module is verified with reference to a multi-level whitelist including a global whitelist, a local whitelist and the cache. The verification includes first consulting the cache and if the module is not found, then looking up its hash value in the local whitelist and if it is not found, then looking it up in the global whitelist. Finally, the module is allowed to be executed if the code module is approved by the multi-level whitelist database architecture. |
| US08195935B2 |
Systems, methods and computer-accessible media for acquiring and authenticating public key certificate status
Exemplary embodiments of systems, methods and computer-accessible medium can be provided for obtaining and verifying a public key certificate status. In particular, it is possible to construct and send a certificate query request, construct and send a combined certificate query request, construct and send a combined certificate status response, deliver a certificate status response, perform a verification by the general access point, and/or perform a verification by the user equipment. The exemplary embodiments address some of the deficiencies of conventional methods which have a complicated implementation as well as likely inability of such conventional methods to be applied to the network architecture of user equipment, a general access point and a server. The exemplary embodiments of the systems, methods and computer-accessible medium can obtain a user certificate status to provide certificate statuses of the user or the user equipment and the general access point when the user equipment accesses the network via the general access point. Message exchanges can be reduced, bandwidth and calculation resources can be saved, and higher efficiency can be achieved. According to another exemplary embodiment, by way of adding random numbers into the certificate query request and the combined certificate query request, as well as the message m, freshness of the certificate status response can be facilitated and even ensured, and security protection can be enhanced. |
| US08195934B1 |
Systems and methods for managing certificates
Systems and methods for managing certificates are described. A system comprises modules to receive requests related to a digital certificate, receive responses related to authorization of the digital certificate related to the requests, and store the requests and responses. A system comprises modules to communicate audit requests, receive responses related to the audit requests, and store the responses. A system comprises modules configured to communicate audit requests related to different certificate authorization entities, receive responses related to the audit requests, and store the responses. Other embodiments are described. |
| US08195929B2 |
Controlling file systems sharing among two or more operating system
Methods, systems, apparatuses and program products are disclosed for managing, activating and controlling file systems sharing among two or more O/S (Operating Systems) and/or the like within a computing apparatus or within a single computer operational session or context.Provision is made for journaling and resynchronization of file systems even where at least one of the O/Ses has no features for taking account of the presence of the other O/S. |
| US08195924B2 |
Early instruction text based operand store compare reject avoidance
A method and system for early instruction text based operand store compare avoidance in a processor are provided. The system includes a processor pipeline for processing instruction text in an instruction stream, where the instruction text includes operand address information. The system also includes delay logic to monitor the instruction stream. The delay logic performs a method that includes detecting a load instruction following a store instruction in the instruction stream, comparing the operand address information of the store instruction with the load instruction. The method also includes delaying the load instruction in the processor pipeline in response to detecting a common field value between the operand address information of the store instruction and the load instruction. |
| US08195923B2 |
Methods and mechanisms to support multiple features for a number of opcodes
Systems and methods for efficient instruction support of an multiple features for opcodes of an instruction set. A processor detects a fetched instruction of a computer program comprises an opcode corresponding to a plurality of functions. Each function corresponds to a different type of operation. The processor determines the received instruction corresponds to a feature requested by the computer program, such as a cryptographic algorithm. A determination is made as to whether hardware support exists for the feature. If hardware support exists for the feature, the instruction is executed on-chip by the hardware. Otherwise, software performs the operation corresponding to the instruction. |
| US08195922B2 |
System for dynamically allocating processing time to multiple threads
A pipeline processor architecture, processor, and methods are provided. In one implementation, a processor is provided that includes an instruction fetch unit operable to fetch instructions associated with a plurality of processor threads, a decoder responsive to the instruction fetch unit, issue logic responsive to the decoder, and a register file including a plurality of banks corresponding to the plurality of processor threads. Each bank is operable to store data associated with a corresponding processor thread. The processor can include a set of registers corresponding to each of a plurality of processor threads. Each register within a set is located either before or after a pipeline stage of the processor. |
| US08195916B2 |
Apparatus and method to translate virtual addresses to physical addresses in a base plus offset addressing mode
