| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08235240B2 |
Inner container surrounded by an outer container, used for receiving a cryogenic liquid
A flat inner container (3), especially an internal tank for a road vehicle, which is surrounded by an outer container (1) and is used for receiving a cryogenic liquid, particularly a fuel. The inner container (3) comprises a combination of the following features: a longitudinally extending monolithic base (4) with a top wall (5) and a bottom wall (6) which are connected to also longitudinally extending sidewalls (7), and with at least two longitudinally extending, substantially straight webs (9) that connect the bottom wall (6) to the top wall (5) so as to form at least one longitudinally extending chamber (10) which is arranged between the webs, extends along the entire length of the base (4) as well as from the bottom wall (6) to the top wall (5), and has a predetermined width between the webs; and at least two caps (11) which tightly seal the two open ends of the base (4) at the periphery; the top wall and/or the bottom wall is/are provided with an arch relative to a planar reference top wall and/or reference bottom wall, the distance of the arch between the inner contour of the top wall and/or the bottom wall and the planar reference top wall and/or reference bottom wall amounting to less than 30 percent of the width of the chamber in the center between the webs. |
| US08235239B2 |
Dual chamber bottle and method of manufacturing the same
A bottle including a body portion having a dividing wall extending from a base portion to a connection region; a first chamber for holding a first liquid, the first chamber configured to connect to a first orifice; and a second chamber for holding a second liquid, the second chamber configured to connect to a second orifice; wherein a height of the dividing wall is less than an overall height of the body portion and the connection region is configured to be a maximum height of the dividing wall. |
| US08235238B2 |
Container and lid with multiple chambers and related methods
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for improved containers and lids, and combinations thereof. Multiple compartments are provided in a container, one of which can be formed as the container's handle. The lid incorporates a plurality of hinged openings situated on the periphery of the cover, and the container includes a molded unitary body plastic container comprised of at least two chambers or compartments. The lid openings can be located strategically over or adjacent the container chambers/compartments, to provide independent access thereto. The compartments or chambers within the container separate the contents thereof, while multiple hinged openings may allow access to individual or multiple chambers or compartments within the container. Tamper evidencing structures in conjunction with detents or engagement structures may hold the lid and container openings in the desired relationship during shipping, handling, storage, and/or use. Related methods are disclosed. |
| US08235229B2 |
Methods and systems for double-pendulum crane control
Disclosed are various embodiments of methods and systems related to double-pendulum crane control. In one embodiment for determining a specified insensitivity (SI) input shaper for a double-pendulum crane, the method using a processor system to implement the steps including determining a plurality of insensitivity ranges based upon operational parameters associated with the double-pendulum crane; and determining SI input shaper parameters based upon tolerances corresponding to the plurality of insensitivity ranges, the SI input shaper parameters including an amplitude and a time corresponding to each impulse of the SI input shaper. |
| US08235227B2 |
Product securement and management system
A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base, a locking assembly, and an electronic control unit the triggers the locking assembly, locking the door from opening and stopping the pusher from moving product forward to the door. |
| US08235224B2 |
Knockdown shelving system for storing vehicle wheel sets
Disclosed is a knockdown shelving system which comprises a plurality of connected shelves with storage compartments that are configured to store vehicle wheels or tires upright and parallel to each other. Vertical posts are located at each corner of the connected shelves and shared between adjacent shelves. The vertical posts are formed of a rolled hollow T-profile which comprises rows of longitudinally spaced perforations that extend along the vertical posts. The vertical posts are connected by lengthwise and crosswise struts, the struts having hooks which engage the perforations of the vertical posts. Storage compartments for tires or wheels are formed by tire carriers which are placed onto lengthwise struts and extend parallel between front and rear vertical posts, and by crosswise struts which extend perpendicular to the tire carriers between two front vertical posts and two rear vertical posts, respectively. |
| US08235223B2 |
Eyewear display system
The present invention provides a lockable eyewear display system. One embodiment of the system includes a support frame on which the eyewear is placed, a lock that secures the eyewear to the frame, and a key that removes the lock from the frame. The device may further include an anchor connected to the frame that anchors the frame to a fixture or display object such as a rack or furniture. In another embodiment, the eyewear display device includes an articulating joint allowing at least a portion of the support frame to be swiveled. |
| US08235216B2 |
Suspension packaging assembly
A suspension package assembly can include a package member and a stretchable retention member. The package member and a stretchable retention member cooperate to suspend at least one article. At least one article can be held securely between the retention member and a base member of the foldable member. The pocket of the retention member can be positioned over the foldable portions of the package member. The foldable portions can fit into the pockets and then can be folded so as to generate tension in the retention member. Coupling assemblies inhibit relative movement of the retention member and the packaging member. |
| US08235215B2 |
Gift pail kit
The gift pail kit allows a user to create a personalized gift package without the need for special creative or artistic talents. The kit includes a container (pail), shred packing material, facial expression transfer stickers, a hairpiece, a gift label, a note card and an instruction booklet. As presently contemplated, the pail will be offered in seven different hair color choices. The shred material may be colored to match the hair color. The pails may be offered in various sizes, and the kit will be fabricated from recyclable and eco-friendly materials. |
| US08235210B2 |
Welding wire container cover and container containing same
The present invention provides a welding wire container lid contains a surface portion, a vertical portion extending downward from the surface portion at an end of the surface portion, a protrusion portion extending upward from the surface portion, and an elongated opening which extends from the protrusion portion onto the surface portion near the vertical portion. The opening has two sides opposite each other, where a first of the sides follows a contour of the surface portion and the protrusion portion and a second of the sides has a contour which is different from the contour of the first side. |
| US08235207B2 |
Jigsaw puzzle transporting system
A jigsaw puzzle transporting system having a bottom part, a base plate and a lid is provided. An at least substantially vertically projecting frame is present on the bottom part for peripherally surrounding the base plate. A shoulder with a holding face fitting into the frame projects from the lid. Side faces, mutually facing in a closed position, of the shoulder and of the frame cooperate for releasably locking the shoulder in the frame. The shoulder in the closed position is positioned, relative to the base plate received in the frame, such that a distance between the holding face and an upper surface, facing the latter, of the base plate is less than a jigsaw puzzle piece height. |
| US08235203B2 |
Weighbelt feeder apparatus
A weighbelt feeder comprising a pair of metallic side rails along which moves a conveyor belt for transporting a material across the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a plurality of sheet metal frames spaced longitudinally apart on the pair of metallic side rails for supporting a mechanical load on the side rails. Each of the plurality of sheet metal frames comprises a support arm and a plurality of cross-arms cantilevered on the support arm and extending between the pair of metallic side rails. The support arm is fixed to a first side rail of the pair of metallic side rails and the free end of at least one of the cross-arms is fixed to a second side rail of the pair of metallic side trails. The apparatus also includes a metallic outer structure supporting the plurality of sheet metal frames and binding the frames into a unitary rigid construction. |
| US08235202B2 |
Conveying apparatus for objects and welding apparatus with such a conveying apparatus
A conveying apparatus with a first conveyor and a second conveyor is used a the welding apparatus and a welding method for container bodies and in particular can bodies between which conveyors the object to be welded is handed over. A control unit determines the take over position and/or the conveying travel of the second conveyor and controls the conveyors accordingly, so that the take over occurs at the determined position and/or with the determined conveying travel of the second conveyor. This allows an easy and swift changing of the welding apparatus to different sizes of the objects to be welded. |
| US08235200B2 |
Device for grouping and/or separating of articles
A device for grouping and/or separating of articles which are transported on a conveyor device (10) along a conveying plane in at least a row in an essentially closed stream and which are grouped by at least one separating finger (16) which is inserted into the stream from below, transverse to the conveying direction (t). The separating finger (16) is inserted in the stream in such a way that a targeted article and the articles following the targeted article are slightly delayed or accelerated during their forward movement in the conveying direction (t) whereby a gap is formed. The separating finger (16) engages with a lateral edge of an outer surface of the article includes a contact area (26) that at least partially contacts and/or at least partially encompasses the outer surface of the article. |
| US08235195B2 |
Engine clutch and method of using same
An engine clutch is provided. The clutch includes a drive shaft rotated by the engine, an eccentric shaft selectively rotated by the drive shaft, a clutch fluid, a plurality of pistons, and a fluid regulator. The eccentric shaft is positionable in an opening of the drive shaft for rotation thereby. The eccentric shaft has cylinders extending radially therethrough and a central channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The clutch fluid flows between the cylinders and channel. Each piston is slidably positionable in a cylinder in response to flow of clutch fluid. The pistons have an outer end in constant contact with the drive shaft via a bearing. The fluid regulator is positionable in the central channel for selectively restricting flow of clutch fluid whereby rotational speed of the eccentric shaft is adjusted. The eccentric shaft is connectable to a device, such as a fan, for rotation therewith. |
| US08235194B2 |
Multiple friction member synchronizing clutch
A synchronizing clutch having a component carrier, wherein the component carrier accepts a splined shaft therethrough and interact with the splined shaft to allow transfer of rotation between the splined shaft and the component carrier while also allowing the component carrier to slide axially along the splined shaft relative to an associated friction plate. The component carrier includes a plurality of friction members pivotably coupled within walled recesses of the component carrier, such that when the component carrier is urged toward the associated friction plate, at least a portion of the contact surface of the friction members initially contacts a surface of the friction plate and, as the component carrier continues to be urged toward the associated friction plate, each friction member is rotated, such that at least a portion of the contact surface of each friction member continues to contact a surface of the friction plate. |
| US08235185B2 |
Side reinforced railway brake shoe
A molded brake shoe formed of friction material with or without a metal backing. Along at least a portion of at least one side surface of the brake shoe there is a layer of the molded friction material reinforced with a fiber. |
| US08235182B2 |
Buffering device for brake mechanism for adjusting pressure on wheels
A brake mechanism for brake system includes a pad connector and a pad support to which the brake pad is connected, two link units are pivotably connected between the pad connector and the pad support. A buffering device is connected to two respective first ends of the pad connector and the pad support. When the brake pad touches the spinning wheel, the brake pad together with the pad support are movable relative to the pad connector such that the wheel is not sudden stopped completely and the pressure that the brake pad applies to the wheel can also be adjusted. |
| US08235175B1 |
Ladder standoff arrangement
A standoff arrangement for ladders and the like, comprising a ladder attachment portion and a ladder support portion. The attachment portion is releasably securable to ladder, and the support portion extends from the ladder attachment portion, having a pair of individually adjustable bearing arms which can be universally adjusted in relation to the structure against which the ladder standoff arrangement bears. |
| US08235170B1 |
Integrated tailcone muffler assemblies and methods
Methods integrated tailcone muffler (ITM) is provided for minimizing noise generated while discharging pressurized air from one or more aircraft gas turbine engines. The ITM comprises a tail cone defining a conical backing cavity, the conical backing cavity having a large forward end and a narrow aft end and a porous exhaust liner with a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to an oil cooler eductor discharge plenum of a first gas turbine engine of the one or more gas turbine engines and a second end discharging to atmosphere via the narrow aft end of the conical backing cavity. The ITM further comprises a bleed air discharge conduit configured to discharge pressurized bleed air from the one or more gas turbine engines into the conical backing cavity and a firewall bulkhead defining the large forward end of the conical backing cavity, defining a first aperture passing the cylindrical porous exhaust liner and defining a second aperture passing the bleed air discharge conduit, the firewall bulkhead extending radially from both of the cylindrical porous exhaust liner and the bleed air discharge conduit. |
| US08235169B2 |
Noise-reducing device and method for reducing noise
A device has at least one region to be damped for the purpose of noise reduction. The at least one region may, in particular, be a wall region, for instance of an electrical device housing, and it is covered at least partially by at least one vacuum panel. In the noise reduction method, a vacuum panel is pulled by vacuum pressure against the region to be damped, so that a hollow space under vacuum pressure is formed between the vacuum panel and a housing. |
| US08235168B2 |
Diaphragm for speaker, frame for speaker, dust cap for speaker, speaker and apparatus using them, and method for manufacturing component for speaker
A speaker diaphragm is configured by a compound mixed with resin and bamboo fiber. The diaphragm satisfying the advantage of the bamboo fiber of high sound quality and a large degree of freedom in the setting of the characteristic value of the diaphragm and the advantage of the diaphragm made of a resin with improved humidity resistance reliability and strength, excellent external appearance, and enhanced productivity and dimension stability is obtained. |
| US08235165B2 |
Electromechanical power steering system with a ball screw drive
An electromechanical power steering system with a ball screw drive may include a hollow shaft motor with a stator secured to the housing and a rotatably mounted rotor arranged coaxially with a longitudinal axis of, and which may be drivingly connected to, a hollow shaft. The system may further include a ball screw nut arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis, and which may drive a ball screw spindle via balls. The rotor may drive the ball screw nut via a reduction gear. |
| US08235154B2 |
Vehicle drive system
A vehicle drive system uses multi-fuel engines to provide mechanical energy as an electric generator. The electric generator provides electrical energy to an electric motor which in turn provides mechanical energy to the drive train of a vehicle. The electric generator also provides electric energy to storage batteries. Electrical energy may be provided from the storage batteries to the electric motor as needed. |
| US08235151B2 |
Return to neutral control mechanism for zero turning radius mower
A return to neutral control mechanism for a zero turning radius mower is disclosed. The return to neutral control mechanism includes a pair of control levers pivotable between forward, neutral and reverse positions. A brake pedal is moveable between a disengaged position to an engaged position. In response to engagement of the brake pedal, a control pivot attached to each control lever moves each control lever to the neutral position. The return to neutral control mechanism may include a cam that rotates in response to engagement of the brake pedal, and a control pivot that follows the cam during engagement of the brake pedal. |
| US08235143B2 |
Methods and devices for determination of gas-kick parametrs and prevention of well explosion
Acoustics-based methods and devices to characterize a gas kick during drilling an oil, gas, or gas condensate well are described. A pressure wave may be generated by abruptly changing the drilling mud pressure in the well, for example at the well head. The pressure wave is allowed to travel down the well, reflect from the well bottom and reach the well head again. Pressure is monitored during this process and a pressure peak is identified. The gas kick is characterized using the width of the pressure peak and time elapsed from the onset of pressure change and appearance of the peak. Negative pressure wave is preferred and may be generated by opening of a fast-acting valve located in the outlet pathway of the drilling mud fluid. |
| US08235142B2 |
Underground boring machine and method for controlling underground boring
A method and system for controlling a horizontal directional drilling machine having a boring tool. A rate of rotation and a rate of thrust are selected by an operator. Controls allow an automatic boring operation mode to be initiated to maintain the selected rate of rotation and thrust without further input from the operator. Periodically, when the rotation and thrust are interrupted, such as to modify the drill string, the automatic boring operation mode is interrupted. The automatic boring operation mode may be resumed without requiring the operator to select the rate of rotation and rate of thrust. The rate of rotation is resumed before the rate of thrust to reduce drill string shock loads and increase drilling performance. |
| US08235139B2 |
Power tool
This invention disclosed a power tool comprising housing, motor in the housing, switch fixed on the housing used to connect motor and power, output shaft connecting with operator and rotating in single direction in company with the motor driving, and locking device contained in the housing. Power tool has self-locking mechanism which can lock the output shaft no need additional tools or holding force. The locking act can be easier and safer. |
| US08235137B2 |
Mode change mechanism for a power tool
A power tool (10) is described which has several modes of operation, such as drilling and screw driving modes. A clutch is provided with various settings for adjusting the torque at which the clutch interrupts power to a spindle (18). Furthermore, a two speed gearbox (16) is provided for adjusting the speed of the spindle. All of these variables are controllable from a single adjustment member or collar (26) thereby reducing necessary decisions needed to be made by an operator for a particular job in hand. For instance, when an operator wants the tool to operate in a screw driving mode, the gearbox is automatically set to drive the spindle at a low speed with the clutch being operable to interrupt drive when a torque force applied to the spindle exceeds a threshold value. Furthermore, if the tool is required to operate in a drilling mode, the gearbox is automatically switched to drive the spindle at a higher speed and the clutch is automatically rendered inoperable. |
| US08235135B1 |
Bar with enhanced rigidity
A tool supporting bar for supporting tools on an implement comprises an elongated tubular perimeter wall defining an interior and including a side wall portion. The bar includes a reinforcing wall located in the interior of the perimeter wall and mounted on the perimeter wall in a manner effective to increase bending resistance of the perimeter wall to a force applied in a direction normal to a plane of one of the side wall portion. A method of forming a tool bar comprises providing an elongated tubular perimeter wall defining an interior and including a one side wall portion; positioning a reinforcing wall in the interior of the perimeter wall; and mounting the reinforcing wall on the perimeter wall in a manner effective to increase bending resistance of the perimeter wall to a force applied in a direction normal to a plane of the side wall portion. |
| US08235133B2 |
Agricultural implement having wheels that caster
An agricultural implement includes a hitch boom to which a pair of wing booms is pivotably connected. The wing booms are designed to fold forward from an extended position to a transport position. The wing booms are supported above a surface by wheels that provide the aforementioned support when the wing booms are in an extended position as well as the transport position. Maintaining surface contact of the wheels in both positions reduces the load placed on the hitch to which the hitch boom is coupled as well as the hitch boom itself. Multi-link draft links are connected between the hitch boom and the wing booms to provide support for the wing booms when the wing booms are in the extended position. The relative length of the draft links dictates how far the hitch telescopes when the wing booms are folded to the stowed or transport position. |
| US08235130B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling the depth of an agricultural work unit mounted to a frame that can be raised and lowered by a cylinder assembly
An agricultural implement has a depth control system in which a position sensor directly measures linear translation of a hydraulic cylinder that lifts and lowers the implement frame to set and adjust the depth of the implement frame. The position sensor may be positioned adjacent to or integrally formed with the hydraulic cylinder, and provides a voltage to a controller remote from the implement. The controller automatically adjusts the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder to maintain the depth of the implement frame at an operator-selected level. |
| US08235129B2 |
System and method for suppressing fires
A fire suppression apparatus includes a canister containing a non-azide solid propellant chemical that generates an oxygen-displacing gas mixture when ignited; a pyrotechnic device associated with the canister for initiating ignition of the solid propellant chemical to generate the oxygen-displacing gas mixture; and at least one filter associated with the canister for filtering out contents of the oxygen-displacing gas mixture to result in a clean agent fire suppressant deliverable into a space. The fire suppression apparatus is preferably configured for use in fire suppression systems for normally occupied spaces. |
| US08235128B2 |
Flow path control based on fluid characteristics to thereby variably resist flow in a subterranean well
A system for variably resisting flow of a fluid composition can include a flow passage and a set of one or more branch passages which intersect the flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted from the passage to the set of branch passages varies based on at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the flow passage. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow path selection device that selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Yet another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber, with a majority of the fluid composition entering the chamber in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. |
| US08235118B2 |
Generating heated fluid
A subterranean zone is treated by exothermically decomposing hydrogen peroxide in or near the subterranean zone. The decomposed hydrogen peroxide yields at least oxygen and heated water. The oxygen is combusted to further heat the heated water. The heated water is introduced into subterranean zone to treat the subterranean zone. In certain instances, the heated water is heated to produce 100% quality steam. Additional water may be supplied for treating the subterranean zone, for example, by supplying the hydrogen peroxide in solution with water. |
| US08235115B2 |
Cement slurry with low water-to-cement ratio
A cement slurry comprising a mixture of a cement blend and water, wherein the cement blend comprises at least about 70% by volume of blend of cementitious particulate material and water is present in the mixture in an amount of not more than 50% by volume of the slurry. |
| US08235114B2 |
Method of fracturing and gravel packing with a tool with a multi-position lockable sliding sleeve
A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or jet valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the wash pipe valve. The wash pipe valve can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed direction that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time to allow movement that arms the wash pipe valve. The jet valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down whether the crossover tool is supported on the packer or on the smart collet. |
| US08235111B2 |
Down-hole liquid level control for hydrocarbon wells
This invention provides for an apparatus that controls a liquid level down-hole of a hydrocarbon producing well by physically monitoring the liquid level down-hole having a down-hole liquid level measurer and a signal device connected to the liquid level measurer that causes a pump to adjust its current liquid output based on the liquid level down-hole as measured by the down-hole liquid level measurer. |
| US08235109B2 |
Instrument centralizer configurable for use with cement evaluation well logging instruments
A centralizer for a well logging instrument includes a mandrel, a plurality of bow springs arranged circumferentially about the exterior surface of the mandrel and a biasing device in contact with one longitudinal end of each bow spring. The biasing device is configured to apply longitudinal biasing force to the longitudinal end of the respective bow spring. |
| US08235105B2 |
Mouse hole support unit with rotatable or stationary operation
Methods for connecting drill pipe sections together using a support unit comprising an opening, a wall extending around the opening, a plurality of movable slips deployed in the opening, and a plurality of lever assemblies, each lever assembly pivotally attached to the wall and having a proximal end operably associated with at least one of the slips. A first pipe section is rotated against a second pipe section. Upward and downward movement of distal ends of said levers cause the slips to move between extended and refracted positions. In some embodiments, the second pipe section is held stationary while the extended slips, and thus the first pipe section, rotates. |
| US08235103B2 |
Well tools incorporating valves operable by low electrical power input
Well tools including valves operable by low electrical input. One well tool includes a valve which controls fluid communication between pressure regions in a well, the valve including a rotatable member which is biased to rotate, and a brake or clutch which prevents rotation of the member. Another valve includes a barrier which separates reactants, with the valve being operable in response to the barrier being opened and the reactants thereby reacting with each other. Yet another valve includes a barrier which separates the pressure regions, and a control circuit which heats the barrier to a weakened state. Another valve includes a member displaceable between open and closed positions, a restraining device which resists displacement of the member, and a control device which degrades or deactivates the restraining device and thereby permits the member to displace between its open and closed positions, in response to receipt of a predetermined signal. |
| US08235099B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger used as an evaporator includes a refrigerant inlet header section having a refrigerant inlet at a right end portion, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes connected to the refrigerant inlet header section. The interior of the refrigerant inlet header section is divided by a partition plate into an upper space into which refrigerant flows via the refrigerant inlet and a lower space into which the heat exchange tubes project. A communication opening is formed in the partition plate on the left side of a heat exchange tube at the left end so as to establish communication between the upper and lower spaces. A guide portion is formed at a left edge portion of the communication opening such that the guide portion projects from a lower surface of the partition member into the lower space so as to guide the refrigerant toward the right end side. |
| US08235097B2 |
Cooling apparatus
A cooling apparatus has a heat sink thermally connectable to a heat source an air outlet opening at least two air intake openings, and a fan adapted to draw in air into the cooling apparatus through the air intake openings and to discharge the air from the cooling apparatus through the air outlet opening, wherein, upon operation of said fan, an air flow from at least one of the air intake openings forces an air flow from at least another one of the air intake openings to the heat sink. |
| US08235096B1 |
Hydrophilic particle enhanced phase change-based heat exchange
A heat pipe includes a sealed thermally conductive casing having a length that has a first end for coupling to a heat source to be cooled and a second end for coupling to a heat sink opposite the first end. The casing has an inside surface that defines a thermal control volume above. The thermal control volume includes (i) a plurality of hydrophilic particles or clusters of hydrophilic particles in a size range from nano size to micron size attached as a hydrophilic film to the inside surface or to a wick on the inside surface, wherein the plurality of hydrophilic particles occupy only a portion of an area of the inside surface or an internal pore space of the wick or a surface area of the wick, (ii) a vapor cavity above the hydrophilic film or the wick, and (iii) a heat transfer working fluid contained as a liquid on the hydrophilic film or the wick, and as a vapor in the vapor cavity. The plurality of hydrophilic particles or clusters of hydrophilic particles provide a solid-liquid contact angle for the working fluid when in a liquid state of <30 degrees, typically <10 degrees. |
| US08235094B2 |
Apparatus for transferring heat in a fin of a heat sink
An apparatus for dissipating heat through a plurality of fins is provided. The apparatus includes a heat dissipating member composed of metal and having a plurality of fins projecting from a first side of the heat dissipating member. Additionally, the apparatus includes a thermal material within at least one fin of the plurality of fins, the thermal material having a thermal conductivity greater than the thermal conductivity of the at least one fin in a direction normal to the first side of the heat dissipating member. Finally, a thermal spreader thermally coupled to the heat dissipating member, the thermal spreader configured to spread heat across the plurality of fins of the heat dissipating member is included. |
| US08235091B2 |
Amorphous ribbon take-up roll switching method and switching system
The present invention provides an amorphous ribbon take-up roll switching and method which use a take-up device provided with a plurality of take-up rolls magnetized on their surfaces so as to take up an amorphous alloy ribbon during which it is possible to simply and inexpensively switch take-up rolls stably without ribbon breaking, uneven take-up, or other trouble regardless of the amount of take-up, that is, a method of taking up amorphous ribbon having a magnetic property cast using a cooling roll by using two or more take-up rolls, which amorphous ribbon switching method characterized by, when switching the take-up rolls, bringing the amorphous ribbon into contact with the next take-up roll and cutting the amorphous ribbon being taken up in the state with the next take-up roll brought into proximity with the cooling roll or separating the next take-up roll and the cooling roll and cutting the amorphous ribbon between the take-up roll and the next take-up roll. |
| US08235089B2 |
Method for casting disk rotor
The method casts a disk rotor which can restrain partial abrasion in a sliding ring part, particularly, in the circumferential outer surface. A mold includes a casting cavity to cast the sliding ring part, an outer circumference forming surface, an inner circumference forming surface, a gate group including a plurality of gates formed in the outer circumference forming surface at positions spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals with respect to a circumferential direction, each of the gates having a central line P2 inclined at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to a normal line passing through a center of the casting cavity in a radial direction, and runners. A melt is injected from the gates into the casting cavity at angles θ1, θ2 and θ3 which are greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the normal lines, and is solidified. |
| US08235085B2 |
Methods of displacing movable partitions including a lateral restraint
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for laterally restraining a movable partition. In one embodiment, a movable partition includes two laterally spaced structures wherein each structure includes a plurality of hingedly coupled panels. A lateral restraint mechanism is located and configured to prevent lateral displacement of one or both of the two structures. In one embodiment, a cable is disposed between and extends from along a lower edge of the two structures. The cable is maintained in tension, at least while the partition is in a deployed condition, to prevent or minimize the lateral displacement of one or both of the structures such as when a draft or other external force acts on the two laterally spaced structures. In one embodiment, the cable may be operatively associated with one or more drive components used to displace the movable partition. In another embodiment, the cable may be coupled to a take-up mechanism. |
| US08235080B2 |
Interlocking, adjustable edge-forming router bit
An adjustable router or shaper cutter assembly that facilitates the formation of an edge contour such as a rounded over contour on work-pieces of differing thicknesses. |
| US08235079B2 |
Fuel transfer coupling
Provided are adapter caps comprising a housing having a top, a bottom an edge, and a hub at the top of the housing. A plunger is slidably disposed about the hub, and a plurality of lock fingers are pivotally attached to the housing substantially at the edge, the lock fingers being actuable, responsive to movement of the plunger. A guide including an inner circular wall and an outer circular wall with the inner circular wall having a passageway disposed therethrough is present at the bottom of the housing. A cap as provided is selectively attachable to a coupling fitting having a first passage through which a liquid may pass and a second passage separate and distinct from the first passage through which vapor may pass, to provide accurate fuel level readings of a reservoir to which the coupling is attached. |
| US08235077B2 |
Device for refilling a fuel cartridge for a fuel cell
A refillable fuel supply assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a refillable fuel supply adapted to supply fuel to a fuel cell, a refilling fuel cartridge containing fuel to be transferred to the refillable fuel supply, and a lock-and-release device connecting the refilling fuel cartridge to the refillable fuel supply to transport fuel from the refilling fuel cartridge to the refillable fuel supply. The lock-and-release device also retains the refilling fuel cartridge to the refillable fuel supply until the refilling fuel cartridge is substantially free of fuel. |
| US08235076B2 |
Method and system for optimized filling of an enclosure
An enclosure is filled with a filling gas according to the disclosed method. An enclosure is provided having an interior, a width, a height, a thickness, and fluid filling and exit holes fluidly communicating with the interior. Filling of the enclosure is commenced by directing a flow of the filling gas at a filling flow rate into the fluid filling hole. An oxygen concentration of gas exiting the fluid exit hole is sensed. The filling of the enclosure is stopped when the sensed oxygen concentration reaches a threshold concentration, wherein the threshold oxygen concentration and/or the filling flow rate are selected by a Decision Support Tool based upon the width, height, and/or the thickness. |
| US08235075B2 |
Method and apparatus for patching a well by hydroforming a tubular metal patch, and a patch for this purpose
A method of patching a well or a pipe by hydroforming a tubular metal patch. A tool provided with a pair of inflatable packers is inserted inside the patch. The pair of inflatable packers are axially spaced apart from each other by a distance that is substantially equal to the length of the patch. The tool is positioned inside the patch so that the packers are in register with the end portions of the patch. The assembly of the tool and the patch is axially inserted inside the well or the pipe, and positioned in register with the zone for patching. The packers are inflated to a high pressure, sufficient for radially expanding the end portions of the patch and pressing them in a leak-tight manner against the wall of the well or the pipe. The packers are subsequently deflated and the tool is withdrawn. The method is applicable to the oil industry. |
| US08235073B2 |
Microfluidic valve unit for controlling flow of fluid and method of fabricating the same
A microfluidic valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid flowing along a channel, and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The valve unit includes a channel formed in a platform; a valve filler which includes a phase transition material that is disposed in the channel in a solid state at room temperature to close the channel and is melted when energy is applied thereto; and at least one capillary channel which extends from a sidewall of the channel and into which the valve filler flows when the valve filler is melted, wherein the at least one capillary channel has a cross-sectional area which is less than a cross-sectional area of the channel. |
| US08235072B2 |
Method and apparatus for multibarrier plasma actuated high performance flow control
A plasma actuator incorporates a power source, a first electrode in contact with a first dielectric layer, a second electrode in contact with a second dielectric layer, and a ground electrode. The power source drives the first electrode with a first ac voltage pattern with respect to the ground electrode to produce a first plasma discharge, and a first electric field pattern in the flow region, and drives the second electrode with a second ac voltage pattern with respect to the ground electrode to produce a second plasma discharge in the flow region and a second electric field pattern in the flow region. The first and second electrodes are offset along the direction of flow and the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern have a phase difference such that the first and second electric fields drive flow in different portions of the flow region at different times. |
| US08235067B2 |
Encapsulated valve system
An encapsulated valve system includes a first housing portion having a first facing surface, the first facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the first facing surface. The valve system further includes a second housing portion having a second facing surface, the second facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the second facing surface. A disposable conduit is configured to be interposed between the first and second housing portions and disposed within the recess of the first facing surface and the recess of the second facing surface. The disposable conduit is thus sandwiched between the first and second facing surfaces. A plurality of pinch valve actuators are mounted on one or both of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the plurality of pinch valve actuators configured to pinch the disposable conduit at selective branch pathways. |
| US08235066B2 |
Automatically tripped compact safety device for controlling the flow of a fluid
The disclosure relates to a safety device to be inserted in a pipe through which a fluid flows from an upstream side to a downstream side, this device comprising a tube offering the fluid a central flow path controlled by a central valve which closes in the event of excessive flow of this fluid, an elastically deformable annular shutter mounted on the external periphery of the tube, and retention clamps. According to the disclosure, each of the clamps has a tied end fastened to the periphery of the tube upstream of the annular shutter and can adopt, under the effect of a radial compression, a folded configuration in which its free end is turned towards this annular shutter. |
| US08235062B2 |
Tools and methods for processing microelectronic workpieces using process chamber designs that easily transition between open and closed modes of operation
Strategies for tool designs and their uses wherein the tools can operate in either closed or open modes of operation. The tools easily transition between open and closed modes on demand. According to one general strategy, environmentally controlled pathway(s) couple the ambient to one or more process chambers. Air amplification capabilities upstream from the process chamber(s) allow substantial flows of air to be introduced into the process chamber(s) on demand. Alternatively, the fluid pathways are easily closed, such as by simple valve actuation, to block egress to the ambient through these pathways. Alternative flows of nonambient fluids can then be introduced into the process chamber(s) via pathways that are at least partially in common with the pathways used for ambient air introduction. In other strategies, gap(s) between moveable components are sealed at least with flowing gas curtains rather than by relying only upon direct physical contact for sealing. |
| US08235059B2 |
Container for powder products and scraper therefor
The present invention generally relates to containers for powder products. The present invention described herein relates to a container capable of generating powder in loose form. The invention further relates to cosmetic containers for powder products that present pressed and loose powder products for usage as per the convenience of user. Further the invention also relates to a scraper for such a container. |
| US08235054B2 |
Wound retractor
An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (100), having a first ring (102) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A second ring (104), having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A flexible sleeve (106), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (102, 104), the second ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. |
| US08235052B2 |
Mouthguard
The present application is directed to a mouth guard to protect the user's teeth and/or jaw. It is important that the mouth guard fit tightly and properly in order to fully protect the user. The present invention achieves the proper fit by having cilia in the cavity that comes in contact with the user's teeth. These cilia move to allow the mouth guard to fit tightly and properly. In addition, the mouth guard of the present invention may contain flavoring such as Gatorade, bubble gum flavoring, as well as the traditional cherry, orange and grape that can be released into the oral cavity of the user while wearing the mouth guard. This allows the user to taste the flavoring while using the mouth guard. |
| US08235051B2 |
Nose-dilating device
The present invention relates to an internal nose-dilating device, comprising two conical inserts, which each have four walls and two openings: a small opening, which during use is oriented inwards towards the nasal cavity, and a large opening, which is oriented out from the nose, the inserts being connected by means of a connecting member, which during use is the only part that remains on the outside of the nose. The four walls of the inserts are convex at their central portions and provided with a substantially horizontal recess, the recess being arranged along the four walls of the inserts and extending at least partly along the circumference on the outside thereof to form a bulge in the four walls of the inserts. The inserts have at least four apertures and a reinforced portion, which is provided along a rounded edge of the small opening, thereby allowing the inserts to be turned inside out. |
| US08235047B2 |
Methods and devices for deployment into a lumen
The invention described is directed to an intracorporeal occluding device having elements with non-traumatic ends and devices, systems and methods for occluding the lumens of anatomical passageways and/or for delivering drugs or other substances to the bodies of human or animal subjects. |
| US08235043B2 |
Volume adjustable manual ventilation device
Disclosed is a manually operable volume-adjustable ventilation device. The device includes a reservoir with an inlet mechanism, an outlet mechanism, and a volume adjuster configured to move a volume adjustment limit of the reservoir and change an expressed maximum volume of the reservoir. The reservoir has a body having a plurality of movable walls defining an enclosed volume. The reservoir has an uncompressed state and a compressed state. The walls of the reservoir are movable with respect to each other, such that moving the walls expresses the volume adjustment limit of the reservoir. The walls can be operably connected by movable structures configured such that two adjacent walls are configured to rotate around substantially orthogonal axes with respect to each other when the reservoir moves from an uncompressed to a compressed state. In some embodiments, the movable structures can be hinges, such as snap-fit assembly hinges. Methods of ventilating a patient that involve the device are also disclosed. |
| US08235040B2 |
Dispensing device
A dispensing device having a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device has multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert by movement of the respective insert through the seal, so as to break the seal only at one side of the outlet opening so that the seal is pivoted mainly to an opposite side of the outlet opening by the movement of the insert for minimizing potential interference by the opened seal with flowing of the formulation from the receptacle toward the mouthpiece. |
| US08235039B2 |
Powder inhalator
A powder inhalator including: a housing, a supply member for holding a powdered drug for a large number of doses and having a drug discharge aperture at its bottom surface; a drug carrier, to which the powdered drug is supplied from the drug discharge aperture of the supply member, and having on its upper surface a measuring recess that has a volume equivalent to one dose of the drug; and an operation member disposed so as to move freely back and forth, and operate the drug carrier; the drug carrier moving in contact with the bottom surface of the supply member to carry the powdered drug loaded into the measuring recess from the position of the drug discharge aperture to an air inhalation channel, wherein the drug carrier is disposed slidably so that the measuring recess moves in a circular manner by sliding the drug carrier. |
| US08235038B2 |
Scuba mask purging apparatus and method
A scuba mask purging apparatus and method providing selective introduction of pressurized air into a scuba mask to initiate purging, pressure balancing, and de-fogging. An inlet valve, typically positioned conveniently on the top or the side of the mask may control the release of pressurized air into the mask. A pressure-sensitive outlet valve releases the pressurized air to force water from the mask. The outlet valve may be positioned on the lower portion of the mask or at a location where water is likely to collect. |
| US08235037B2 |
Drug condensation aerosols and kits
The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 μm, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided. The device contained in the kit typically, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Also disclosed, are methods for using these aerosols and kits. |
| US08235033B2 |
Removable fireplace assembly
A fireplace assembly comprising a base defining a recess for receiving a fireplace, a fireplace releasably held within the recess, and wherein the base is a functional piece of furniture when the fireplace is removed. A method of removing and replacing a fireplace comprising the steps of providing a first base defining a recess, locating a fireplace within the recess, removing the fireplace from the first base to provide a functional piece of furniture, and locating the fireplace within the recess. |
| US08235030B2 |
Paintball loader
Some embodiments are directed to a paintball loader having a diverter member supported within a housing of the loader. The diverter member can limit the number of paintballs which enter an outlet passageway leading to a marker inlet. In some embodiments, diverter member can have projections and channels formed in a bottom surface thereof to control the number of paintballs that can simultaneously enter the entrance to the outlet passageway. |
| US08235029B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing diluted fugitive gases
A method of using hydrocarbon fugitive gases diluted with air as a primary or supplementary fuel for an engine. The composition of the fugitive gases and air in ensured to fall outside the upper and lower explosive limit for the composition. The total volume of the composition is also calculated to be maintained within a predetermined percentage of the volume of the primary fuel supplied to said engine. |
| US08235028B2 |
Hermetically sealed fuel tank apparatus
A hermetically sealed fuel tank apparatus includes a pressure-resistant fuel tank for storing a fuel therein, the pressure-resistant fuel tank being capable of holding an internal pressure equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure, a fuel vapor inlet pipe for introducing a fuel vapor produced in the pressure-resistant fuel tank, a canister contained in the pressure-resistant fuel tank and connected to the fuel vapor inlet pipe for adsorbing the fuel vapor, a drain passage through which the canister communicates with external air, and a shutoff valve connected to the drain passage and normally closed to hermetically seal the pressure-resistant fuel tank. |
| US08235027B2 |
Vent-on-demand fuel sump and fuel system having such a fuel sump
A vent-on-demand fuel sump and vehicle fuel system having such a fuel sump are provided. The fuel sump may include a pressurized vessel and at least two sensors configured to detect a level of fuel within the vessel. A valve coupled to the vessel may be configured to release air and/or fuel vapor to the atmosphere. The fuel sump may also include a programmable electronic controller configured to modulate the valve between a closed position and an open position based on signals received from the sensors corresponding to the fuel level. The valve may be configured to remain in the closed position until the fuel level drops below a predetermined level and the controller sends a signal to open the valve to release air and/or fuel vapor from the vessel into the atmosphere. The vehicle fuel system having such a fuel sump may include a fuel container and an engine having an intake. The pressurized vessel of the fuel sump may include a fuel inlet coupled to the fuel container and a fuel outlet coupled to the engine intake. |
| US08235017B2 |
Switchable component of a valve train of an internal combustion engine
A switchable component (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided, with a housing (2) in whose borehole (3) an inner element (4) is held so that it can move telescopically. At least one coupling piston (7) guided by an anti-rotation locking device (6) is located in a radial borehole (5) of the inner element (4) in a decoupled case, with a section (10) that is flattened in some areas being provided on the coupling piston on one axial side (9) starting from its outer end (8). The borehole (3) of the housing (2) has a window (11) with a complementary engagement surface (12) against which, in a coupled case, the coupling piston (7) can be displaced with its flattened section (10) when passing through the cam base circle. An edge (13) between the outer end (8) and the flattened section (10) of the coupling piston (7) is provided with a bevel (14) that is a surface section of an ellipsoid whose longitudinal axis runs parallel to the flattened section (10). |
| US08235014B2 |
Valve drive of an internal combustion engine
A valve drive of an internal combustion engine, with a camshaft including cams for actuating gas-exchange valves, wherein at least one cam, which includes several cam faces, is guided nonrotatably but with freedom of axial movement on the camshaft; wherein a stroke profile, which cooperates with an actuating pin for the axial displacement of the cam or cam piece, is assigned to the associated axially displaceable cam or an axially displaceable cam piece comprising several cams; and wherein the stroke profile of the axially displaceable cam or cam piece in question includes intersecting stroke curves. A guide element is assigned to the end of the actuating pin which can be introduced into the stroke curve of the stroke profile of the associated axially displaceable cam or cam piece, this guide element being supported in such a way that it can rotate or pivot around the axis of the actuating pin. |
| US08235011B2 |
Actuating device
In an actuating device with at least one electrical or electromagnetic actuation unit, at least two activation sequences performed by different actuation elements of the actuation unit are associated with at least two different electrical and/or electromagnetic states of the actuation unit via electric coil units energized by current flowing in different flow directions. |
| US08235006B2 |
Disposable fold-up sifting animal litter filtering pan
A disposable litter pan that is made of a flexible material, preferably biodegradable non-plastic material, such as thermally pressed cardboard or other paper fiber material treated with an aqueous coating that inhibits degradation of the pan in the presence of fluids. The pan is a generally self-supporting pan structure having two end walls, two sidewalls, and a floor; wherein the floor having several perforations, openings, or orifices sized to allow unused cat litter to be sifted into a retaining pan underneath that can be of the same or imperforate construction. The litter pan folds, allowing the sidewalls to engage in a manner that does not allow litter or excrement to escape. The pan can be retained in the folded condition by an integral latching arrangement that also can serve as a handle. |
| US08235002B2 |
Plasma assisted apparatus for organic film deposition