An apparatus and method to translate virtual addresses to physical addresses in a base plus offset addressing mode are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes performing a first translation lookaside buffer (TLB) lookup based on a base address value to retrieve a speculative physical address. While performing the TLB lookup based on the base address value, the base address value is added to an offset value to generate an effective address value. The method also includes performing a comparison of the base address value and the effective address value based on a variable page size to determine whether the speculative physical address corresponds to the effective address. |
| US08195914B2 |
Mechanism for remapping post virtual machine memory pages
According to one embodiment, a computer system is disclosed. The computer system includes a processor, a chipset coupled to the processor and a memory coupled to the chipset. The chipset translates partitioned virtual machine memory addresses received from the processor to page level addresses. |
| US08195913B2 |
Data storage control on storage devices
An object of the present invention is to improve the usage efficiency of a storage extent in a storage system using the Allocation on Use (AOU) technique. A controller in the storage system allocates a storage extent in an actual volume to an extent in a virtual volume accessed by a host computer, detects any decrease in necessity for maintaining that allocation, and cancels the allocation of the storage extent in the actual volume to the extent in the virtual volume based on the detection result. |
| US08195905B2 |
Systems and methods of quota accounting
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to incremental computing. Specifically, embodiments of the invention include systems and methods that provide for the concurrent processing of multiple, incremental changes to a data value while at the same time monitoring and/or enforcing threshold values for that data value. For example, a method is provided that implements domain quotas within a data storage system. |
| US08195904B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling access to storage device
The storage system includes a controller receiving a plurality of access commands from a plurality of host computers, a plurality of disk drives being coupled to the controller, and a panel adapted to display host group identifiers and logical storage regions so that security information can be set for a logical storage region by a user on a host computer basis or on a host group basis. |
| US08195898B2 |
Hybrid transactions for low-overhead speculative parallelization
A method and apparatus for a hybrid transactional memory system is herein described. A first transaction is executed utilizing a first style of a transactional memory system and a second transaction is executed in parallel utilizing a second style of a transactional memory system. For example, a main thread is executed utilizing an update-in place Software Transactional Memory (STM) system while a parallel thread, such as a helper thread, is executed utilizing a write buffering STM. As a result, a main thread may directly update memory locations, while a helper thread's transactional writes are buffered to ensure they do not invalidate transactional reads of the main thread. Therefore, parallel execution of threads is achieved, while ensuring at least one thread, such as a main thread, does not degrade below an amount of execution cycles it would take to execute the main thread serially. |
| US08195895B2 |
Shared object control for controlling information read/write processing
Methods, systems, and computer program products for controlling information read/write processing. The method includes assigning a plurality of division areas to a shared storage area for storing a shared object: specifying a division area used for read/write processing in accordance with user identification information for identifying a user; and executing the read processing for reading information from a specified division area and the write processing for writing information to the specified division area. The shared object is shared among a plurality of processes. |
| US08195891B2 |
Techniques to perform power fail-safe caching without atomic metadata
A method and system to allow power fail-safe write-back or write-through caching of data in a persistent storage device into one or more cache lines of a caching device. No metadata associated with any of the cache lines is written atomically into the caching device when the data in the storage device is cached. As such, specialized cache hardware to allow atomic writing of metadata during the caching of data is not required. |
| US08195886B2 |
Data processing apparatus and method for implementing a replacement scheme for entries of a storage unit
A data processing apparatus and method are provided for implementing a replacement scheme for entries of a storage unit. The data processing apparatus has processing circuitry for executing multiple program threads including at least one high priority program thread and at least one lower priority program thread. A storage unit is then shared between the multiple program threads and has multiple entries for storing information for reference by the processing circuitry when executing the program threads. A record is maintained identifying for each entry whether the information stored in that entry is associated with a high priority program thread or a lower priority program thread. Replacement circuitry is then responsive to a predetermined event in order to select a victim entry whose stored information is to be replaced. To achieve this, the replacement circuitry performs a candidate generation operation to identify a plurality of randomly selected candidate entries, and then references the record in order to preferentially select as the victim entry a candidate entry whose stored information is associated with a lower priority program thread. This improves the performance of the high priority program thread(s) by preferentially evicting from the storage unit entries associated with lower priority program threads. |
| US08195881B2 |
System, method and processor for accessing data after a translation lookaside buffer miss
Data is accessed in a multi-level hierarchical memory system. A request for data is received, including a virtual address for accessing the data. A translation buffer is queried to obtain an absolute address corresponding to the virtual address. Responsive to the translation buffer not containing an absolute address corresponding to the virtual address, the absolute address is obtained from a translation unit. A directory look-up is performed with the absolute address to determine whether a matching absolute address exists in the directory. A fetch request for the requested data is sent to a next level in the multi-level hierarchical memory system. Processing of the fetch request by the next level occurs in parallel with the directory lookup. The requested data is received in the primary cache to make the requested data available to be written to the primary cache. |
| US08195880B2 |
Information handling system with immediate scheduling of load operations in a dual-bank cache with dual dispatch into write/read data flow
An information handling system (IHS) includes a processor with a cache memory system. The processor includes a processor core with an L1 cache memory that couples to an L2 cache memory. The processor includes an arbitration mechanism that controls load and store requests to the L2 cache memory. The arbitration mechanism includes control logic that enables a load request to interrupt a store request that the L2 cache memory is currently servicing. The L2 cache memory includes dual data banks so that one bank may perform a load operation while the other bank performs a store operation. The cache system provides dual dispatch points into the data flow to the dual cache banks of the L2 cache memory. |
| US08195875B2 |
Method and system for responding to file system requests
A system for responding to file system requests having file IDs comprising V, a volume identifier specifying the file system being accessed, and R, an integer, specifying the file within the file system being accessed includes D disk elements in which files are stored, where D is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer. The system includes a switching fabric having a first switching element and a second switching element, each of which are connected to each of the D disk elements. The system includes N network elements, each of which is connected to each of the switching elements of the switching fabric, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer and N+D is greater than or equal to 4. |
| US08195867B2 |
Controlled shut-down of partitions within a shared memory partition data processing system
Controlled partition shut-down is provided within a shared memory partition data processing system including a shared memory partition, a paging service partition, a hypervisor and a shared memory pool within physical memory. The hypervisor manages access to logical pages within the pool and page-out of pages from the pool to external paging storage via the paging service partition. A respective paging service stream exists between the paging service partition and hypervisor for each shared memory partition, with each stream including a stream state. The control method includes: responsive to a shut-down initiating event, notifying the paging service partition to shut down, and determining whether a shared memory partition is currently active, and if so, signaling the hypervisor to complete paging activity for the active memory partition and waiting for its stream state to enter a suspended or a completed state before automatically shutting down the paging service partition. |
| US08195866B2 |
Adjusting available persistent storage during execution in a virtual computer system
The amount of virtual disk space that is available for use by software executing within a virtual machine may be dynamically adjusted while the virtual machine is running in a virtual computer system. According to one aspect, a method for flexible run-time reservation of disk space from a virtual machine is provided. The method includes designating for use by a first virtual machine, a fixed portion of disk space accessible by a computing system. The first virtual machine is activated. During operation of the first virtual machine, a portion of the fixed portion of the disk space designated for use by the first virtual machine is reserved from within the first virtual machine. Use of the reserved portion is controlled from outside of the first virtual machine. |
| US08195860B2 |
Computing device with handheld and extended computing devices
A handheld computing unit includes a processing module, memory, a transceiver, a first extended computing unit interface, a second extended computing unit interface, and an interconnection structure operably coupled to the processing module, the memory, the transceiver, and the first and second extended computing unit interfaces. The first extended computing unit interface couples to a first extended computing unit and the second extended computing unit interface coupled to a second extended computing unit such that the handheld computing unit and the extended computing units constitute a computing device. |
| US08195854B1 |
Method and mechanism to provide high availability storage solution by load balancing and fault tolerance support in the storage controller cards and HBAs