A plasma assisted apparatus for organic film deposition, comprising: a plasma chamber, capable of thermally cracking a precursor in the plasma chamber; and a deposition chamber, being channeled with the plasma chamber for receiving the thermally cracked precursor. In an exemplary embodiment, the deposition chamber further comprises a substrate device, being provided for the thermally cracked precursor to deposit thereon to form an organic film. As the plasma chamber is separated from the deposition chamber in the aforesaid apparatus, a low-temperature film deposition process can be used for forming organic films while preventing the substrate device from being bombarded directly by plasma. In addition, as there is a flow guiding device arranged at the outlet of the plasma chamber, the thermally cracked precursor is guided or disturbed and thus is prevented from overly concentrating at the outlet or the center of the substrate device. Thereby, surface roughness as well as uniformity of the organic film can be effectively improved. |
| US08235001B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A substrate processing apparatus and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device whereby foreign matter can be prevented from being adsorbed on the substrate, by suppressing agitation of foreign matter present in the processing chamber. The substrate processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber for processing a substrate; a processing gas feeding line for feeding a processing gas into the processing chamber; an inert gas feeding line for feeding an inert gas into the processing chamber; an inert gas vent line provided in the inert gas feeding line, for exhausting the inert gas fed into the inert gas feeding line without feeding the inert gas into the processing chamber; a first valve provided in the inert gas feeding line, on a downstream side of a part where the inert gas vent line is provided in the inert gas feeding line; a second valve provided in the inert gas vent line; and an exhaust line that exhausts an inside of the processing chamber. |
| US08234999B2 |
Device for the application of adhesive and machine and method for manufacturing paper cups
A device for the application of adhesive and machine and method for manufacturing paper cups. The device applies adhesive, particularly for the manufacture of a paper cup from at least one paper segment, and includes a stamp for the application of the adhesive. The stamp is made of a compression-resistant porous sintered material. |
| US08234998B2 |
Automated layer by layer spray technology
The present invention comprises an automated apparatus capable of spray depositing polyelectrolytes via the LbL mechanism with minimal or no human interaction. In certain embodiments, the apparatus sprays atomized polyelectrolytes onto a vertically oriented substrate. To counteract the effects of irregular spray patterns, the substrate is preferably slowly rotated about a central axis. In certain embodiments, the apparatus also includes a forced pathway for the droplets, such as a pathway created by using a vacuum. In this way, a thicker or three-dimensional substrate can be coated. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is designed so as to be scalable. Thus, through the use of multiple instantiations of the apparatus, a large or irregularly shaped substrate can be coated. Rolls of textile can therefore be coated using the apparatus. Additionally, the present invention includes a method to uniformly coat a substrate, such as a hydrophobic textile material, using aqueous solutions of polyelectrolytes. |
| US08234997B2 |
Crumb breading distribution system
A distribution apparatus for a breading machine comprising a hopper having a number of hopper sections includes a downspout for conveying the breading material to the hopper and a spreader plate which is adjustably supported between the downspout and the hopper. By adjusting the position of the spreader plate relative to the hopper, the flow of breading material from the downspout may be distributed as desired between the hopper sections. |
| US08234994B1 |
Impact indicator
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection and indication is disclosed. The device includes a housing; a mass member located within the housing, the housing configured to enable movement of the mass member from a first position to a second position within the housing in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event; and first and second spring members disposed within the housing and configured to bias the mass member to the first position, wherein, in response to receipt by the housing of the acceleration event, the mass member is configured to overcome the biasing force of the first spring member and move from the first position to the second position, and wherein each of the first and second spring members extends across a medial portion of the mass member. |
| US08234993B2 |
Impact detector and packaging container
An impact detector includes a case, an impact indicator disposed on a front side of the case, to indicate an impact history of the impact detector, a first weight that moves inside the case to a side to which the case falls, causing the impact indicator to indicate the impact history by moving through at least one of a first transition path and a second transition path, a first guide member to guide the first weight to a first impact detection position along the first transition path when the case falls in a first direction, and a second guide member to guide the first weight to the second impact detection position along the second transition path when the case falls in a second direction. The first transition path at least partly overlaps with the second transition path on a projection plane on the front side of the case. |
| US08234987B2 |
Inductor assembly for a product conveyance system
An inductor assembly is configured to be attached in flow communication to receive a flow of product from a storage hopper of a product conveyance system. The product conveyance system includes a forced fluid source mounted thereon and operable to provide a forced fluid stream to the inductor assembly. The inductor housing includes an inlet configured to direct a first portion of the forced fluid stream in a path to engage the flow of product so as to generate the combined stream of forced fluid and product. The inductor assembly further includes multiple inductor segments, wherein each inductor segments defines at least one conduit having an inlet and an outlet. One or more of the inlets may be configured to restrict air and product flow therethrough. |
| US08234984B2 |
Method and arrangement related to a value space
A method and an arrangement pertaining to an alarm-equipped valuable item storage space (1) includes at least one device (10-13) for the storage of valuable documents, banknotes or the like, in which a destructive agent (61) is intended to destroy the valuable documents (100) in response to a burglary attempt and/or manipulative action. In conjunction with the need to destroy the valuable documents, a destructive agent container (60,63) is opened so as to cause the destructive agent to move into a collecting vessel (50) within which a valuable document collecting device (30) is at least partially situated. The volume of a destructive agent is such as to enable the collecting vessel (50) to accommodate the destructive agent (61) in the absence of overflow. The destructive agent container (60,63) is placed above the collecting vessel (50) so that the destructive agent (61) will run or fall down into the collecting vessel when an alarm is triggered. |
| US08234983B2 |
Post and beam furniture construction
A post and beam furniture construction has a number of support posts and a plurality of beams that interconnect the posts. Accessories, including storage shelves and cabinets, and work surfaces are releasably supported by the posts at various positions relative to the shelf length and the post spacing. Support brackets interconnect accessories and posts. Each post has at least two accessory support rails extending along the post length. A support bracket engages a selected rail. Spaced support bracket receptacles extend along a length of the accessory and a support bracket engages a selected bracket receptacle. The beams may be removed from respective posts without moving the posts and may also be length adjustable. |
| US08234982B2 |
Snowboarder's chair for use on a ski lift
The present invention relates to a ski lift chair specifically designed for use by snowboarders. The chair comprises a plurality of seats facing perpendicular to the line of travel direction and can be either in-line back to back, in-line front-to-back or a combination of the two. The chair can be mixed on a ski lift with chairs designed for skiers or used alone with only snowboarder chairs. |
| US08234979B1 |
3D shock isolation apparatus with access to one end of a body
An apparatus for shock isolating an electronics package includes an outer member including an internal threaded portion and a transition member including an external threaded portion and a hollow inner portion that defines a cavity configured for receiving the electronics package. A layer of mechanically compliant shock isolation material is positioned between the inner thread portion of the outer member and the external thread portion of the transition member. The compliant shock isolation material encloses a front end and sidewalls of the transition member and is absent from its aft end to allow access to one end of the electronics package (e.g. to a connector). The internal threaded portion of the outer member and the external threaded portion of the transition member are compliantly engaged via a gap provided by the layer of compliant shock isolation material. In one embodiment the electronics package is a fuze assembly. |
| US08234978B1 |
Hand-held firing device
An apparatus is disclosed to initiate detonation. The apparatus includes a first hollow cylinder, a second hollow cylinder laterally spaced from the first hollow cylinder, each of the first and second hollow cylinders having an inner surface and an outer surface, and extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. A spring is disposed in each of the first and second cylinders, and a firing pin is disposed in each of the first and second cylinders, wherein the spring is positioned between the first end of each of the first and second cylinders and the firing pin. A sear lever is in communication with each of the firing pins, and bushings are disposed between the sear lever and each of the first and second hollow cylinders, positioned so that the sear lever is insulated from contact of the outer surface of the hollow cylinders. |
| US08234973B1 |
Disposable liner for a cooking grill having defined areas of perforation
A liner used to line the grills of barbecues and other types of cooking grill structures. The liner has at least one solid section and at least one perforated section that runs along the length of the liner. The liner is also shaped in a sinusoidal pattern that fits over the parallel rods on a cooking grill. The liner is placed onto a cooking grill above the burners. The solid section of the liner is placed directly above the burners. The perforated sections are not. As such, the liner allows drippings to flow away from the food and fall into the barbecue only in areas where the drippings will not ignite. Thus, the liner eliminates the major cause of fire flare-up when cooking on an open flame grill. |
| US08234972B2 |
Automated grill
An automated grill automatically transfers frozen food from a freezer component to grilling component by an automatic loading device in response to a signal. Frozen food is loaded in a loading side in the freezer component. When the signal is received indicating that the food is to be grilled, food in a feeding side is raised and delivered to the loading device. When a sensor detects that food is positioned in the loading device, the loading device removes the food from the freezer component and into the grilling component. The food is then grilled as it travels between two substantially vertical grilling structures each surrounded by a conveyor belt. Preferably, the conveyor belt is made of a non-stick coated Invar. A lateral sensor detects and compensates for lateral movement of the conveyor belts. After the food exits the grilling component, the food slides onto a heated holding area for serving. |
| US08234971B2 |
Portable, non-electric piston/cylinder coffee brewer
Provided is a brewing device which is portable and does not require the use of electricity, as well as a method of brewing using the portable brewing device. The device includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder that function together like a piston in a cylinder. The inner cylinder includes a filter for holding brewing solids at one end. The inner cylinder is dimensioned to slide within the outer cylinder and create a water tight frictional fit with the outer cylinder. Thus, when the inner cylinder is pushed into the outer cylinder filled with liquid, the liquid is force to pass through the filter and into the inner cylinder as brewed liquid. |
| US08234969B2 |
Electronic trigger apparatus for use with firearms
Electronic trigger apparatus for use with firearms are described herein. An example electronic trigger apparatus described herein includes a trigger assembly having a trigger and trigger arm that is movable between a first position and a second position. A first biasing element biases the trigger in the first position and provides a first resistance to the trigger when the trigger moves between the first position and the second position. A switch element assembly has a spring element and a sensor operatively coupled to the spring element where the spring element provides a second resistance to the trigger as the trigger moves between a pressure-point position and the second position. The sensor detects a force or deflection imparted on the spring element by the trigger arm when the trigger is in the second position. |
| US08234965B2 |
Armor plate
An armor plate for use in the ballistic protection of a structure against projectiles incoming from an expected threat direction, the plate having an outer face facing the threat direction and comprising a layer of first pellets made of ballistic material of a high density S1 and having a characteristic diameter DP, and second pellets which have a low density section with a central axis transverse to the outer face, along which the low density section at least partially extends, the low density section of the second pellets having a density S2 which is in the range 0≦S2< |
| US08234964B1 |
EDS fragment removal tool
The present invention relates to mechanical devices and methods allowing the safe removal of heavy, difficult to handle fragments from an explosive destruction system (EDS). |
| US08234962B2 |
Saw buddy
A folding mounting base is provided to convert a portable hand tool such as a portable band saw into a fixed tool which may be used on a workbench. The mounting base has upper and lower cradles, the upper cradle folding down next to the lower cradle for storage. In use, the handle of the portable tool in placed in the upper and lower cradles, and held in position by a toggle clamp. The toggle clamp engages the hand tool trigger to maintain the tool in an operating condition. |
| US08234959B2 |
Table saw fence
A table saw fence includes a clamping member at both the front and rear of the fence to provide substantial clamping power and accuracy. The fence includes an interior cavity housing a linkage mechanism that engages the front and rear clamps through the actuation of a single handle. Furthermore, the fence includes an opening leading to the interior cavity, thereby permitting the blade, riving knife, blade guard, and any other blade accessories to extend within the interior cavity when the fence is used in a blade cover configuration. |
| US08234954B2 |
Transmission with integrated housing for motor and clutch
A transmission has a motor assembly with a stationary portion surrounding a rotor. The transmission also includes a clutch housing. A transmission casing surrounds the motor and the clutch housing. The stationary portion is rigidly connected to and supported by the clutch housing. Thus, a separate housing for the motor/generator is avoided. The housing may also support one or more motor bearings, seals, clutch pistons, or clutch plates. |
| US08234953B2 |
High speed flywheel containment
The present invention provides a high inertia flywheel for a vehicle including a hub, a periphery of which is surrounded by a rim, and a housing, wherein at least one annular ring is provided on either side of the flywheel, whereby, on oscillation of the flywheel, a contact surface of the flywheel contacts against a contact surface of the annular ring, thus causing friction. |
| US08234952B2 |
Handgrip for handlebar
A handgrip includes a tubular grip body adapted to be sleeved on a handlebar and having at least two angularly spaced-apart resilient clamp portions, a sleeve ring sleeved around the clamp portions and having an arc-shaped hole extending through inner and outer faces thereof and extending circumferentially proximate to one of the clamp portions, and two slots communicating respectively with two opposite ends of the arc-shaped hole, a U-shaped bolt member having a bight portion received movably in the arc-shaped hole and abutting against said one of the clamp portions, and two threaded arms extending respectively and outwardly of the slots, and two nut members each disposed outwardly of a respective slot and engaging threadedly a respective threaded arm. The nut members pull the threaded arms when tightened so that the bight portion pushes said one of the clamp portions toward the other one of the clamp portions. |
| US08234951B1 |
Bistable aerial platform
A bistable MEMS platform. The bistable MEMS platform converts a rotational input into an ortho-planar displacement and can maintain either it's up or down position without an input force due to bi-stability. The bistable MEMS platform generally includes three components. The first component is a pair of quadrantal bistable mechanisms (QBM). The second is a compliant version of a micro helico-kinematic platform (HKP) that serves to coordinate the motion of the QBM. The third component is an aerial platform, which is a variation of a scissor lift mechanism that attaches to the output of the QBM and amplifies the out-of-plane displacement. |
| US08234944B2 |
Actuator
An emergency lowering (retraction) mechanism for a linear actuator includes first and second cylindrical parts, an operating handle outside of the first cylindrical part, and a coil spring which has a first end connected to the operating handle, a second end connected to the second cylindrical part, and a plurality of windings, with some of the windings wrapping around and contacting the outer periphery of the first cylindrical part and some wrapping around and contacting the outer periphery of the second cylindrical part. |
| US08234942B2 |
Stringer probe with magnetic spring balance
A nondestructive inspection apparatus and method for inspecting a structure having an interior opening portion may comprise an inspection apparatus outer probe unit having a plurality of outer probe unit walls each having a surface corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of exterior surfaces of a respective structure wall, the outer probe unit may comprise a first outer probe member and a second outer probe member, magnetically coupled to each other through magnetic attraction between a magnet on the first outer probe unit member and a magnet on the second outer probe unit member; and a magnetic balance positioned to force the second outer probe unit member in a direction of increased magnetic coupling of the second outer probe unit member to the first outer probe unit member through magnetic repulsion between a magnet on the magnetic balance and a magnet on the second outer probe unit member. |
| US08234940B2 |
Trace evidence collection method
A method of collecting trace evidence comprises utilizing a sheet material to recover trace evidence wherein the sheet material comprises a sheet of non-porous material having a first side and a second side, the first side comprising an active side exhibiting an adhesion peel force after activation by a user which is greater than an adhesion peel force exhibited prior to activation by a user and which is sufficient to form a continuous seal against any target surface. The adhesion peel force before activation is substantially zero. The activation of the active side requires no removal of components of the sheet of material. The sheet of material is sufficiently flexible to conform readily to any desired surface and has sufficiently small resiliency that it does not exert undue restorative forces which would tend to cause the sheet of material to break contact with such a desired surface. The method further comprises releasing the trace evidence, regardless of the type of trace evidence, from the sheet material without damaging the trace evidence and without utilizing chemicals. |
| US08234939B2 |
Sample introduction method
A sample introduction method for reducing carry-over is provided. After a sample introduction device in a total volume injection method draws a proper amount of a sample solution from a sample container and further draws a solution with the same composition as a mobile phase solution with a needle 24, the needle 24 is inserted into an injection port 25. When flow paths are switched to communicate a liquid feeder, a sample loop 23, the needle 24, the injection port 25, and a separation/detection section, the solution with the same composition as the mobile phase solution is forced into a gap between the injection port 25 and the needle 24. Therefore, the samples squeezed out of a tip section of the needle 24 during the switching of the flow paths are prevented from being forced into the gap between the needle 24 and the injection port 25. |
| US08234936B2 |
Torque wrench having improved tightening torque measurement value
A torque wrench having ease of operation compatible with improved accuracy of measurement. The torque wrench includes a tightening portion, a housing having a front side cover part and a back side grip part and a shaft-like strain body that is contained inside the housing. First distortion sensors and second distortion sensors are arranged on the strain body at spaced points in the axial direction of the strain body for measuring an amount of distortion of the strain body. A microprocessor chip has functions including computation of a tightening torque which is corrected for errors due to changes in a point of effort where a tightening force is applied by a user. The correction is based on the detection result of the first distortion sensors and the second distortion sensors. An output portion outputs the corrected tightening torque measurement value. |
| US08234927B2 |
Differential pressure sensor with line pressure measurement
A pressure sensor assembly for sensing a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor body having a cavity formed therein and first and second openings to the cavity configured to apply first and second pressures. A diaphragm in the cavity separates the first opening from the second opening and is configured to deflect in response to a differential pressure between the first pressure and the second pressure. A capacitance based deformation sensor is provided and configured to sense deformation of the sensor body in response to a line pressure applied to the sensor body. |
| US08234926B2 |
Pressure sensor with a closed cavity containing an inert filling medium
A pressure sensor has a substrate with conductor tracks for contact-connecting electrical components. The pressure sensor has a measuring element for converting a mechanical measurement variable into an electrical signal and a signal converter for processing the electrical signals from the measuring element further. Furthermore, the pressure sensor has a first diaphragm which, together with the substrate, forms a first closed cavity which contains an inert filling medium. At least one side of the measuring element of the pressure sensor, which comprises an active surface, has direct contact with the filling medium in the first cavity. The signal converter is arranged on the substrate in the form of an unhoused integrated circuit. |
| US08234919B2 |
Tire pressure control system
A tire pressure control system includes a tire valve and wheel electronics including a pressure measuring device and a transmission device in a housing, wherein the housing has two base elements on a bottom for attaching the same to a rim well of a wheel, and a contact surface seated on a valve spud of the tire valve in the mounted state. The surface has an elongated hole through which the tire valve projects in the mounted state. The invention provides that the contact surface can be linearly displaced in the direction of the elongated hole on the valve spud during installation. |
| US08234917B2 |
Device and method for error monitoring for undercarriage components of rail vehicles
The invention relates to a device for monitoring errors in undercarriage components of rail vehicles, having at least one acceleration sensor which works with an evaluation unit. At least one acceleration sensor is arranged on the undercarriage of the rail vehicle in such a manner that its direction of detection has at least one component parallel to the vertical axis (z-direction) of the rail vehicle. The invention proposes that the acceleration sensor is constructed in such a manner that it delivers a measuring signal which contains the signal portion corresponding to a ground acceleration, or represents a signal corresponding to a ground acceleration, and that the evaluation unit has a routine for testing functions of the acceleration sensor, the routine controlling an error signal if the measuring signal delivered by the acceleration sensor contains no signal portion corresponding to a ground acceleration. The routine also suppresses the error signal if this is not the case. |
| US08234916B2 |
Abnormality diagnosis device for air-fuel ratio sensor
An abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention can calculate a calculation air-fuel ratio A/Fk based upon a fuel injection quantity and an intake air quantity, and determine the abnormality of the air-fuel ratio sensor based upon the calculation air-fuel ratio and an actual air-fuel ratio detected by an air-fuel ratio sensor, when an operating condition in the internal combustion engine relatively rapidly changes according to an engine operating demand and thereby the calculation air-fuel ratio relatively rapidly changes. Since the air-fuel ratio is not forcibly changed and fluctuated, deterioration of the exhaust emission and the combustion state, and deterioration of the vibration and the noise at abnormality diagnosing can be certainly prevented. |
| US08234912B2 |
Apparatus for continuous measurement of heterogeneity of geomaterials
An apparatus for continuous measurement of a geomaterial is disclosed. The apparatus includes a measuring device and a flat bed operatively coupled to the measuring device. The measuring device includes a moving head configured to move in a longitudinal direction relative to a core section of the geomaterial and a first probe coupled to the moving head and configured to continuously measure a property of the core section. The flat bed includes a load actuator configured to secure the core section during the continuous measurement and axially rotate the core section, as well as a core holder assembly configured to apply confining pressure on a length of the core section. |
| US08234911B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting a leak in a double pipe
In a method for detecting a leak in a double pipe, a medium located in an intermediate chamber between the interior and exterior pipe is moved toward a first end of the pipe, whereupon the medium flows in from the second end. On the first end the medium is examined for any leakage of a characteristic material, upon the detection of which a leakage signal is generated and a location of the leakage is calculated based on the transport time of the characteristic material from the leakage to the first end and on the mass flow of the medium. A corresponding device contains a conveyor unit for moving the medium through the intermediate chamber. A material sensor is disposed at the first end for examining the medium for the characteristic material. A control and analysis unit is provided for generating a leakage signal and calculating the location of the leakage. |
| US08234906B2 |
Sensor for gases emitted by combustion
A sensor for gases emitted by combustion, the sensor involving one or more metal oxides forming an adsorption semiconductor the electrical resistance of which changes according to the gas adsorbed, the semiconductor being a semiconductor for the direct adsorption of gases without catalyzed chemical reaction, the sensor being arranged to detect nitrogen oxides in the case of a bright fire, and/or the sensor being arranged to detect, in the case of a smoldering fire, partially unburned gases, in particular alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids or amines. |
| US08234904B2 |
Contact magazine loader for hand held crimper
A contact magazine loader for guiding the insertion of individual electrical contacts into a crimping section of a crimping tool. A magazine is adapted to be placed in removable and rotatable engagement with a hand-held crimping tool. The magazine is approximately cylindrical, has a plurality of channels evenly dispersed around the radial periphery of the magazine, and is preloadable with electrical contacts. Each preloaded electrical contact is positioned within an individual insert casing. Each insert casing is adapted to being linearly slideably received into one of the channels. As a shuttle assembly is moved into compressed configuration, an insert casing guides the preloaded electrical contact into the crimping section of the hand-held crimper. A trigger assembly allows a user, with a single movement, to cause the shuttle assembly to return to its released configuration, and to rotate the magazine to axially align a subsequent casing with the crimping section of the hand held crimper. |
| US08234903B2 |
Manipulator for forging machine
A forging press has a workpiece manipulator having a shaft centered on and rotatable about an axis, a grab for holding the workpiece in the press and rotationally fixed to the shaft carrying the grab and centered on and rotatable about an axis, and a disk fixed angularly to the shaft and projecting radially outward therefrom. Two couplings are juxtaposed with the disk, rotatable relative to the shaft about, and have respective clutches for locking onto the disk so that when locked onto the disk the couplings are rotationally fixed to the disk. Respective actuators connected to the actuators can angularly shift the disk and thereby rotate the shaft, the grab, and the workpiece held by the grab. |
| US08234902B2 |
Metal shell machining apparatus
A metal shell machining apparatus includes a cutting tool and a pressing tool. The cutting tool has a main body, at least two blade bodies, at least two enlargement portions, and at least two blade heads. The main body is a hollow cylinder, the blade bodies are formed by extending downwards from lower end of the main body, and there are at least two intervals between the blade bodies. The enlargement portions are formed by extending downwards and outwards from lower ends of the blade bodies, the blade heads are formed by extending downwards and inwards from lower ends of the enlargement portions. The pressing tool is a hollow cylinder and encircles a periphery of the cutting tool. The lower end of the pressing tool abuts the enlargement portions of the cutting tool. The apparatus can easily form oblique grooves on a metal plate, reducing manufacture cost. |
| US08234899B1 |
Roll-forming machine for forming C-shaped/Z-shaped components
In a roll-forming machine having pairs of forming roll sets and two first and two second auxiliary shape-forming wheel sets for processing C-shaped component or Z-shaped component, each first auxiliary shape-forming wheel set having, in addition to an upper auxiliary shape-forming wheel, a bottom auxiliary wheel for working with a respective lateral shape-forming wheel to ram each of two sides of a C-shaped or Z-shaped component into a 90° contained angle, and each second auxiliary shape-forming wheel set having, in addition to an upper auxiliary shape-forming wheel, a bottom auxiliary wheel for working with a respective lateral shape-forming wheel to ram each of two sides of a C-shaped or Z-shaped component into a 90° contained angle, so that the operator needs not to shut down the machine or to change or calibrate the machine parts when wishing to change the processing from a C-shaped component processing mode to a Z-shaped component processing mode or from a Z-shaped component processing mode to a C-shaped component processing mode. |
| US08234894B2 |
Electric steering lock device
An electric steering lock device is provided that includes a column pipe, a steering shaft pivotably passed through the interior of the column pipe, and an electric lock unit that has an electric motor and that can switch in response to operation of the electric motor between a locked state, in which pivoting of the steering shaft is prevented, and an unlocked state in which pivoting of the steering shaft is permitted, wherein the electric lock unit is disposed within the column pipe. This arrangement can advantageously make breakage or unauthorized unlocking of the electric lock unit difficult. |
| US08234888B2 |
Washing machine
A washing machine is disclosed. A washing includes a tub holding wash water, a drum rotatable within the tub to hold laundry, a first cabinet forming a first space provided with the tub and the drum to wash laundry, a second cabinet forming a second space for additional function, the second cabinet formed as one body with the first cabinet, and a single partition provided between the first and second cabinets to partition off the second space from the first space, wherein facing ends of the first and second cabinets are in contact with each other to form a single border line. |
| US08234880B2 |
Ice-making device for refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage space and a door selectively opening or closing the storage space. The ice-making device includes an ice maker installed on a backside of the door for making ice; a cold air duct provided in one side of the storage space and supplying the ice maker with a portion of cold air supplied to the storage space; an ice maker cover detachably installed on the backside of the door to selectively open or close the ice maker; and an ice bank detachably installed on the backside of the door below the ice maker, the ice bank storing ice made in the ice maker and transferring it to a dispenser provided on the door. |
| US08234879B2 |
Method for controlling motor of air conditioner and motor controller of the same
A motor controlling method and apparatus of an air conditioner are disclosed. It is checked whether or not an operation frequency of a compressor motor is the same as or greater than a certain frequency and it is also checked whether or not a detected velocity of a fan motor is the same as or lower than a certain velocity during a certain time period. If the operation frequency is the same as or greater than the certain frequency and the detected velocity is the same as or lower than the certain velocity during a certain time period, the compressor motor is temporarily stopped. Because the compressor motor operates according to operational conditions of the fan motor, an overload can be prevented. |
| US08234876B2 |
Utility managed virtual power plant utilizing aggregated thermal energy storage
Disclosed is a system and method for providing power generation and distribution with on-site energy storage and power input controlled by a utility or a third party manager. The system allows a utility manager to decide and direct how energy is delivered to a customer on both sides of the power meter, while the customer directs and controls when and how much energy is needed. In the disclosed embodiments, the utility controls the supply (either transmitted or stored) and makes power decisions on a system that acts as a virtual power plant, while the end-user retains control of the on-site aggregated power consumption assets. The disclosed systems act to broker the needs of the utility and end-user by creating, managing and controlling the interface between these two entities. |
| US08234875B2 |
Gas turbine fuel metering unit
A fuel system for a turbine engine is provided. The fuel system includes a positive displacement pump driven by an electric motor. The pump is rotated in a first direction to deliver fuel to the turbine engine, and a second direction for evacuating fuel from the turbine engine. A shut-off check valve is open in a first direction in response to a first differential pressure created by the pump in the first direction. The shut-off check valve is biased to a closed position when the pump is rotating in the second direction. An ecology check valve is biased to a closed position in the first direction and open in the second direction in response to a second differential pressure created by the pump. The check valves open and close automatically in response to the pressures generated by the positive displacement pump in each of the first and second rotational directions. In this manner, simple, reliable valves are utilized to regulate the flow of fuel in the fuel system. |
| US08234869B2 |
Aviation engine inlet with tangential blowing for buzz saw noise control
Buzz saw noise propagates through inlet of aviation engine at high power settings. An inlet of aviation engine with blowing slot blowing air grazing over surface of buzz saw lining at speeds higher than inlet mean air flow speed for buzz saw noise control. |
| US08234868B2 |
Systems and methods for improving drivetrain efficiency for compressed gas energy storage
In various embodiments, systems for providing a constant electrical output from a compressed gas energy storage and recovery system include a hydraulic-pneumatic energy storage and recovery system configured to provide a varying pressure profile at least at one outlet, a hydraulic motor-pump in fluid communication with the outlet, and a control system for enabling the constant electrical output by controlling at least one of pressure, piston position, power, flow rate, torque, RPM, current, voltage, frequency, or displacement per revolution. |
| US08234867B2 |
Turbocharger system for internal combustion engine with internal isolated turbocharger oil drainback passage
A turbocharger system for an internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger with a utility pedestal extending between the turbocharger and the hard point associated with the cylinder block. The utility pedestal includes a mounting pad for attaching the combined turbocharger and pedestal assembly to an engine, as well as oil and coolant supply passages for supplying the turbocharger with coolant and lubricating oil under pressure. An internal, isolated, turbocharger oil drainback passage conducts waste oil from the turbocharger to a crankcase sump without permitting the waste oil to contact the engine's moving parts. |
| US08234866B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation system of internal combustion engine having a purification apparatus breakage detection unit
An object of the present invention is to provide a technology of preventing, in an exhaust gas recirculation system having a low pressure EGR passage that recirculates a part of the exhaust gas from the exhaust passage at some point downstream of the exhaust gas purification apparatus to the intake passage, fragments of the exhaust gas purification apparatus from entering the intake system through the low pressure EGR passage in case that breakage of the exhaust gas purification apparatus occurs. The inventive system has a low pressure EGR valve provided in the low pressure EGR passage, an EGR control unit (S101-S103) for recirculating exhaust gas to the intake passage by opening the low pressure EGR valve, and a breakage detection unit (S104-S107) for detecting breakage of the exhaust gas purification apparatus. When breakage of the exhaust gas purification apparatus is detected, the low pressure EGR valve is closed (S108). |
| US08234862B2 |
Systems and methods for combined thermal and compressed gas energy conversion systems
The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy. |
| US08234859B2 |
Method of and apparatus for exhausting internal combustion engines
Exhausting apparatus for exhausting an internal combustion engine including an exhaust passage for flow of exhaust gases from the engine along an axis of the passage; one or more vanes mounted to an internal face the exhaust passage, said vanes being disposed in angular relationship to the axis of the passage and having a free edge spaced inwardly from and substantially coaxial with the internal face. |
| US08234858B2 |
Particulate matter concentration measuring apparatus
A particulate matter concentration measuring apparatus configured to measure a particulate matter concentration in exhaust gas includes an exhaust gas extraction line that is branched from an exhaust line and has a flow passage cross-sectional area smaller than that of the exhaust line, a particulate matter detection filter provided in the exhaust gas extraction line and configured to catch particulate matter, a heating unit configured to heat the caught particulate matter, and a differential pressure detection unit configured to detect a differential pressure generated between an inlet and an outlet of the particulate matter detection filter. The heating unit is configured to apply about 50% or more of a calorific value for heating the particulate matter to an area making up about 30% of the particulate matter detection filter on an upstream side of an exhaust gas flow. |
| US08234855B2 |
Exhaust gas purification device for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine including a plurality of combustion exhaust systems is disclosed. Each of the combustion exhaust system is provided with a cylinder group including a plurality of cylinders, a cylinder head, an exhaust manifold, and an exhaust passage connected to the exhaust manifold for discharging the exhaust gas. In each of the plurality of cylinder groups, the discharge of the exhaust gas from the cylinders is started at an irregular interval and a blank period in which exhaust gas is not discharged from the cylinders exists. The purification device includes a purifier, an additive supply device, and a computer. The purifier purges impurities from the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage. The additive supply device supplies additive to the purifier. The computer controls the additive supply device so that each additive supply device intermittently performs a continuous supply of additive and performs the continuous supply of additive throughout the entire blank period in the corresponding combustion exhaust system. |
| US08234849B2 |
Lawnmower
A rotary lawnmower includes a shutter for switching a location to which grass cut by the blade is to be discharged, and a shutter operating mechanism for operating the shutter. The shutter operating mechanism has a first shaft, a second shaft, a first link arm, and a second link arm, a third link arm, and an operating lever. The first shaft is positioned on the housing. The first link arm is capable of swinging about the first shaft and has the operating lever. The second shaft is positioned adjacent to and parallel to the first shaft, is rotatably attached to the housing, and is linked to the shutter via the third link arm. The second link arm is attached to the second shaft in such a manner as to be restricted in relative rotation but capable of swinging about the second shaft, and is swing-driven by the first link arm. |
| US08234847B2 |
Automatic connection mechanism for mid-mounted implement
An automatic connection mechanism for a mid-mounted implement to a tractor is disclosed. The automatic connection mechanism includes a rear lift linkage pivotably attached to the tractor, that automatically and releasably engage the rear of the implement. The forward lift linkage is pivotably attached to the front of the implement, and automatically and releasably engages the forward end of the tractor. A PTO coupling member also is attached to the rear lift linkage to engage an opposing PTO coupling member on the implement. |
| US08234845B2 |
Method of sensing pack insertion at crease line of envelope
A thru-beam sensor is positioned such that the beam passes through the crease line of the envelope when the envelope is parked in the insertion area. As the envelope enters the insertion area, the through beam sensor is set to current level A. The sensor is used to accurately position the envelope based on the passing of the lead edge. Once the envelope is in position, the current in the thru-beam emitter pair is raised until the envelope is no longer obstructing the line of sight of the sensor. From this state, the insert or plurality of inserts that are entering the accumulator can be detected, as the presence of the inserts will inhibit light transmission between the emitter and receiver. Using the sensor system proposed here, the inserts trailing edge can be detected at the crease line of the envelope. |
| US08234844B2 |
Packaging assemblies and method of fabricating same
A packaging assembly in which discrete cushioning or blocking and bracing members are strategically positioned so as to provide improved protection of an article such as during shipment and storage. The assembly includes a substrate and a predetermined 2- or 3-dimensional pattern of cushioning members such as inflated (e.g., gas-filled) bags selectively and optionally independently affixed to the substrate. The pattern of cushioning members is predetermined in the x, y and z directions such that, when the substrate is positioned about the article, e.g., by folding the substrate, point contact between the cushioning members and the article is created. A method of fabricating a shock protective assembly for packaging an article is also disclosed. |
| US08234841B2 |
Apparatus and method for filling flexible foil bags
A method of filling flexible foil bags, wherein a foil bag is shaped at least partially by a gaseous medium and is then filled with a liquid filling material, with the gaseous medium disinfecting the foil bag. Also, an apparatus for filling foil bags comprising a shaping unit for shaping the foil bags using a gaseous medium, a filling unit for filling the foil bags with a liquid medium, with the ability of adding a disinfecting effect to the gaseous medium. |
| US08234836B2 |
Method of manufacturing a metal framing member
A framing member incorporates a series of web slots along a portion of the member that are expanded through the process of manufacture. The expansion of the web slots creates voids and metal web elements in the webbed portion of the member, which can be a stud. The voids created during the expansion process can become the voids for running wiring, plumbing and heating ducts. The web elements can be designed to minimize thermal transmission from the exterior to the interior of a wall including the member, as well as provide adequate structure properties required from the structural member. The expanded slots allow the part to enlarge without increasing the amount of raw material and therefore substantially reducing the cost to manufacture. |
| US08234834B2 |
Method for forming a floor
Floor element (1), which is mainly in the form of a board with triangular, quadratic, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal shape as seen from above. The floor element (1) is provided with edges (2), a lower side (7) and a decorative upper layer (3). The floor elements (1), which are intended to be joined via tongue and groove are on at least two opposite edges (2), preferably on all edges (2) provided with holes (4). The holes (4) extends inwards from the edge (2) mainly parallel to the decorative upper layer (3). The holes (4) are arranged on a predetermined distance from the decorative upper layer (3) and on a predetermined distance from a closest corner between two adjacent edges (2), whereby the holes (4) are intended to receive each one part of a guiding means (6). |
| US08234825B2 |
Solar installation including at least one solar module having a spring-loaded mounting of the cover plate
A solar installation includes at least one solar module. The at least one solar module includes a cover plate and a housing box. The housing box includes housing walls, a frame construction including a substantially L-shaped support profile, the support profile including a transverse leg disposed edge-parallel on a bottom side of the cover plate with a seal interposed therebetween and a longitudinal leg connected to the housing wall. A detent device has at least one upper detent element and one lower detent element for fixing the cover plate on the housing box. A spring-loaded mounting includes at least two spring elements for mounting the cover plate on the housing walls, via the at least two spring elements. The at least two spring elements have a predetermined vertical stroke and are configured to generate a restoring force. |
| US08234817B2 |
Method and device for controlling the closing movement of a chassis component for vehicles
To reduce stresses during closing of a manually closable body component, e.g. a door, a control device and a method of controlling closing movement in which, during the closing movement, from an opened position, the body component passes through first movement range in which the body component is moved towards the closed position without any action by a control member, and, thereafter, the body component passes through a second movement range in which the closing movement is varied by the action of the control member that residual kinetic energy of the body component does not exceed a predetermined limit value after passing through the second movement range, irrespective of the initial speed. The residual kinetic energy is not sufficient to close the body component automatically, so it is automatically drawn in a third movement range until a pre catch or main catch of a lock is reached. |
| US08234812B1 |
Fodder-growing enclosure
A transportable fodder production unit is disclosed that includes an insulated container having a front end and a rear end, a plurality of trays each having drain apertures through a bottom side thereof, a racking system for supporting each of the trays with a plurality of shelves extending from the front end of the container to the rear end of the container, an irrigation system attachable to a water source and having a water tank in fluid communication with a plurality of spray heads through a pump and a plurality of pipes, a lighting system that maintains a predetermined illumination within the container, a thermal control system that maintains the temperature inside the container within a predetermined temperature range, and a central control system for activating the other systems and maintaining electrical load balancing on a power source. |
| US08234806B1 |
Ticket holder
A ticket holding system mounted over a cooking station in view of a user of the cooking station and for holding one or more order tickets for meals being prepared and viewable by the user. The ticket holding system includes an elongated ticket holder; an elongated ticket retainer that is secured to a face surface of the elongated ticket holder and capable of releasably retaining one or more order tickets; and a pair of brackets that support the ticket holder at a position disposed over the cooking station. The pair of brackets are mounted from respective support surfaces that are spaced apart so that the brackets are spaced from each other and mount the ticket holder therebetween. The pair of brackets and ticket holder are cooperatively constructed and arranged so that the ticket holder can be both pivotal relative to the brackets and adjusted in height. |
| US08234805B2 |
Sign fixture
A sign fixture includes a support beam, a sign holder and at least one H-bracket. The support beam having a first end and a second end and supported by a product display structure. The sign holder supports a sign indicative of information related to a product displayed for sale. The at least one H-bracket includes a magnet to magnetically couple a first portion of the support beam to a first portion of the sign holder. |
| US08234804B1 |
Laser etched article with illuminable housing
An etched display incorporating lighting within a housing. A translucent material has a laser-etching of an image that is placed within the stand with at least one edge of the translucent article facing a lighting source whereby the light rays create a translucent article having a higher luminance than the ambient surroundings. |
| US08234802B2 |
Mountable display for temporary vehicle tag
A mountable display for a temporary vehicle tag is provided. The display includes a transparent envelope adapted to receive a paper tag overlayed upon a reinforcement board or card. The envelope may have an adhesively coated flap extending from an open end thereof, the flap being adapted to pass around the envelope and seal to the back thereof, such that the temporary tag is received and maintained in a transparent sealed envelope. Screws or bolts pass through the envelope and through designated areas of the reinforced tag, for securing engagement with an insert received by a panel of the vehicle. The bolts or screws make securing engagement of the envelope and tag to the vehicle by sandwiching the combination of the envelope and reinforced tag between the head of the bolt or screw and the vehicle panel. |
| US08234796B2 |
Method of controlling a tumble laundry drier
A method of controlling a tumble laundry drier (1), the method including the steps of: starting a drying/ironing cycle and feeding drying air into the drum (5) from a drum input to a drum output; continuously measuring the electrical resistance/conductivity between two electrodes (25) located on the inside of the door; estimating the weight of the laundry inside the drum (5); measuring a temperature of the drying air at the drum output; stopping the drying/ironing cycle, if the weight of the laundry is above a weight threshold, when the electrical resistance/conductivity between the two electrodes (25) is above/below a resistance/conductivity threshold; and stopping the drying/ironing cycle, if the weight of the laundry is below a weight threshold, when the electrical resistance/conductivity between the two electrodes (25) is above/below a resistance/conductivity threshold and also when the temperature of the drying air at the drum output is above a temperature threshold. |
| US08234792B2 |
Linear encoder
A linear encoder that includes a housing having: an elongated hollow profile section including a first face end and a second face end; a cap disposed on the first face end; and a seal which is disposed in sealing fashion between the hollow profile section and the cap, wherein the seal includes an electrically conductive connecting element. The linear encoder further includes a scale made of electrically nonconductive material, wherein the scale is disposed inside the housing and the scale includes a measuring graduation that is scannable by a scanning unit, which is movable in a measurement direction relative to the housing. The linear encoder includes a shunt made of electrically conductive material, wherein the shunt is mounted on the scale and extends in the measurement direction and wherein the electrically conductive connecting element is configured so as to establish an electrical connection between the shunt and at least one of the hollow profile section and the cap. |
| US08234791B2 |
Structural stud finder device and method
A device for locating structural stud members beneath a surface such as a shingled roof. The device includes a support block for receiving a probe member, the probe member extending from the support block at a selected arc of curvature terminating at a point spaced apart from the support block. An indicator member is fixed to the support block, the indicator member extending from the support block parallel to the probe member and having an end coextensive with the termination point of the probe member such that the indicator member provides a user with the orientation and termination point of the probe member when the probe member is beneath the surface. In use, a hole created within the surface and the support block rotated on the surface until the probe member abuts an edge of a structural stud member. |
| US08234787B2 |
Method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head