Disclosed is a method and mechanism for virtualizing the resources of multiple physical storage controller cards/HBAs available to a host computer system into a single virtual controller. An Advanced Storage Driver (ASD) may be inserted in a layer above the base device drivers of the storage controllers/HBAs and act as a single virtual controller for access to the end target devices connected to the multiple physical storage controllers/HBAs so that at any point in time the resources of each of the controllers/HBAs may be dynamically allocated to the various requested operations. The ASD may have bi-directional communication with each controller/HBA firmware directly and/or with the base device driver associated with each controller/HBA in order to permit both direct and base device driver controlled communication with each of the physical controllers/HBAs. The ASD may further provide load sharing between the controllers/HBAs as well as fault tolerance functionality to reroute communications through a different controller/HBA in the event of a failure of one or more of the controllers/HBAs. |
| US08195853B2 |
Keyboard-video-monitor-periphery (KVMP) switch
Embodiments of the present invention describe KVMP switch system that can individually control each peripheral device and KVM ports connected to the KVMP switch system and methods of operating the same. In one embodiment, a KVMP switch system for switching includes a plurality of console and peripheral devices with any one of a plurality of computer servers includes a plurality of computer connector zones, each computer connector zone having a plurality of computer ports adapted to connect to a computer server, a console port zone having a plurality of console ports adapted to connect to at least a console device and a peripheral device, and a control zone having a plurality of selector switches and a toggle switch, the toggle switch having at least two operable positions, each selector switch associated with a respective one of the computer connector zones and operable to couple one or more selected computer ports of the associated computer connector zone to an associated the console port, the toggle switch operable to determine which computer ports are selected for switching by the selector switches. |
| US08195852B2 |
Configurable connector for system-level communication
A host device comprises a controller and a connector. The host connector comprises fixed-function and multi-function pins. A first group of host connector pins comprises one or more of the fixed-function pins and a second group of pins comprises the remainder of the fixed-function pins and the multi-function pins. The host connector can be releasably attached to a connector of an accessory device. The first group of host connector pins can be used to discover the functions of the accessory connector. The host device can select functions to be enabled at the host and accessory connectors from among the functions mutually supported by the two connectors. The host can enable the selected functions at the host connector and can instruct the accessory to enable the selected functions at the accessory connector. The host can reconfigure host connector functions in response to a different accessory being attached to the host. |
| US08195851B1 |
Personalized multimedia display/digital TV for multi-tasking
A display, possibly in combination with a computer, is used to manage the shape and position of various inputs, so that the inputs can be presented in combination. Possible combinations include displaying a subset of one input with another input, either overlapping or adjacent, displaying a temporal subset of one input, and using conditions to automatically control the selection of inputs. |
| US08195850B2 |
Universal bidirectional serial data transport interface and its data transport method
A UTI (Universal Transport Interface) is provided in the invention, the UTI comprising a transceiving unit, configured to receive and transmit data which accords with USB (Universal Serial Bus) specification; a detecting unit, configured to detect the data received by the transceiving unit to determine whether to convert the received data into data which accords with a particular specification; and a conversion unit, configured to convert the received data into the data which accords with the particular specification when determining that the received data should be converted into the data which accords with the particular specification, and to convert the transmission data which accords with the particular specification into data which accords with the USB specification for transmission via the transceiving unit. With the UTI provided in the invention, service cards may be separated from devices for DTV and various value-added services may be provided. |
| US08195848B2 |
Medical device created through resource leverage of a host processing system and method
A method, system, and apparatus of medical device created through resource leverage of a host processing system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a medical component includes automatically communicating a medical operating system to a host processing system from a memory location of the medical component when it is determined that the host processing system does not include a medical operating system optimized to operate with the medical component, processing a confirmation from the host processing system that the medial operating system has repurposed the host processing system of the host processor and that the medical operating system is now active on the host processing system, capturing a patient reading through the medical component, and leveraging at least one of a processing resource and an input-output (I/O) resource of the host processing system in providing a measurement of the patient reading to a user. |
| US08195825B2 |