A first film adhesive between actuator units and a supply port plate, a second film adhesive between a reservoir plate and the supply port plate, and a third film adhesive between the reservoir plate and a nozzle plate are each provided with round holes having an equal size and formed in correspondence to the locations of nozzle communication ports. Thanks to the round holes having the equal size one another, irregularity in capacities of spaces formed by layers of the first film adhesive, the second adhesive, and the third film adhesive are reduced, thereby reducing a difference of passage resistance caused in the nozzle communication ports. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a printing head capable of reducing irregularity in an amount of ejected ink and a speed of ink drops between nozzles. |
| US08234785B2 |
Method for producing a connecting rod
The invention relates to a method for producing a bearing component (1), in particular a connecting rod (1), from a molded part (2), wherein the bearing component (1) includes at least one divided bearing seat (5) formed by a bearing base (3) and a bearing cover (4), and a bearing seat surface (7) coated with a bearing layer (6) of a bearing layer material is formed in the bearing seat (5) for supporting a shaft. In the method of the present invention the bearing cover (4) is separated from the molded part (2) along a separating surface (8). In accordance with the invention, a masking agent (M) is disposed perpendicularly with respect to a separating line (10) on the bearing seat surface (7) during a coating process for applying the bearing layer (6) in order to form a coating-free region, such that a recess (9) at a predetermined width (B) is produced in the bearing layer (6). The masking agent (M) is formed as an element which is separate from the bearing component (1) and is not connected thereto. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out an efficient and cost-effective production method for coated bearing components. |
| US08234782B2 |
Methods of fabricating microelectronic devices
Methods of fabricating components for microelectronic devices, microelectronic devices including memory cells or other components, and computers including memory devices include forming memory cells. For example, one embodiment is directed toward a method of fabricating a memory cell on a workpiece having a substrate, a plurality of active areas in the substrate, and a dielectric layer over the active areas. One embodiment of the method includes constructing bit line contact openings in the dielectric layer over first portions of the active areas and cell plug openings over second portions of the active areas. The method also includes depositing a first conductive material into the bit line contact openings to form bit line contacts and into the cell plug openings to form cell plugs. A conductive line is formed in a trench in the substrate. |
| US08234777B2 |
Low profile and compact surface mount circulator on ball grid array
A surface mount circulator. The novel circulator includes a substrate, a predetermined number of microstrip lines disposed on a first surface of the substrate, a ground layer and a predetermined number of electrical contacts disposed on the second surface of the substrate, and a mechanism for coupling each microstrip line to one of the electrical contacts. In an illustrative embodiment, the circulator uses edge wrap metallization to wrap a microstrip line down a side of the substrate to connect with a corresponding contact. A ball grid array can then be used to connect the signal contacts and ground at the second surface of the substrate with a circuit board. The circulator also includes a magnet on first surface of the substrate over a resonator circuit connecting the microstrip lines and a pole piece on the second surface of the substrate beneath the ground to provide magnetic bias to the substrate. |
| US08234773B2 |
Apparatus and method for forming electronic devices
A method of forming at least one electronic device on a substrate comprising creating a depository and an attached capillary; providing a liquid containing particles in the range 1 nanometer to 1 millimeter for deposit into the depository; the liquid flowing into the at least one capillary by capillary action; evaporating the liquid such that the particles form an agglomerate beginning at the end of the at least one capillary with a substantially uniform distribution of the particles within the agglomerate; whereby the agglomerate is used to form a part of the at least one electronic device. An microelectronic integrated circuit device comprising a substrate; a depository coupled to said substrate formed by at least one wall, a capillary channel coupled to said depository adapted to be filled with liquid comprising nanoparticles by capillary action, whereby as the liquid evaporates, an agglomerate forms in the capillary channel having a substantially uniform distribution of the particles. |
| US08234768B2 |
Method of forming an information handling system enclosure
An information handling system enclosure is formed from a metal panel having a thickness, such as approximately 1 mm, by stamping a raised edge from the panel so that the height of the edge appears as a thickness of the panel, such as 2.5 mm. The raised edge is stamped to have a raised edge of slightly greater than the final edge height and then punched into a corner tool to provide the raised edge with a desired height. Punching into the corner tool forms the edge along the outer circumference of the panel to have a substantially square appearance. |
| US08234763B2 |
Processing method of slotted hole
In a processing method of a slotted hole for processing a hole in a processed subject and further processing a slot intersecting the hole, a process for generating a compressive residual stress c is applied to an inner diameter portion of the hole before the slot is processed. |
| US08234760B2 |
Mechanical zipper assist
A zipper closure system for allowing one hand zipping of objects requiring sufficient compressive force to close is provided. The zipper closure system comprises a set of tracks having a row of teeth adapted to mate with each other, a plurality of sliders that are adapted to move along the row of teeth, a connector system comprising a plurality of extenders attached to the pull tabs that allow a user to move the plurality of sliders along the row of teeth, and a connector attached to a third pull tab, where the connector links the third slider with the first and second sliders. The zipper system further includes at least one pull ring and a stopping member. |
| US08234759B2 |
Device for releasably securing to a support surface
A device for releasably securing to a support surface, such as a cork board, bulletin board and/or cubicle wall is provided. The device has a body, at least one pin movably coupled to the body for securing the body to a support surface, and an actuator coupled to the body and arranged to move the pin between a first position and a second position. The body may have a cavity and the pin may be movable between a first position where the pin is recessed within the cavity and a second position where the pin protrudes out of the cavity for securing the body to a support surface. In one embodiment, the device is a clip for releasably holding an object, such as paper, to the support device. |
| US08234758B2 |
Shoulder strap assembly and snap hook structure thereof
A shoulder strap assembly and a snap hook structure thereof are presented. A strap of the shoulder strap assembly is combined with a first article through the snap hook structure. The snap hook structure includes a main body and a keeper member. The main body hooks the first article, and the keeper member ensures the main body to keep hooking the first article. The keeper member has a perforation. The user can wind the strap around a second article, and use a lock to pass through the perforation so as to lock the first article with the second article, thereby preventing the first article from being stolen. |
| US08234752B2 |
Sliding and rotating hinge module
A sliding and rotating hinge module for supporting a display screen or the like, includes a bracket, a slider and a support member. The slider is capable of sliding movement relative to the bracket and the support member is capable of pivotal movement relative to the slider. A drum is rotationally supported by the bracket. A constant force spring is attached to the drum at one end and to the slider at the other end. The constant force spring is biased to wrap around the drum, the constant force spring unwrapping from the drum as the slider moves toward the retracted position. The constant force spring biases the slider toward the extended position. A damping mechanism damps the rotational motion of the drum relative to the bracket for smooth, non-abrupt movement of the slider. |
| US08234749B2 |
Orbital scrubber with stabilizer element
Vibration dampening elements that are made of rubber and/or an elastomer may fail when subjected to vertical and/or horizontal stresses caused by repeated lifting of the cleaning head assembly and/or unintentional bumping of the cleaning head assembly into door frames, walls or other non-movable objects. The present invention includes, among other things, at least one stabilizer element and preferably two stabilizer elements to reduce damage to certain vibration dampening elements caused by vertical and/or horizontal stress. Alternative embodiments of the stabilizer element are also disclosed. |
| US08234747B1 |
Windshield wiper assembly
A vehicle windshield wiper blade having multiple cleaning elements which are rotatable to provide a new cleaning surface is herein disclosed. The wiper blade is arranged such that two (2) rubber blades and one (1) bristle brush are in contact with a windshield surface at all times during use. The wiper blade allows is rotatable and lockable in ninety degree (90°) increments as needed, thereby extending a useful life. The wiper blade is supported by a rod structure which is attached to an existing vehicle wiper arm in a conventional manner. As the wiper blade traverses the windshield, the brush scrubs the windshield, removing splattered and stuck-on debris, while the outer blades sweep water and residue away. |
| US08234746B2 |
Water blocker for wiper system
A wiper system for a vehicle includes a frame supported by the vehicle and a wiper motor supported by the frame. The wiper system further includes a wiper arm coupled to the wiper motor and configured to be driven by the wiper motor to move in a reciprocating pattern. A water blocking member is wrapped around a portion of the frame to prevent water running along the frame from reaching the wiper motor. The blocking member is flexible and has separate free ends to enable assembly with the frame. A method of assembling the wiper system includes pressing the water blocker onto the frame at a location away from spaced apart ends of the frame. |
| US08234745B2 |
Motor device and wiper apparatus
A sectoral reduction gear is arranged between a motor portion and a link mechanism. The sectoral reduction gear rotates in a reciprocating manner in a predetermined angle range on the basis of a forward rotation and a reverse rotation of the motor portion. An outer periphery of the sectoral reduction gear defines an imaginary circle. An inner region of the imaginary circle has an operating range in which the sectoral reduction gear, which rotates in a reciprocating manner, passes, and a non-operating range, in which the sectoral reduction gear does not pass. As seen from an axial direction of an output shaft, a part or the whole of the output shaft is arranged in the non-operating range. |
| US08234744B2 |
Bristle holder for a brush
The present invention relates to a brush and a bristle holder. The invention relates in particular to a bristle holder for a brush, the bristle holder having a frame, a bristle anchoring means, and a back part, the back part having a first end area adjacent to the handle part of a connectable brush and a second end area adjacent to the brush end, the first end area supporting at least one first connecting element and the second end area supporting at least one positioning element and at least one holding element. The invention furthermore relates to a brush with and for a bristle holder of the described type. |
| US08234742B2 |
Complex motion toothbrush
A head for a toothbrush has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The transverse axis is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The head includes a first cleaning element carrier and a second cleaning element carrier. The second cleaning element carrier is asymmetrically fixed to the head such that the second cleaning element carrier can move relative to the head about the transverse axis of the head. |
| US08234740B2 |
Moisture barrier breathing device
A cleaning assembly (2) for an optical device (16) includes a shaft (14) configured for supporting the optical device within an enclosure (4) that is adapted for rotation about the shaft. At least one first sealing element (18) is disposed between the shaft and a mating surface of the enclosure for preventing fluid leakage therethrough. At least one optically transparent window (8) is mounted in association with the enclosure (4), and at least one cleaning element (9, 11) is coupled to the shaft for cleaning a surface of the window (8). The cleaning assembly may include a moisture barrier in the form of a pressure-influenced member (58) such as a bellows (40) having a body of expandable and retractable-volume for containing air that diffuses therein, while equalizing pressure on opposite sides of the barrier. |
| US08234736B2 |
Shoe outsole made using composite sheet material
Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for making a shoe outsole and to shoe outsoles made using such techniques. In one such technique, a sheet of composite material is produced by extruding a base material together with a sheet of fabric material. The sheet of composite material is then cut into an outsole component, and a shoe outsole is fabricated using the outsole component. |
| US08234734B2 |
Modular teething rail cover device
A baby crib rail device is provided for assisting an infant with relieving pain associated with teething. The device comprises a plurality of crib rail covers removably secure to the guardrail of a child's crib or playpen. Rail covers consist of channels having an inverted “U” shaped cross-section. The covers are secured to an infant crib guardrail by placing the rail through the open bottom of a crib rail cover and pushing downward to secure its location. Sections of rail cover are removably securable to each other in an end-to-end structure that results in an elongated crib rail cover. The covers may be constructed of a soft, durable, sanitizable material such as rubber or plastic. The surfaces of the different rail covers may have a variety of surface contours to provide different types of gum stimulation for teething infants. Rail covers may be arranged in any desired configuration according to the needs or interests of a child. |
| US08234728B2 |
Multi-purpose air mattress
A multi-purpose air mattress apparatus is disclosed for use in at least a bed of a vehicle having an opposing pair of inwardly protruding wheel wells. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, an inflatable air mattress having a pair of opposing sidewalls, each defining a lateral recess sized for accepting at least a portion of the wheel wells therewithin and further defining recess ledges that selectively sit atop the wheel wells. With the apparatus positioned within the vehicle bed and the wheel wells positioned at least partially within the lateral recesses, the recess ledges in combination with a perimeter ledge cover substantially any exposed portions of the wheel wells, while a set of upper and lower perimeter chambers further maintain a stable structure of the apparatus during use both within a vehicle bed as well as on any other relatively flat surface in otherwise conventional fashion. |
| US08234726B2 |
Adjustable plumbing fittings
An adjustable plumbing fitting has a piston rotatably and telescopically engaged in a housing, with one end of the housing adapted to be connected to a first plumbing part, and a cylindrical extension on the piston projecting from an opposite end of the housing and adapted to be connected to a second plumbing part. In one embodiment, two housings and associated pistons are integrally joined together to form a T-fitting for connecting the overflow and drain of a bathtub. In another embodiment, the housing is integrally formed with a J-shaped drain trap, and in another embodiment the housing and/or piston is integrally formed with a water closet flange. |
| US08234720B2 |
Sweatshirt
A sweatshirt is disclosed that has a main body with a front panel and a back panel. The front panel includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The back panel also includes an inner surface and an outer surface. A pair of pockets having a pair of opposing edges is positioned on a lower edge of the front panel proximate the opening. At least one closure means is positioned in the front panel. The closure means includes a bottom zipper and a second zipper. The bottom zipper includes a first row teeth and a second row teeth extending along the pair of opposing edges in the front panel. The second zipper includes a first row teeth and a second row teeth extending along the opposing edges of the pair of pockets, each being proximate the bottom zipper. |
| US08234719B2 |
Personal environmental protection apparatus
A respirator apparatus including an improved helmet or headgear construction with a unique shield including a protective lens and cuff attachment therefor. The protective lens is a thin clear plastic sheet designed to be used as a lens with a (PAPR) respirator and the cuff is an attached fabric or similar material designed to form a facial seal around the wearer. |
| US08239964B2 |
On-demand physically secure data storage
Safe deposit boxes, services, and methods for physically secure data storage are provided that include securing a network-enabled computer within a safe deposit box, receiving, in the network-enabled computer, data transmitted from a remote computer coupled for data communications with the network-enabled computer; and storing the data in the memory of the network-enabled computer. Securing a network-enabled computer within a safe deposit box may be carried out by providing a locked safe deposit box having the networked enabled computer stored within. Securing a network-enabled computer within a safe deposit box may be carried out by providing a lockable safe deposit box having the networked enabled computer integrated within. |
| US08239963B2 |
Method of protecting a password from unauthorized access and data processing unit
A method of protecting a password from unauthorized access and a data processing unit are provided. An embodiment of the method of protecting a password from unauthorized access comprises storing data representing at least a portion of a password in a memory, assigning the data to at least one of a plurality of instructions, storing the plurality of instructions as processor executable code in the memory, and preventing read-out of the processor executable code as data from the memory. |
| US08239961B2 |
Digital rights management using trusted time
A method for monitoring time so that the use of protected content can be controlled includes receiving a trusted time value from a trusted authority external to a client device. When the client is no longer in communication with the trusted authority, the previously-received trusted time value is updated by use of the client's operating system counter so that a calculated trusted time value is derived for content license evaluation purposes. |
| US08239949B2 |
Managing network traffic flow
A method for managing network traffic flow is provided. The method includes receiving network traffic content, storing at least a portion of the network traffic content to a memory, sending a copy of the network traffic content to a processor, which determines whether the network traffic content contains content desired to be detected. Another method for managing network traffic flow includes receiving network traffic content, flagging the network traffic content, sending the flagged network traffic content to a module, which is configured to pass unflagged data to a user and prevent flagged data from being sent to the user, and sending a copy of the network traffic content to a processor, which determines whether the network traffic content contains content desired to be detected. |
| US08239945B2 |
Intrusion detection using a network processor and a parallel pattern detection engine
An intrusion detection system (IDS) comprises a network processor (NP) coupled to a memory unit for storing programs and data. The NP is also coupled to one or more parallel pattern detection engines (PPDE) which provide high speed parallel detection of patterns in an input data stream. Each PPDE comprises many processing units (PUs) each designed to store intrusion signatures as a sequence of data with selected operation codes. The PUs have configuration registers for selecting modes of pattern recognition. Each PU compares a byte at each clock cycle. If a sequence of bytes from the input pattern match a stored pattern, the identification of the PU detecting the pattern is outputted with any applicable comparison data. By storing intrusion signatures in many parallel PUs, the IDS can process network data at the NP processing speed. PUs may be cascaded to increase intrusion coverage or to detect long intrusion signatures. |
| US08239941B1 |
Push alert system, method, and computer program product
A system, method and computer program product are provided for alerting users of a plurality of computers of a security event via a network. A security alert is first generated including information relating to a security event utilizing a server. The security alert is then pushed from the server to a plurality of computers via a network. The information of the security alert is then automatically displayed in a front most window of a user interface of the computers. |
| US08239939B2 |
Browser protection module
An exemplary computer-implementable method (300) transforms information to reduce or eliminate risk of exploitation of a software service and includes receiving information (304) in response to a request, transforming the information (308) to produce transformed information and sending the transformed information (312). An exemplary firewall server (112) includes server software (144, 148) that allows the firewall server (112) to receive information from a resource (104, 108) via a network and to send information to a client computer (114) and a browser protection component (264, 268) for transforming the information to prevent exploitation of a vulnerability of browser software (154) on the client computer (114). Various other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08239935B2 |
Providing notice of patent and other legal rights
A system for providing notice of legal rights corresponding to a computing device includes presenting a notice to the user through an I/O interface. The notice is in response to an attempt by a user to access at least one feature of the device through the I/O interface of the device and the notice further indicates that the device is subject to legal rights under a legal instrument. An acknowledgement of the legal rights is presented through the I/O interface. If the user selects the acknowledgement, the user is allowed to access at least one feature of the device. The user is prevented from accessing the at least one feature of the device if the user does not select the acknowledgement. |
| US08239930B2 |
Method for controlling access to a network in a communication system
The invention relates to a method for controlling access to a private network. To a firewall node are updated logical names for mobile nodes allowed to communicate with nodes in the private network. A packet is received to the firewall node from an external network, the packet being addressed to a first node within the private network. The source address is obtained from the packet. Addresses associated with the logical names are obtained from a database node. It is checked whether the source address belongs to the addresses obtained. The packet is admitted to the private network, if the source address belongs to the addresses obtained. |
| US08239925B2 |
Evaluating removal of access permissions
Methods and systems are provided for controlling access to a file system. A record of actual accesses by users of the file system is maintained. Before a user is removed from a set of users or before a privilege for a set of users to access a data element is removed, it is determined whether the actual recorded accesses of the user are allowed by residual access permissions that would remain after implementing the proposed removal of access permission. An error condition is generated if the proposed removal of the access permission would have prevented at least one of the actual accesses. In another aspect of the invention, the system determines if the users would have alternate access to the storage element following implementation of the proposal. |
| US08239922B2 |
Remote HVAC control with user privilege setup
An HVAC control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance with a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may provide one or more web-pages via the first port that solicit and receive user rights privileges. |
| US08239912B2 |
Wireless network base stations capable of receiving video signals
Wireless network base stations capable of receiving video signals are provided. A wireless network base station includes a video signal receiver, a video decoding unit, a first Ethernet port, and a processor. The video signal receiver receives a video signal. The video decoding unit connected to the video signal receiver decodes the video signal. The first Ethernet port connected to a network receives first data packets therefrom and transmits second data packets thereto. The processor, connected to the video decoding unit and the first Ethernet port, converts the decoded video signal to video packets and controls reception and transmission of the video packets, the first data packets, and the second data packets. The processor transmits the video packets and the first data packets to a computer and receives the second data packets from the computer wirelessly. |
| US08239910B2 |
Video/audio system and method enabling a user to select different views and sounds associated with an event
A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user. |
| US08239908B2 |
System and method for verifying a conditional access blackout in a video data distribution system
A system is disclosed for verifying an occurrence of a blackout event in a data distribution system, the system including but not limited to a processor in data communication with a computer readable medium; and computer program comprising instructions to receive restricted content data at the data distribution system; instructions to receive at the data distribution system, blackout event data indicating at least one criterion for selecting client devices subject to a blackout event for the restricted content data; instructions to place at the data distribution system, client devices into a client device group subject to the blackout event in accordance with the event data criterion; and instructions to correlate at the data distribution system, the blackout event data with the retune activity data to verify the occurrence of the blackout event in the client devices. |
| US08239900B1 |
Video bursting based upon wireless device location
What is disclosed is a method of operating a video system. The method includes, in a video server, monitoring a geographic location of a wireless communication device, transferring reference frames of a video for delivery to the wireless communication device over a wireless communication system if the geographic location is within a group of predefined geographic areas and stopping the transfer of the reference frames if the geographic location is not within the group of predefined geographic areas. The method also includes, in the video server, transferring update frames of the video for delivery to the wireless communication device over the wireless communication system without regard to whether the geographic location is within the group of predefined geographic areas. The method also includes, in the wireless communication device, receiving the reference frames and the update frames of the video over the wireless communication system and displaying the video. |
| US08239895B2 |
PMCP extension metadata, data stream generating device, digital data broadcasting emission system and digital data broadcasting emission method thereof
Provided are a PMCP extended metadata for securing interoperability among devices constituting a digital data broadcasting emitting system, a data stream generating device using the same, a digital data broadcasting emitting system and a digital data broadcasting emitting method. The PMCP extended metadata includes: a channel metadata for providing system information of data events constituting a data broadcasting program; a program and system information protocol (PSIP) data event metadata for providing identification information and program guide of data events; and an advanced television system committee (ACAP) data service metadata for providing encoding information including signaling information and transmission protocol information of data broadcasting contents corresponding to data events. |
| US08239891B2 |
Systems and methods for providing advertisements in a fantasy sports contest application
Systems and methods are presented for presenting advertisements to users of a fantasy sports contest application. Advertisements are displayed in conjunction with fantasy sports contest information and may be interactive in nature. The advertisements may be used to inform the user of prizes being awarded for performance in the fantasy sports contest, including prizes being awarded for performing in an instant scoring opportunity based on real-time action in a related sports broadcast. The advertisements may be intelligently scheduled around certain events in a related sports broadcast to take advantage of user purchasing habits. The advertisements may be selected according to a user profile. The user profile may include information on the user's demonstrated interests, which may be determined using the user's preferences in the fantasy contest, prior television viewing habits, and other suitable information. The advertisements may be targeted to the user's specific geographic location. The advertisements may also be used to inform a user of an awarded prize, and to enable the user to claim the awarded prize. |
| US08239886B2 |
System and method for a video content service monitoring and provisioning architecture
According to one example embodiment there is provided a computer program executable on a computing platform to at least in part analyze data at least in part obtained from one or more data sources of an Internet-protocol television (IPTV) network, wherein the data provided by the data sources includes set-top-box data, subscriber data, demographic data, content server data and network usage data. In another embodiment, the computer program at least in part correlates video provisioning information obtained from the data sources, individual subscriber channel viewing information, subscriber data and demographic data to provide informative views of data. The provisioning information may include information such as what programs or television (TV) commercials are shown on each channel during different time periods and the TV or video-on-demand program category information. |
| US08239882B2 |
Markup based extensibility for user interfaces
Methods, systems, and computer products are provided for exposing the programming of an application user interface to allow modification of the associated user interface to include adding, removing, disabling, enabling and repurposing new or existing user interface components. |
| US08239881B2 |
Zero-power event detector
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for detecting an event while a powered system is powered off. An exemplary system comprises an event input that is configured to detect an electrical signal created by an event while the system is powered off; a zero-power event memory configured to receive the electrical signal from the event input and use the electrical signal to store an indication that the event occurred, wherein the zero-power event memory is configured to store the indication that the event occurred at least until the system next powers on; a read subsystem that is configured to, when the system powers on, access the zero-power event memory and determine whether or not an event occurred while the system was powered off; and a reset subsystem that is configured to, when the system powers off, cause the zero-power event memory to reset to a state indicating that no event has occurred. Further, the system may comprise an event response subsystem configured to take appropriate responsive actions when an event is detected. |
| US08239880B1 |
Orchestrating flow of event information to several event handling components
Event management techniques for use in a computer system comprising an event generating component generating at least one event and a plurality of event handling components applying one or more business process rules in response to the event. In one embodiment of the invention, an event generation component provides to an event handling component a notification of an event and context information about the event, in the same communication. The context information may provide all the information necessary for the event handling component to apply one or more business policy rules to determine how to handle the event. In some implementations having multiple event handling components of different types, the event generating component may be configured to provide notification of events to the event handling components in a specified order. In some implementations, multiple event handling components may be joined in a logical pool, sharing responsibility for handling events. |
| US08239878B2 |
Verification of loadable objects
A method and apparatus for verifying loadable objects. A request is received from an application to load a first loadable object into memory. A first signature value is calculated for the first loadable object. The first loadable object is loaded into memory if the first signature value matches one of a plurality of signature values, each of the plurality of signature values being associated with a distinct loadable object. |
| US08239877B2 |
Pre-population of meta data cache for resolution of data marshaling issues
In a data processing system, objects (in the object oriented sense of the word) are instantiated through the use of transmitted data which is marshaled and demarshaled through the use of protocols that acquire meta data for the transmitted data through the use of an already existing cache of such meta data which has proper content meeting version requirements as specified by an implementation key associated with the object. This eliminates the need for call back requests that may or may not succeed because of the presence of a firewall in a yet-to-be-established connection. A tool is provided for structuring the data, first on disk and then later in a more readily available portion of an active memory. |
| US08239876B2 |
Efficient web services application status self-control system on image-forming device
Techniques and systems for controlling resources used by a device's web services applications are disclosed. In one technique, web services applications release their allocated resources and enter a “sleep mode” after being inactive for a specified period of time. In one technique, a device maintains a shared pool of memory resources. The pool contains data structures that web services applications are likely to re-use. Before allocating a new instance of a needed data structure from free memory, a web services application first determines whether the shared pool already contains a currently unused but allocated instance of a data structure of the needed type, and, if the shared pool does, then the web service application uses that instance, overwriting existing data in the instance as needed. Web services applications return such data structures to the shared pool when those web services applications are finished using those data structures. |
| US08239873B2 |
Speedy event processing
A method for event positioning includes categorizing events into event groups based on a priority level, buffering the events in each event group into a group event queue, and determining an optimized position for events within each queue based, at least in part, on a processing time and an expected response time for each event in the group event queue. |
| US08239871B2 |
Managing timeout in a multithreaded system by instantiating a timer object having scheduled expiration time and set of timeout handling information
A method of managing a multithreaded computer system comprises instantiating, in response to each transaction initiated by a first thread of a plurality of threads, a timer object including a scheduled expiration time and a set of timeout handling information for the transaction in storage local to the first thread; registering, in response to each passing of a fixed time interval, each timer object in the storage local to the first thread for which the scheduled expiration time is earlier than the fixed time interval added to a current time in a timer processing component by adding a pointer referencing the timer object to a data structure managed by the timer processing component; and managing each timer object corresponding to a transaction initiated by the first thread that is not registered in the timer processing component in the storage local to the first thread. The timer processing component regularly processes each timer object referenced by the data structure for which the scheduled expiration time value is not earlier than the current time in accordance with the set of timeout handling information of the timer object. |
| US08239869B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for scheduling computer micro-jobs to execute at non-disruptive times and modifying a minimum wait time between the utilization windows for monitoring the resources
A method, system, and apparatus to divide a computing job into micro-jobs and allocate the execution of the micro-jobs to times when needed resources comply with one or more idleness criteria is provided. The micro-jobs are executed on an ongoing basis, but only when the resources needed by the micro-jobs are not needed by other jobs. A software program utilizing this methodology may be run at all times while the computer is powered up without impacting the performance of other software programs running on the same computer system. |
| US08239868B2 |
Computer system, servers constituting the same, and job execution control method and program
[Object] To provide a system capable of performing optimum job scheduling in respect of the types and utilization of computers as well as the types of jobs, and readily accommodating changes to the system configuration, in a grid computing system.[Constitution] A center server 100 which requests process servers on a grid computing network to execute jobs includes a scheduler section 110 which assigns a job to be executed to a process server and issues a job execution request, and a PS agent section 120 which manages information about the process servers 200, receives a request issued by the scheduler section 110, and sends the request to the process server 200 to which the requested job has been assigned, depending on the operating status and access type of the process server 200. |
| US08239865B2 |
Waiting and synchronization of parallel task executions based on task groups and task object representations
A method includes creating a first task group. A plurality of task object representations are added to the first task group. Each representation corresponds to one task object in a first plurality of task objects. A wait operation is performed on the first task group that waits for at least one of the task objects in the first plurality of task objects to complete. |
| US08239863B2 |
Method and system for migrating a virtual machine
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of migrating a virtual machine. The method comprises replicating a source storage device corresponding to the virtual machine to a target storage device through replication links. The method also comprises receiving a migration state that indicates initiation of a migration of the virtual machine from a source server to a target server. The method also comprises collecting storage system status information of the source storage device and storing the storage system status information to a persistent store accessible to the target server. The method also comprises sending memory states and central processing unit (CPU) states to the target server through a communications network. The method also comprises performing a failover of the virtual machine from the source server to the target server and from source storage device to target storage device. |
| US08239862B2 |
Apparatus, method, and computer program product for processing information
An information processing apparatus includes a plurality of virtual machines, each including an application managing unit that determines whether an application can process a client request by referring to address information specified in the client request and application information. One of the virtual machines includes a request transferring unit that identifies a virtual machine to which a client request is to be transferred by referring to overall application information and address information, and transfers the request to identified virtual machine. |
| US08239860B2 |
Maintenance OS determining if system is within desired noise profile based on application type
Hypervisors are a new technology in the industry that enable multiple Operating Systems to co-exist on a single client. The use of a hypervisor provides a novel approach to thermal fan control. The hypervisor is able to fire up a maintenance Operating System on demand or have it running from the powering of the computer. The maintenance Operating System continuously monitors the status of the user Operating System and determines if the system is within the desired fan noise profile by measuring noise levels using means well known in the art. If the system seems to be drifting out of the desired profile, the maintenance Operating System will determine what type of action is required and choose the most appropriate course of action. These actions can be performed by either the maintenance Operating System or the hypervisor, as appropriate. |
| US08239857B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method of installing application program
An information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive an application including a first application for the information processing apparatus, and a second application for a device other than the information processing apparatus, an installing unit configured to install the application received by the receiving unit, and an acquiring unit configured to acquire information for identifying a device on which to install the second application included in the application, wherein the installing unit installs the first application included in the application on the information processing apparatus, and sends the second application included in the application to the device identified by the information acquired by the acquiring unit. |
| US08239856B2 |
Sharing unresolved information between software components
Techniques are disclosed which allow independent software components to share unresolved information with one another. Components may register with a component integration bus (CIB) as a provider or a consumer (or both) for a variety of different data types. The CIB may be further configured to store and share component information with users of the CIB to broker consumer-provider relationships between components included in an integrated solution package. The CIB may also validate the consumer-provider relationships between components included in such a package. Further, the CIB provides information useful to validate the solution package. Using the information from the CIB, components of the solution package are able to resolve unresolved information when the integrated solution is deployed on a remote system. |
| US08239855B2 |
Component-based software installation
A system and method for automated management of a multi-component software installation. The software product comprises multiple components that can operate independently, but which may operate better (e.g., with more or different functionality) if able to call another component (a “supplying” component). A persistent data store records the installation status of the components (e.g., as static Boolean values). Each installed component that depends on another component (i.e., can benefit from calling an element of the other component) is coded to compile conditionally, based on whether the supplying component is installed. If installed, the supplying component can be linked at compile time; if the supplying component is not installed, the installed component compiles and runs without the benefit of the supplying component. |
| US08239854B2 |
Bookmark and configuration file for installation sequence
A bookmark file is stored in persistent storage and is updated as various tasks are completed during an installation process. The bookmark file may be read when an installation process is started so that the installation process may continue from a point after the last successfully completed task, if the installation process had failed and was restarted. The bookmark file may also include data collected from a user interface during the installation process. When an installation process is restarted, some embodiments may present the data in a user interface for the user to modify. The installation process may be defined in a configuration file that includes metadata that defines the sequence of installation tasks as well as some error handling for various tasks. |
| US08239852B2 |
Remote update of computers based on physical device recognition
A system for remotely updating a program configuration includes an update server in communication with a client device configured to execute a remote update program. The client device includes a first processor coupled to memory storing the program which, executed, performs physical device recognition on the client device to determine its machine parameters, and generates unique device identifiers based thereon, and a first transceiver configured to send the identifiers to the update server. The update server is configured to collect the identifiers from the client device, and includes a second processor for analyzing the identifiers and determining an updated program configuration based on the collected identifiers matching known identifiers, and a second transceiver configured to deliver data representing the updated program configuration to the client device for storage therein. |
| US08239851B2 |
Business scope dependent add-on content provisioning
A system and method to install a software enhancement supplement of a main software product, the method including receiving an installation recommendation for the supplement having content including a business configuration (BC) object on a customer/service provider side of a business process platform from a product provider; displaying an indication of the receipt of the installation recommendation; processing the installation of the supplement into the business process platform of the customer; and providing a notification of the supplement's status upon completion of the supplement installation. |
| US08239848B2 |
Incremental deployment and execution of a program on an embedded device
System and method for deploying and executing a program, e.g., a graphical program, on an embedded device. The program and a plurality of execution system components are stored on a host computer. The program is analyzed programmatically to determine a subset of the plurality of components required for execution of the program. The subset of components and the program are combined into a file while preserving execution order of the program. The file is transmitted to the device. The file is used to construct a combined program which includes executable code for the program and the subset of components. The device includes a minimal execution engine which executes the subset of components to execute the program. The file may be streamed to the device for streaming execution, where received portions of the subset of components needed for execution of received portions of the program are stored until no longer needed. |
| US08239847B2 |
General distributed reduction for data parallel computing
General-purpose distributed data-parallel computing using high-level computing languages is described. Data parallel portions of a sequential program written in a high-level language are automatically translated into a distributed execution plan. Map and reduction computations are automatically added to the plan. Patterns in the sequential program can be automatically identified to trigger map and reduction processing. Direct invocation of map and reduction processing is also provided. One or more portions of the reduce computation are pushed to the map stage and dynamic aggregation is inserted when possible. The system automatically identifies opportunities for partial reductions and aggregation, but also provides a set of extensions in a high-level computing language for the generation and optimization of the distributed execution plan. The extensions include annotations to declare functions suitable for these optimizations. |
| US08239843B2 |
Value predictable variable scoping for speculative automatic parallelization with transactional memory
Parallelize a computer program by scoping program variables at compile time and inserting code into the program. Identify as value predictable variables, variables that are: defined only once in a loop of the program; not defined in any inner loop of the loop; and used in the loop. Optionally also: identify a code block in the program that contains a variable assignment, and then traverse a path backwards from the block through a control flow graph of the program. Name in a set all blocks along the path until a loop header block. For each block in the set, determine program blocks that logically succeed the block and are not in the first set. Identify all paths between the block and the determined blocks as failure paths, and insert code into the failure paths. When executed at run time of the program, the inserted code fails the corresponding path. |
| US08239840B1 |
Sensor simulation for mobile device applications
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for creating mobile device applications using a visual programming integrated development environment (IDE). In one aspect, a method includes receiving a user input entered through a visual programming interface of a visual programming IDE, advancing a mobile device application that is under development in the visual programming IDE to a state in which one or more sensor events that are associated with the user input are assumed to have been received, and outputting a mock-up of the mobile device application in the advanced state, through the visual programming interface. |
| US08239837B2 |
Remotely handling exceptions through STAF
An apparatus for communicating between a child test program and a parent test program in a test environment. A child test framework is provided to catch an exception thrown by the child test program. In addition, a marshalling component is provided in communication with the child test program and the child test framework. The marshalling component converts exception data for the exception into a format for transmission by a communication means to a parent test framework. |
| US08239835B2 |
Automated software testing framework using independent test scripts
A software testing framework for testing independent scenarios of software applications can comprise independent test scripts, business rules repositories, and test data sources. Independent test scripts can be used to test screens of the software application. Business rules repositories can be stored separately from independent test scripts and from test data sources. A framework for testing end-to-end scenarios of software applications can comprise modules, business rules repositories, and test data sources. An end-to-end scenario can be tested by executing two or more independent test scripts. Independent scenarios can be tested using a framework by populating fields, determining expected and actual results, and comparing the expected and actual results. End-to-end scenarios can be tested by executing independent test scripts associated with independent scenarios of the end-to-end scenario. Software testing can be performed without using test cases. |
| US08239833B2 |
Statistical control of the integrity of a program
A method for controlling the execution of a program implementing successive operations, including, during program execution, comparing each operation with a pre-established list, and for each operation contained in the list, incrementing and memorizing a number of occurrences of this operation; and at the end of the program execution, comparing the number of occurrences of the current program execution for each operation with previously-stored ranges of numbers of occurrences assigned to each operation. |
| US08239832B2 |
In-process debugging using external debugging infrastructure
An in-process debugging experience can be implemented using an infrastructure that supports out-of-process debugging. A program that is to be debugged may be written in a command-line language that receives and processes input through an input loop. The interpreter for the language runs in a first process. A helper program is started in a second process, and attaches to the first process as if it were an out-of-process debugger. A debugging module is loaded into the interpreter, which provides user debugging commands that may utilize the helper program. When the program to be debugged generates a debug event, the event is received by the helper process, which uses a debug primitive to start a new instance of the input loop in the first process. Debugging commands provided by the debugging module can be entered by the user into the new instance of the input loop. |
| US08239831B2 |
Visual interface for automated software testing
A system and a method of providing a visual interface for creating, maintaining, and reviewing the results of, automated functional tests of software applications that includes screen views for each window automated within the application under test. The system and method provide a visual interface for creating and modifying functional tests of software applications geared for novice users. The visual interface includes a screen preview, test steps, properties and a storyboard. A test logic builder interface enables novice users to add logic, including verification and synchronization, to their visual test transactions without having to understand programming concepts. |
| US08239830B2 |
System for portal architecture
A system for a portal architecture may include a model service component. The model service component may be arranged to connect a presentation device to a business manager component. An aspect oriented architecture may be associated with the model service component. A service oriented architecture may be associated with the model service component, the service oriented architecture being arranged orthogonal to the aspect oriented architecture. |
| US08239815B2 |
System and method for inspecting layout of a printed circuit board
A system and method for inspecting layout of a printed circuit board (PCB) provides a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI displays a layout of the PCB. High side pins of a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller and a component connected to a high side pin are found. If the component is a metallic oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), the system calculate absolute a linear distance and a trace distance between a source pin of the MOSFET and a capacitor pin of a coupling capacitor connected to the source pin. If the linear distance, the trace distance and a capacitance of the coupling capacitor accord with a layout standard, the layout of the PCB is determined to be up to standard. |
| US08239813B2 |
Method and apparatus for balancing signal delay skew
A system and method are provided for reducing the signal delay skew is disclosed, according to a variety of embodiments. One illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a method. According to one illustrative embodiment, the method includes receiving an initial netlist having components and connection paths among the components; identifying a first connection path in the initial netlist that comprises path fragments for which there are no equivalent path fragments in a second connection path in the initial netlist; generating a skew-corrected netlist wherein the second connection path is re-routed to have path fragments equivalent to the path fragments of the first connection path; and outputting the skew-corrected netlist. |