UDP broadcast for user interface in a download and configuration gaming method
A method is disclosed for implementing a modified form of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) multicast notification system in a client-server architecture that otherwise allows only client initiated messages. The method including: sending a registration message to a server from a client with a client IP address in the registration message, wherein the registration message includes types of notifications desired to be received by the client; adding the client IP address to a list in a registration message database; requesting a port number from the server by the client; and responding with the port number on which the client should listen by the server. |
| US08195820B2 |
System and method for dynamic security provisioning of computing resources
The present invention facilitates the dynamic provisioning of computing and data assets in a commodity computing environment. The invention provides a system and method for dynamically provisioning and de-provisioning computing resources based on multi-dimensional decision criteria. By employing specialized computing components configured to assess an asset and requestor of an asset, a provisioning engine is able to transform the input from the computing components into a specific configuration of computing resource provisioning and security controls. According to the rules and policies applying to a security domain, the provisioning engine may dynamically allocate computing resources in a manner that is both safe and efficient for the asset. |
| US08195819B1 |
Application single sign on leveraging virtual local area network identifier
A processor-implemented method for providing application single sign on leveraging a virtual local area network identifier is provided. The method comprises an authentication server providing a client device access to a network via association with a virtual local area network and a credential. The method also comprises the device invoking an application hosted on an application server and the application server identifying a virtual local area network tag associated with the device. The method also comprises the application server sending a message to the authentication server requesting linkage of the tag with a user identification associated with the device. The method also comprises the authentication server linking the tag with the user identification associated with the device and sending a message to the application server containing the identification. The method also comprises the application server using the identification to authenticate the device with the application and the device receiving access. |
| US08195815B2 |
Efficient network monitoring and control
In one embodiment, a method for monitoring traffic associated with users in a network includes assigning a trust level to each of the users, monitoring traffic associated with each of the users, and analyzing the monitored traffic. A level of monitoring is based on the trust level of the user. A user's trust level is modified if the analyzed traffic indicates that the user is operating outside of specified network usage parameters. An apparatus for monitoring traffic associated with users in a network is also disclosed. |
| US08195811B2 |
Policy co-ordination in a communications network
In order to address the problem of allowing a GGSN of a UMTS core network to work towards multiple Policy Control Functions (PCFs) co-located with P-CSCF nodes using the COPS protocol, a policy control function coordinator (PCF-C) is implemented between the GGSN and the P-CSCF. A single COPS connection is established between the GGSN and the PCF-C while a COPS connection is established between the PCF-C and each of the P-CSCF nodes. Decisions made at the PCFs are routed to the GGSN via the PCF-C, and responses generated at the GGSN are routed to the appropriate PCFs via the GGSN. This architecture avoids conflicts which might otherwise arise with the COPS protocol. |
| US08195809B2 |
Multigame multiplayer party session
A computing device for executing multiplayer game software applications playable with one or more remote peers, the computing device may include a multigame party module that is configured to create a party session that is joinable by the one or more remote peers, the party session may be hosted by the multigame party module. The multigame party module may be configured to establish a peer-to-peer connection between the computing device and a peer computing device of a remote peer in response to a request from a remote peer to join the party session, and place one or more selected party session members into a first game session of a first multiplayer game software application. |
| US08195807B2 |
System and method for providing a distributed virtual mobility agent
An indication is received from the mobile station (114) indicating that the mobile station (114) is moving from an originating mobility agent (106) to a destination mobility agent (108). An identity of the destination mobility agent (108) is determined using the indication. Routing information is sent from the originating mobility agent (106) to the destination mobility agent (108) using the identity. Incoming data is routed to the mobile station (114) using the routing information. |
| US08195805B2 |
Device configuration and data extraction using a portable transaction format
Method for performing a data transaction (200) with a server (108) using a portable computer (106). The method includes receiving (402) in the portable computer a portable transaction file (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) in a predetermined portable transaction file format (500) that includes two or more data fields. The data fields can contain a set of transaction parameters that define a type specific server protocol for a data transaction session with a particular server type (108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-n). By using a generic data transaction engine (302, 303) a data transaction session can be performed with any type of server for which a portable transaction file has been provided. |
| US08195803B2 |
Method and apparatus for modeling and managing quality of service (QoS) in a service-oriented architecture (SOA) environment
A method is provided for implementing data-driven QoS control in design and development of an SOA solution. The method comprises implementing a QoS layer having a first set of architectural building blocks (ABBs) and configured to specify a QoS requirement definition to be propagated through a set of components of the SOA solution to generate QoS data for controlling and managing QoS in a unified form; and implementing a data architecture layer having a second set of ABBs and configured to facilitate propagation of generated QoS data through the set of components in the SOA solution. |
| US08195799B1 |
Smart test article optimizer
A method and apparatus to compare a control article against a test article to support a product or service is disclosed. A client indicates a selection of the test article to be compared with the control article. The articles are fed to multiple end users in response to requests from the end users. The requests or responses are tracked to determine whether the control article or test article has more negative or positive responses. The control article may then be replaced with the test article as a primary article to support the product or service if the test article has a predetermined amount of positive or negative responses when compared with the control article to increase efficiency in supporting the product or service. |
| US08195790B2 |
Optimization of a message handling system
A data processing method for optimizing one or more parameters of a message handling system comprises defining a test workload comprising a plurality of messages, simulating the normal operation of the message handling system, processing at least a portion of the test workload, changing one or more parameters of the message handling system, monitoring the performance of the message handling system, and generating an optimization of at least one parameter based upon the performance of the message handling system. |
| US08195789B2 |
System, apparatus and method for characterizing messages to discover dependencies of services in service-oriented architectures
A system, apparatus, computer readable medium and method are disclosed for identifying underlying services of transactions in a service-oriented architecture (“SOA”)-based computer network. In one embodiment, a computer readable medium includes executable instructions to characterize messages communicating among services to form characterizations of the messages. Also included are executable instructions to determine dependencies using the characterizations of messages within a subset of the services. These dependencies can be represented as dependency links interconnecting the subset of the services that effectuate a transaction of interest. By identifying the dependency links, the underlying services in SOA-based networked computer system can advantageously be determined for managing the behavior of the subset of the services and other distributed services of the SOA-based networked computer system. |
| US08195784B2 |
Linear programming formulation of resources in a data center
An exemplary method for performing work in a data center includes receiving a request for resources in a data center, solving a linear programming formulation that accounts for the request and at least some of the resources in the data center and performing work the request based at least in part on the solving of the linear programming formulation. Such a method can include a linear programming formulation that accounts for multi-core chips and DRAM systems. Various other method, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08195772B2 |
Configuration setting
A method of defining customization for electronic content retrieved over an electronic connection (100, FIG. 1), which retrieves electronic content from a remote server (110) to a local client (102); edits the content at the local client by a user using a WYSIWYG editor, wherein said editor is a standard software used for displaying of content and wherein said editing does not require installation of software requiring user authorization; and automatically generates at least one customization definition based on said editing, said customization definition suitable for automatic applying to said content. |
| US08195768B2 |
Remote slide presentation
Techniques for remotely viewing a presentation are disclosed. In accordance with these techniques, a host device executing a presentation application makes a presentation available over a network. In one embodiment, a remote device receives presentation data corresponding to a currently displayed slide of the presentation. The remote device may then display a representation of the currently displayed slide at the remote location. |
| US08195765B2 |
System and method for remotely controlling network resources
A personal network may be established by interconnecting a plurality of satellites as part of the personal network. Each satellite may be configured to communicate with one or more other satellites. On any given one of the plurality of satellites, data indicating a connectivity status for the one or more other satellites is automatically received, and information indicating a capability of the one or more other satellites is automatically received. The given satellite may be configured to enable at least one other corresponding satellite in the plurality of satellites to be made available for use, so that a capability of the at least one other corresponding satellite is made available for the given satellite. |