| US08239812B2 |
Semiconductor device, adjustment method thereof and data processing system
Read data that are output from core chips are accurately captured into an interface chip. Each of the core chips includes a data output circuit that outputs read data to the interface chip in response to a read command, and an output timing adjustment circuit that adjusts the period of time required from the reception of the read command to the outputting of the read data from the data output circuit. The interface chip includes a data input circuit that captures read data, and an input timing adjustment circuit that adjusts the timing for the data input circuit to allow the capturing of the read data after issuing the read command. In this manner, a sufficient latch margin for read data on the interface chip side can be secured. |
| US08239811B2 |
System and method for wireless and dynamic intra-process measurement of integrated circuit parameters
Disclosed are embodiments of a system and a method that allow for wireless and dynamic intra-process (i.e., during and/or between process steps) measurements of integrated circuit parameters. The embodiments incorporate the use of a passive circuit, such as an inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) circuit resonator, that has a predetermined sensitivity to process variations in one or more physical or electrical integrated circuit parameters. The passive circuit can be wirelessly interrogated between and/or process steps. Then, the actual behavior exhibited by the passive circuit in response to the interrogation is compared to the expected behavior of an optimal circuit in the absence of process variations in order to determine the one or more parameters. Also disclosed is an embodiment of an exemplary passive circuit that can be used to implement the disclosed system and method embodiments. |
| US08239810B2 |
Method and system for optimizing a device with current source models
A method for optimizing a circuit includes at least a first branch and a second branch includes defining an objective function using a shape of waveforms measured at a timing point in each branch, and optimizing the objective function to minimize a variance of clock skew of the first branch and the second branch across different process voltage temperature values. |
| US08239804B2 |
Method for calculating capacitance gradients in VLSI layouts using a shape processing engine
Computing the gradients of capacitances in an integrated circuit chip layout with respect to design and process parameters is described. Included is a shape processing engine in the form of a variational mapping engine and a capacitance calculation engine that includes a gradient calculation engine. The variational mapping engine translates physical parameter variations into variations on the edges of the elementary patterns to which the layout of the integrated circuit is decomposed. The gradient calculation engine computes capacitance gradients by combining information from two sources. The first source consists of pre-existing gradients in a capacitance lookup table. The second source consists of analytical expressions of capacitance correction factors. |
| US08239799B2 |
Placing filler cells in device design based on designation of sensitive feature in standard cell
An instantiation of a standard cell is placed at a location of a device design. The standard cell includes a designation identifying a sensitive feature of the standard cell. An instantiation of a filler cell is placed at a selective location of the device design based on the designation. |
| US08239798B1 |
Methods, systems, and apparatus for variation aware extracted timing models
In one embodiment of the invention, a method of analysis of a circuit design is disclosed to generate a statistical timing model. The method includes receiving a timing graph of a circuit including arcs with a statistical function of delay, slew, or arrival time; determining primary input ports and output ports of the circuit; identifying timing pins between the input ports and the output ports of the circuit; and evaluating the timing pins from input ports to output ports to reduce the timing graph to ease analysis of the reduced timing graph with a processor. |
| US08239797B1 |
Congestion aware block placement
A circuit design process is presented that includes a block placement operation, followed by global routing based upon the initial placement of the blocks. Congestion data is generated from the global routing and, in an automated process, the blocks are placed again based upon the congestion data to reduce the routing congestion of the design. This can be used as part of a custom layout design process, for example. |
| US08239792B2 |
Relative positioning of circuit elements in circuit design
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for generating a placed, routed, and optimized circuit design. Other embodiments are a circuit design and circuit created with the technology. The placed, routed, and optimized circuit design obeys relative positioning rules of a set of the circuit elements. Such relative positioning rules were created specifically for these circuit elements. |
| US08239791B2 |
Method of designing multi-state restore circuitry for restoring state to a power managed functional block
Methods of designing and testing restore logic for restoring values to storage elements of power-managed logic circuitry. In one implementation, a design method disclosed includes providing a design of the logic circuitry that, when instantiated, will have a number of states it can be returned to upon repowering-up the logic circuitry. Values held by the storage elements are determined and utilized to categorize the storage elements into categories that allow the development of restore logic that will restore the state of the power-managed logic circuitry that is appropriate to the particular powering-up. The restore logic design is tested by modeling it and the power-managed logic circuitry in a hardware description language and simulating the number of states over a number of test cases. If the design and testing are successful, the restore logic can be optimized for instantiation into an actual integrated circuit. |
| US08239790B2 |
Methods and system for analysis and management of parametric yield
Impact on parametric performance of physical design choices for transistors is scored for on-current and off-current of the transistors. The impact of the design parameters are incorporated into parameters that measure predicted shift in mean on-current and mean off-current and parameters that measure predicted increase in deviations in the distribution of on-current and the off-current. Statistics may be taken at a cell level, a block level, or a chip level to optimize a chip design in a design phase, or to predict changes in parametric yield during manufacturing or after a depressed parametric yield is observed. Further, parametric yield and current level may be predicted region by region and compared with observed thermal emission to pinpoint any anomaly region in a chip to facilitate detection and correction in any mistakes in chip design. |
| US08239788B2 |
Frame cell for shot layout flexibility
A method includes receiving an integrated circuit chip size and determining a frame structure segment size based on the chip size. The frame structure segment size is less than the chip size. An initial shot layout having a chip count is established in which a number of shots, each including at least one frame structure segment and at least one chip, are arranged in vertically and horizontally aligned columns and rows. At least one additional shot layout is established in which at least one of a row or column of shots is offset from an adjacent row or column of shots. The initial shot layout is compared to the at least one additional shot layout, and a final shot layout is selected based in part on the total number of shots in the shot layout and has a final chip count that is greater than or equal to the initial chip count. |
| US08239784B2 |
Mode-based graphical user interfaces for touch sensitive input devices
A user interface method is disclosed. The method includes detecting a touch and then determining a user interface mode when a touch is detected. The method further includes activating one or more GUI elements based on the user interface mode and in response to the detected touch. |
| US08239780B2 |
System and user interface supporting trend indicative display of patient medical parameters
A user interface system provides patient medical parameter data for trend indicative display covering a time period comprising user selectable acquisition time intervals. An acquisition processor acquires, from a patient monitoring device, data representing a patient parameter comprising a plurality of data values at a corresponding plurality of different times within multiple user selectable patient parameter acquisition intervals of a time period. A generator generates data representing a first image showing a trend indicative display of the patient parameter covering a time period comprising user selectable acquisition time intervals and including a first number of data points in an individual acquisition time interval. The generator generates data representing an image window comprising an expansion of the individual acquisition time interval and including a second number of data points greater than the first number, in response to user command. The generator updates the individual acquisition time interval of the first image with at least one data point selected from the expanded individual acquisition time interval window to replace the first number of data points, in response to user command. |
| US08239775B2 |
Method and apparatus for a computer simulated environment
This invention relates to a computer simulated environment, such as a virtual world, and to the identification of a user entering the virtual world and user context in the virtual world model. An output of the virtual world model may be rendered using objects in the virtual world model. Previous versions of the rendered objects may then be located in associated user memory and specified differences between the rendered objects and the previous versions of the objects may be identified. A layer of the identified differences may then be rendered on the rendered output of the virtual world model. |
| US08239772B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for a user profiled-based OS for mobile devices
A tile bar for use in association with a graphical user interface associated with at least one operating system is disclosed. The tile bar includes a plurality of tiles indicative of one or more of an application, a file, a window, a data, and an outcome, an identifying tile among the plurality of tiles, wherein the identifying tile is uniquely indicative of at least one of a user preference and user information of a user logged in to the graphical user interface, and wherein the identifying tile is adjacent to at least one tile of the plurality of tiles, and a scroll for presenting ones of the plurality of tiles not immediately viewable to the user. The tile bar further includes each of said plurality of tiles comprises at least one of rotating about an axis, focused by a magnifying cursor, increased vividness, and blurring upon placement of a cursor provided by the graphical user interface at a predetermined proximation to each tile. |
| US08239765B2 |
Displaying stacked bar charts in a limited display area
A system and a method are disclosed for visually displaying data points using stacked bar charts on a display screen with limited display area. A magnification region allows presentation of detailed information for a stacked bar compared to other stacked bars displayed. A stacked bar within a magnification region can be further magnified to display additional information for individual bars within the stacked bar. An individual bar is expanded to a height suitable for displaying information associated with the bar. The stacked bar chart can be moved relative to the magnification region thereby changing the stacked bar displayed within the magnification region. |
| US08239764B2 |
System and method for selection of content source upon device power-on
A system and method for determining which program to display from multiple content sources at a power-on event of a content display device at a certain location is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving metadata containing content information about multiple programming available from multiple content sources on an integrated network. The content information can be analyzed so as to determine if any of the programming satisfies rules pertaining to programming appropriate for the location of the display device within a home. The content information can be analyzed in advance such that when a power-on command is received at the content display device, a program that has been determined to satisfy the rules is displayed on the display device. |
| US08239761B2 |
Electronic album creating apparatus, electronic album editing apparatus, information processing system, electronic album creating method, and storage medium storing program
An apparatus of an original album editor uploads to a server album data in which instructions of allowed object that allows editing and information on content type of editing allowed for the allowed object are embedded. An apparatus of an admitted subscriber downloads the album data from the server, and edits the album data within allowance in accordance with the instructions and information embedded in the album data. |
| US08239759B1 |
System and method for editing documents using stored commands
A system and method allows controlled editing of a document using stored commands and definitions. The author can identify an action: insert, delete or modify, and then select names of behaviors that control the insertion, deletion or modification of text into, from or inside a document. The system and method then performs the insertion, deletion or modification, allowing the author limited control as to the placement of insertions and the insertion or modification of certain parameters. |
| US08239755B2 |
System and method for abbreviating information sent to a viewing device
A system and method for transporting user-requested framed data from a gateway device to a handheld viewing device includes an information source, a gateway device, a relay network and a handheld viewing device. The gateway device includes a fetch and cache component, storage, and a wireless transport layer. The wireless transport layer delivers content from the gateway to the handheld viewing device. The user of the handheld device is then graphically presented with a representative form of the data and is thus able to manually select certain frames of data through a user interface. |
| US08239754B1 |
System and method for annotating data through a document metaphor
A method for annotating an electronic document includes associating a first electronic annotation to a data point of a data structure associated with an electronic document. |
| US08239751B1 |
Data from web documents in a spreadsheet
A spreadsheet user interface accepts a request for at least one fact, the request comprising a user-selected identifier for the desired fact. Responsive to the entry of the request, a fact repository containing information derived from unstructured documents is accessed. The fact or facts corresponding to the request, if any, are retrieved from the repository, and the results are displayed at the location of the spreadsheet that is associated with the request. |
| US08239750B2 |
Extracting semantics from data
Embodiments of the invention convert data from atomic tuples found in data sources such as spreadsheets (e.g., raw numbers, words, and formatted dates) into semantically enriched schemas and associated tuples. In addition to the data content, visual content, such as font and background color, is also analyzed as a part of the interpretation process. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods of interacting with the raw data via the semantically enriched schema tuples. |
| US08239744B2 |
Memory system with semiconductor memory and its data transfer method
A data transfer method includes reading data from a NAND flash memory in pages into a first buffer, transferring a parity in the data read into the first buffer to a second buffer, after transferring the parity to the second buffer, transferring a main data in the data read into the first buffer to the second buffer, on the basis of the parity, correcting an error in the main data transferred to the second buffer, and transferring an error-corrected main data to a third buffer. |
| US08239741B2 |
Transmitting/receiving system and method of processing data in the transmitting/receiving system
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method of the same are disclosed. The receiving system includes a receiving unit, a demodulator, a block decoder, and an RS frame decoder. The receiving unit receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data divided into a plurality of output masses, signaling information associated with the mobile service data, and known data. The demodulator demodulates the received broadcast signal. The block decoder block-decodes the demodulated mobile service data of the plurality of output masses based upon the signaling information, thereby outputting the mobile service data of one output mass. And, the RS frame decoder configures an RS frame with the block-decoded and outputted mobile service data, and performs error-correction decoding on the corresponding mobile service data in RS frame units. |
| US08239736B2 |
Method for enhancing reliability of information transmission
The present invention provides a method for enhancing reliability of information transmission by (a) establishing a matrix based on the length of bits of valid information in frame time slots; and creating a new matrix by presetting Error Correction Coding (ECC) for rows and columns of said matrix; (b) adopting the 1st Interleaving method to re-allocate bits which have been processed twice by using said ECC in said new matrix, to both ends of said frame time slots; and (c) adopting the 2nd Interleaving method to re-allocate the remaining bits in said new matrix to the middle of said frame time slots. After processed like this, the anti-interfering ability of the bits at both ends of TDMA frame time slot can be significantly enhanced, and the bit-error rate is decreased most, and all redundancy bits of Hamming codes can be arrayed at both ends of TDMA frame time slot. |
| US08239728B1 |
Set partitioning and multilevel coding
A signal is encoded by receiving input data. A first portion of the input data is encoded to obtain a first set of encoded data. At least some part of the input data is processed to determine which one of a plurality of subsets the input data corresponds to. In the event the input data corresponds to a first subset having a greater signal margin (SM) than a second subset, the first set of encoded data and a second portion of the input data are output. In the event the input data corresponds to the second subset, the second portion of the input data is encoded to obtain a second set of encoded data and the first set of encoded data and the second set of encoded data are output. |
| US08239726B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for encoding and decoding
A code encoding apparatus includes a delay circuit and a code generator. The delay circuit generates delayed information based on p-bit input information received in parallel. The delayed information is generated according to a clock. The code generator generates n·p-bit code based on at least one of the input information and the delayed information, where n is a rational number. |
| US08239725B2 |
Data storage with an outer block code and a stream-based inner code
Apparatus and methods store stream-based error recovery data for a memory array, such as a NAND flash array. Conventionally, data is block coded per industry specification and stored in the memory array. Within the limits of the block code, this technique provides for correction of errors. By applying a stream-based inner code, that is, concatenating the outer block code with an outer code, the error correction can be further enhanced, enhancing the reliability of the device. This can also permit a relatively small-geometry device to be used in a legacy application. |
| US08239724B2 |
Error correction for a data storage device
An apparatus for error correction for a data storage device may include an input interface that is configured to receive individual error correction requests to correct data from multiple channel controllers and that is configured to receive error correction information corresponding to the error correction requests, where each of the channel controllers is arranged and configured to control operations associated with one or more memory chips. The apparatus may include a corrector module that is operably coupled to the input interface and that is arranged and configured to perform error correction using an error correction algorithm and the error correction information to generate correction solutions, where the corrector module is a shared resource for the multiple channel controllers. The apparatus may include an output interface that is operably coupled to the corrector module and that is arranged and configured to communicate the correction solutions to the channel controllers. |
| US08239723B2 |
HARQ timing control in wireless communication systems
An apparatus and method for HARQ timing control in wireless communication systems is disclosed. The apparatus and method provides one unified algorithm to determine HARQ timing, with consideration of the downlink-to-uplink ratio, the presence of legacy zones, support of relay zones, and variable transmission time interval length. The disclosed algorithm guarantees sufficient processing time, at both the transmit and receive sides. Further, retransmissions occur in a periodic manner, simplifying the implementation. |
| US08239720B2 |
Communication over plural channels with acknowledgment variability
Reliable communication may be implemented using various underlying transport mechanisms, where the underlying transport mechanisms may be reliable or non-reliable. When data is sent from a source to a destination, the source may sent acknowledgment requests (RACKs) to the destination, and may await acknowledgments (ACKs) from the destination. The RACKs and ACKs are sent over the underlying transport mechanism. The rate at which the data source requests acknowledgments from the destination may be varied, depending on the underlying transport mechanism, to achieve lower overhead and to optimize throughput. For example, RACKs may be sent relatively less frequently when the underlying mechanism implements guaranteed delivery, and may be sent relatively more frequently when the underlying transport does not provide guaranteed delivery. |
| US08239717B2 |
Logic verification apparatus
To provide a logic verification apparatus capable of preventing, when an indeterminate value is generated in logic verification, the indeterminate value from being unintentionally erased. A simulation part performs a simulation based on a description of the logic function described in a hardware description language. A second symbol replacing part replaces an indeterminate value generated in the simulation by the simulation part with a symbol. The simulation part generates a symbol expression and propagates it to an element at a later stage when the symbol replaced by the second symbol replacing part reaches an element being processed. Therefore, unintentional erasing of the indeterminate value generated during the simulation can be prevented. |
| US08239716B2 |
On-chip service processor
An integrated circuit is described that includes a stored program processor for test and debug of user-definable logic plus external interface between the test/debug circuits and the component pins. The external interface may be via an existing test interface or a separate serial or parallel port. Test and debug circuits may contain scan strings that may be used to observe states in user-definable logic or be used to provide pseudo-random bit sequences to user-definable logic. Test and debug circuits may also contain an on-chip logic analyzer for capturing sequences of logic states in user-definable circuits. Test and debug circuits may be designed to observe states in user-definable circuits during the normal system operation of said user-definable circuits. |
| US08239712B2 |
Computer system and memory use setting program
A computer system including: a memory configured to store various kinds of data; a use setting data memory means for storing use setting data indicating a use of each of a plurality of memory blocks into which the memory is divided by a certain length; a memory diagnosis means for diagnosing the memory so as to detect a bad area in each of the memory blocks; and a memory use setting means for setting the use setting data of each of the memory blocks stored in the use setting data memory means in accordance with a result of detecting the bad area in each of the memory blocks by means of the memory diagnosis means. |
| US08239709B2 |
Managing extrinsic processes
Methods, program products, and systems for monitoring extrinsic processes are described. A monitoring process can monitor one or more target processes. The target processes can be extrinsic, e.g., not spawned by the monitoring process. The monitoring process reads a process registry to identify which processes among multiple processes to monitor. The monitoring process can send status requests to the identified target processes periodically to check whether the target processes are healthy. If a target process is terminated, the monitoring process determines whether the termination is normal (e.g., by a user), or abnormal (e.g., the target process crashed). The monitoring process can restart the abnormally terminated or hung target process. |
| US08239708B2 |
System on chip (SoC) device verification system using memory interface
A system on a chip (SoC) device verification system comprises: an SoC device model including one or more IPs and a memory controller; an external IP verification model receiving an instruction from the SoC device model and verifying operation of the one or more IPs included in the SoC device model; and a bus select model selecting one of the external IP verification model and an external device in response to a memory control signal received from the memory controller of the SoC device model. |
| US08239706B1 |
Data retrieval system and method that provides retrieval of data to any point in time
A method is disclosed of maintaining data. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of data storage mediums, each comprising a parity bit that provides an indication of the parity of the data in each respective data storage medium, at least one of the data storage mediums providing an exclusive OR function of a parity output bit of the at least one of the plurality of data storage mediums; encoding data provided by the exclusive OR functionality of the parity output bit to provide encoded data; time stamping the encoded data with a time stamp circuit that is coupled to the encoded data to provide time stamped encoded data; and providing the time stamped encoded data to a time-retrieval data storage medium. |
| US08239704B2 |
Global clock via embedded spanning tree
In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of maintaining a global clock within a multiprocessor system having a plurality of nodes that are connected in a network via links. A virtual spanning tree is mapped onto the network and the nodes and the links are configured such that each node is in a parent-child relationship with one or more other nodes in the virtual spanning tree. A global clock is generated in a root of the virtual spanning tree and global clock signals are communicated down the virtual spanning tree to each of the nodes. |
| US08239703B2 |
Method for controlling time based signals to indicate a time range free of an end time