| US08195763B2 |
Secure method of synchronizing cache contents of a mobile browser with a server
A method of securely synchronizing cache contents of a mobile browser with a server includes initiating a session between the browser and server, including transmission of browser state information regarding the cache contents and an authentication key to the server; maintaining a record of data sent from the server to the browser for storage in the cache; maintaining a record of the state information regarding the cache contents transmitted from the browser to the server; and transmitting data requests from the browser to the server, in response to which the server uses the key as a seed generation function and accesses each the record of data and returns only data that does not already form part of the cache contents, and wherein the data includes a result of a hash of data generated by the generation function for authentication by the browser before updating the cache contents with the data. |
| US08195761B2 |
Prefetching web resources based on proxy triggers
Web pages are prefetched upon activation of one of three server-side triggers: a service trigger, an access based trigger, and a timed trigger. The service trigger is a subscription service in which the web server agrees to notify the proxy when webpages in the web server are modified. The access based trigger uses logs/metrics to analyze a plurality of users' browsing habits. When the log/metrics database noticeS that a particular webpage experiences heavy requesting traffic during a particular time period, the log/metric creates an access based trigger to prefetch the requested webpage. The timed trigger is a prefetching mechanism that occurs on a regular interval. Configuration data instructs the timed trigger to prefetch a certain webpage a certain times throughout the day. |
| US08195759B2 |
Performing externally assisted calls in a heterogeneous processing complex
A mechanism is provided for accessing, by an application running on a first processor, operating system services from an operating system running on a second processor by performing an assisted call. A data plane processor first constructs a parameter area based on the input and output parameters for the function that requires control processor assistance. The current values for the input parameters are copied into the parameter area. An assisted call message is generated based on a combination of a pointer to the parameter area and a specific library function opcode for the library function that is being called. The assisted call message is placed into the processor's stack immediately following a stop-and-signal instruction. The control plane processor is signaled to perform the library function corresponding to the opcode on behalf of the data plane processor by executing a stop and signal instruction. |
| US08195757B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program for controlling retention of publications
For managing the retention of publications in a publish/subscribe system, a publisher sends a new publication to a publish/subscribe broker with an indication of whether the new publication should be retained in association with a previous retained publication. The publish/subscribe broker responds to such indications by retaining the new publication with the previous retained publication. The contents or ‘payload’ of the new published message may be appended to a previous retained message, resulting in a single retained message that contains information from multiple published messages. |
| US08195756B2 |
Method and computer program product for sending messages
A method and computer program product includes displaying a plurality of recipient databases for enabling a user to select a recipient database. The recipient databases at least include contact names associated with elected offices and profiles of the contact names. Contact names contained within a selected recipient database are displayed for enabling the user to select at least one contact name from the recipient database to receive a message. A profile associated with a selected contact name is displayed. A plurality of communication templates is displayed for enabling the user to select a communication template for generating the message. A selected communication template is displayed for editing by the user. A plurality of delivery options is displayed for enabling the user to select a delivery option for the message. |
| US08195755B2 |
Message delivery in mobile networks
When a device is switched off, all messages for that device are stored in different distributed service centers. For example, the message from user A may be stored in SMSC A and a message from user B in SMSC B where both subscribers and respective SMSCs can even belong to different networks. When the device is switched on again it notifies its presence to the network (performed by the MSC indicating this to the HLR). As a result of this alert, different service centers that have messages pending for that device will be notified that the device has come on-line again (performed by the HLR notifying SMSC A and SMSC B). Instead of directly sending out all messages, as in the prior art, each service center instead schedules the messages in an internal queue for delivery according to a local control scheme, which achieves synchronized delivery from multiple distributed SMSCs even though there is no centralised control. Each service center maps the ‘age’ of the message on its time axis as the time-to-deliver the message to the device. The deliveries are then sent out according to the derived schedule. As independent service centers all will base their decisions on the same length of the delivery schedule and same maximum retention time, the message deliveries of the different service centers will be interleaved with one another. This ensures that for significant time differences, messages from different service centers will still arrive in order at the device. |
| US08195754B2 |
Unsolicited message communication characteristics
A mail server makes use of characteristics of the transport and/or application layer flow (e.g., TCP and SMTP) of received email to determine whether those characteristics are consistent with spam, for example, exhibiting behavior consistent with traffic competing for link access, large round trip times and resource constrained hosts. In some examples, a statistical technique is used to process flow characteristics of a message, optionally with other characteristics of the message, to characterize the message as spam versus a valid message. |
| US08195753B2 |
Honoring user preferences in email systems
In a distributed email system, user preferences respected more effectively by presenting messages marked for deletion to secondary messaging servers having access to user preferences. Messages marked for deletion by inbound servers are presented to secondary level servers having access to user white lists and the choice of whether to delete the suspect message is made by the secondary server. |
| US08195741B2 |
Cached and server views with automatic caching and smooth scrolling
On a client computer, customer relationship management software is integrated into a messaging application that includes a user interface. Customer relationship management (CRM) information is received from a server computer. An automatic determination is made as to whether the received CRM information is to be cached on the client computer. When it is determined that the CRM information is to be cached on the client computer, the CRM information is cached in a cache on the client computer. When at least some of the CRM information is cached on the client computer, the cached CRM information is displayed as a view on the client computer. The display of the CRM information is integrated into the user interface of the messaging application program. |
| US08195738B2 |
Systems and methods for communicating from an integration platform to a profile management server
A method for communicating from an integration platform to a profile management server includes receiving user-entered information at the integration platform. The integration platform generates an event based on the user-entered information and publishes the event on a channel subscribed to by a connector associated with the server. The connector receives the event information, transforms the event information to a format compatible with the server and establishes communications with the server via hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). The connector downloads the information to the server and the server updates its database. The connector may also determine whether at least one other system received the event information before downloading the information to the server. |
| US08195734B1 |
Combining multiple clusterings by soft correspondence
Combining multiple clusterings arises in various important data mining scenarios. However, finding a consensus clustering from multiple clusterings is a challenging task because there is no explicit correspondence between the classes from different clusterings. Provided is a framework based on soft correspondence to directly address the correspondence problem in combining multiple clusterings. Under this framework, an algorithm iteratively computes the consensus clustering and correspondence matrices using multiplicative updating rules. This algorithm provides a final consensus clustering as well as correspondence matrices that gives intuitive interpretation of the relations between the consensus clustering and each clustering from clustering ensembles. Extensive experimental evaluations demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of this framework as well as the algorithm for discovering a consensus clustering from multiple clusterings. |
| US08195733B2 |
Systolic array
Disclosed is a one-dimensional MFA systolic array for matrix computation using an MFA (modified Faddeeva algorithm), in which downward square MFA array processing and upward square MFA array processing are mapped to a one-dimensional array in horizontal directions, respectively. In each PE in the one-dimensional array, downward and upward MFA matrix calculations for two threads are executed. An input and an output are provided for each of PEs at both ends of the one-dimensional array. |
| US08195732B2 |
Methods and apparatus for single stage Galois field operations
Techniques for single function stage Galois field (GF) computations are described. Such a single function stage GF multiplication technique may utilize only m-bits per internal logic stage, a savings of m−1 bits per logic stage that do not have to be accounted for as compared with a previous two function stage approach. Also, a common design GF multiplication cell is described that may be suitably used to construct an m-by-m GF multiplication array for the calculation of GF[2m]/g[x]. In addition, these techniques are further described in the context of packed data form computation, very long instruction word (VLIW) processing, and processing on multiple processing elements in parallel. |
| US08195731B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for determining at least one root of an n-dimensional function utilizing triangulation
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for determining at least one root of an n-dimensional function, utilizing triangulation. In operation, an n-dimensional function is received. Additionally, at least one root of the n-dimensional function is determined utilizing triangulation. |