A method controls time based signals that are outputted from at least two processes of unit. A first signal is converted into a first signal value and indicates over a first time range of a first process with a first defined start time and a defined end time, in which present time is signalized by a spatially extensible and uniformly highlighted portion of the first time range defined between the first start time and the present time. A second signal is converted into a second signal value and indicates over a second time range of a second process with a second defined start time and free of an end time, in which the present time is signalized by a spatially extensible portion of the second time range onto which a variably highlighted and superposed section is overlaid, the section being defined between the second start time and the present time. |
| US08239694B2 |
Dynamic frequency scaling of a switched mode power supply
System(s) and method(s) are provided for dynamically scaling switching frequencies and clock sources of switched mode power supplies (SMPSs) in a mobile station. Switching frequency is scaled to an optimal value in response to at least one of (i) a change in mode of operation for wireless communication employed by the mobile station, an additional mode of operation is triggered, (ii) a change in operation conditions of a set of loads associated with functionality of the mobile is determined, or (iii) an LO spur set-off by a SMPS in the presence of an interference signal with a frequency splitting from an operational band that matches the SMPS frequency or at least one of its harmonics. Switching frequencies can be selected from a lookup table, or through an analysis of switching frequencies available to the mobile and operational criteria. A set of clock sources can provide an ensemble of switching frequencies. |
| US08239692B1 |
Automatic power-on system and method using high-speed communication line
A system for powering on downstream devices includes a master device; a first slave device; and a first communication link connecting the master device to the slave device for enabling the master device to transmit data signals to the slave device. The master device includes a power-on signal generator for injecting a power-on signal onto the communication link and the first slave device includes a power-on signal receiver for detecting the power-on signal injected on the communication link by the power-on signal generator and powering on the first slave device. |
| US08239691B2 |
Data storage device and management method of cryptographic key thereof
Embodiments of the present invention help to securely manage a data cryptographic key in a data storage device. In an embodiment of the present invention, a cryptographic processor for encrypting and decrypting data is located between a host interface and a memory manager. In parts of the hard disk drive (HDD), except for the host interface, the HDD handles user data in an encrypted state. A data cryptographic key which the cryptographic processor uses to encrypt and decrypt the user data is encrypted and stored in a magnetic disk. A multiprocessing unit (MPU) decrypts the data cryptographic key using a password and a random number to supply it to the cryptographic processor. Using the password and the random number, the HDD can manage the data cryptographic key with more security. |
| US08239688B2 |
Securely recovering a computing device
A method and an apparatus for establishing an operating environment by certifying a code image received from a host over a communication link are described. The code image may be digitally signed through a central authority server. Certification of the code image may be determined by a fingerprint embedded within a secure storage area such as a ROM (read only memory) of the portable device based on a public key certification process. A certified code image may be assigned a hash signature to be stored in a storage of the portable device. An operating environment of the portable device may be established after executing the certified code. |
| US08239687B2 |
Apparatus method and medium for tracing the origin of network transmissions using n-gram distribution of data
A method, apparatus, and medium are provided for tracing the origin of network transmissions. Connection records are maintained at computer system for storing source and destination addresses. The connection records also maintain a statistical distribution of data corresponding to the data payload being transmitted. The statistical distribution can be compared to that of the connection records in order to identify the sender. The location of the sender can subsequently be determined from the source address stored in the connection record. The process can be repeated multiple times until the location of the original sender has been traced. |
| US08239683B2 |
Method for producing acknowledged transaction data and corresponding device
A method and a display preparation unit are proposed for the execution of a transaction during which transaction data are processed which have to be confirmed by a user. The display preparation unit (20) has a converter unit (29) which converts transaction data to be interpreted into pixel values and displays them on a monitor (6), an interface of its own for directly attaching an input unit (7) via which a user confirms displayed transaction data, as well as a crypto unit (31) for generating a signature for a record of confirmed transaction data. In a variant the confirmation can be effected by the crypto unit (31) generating and displaying a random number which has to be inputted by the user via a conventionally attached input unit (14). |
| US08239682B2 |
Method and system for digital rights management of documents
A method and system for transmission of digital content via e-mail with point of use digital rights management is disclosed. The secured access rights to the digital content may be customized for individual recipients by the sender, and may evolve over time. The access rights are enforced according to a time-dependent scheme. A key server is used to arbitrate session keys for the encrypted content, eliminating the requirement to exchange public keys prior to transmission of the digital content. During the entire process of transmitting and receiving e-mail messages and documents, the exchange of cryptographic keys remains totally transparent to the users of the system. Additionally, electronic documents may be digitally signed with authentication of the signature. |
| US08239681B2 |
Information processing device and method, recording medium, program and information processing system
An information processing device regarding which access to data held by the information processing device itself, in multiple regions, is requested from another information processing device, includes: an authenticating unit to perform authenticating processing of the other information processing device; a receiving unit to receive an access license ticket including an access code and a check digit; an access license ticket generating key generating unit to generate an access license ticket generating key, which is key information for computing a check digit using data held beforehand, a root key, an access control key, and other key information which is key information to manage data of a region other than the predetermined region, corresponding to an access code; check digit computing unit to compute a check digit corresponding to the access code described in the access license ticket; and access license ticket validating unit to validate the access license ticket. |
| US08239680B2 |
Secret communication method and secret communication device thereof
A secret communication method and a communication device used in the method are provided for secret communication using communication path less frequently as a whole while avoiding a duplicative use of public communication. The secret communication method includes steps of: estimating an error ratio of initial random numbers X, Y; estimating the upper limit of an eavesdrop information amount; determining an encryption function determined by the error correction code based on the estimated error probability, an error correction decoding function g, and a decryption auxiliary variable; uniquely determining a confidentiality increase matrix C based on the estimated upper limit value of the eavesdrop information amount and the encoding ratio of the error correction code; uniquely generating a ciphertext Z from information M to be sent to a receiver using the encryption function, the initial random number X, and the confidentiality increase matrix C; transmitting the ciphertext Z; and decrypting the ciphertext Z to a transmission text MB using the initial random number Y, the confidentiality increase matrix C, the decryption auxiliary variable, and the error correction decoding function g. |
| US08239678B2 |
Method for combining data to be processed with a data-specific apparatus, and apparatus and computer program for implementing the method
A method and a system for combining data with an apparatus which is provided for processing the data includes the following steps: (a) determining an identifier associated with the apparatus; (b) generating a first key by using the identifier and a second secret key, which is independent of the identifier; (c) generating a decryption algorithm to be used for the second key and providing the decryption algorithm to the apparatus; (d) encrypting a rights object, which allows access to the data, using the first key and the second secret key; (e) transmitting the data and the rights object to the apparatus; (f) decrypting the rights object with the apparatus by using the identifier associated with the apparatus and the decryption algorithm associated with the apparatus; and (g) decrypting the data using a key selected by a rights owner and included in the decrypted rights object. |
| US08239677B2 |
Verification and authentication systems and methods
Embodiments of the present invention provide verification and/or authentication service engines that provide a customizable solution that can be “dialed” based on the risk level assigned to individual or grouped applications. The systems can also incorporate internal and external sources of data used to verify information provided by the user. It is dynamic and can pull information from a myriad of sources during the verification process, enabling credit reporting agencies (e.g., Equifax and others), FSPs, and other service providers to facilitate real-time approval and access to products and services. |
| US08239676B2 |
Secure proximity verification of a node on a network
A system and method determines the proximity of the target node to the source node from the time required to communicate messages within the node-verification protocol. The node-verification protocol includes a query-response sequence, wherein the source node communicates a query to the target node, and the target node communicates a corresponding response to the source node. The target node is configured to communicate two responses to the query: a first response that is transmitted immediately upon receipt of the query, and a second response based on the contents of the query. The communication time is determined based on the time duration between the transmission of the query and receipt of the first response at the source node and the second response is compared for correspondence to the query, to verify the authenticity of the target node. |
| US08239672B2 |
Method of automatically establishing a security link for a wireless communication system and related communication device
A method for a access point device having first network identity information to automatically establish a security link with a peer access point device in a wireless communication system includes searching and receiving a beacon corresponding to the peer access point device by radio frequency scan, obtaining second network identity information corresponding to the peer access point device from the beacon, determining a primary-secondary relationship for the access point device and the peer access point device according to the first and second network identity information, generating or receiving security data according to the primary-secondary relationship, and then establishing the security link with the peer access point device according to the security data. |
| US08239670B1 |
Multi-aspect identifier in network protocol handshake
This specification describes technologies relating to a multi-aspect identifier used in a network protocol handshake for establishing a network connection, while providing protection against denial of service attacks. For example, an employed cookie format can be enhanced to contain multiple parts so that cookies that would otherwise be valid if the source address matched can be distinguished from those that are entirely incorrect, and a message can be sent with a replacement cookie in such cases, without generating state at the responding node. |
| US08239667B2 |
Switching between multiple operating systems (OSes) using sleep state management and sequestered re-baseable memory
Embodiments of switching between multiple operating systems (OSes) using sleep state management and sequestered re-baseable memory are generally described herein. Embodiments of the invention allow one OS to be suspended into S3 or sleep mode, saving its state to memory and turning off its devices. Then, another sleeping OS can be resumed from another location in memory by switching a memory base addressed to a sequestered memory region and restoring its device state. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08239658B2 |
Internally derived address generation system and method for burst loading of a synchronous memory
An address generation system and method is provided for internally storing and thereafter producing an address to be sent to a memory device. The address that is stored need not be sent from an external address bus at each clock cycle, but the processing can remain internal to the memory device. The burst-block starting address can be stored in the mirror register and output from a selector circuit, such as a multiplexer, when that address is chosen. Otherwise, the multiplexer can simply perform its normal operation of selecting between an address pointed to by a counter, the external address, or the incremented counter output, based on the state of the external counter control signals. The system includes a mirror register, a counter, and a multiplexer that selects either the mirror register stored address or the internally processed address. |
| US08239654B2 |
Systems and methods for transferring data in a block-level storage operation
The invention provides a system and method for storing a copy of data stored in an information store. In one embodiment, a data agent reads one or more blocks containing the data from the information store. The data agent maps the one or more blocks to provide a mapping of the blocks, and transmits the one or more blocks and mapping to a media agent for a storage device. The media agent stores the one or more blocks in the storage device according to the mapping. |
| US08239653B2 |
Active-active support of virtual storage management in a storage area network (“SAN”)
Methods and apparatuses are provided for active-active support of virtual storage management in a storage area network (“SAN”). When a storage manager (that manages virtual storage volumes) of the SAN receives data to be written to a virtual storage volume from a computer server, the storage manager determines whether the writing request may result in updating a mapping of the virtual storage volume to a storage system. When the writing request does not involve updating the mapping, which happens most of the time, the storage manager simply writes the data to the storage system based on the existing mapping. Otherwise, the storage manager sends an updating request to another storage manager for updating a mapping of the virtual storage volume to a storage volume. Subsequently, the storage manager writes the data to the corresponding storage system based on the mapping that has been updated by the another storage manager. |
| US08239652B2 |
Data processing system
Before arbitration is performed in an arbitration section, an access from a master is kept in a waiting state until update of a conversion table buffer is performed, and an address conversion section is provided in a subsequent stage of the arbitration section. Without waiting for the completion of buffer update, an access is issued in advance at a time when it is assured that update is completed at the completion of address conversion. Thus, influences of waiting buffer update on another master can be eliminated and access latency can be reduced. |
| US08239651B2 |
Portable storage device and method for indicating storage capacity
A method for indicating storage capacity is applied in a storage device. The storage device includes a main storage unit, a capacity indicator, a driver, and a secondary storage unit. The second storage unit stores a preset storage capacity value and a drive table recording relationship between storage capacity difference ranges and rotation angles of the driver. The method includes: periodically obtaining a storage capacity value from a computer connected to the storage device; computing a difference between the obtained storage capacity value and the preset storage capacity value; determining the storage capacity difference range the difference falls within and the rotation angle the determined storage capacity difference range corresponds to in the drive table; and controlling the driver to rotate the determined rotation angle to drive the capacity indicator to indicate the obtained storage capacity value. A related storage device is also provided. |
| US08239648B2 |
Reclamation of thin provisioned disk storage
A thin provisioned storage system may have a file system manager that presents a logical storage system to a user and a storage management system that manages physical storage devices. When a block of data is freed at the logical layer, the file system manager may identify the freed block and send a command to the physical layer. The physical layer may identify the corresponding physical block or blocks and free those blocks on the physical layer. The storage management system may use a table to manage the location of blocks of data across multiple physical storage devices. |
| US08239647B2 |
User interface indicator for mobile device backup status
Systems and methods are provided for performing data backup of a communication device. Data backup can occur automatically or manually. A data backup status indicator is displayed on the communication device indicating the current status of the data backup. The user can select the data backup status indicator to obtain additional information about the status of the data backup service. |
| US08239645B1 |
Managing mirroring in data storage system having fast write device and slow write device
A method is used in managing mirroring in data storage system having a fast write device and a slow write device. A write I/O is received and is executed on the fast write device which includes a solid state drive. The write I/O is stored in interim storage having high performance sequential write capability. It is indicated that execution of the write I/O is complete. Based on the interim storage, the write I/O is executed on the slow write device. |
| US08239643B2 |
Non-volatile memory and method with control data management
In a nonvolatile memory with block management system, critical data such as control data for the block management system is maintained in duplicates. Various methods are described for robustly writing and reading two copies of critical data in multi-state memory. In another aspect of the invention, a preemptive garbage collection on memory block containing control data avoids an undesirable situation where a large number of such memory blocks need be garbage collected at the same time. |
| US08239639B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing data type and host file information to a mass storage system
A method and system for providing advance data type information to a mass storage system is disclosed. The method may include a host system providing host file information, such as a host file identifier and/or a data type, to a memory system in addition to LBA format data. The system may include a processor, a memory system interface and a host file system operative on the processor to identify and provide host file information and/or data type information to the memory system along with LBA format data. |
| US08239638B2 |
Store handling in a processor
In one embodiment, a processor may be configured to write ECC granular stores into the data cache, while non-ECC granular stores may be merged with cache data in a memory request buffer. In one embodiment, a processor may be configured to detect that a victim block writeback hits one or more stores in a memory request buffer (or vice versa) and may convert the victim block writeback to a fill. In one embodiment, a processor may speculatively issue stores that are subsequent to a load from a load/store queue, but prevent the update for the stores in response to a snoop hit on the load. |
| US08239636B2 |
Bit inversion in memory devices
Bit inversions occurring in memory systems and apparatus are provided. Data is acquired from a source destined for a target. As the data is acquired from the source, the set bits associated with data are tabulated. If the total number of set bits exceeds more than half of the total bits, then an inversion flag is set. When the data is transferred to the target, the bits are inverted during the transfer if the inversion flag is set.Alternatively, an acquired data stream includes an association with an inversion bit. The inversion bit is acquired and stored separately from the data stream. As the data stream is transferred, if the inversion bit is set then the stream is inverted during the transfer of the stream to a target. |
| US08239632B2 |
Data caching in consolidated network repository
System(s) and method(s) are provided for caching data in a consolidated network repository of information available to mobile and non-mobile networks, and network management systems. Data can be cached in response to request(s) for a data element or request(s) for an update to a data element and in accordance with a cache retention protocol that establishes a versioning protocol and a set of timers that determine a period to elapse prior to removal of a version of the cached data element. Updates to a cached data element can be effected if an integrity assessment determines that recordation of an updated version of the data element preserves operational integrity of one or more network components or services. The assessment is based on integrity logic that establishes a set of rules that evaluate operational integrity of a requested update to a data element. Retention protocol and integrity logic are configurable. |
| US08239630B2 |
Storage apparatus and cache control method
Optimizing cache-resident area where cache residence control in units of LUs is employed to a storage apparatus that virtualizes the capacity by acquiring only a cache area of a size that is the same as the physical capacity assigned to the LU. An LU is a logical space resident in cache memory is configured by a set of pages acquired by dividing a pool volume as a physical space created by using a plurality of storage devices in a predetermined size. When the LU to be resident in the cache memory is created, a capacity corresponding to the size of the LU is not initially acquired in the cache memory, a cache capacity that is the same as the physical capacity allocated to a new page is acquired in the cache memory each time when the page is newly allocated, and the new page is resident in the cache memory. |
| US08239628B2 |
Secure document processing using removable data storage
The subject application is directed to a system and method for secure document processing. A removable storage, such as a flash drive, magnetic storage, IC card, is installed in document processing device. A selected document processing operation, such as copying, scanning, and the like, is then performed. Data files resultant from the selected document processing operations are directed to the removable storage for being stored temporary, instead of being sent to the storage inherent to the document processing device. Data files temporary stored in the removable storage are then deleted. |
| US08239627B2 |
Smartcard accessed dual server electronic data storage system
A secure, dual server electronic data maintenance system and associated removable memory storage devices (e.g., smartcards). The system includes a first remote server that stores card holder identification information associated with multiple card holders, and a second remote server that stores electronic data associated with the card holders. The electronic data maintained on the second remote server cannot be correlated to the card holder identification information maintained on the first remote server based on the information contained in the first and second remote servers. To permit correlation of the files, the removable memory storage devices store correlation information sufficient to uniquely associate particular card holder identification information stored on the first remote computer server with associated card holder's electronic data stored on the second remote server. The removable memory storage device also allows the card holder to engage in monetary transactions. |
| US08239620B2 |
Microprocessor with dual-level address translation
A processor includes a first translation look-aside buffer to support a guest operating mode. A second translation look-aside buffer supports a root operating mode. Hardware resources support the guest operating mode as controlled by guest mode control registers defining guest context. The guest context is used by the hardware resources to access the first translation look-aside buffer to translate a guest virtual address to a guest physical address. The hardware resources access the second translation look-aside buffer to translate the guest physical address to a physical address. |
| US08239616B2 |
Semiconductor device comprising flash memory and address mapping method
A semiconductor device with flash memory includes; a log type determining unit configured to select log type from among a plurality of log types with respect to a log block storing program data requested to be programmed in the flash memory and generate a control signal indicating information indicating the selected log type, and a plurality of log units configured to store program data in the log block having a corresponding log type in response to the control signal, wherein the log type determining unit converts a first type log block formed by a first log type and included in a first type log unit from among the plurality of log units into second type log block formed by a second log type and converts the log block included in a second type log unit from among the plurality of log units into the first type log blocks, the first log type being different from the second log type. |
| US08239611B2 |
Relocating data in a memory device
Systems and methods that can facilitate more optimized relocation of data associated with a memory are presented. In addition to a memory controller component, a memory manager component can be employed to increase available processing resources to facilitate more optimal execution of higher level functions. Higher level functions can be delegated to the memory manager component to allow execution of these higher level operations with reduced or no load on the memory controller component resources. A uni-bus or multi-bus architecture can be employed to further optimize data relocation operations. A first bus can be utilized for data access operations including read, write, erase, refresh, or combinations thereof, among others, while a second bus can be designated for higher level operations including data compaction, error code correction, wear leveling, or combinations thereof, among others. |
| US08239610B2 |
Asynchronous page faults for virtual machines
A method and system to handle an asynchronous page fault in a virtual machine system. A computer hosts a virtual machine that includes a virtual central processing unit (CPU). The virtual CPU requests access to a page that is not resident in memory. The host operating system of the computer receives an indication of a page fault, and informs the virtual CPU of the page fault. The host operating system provides an identifier associated with the page fault. The host operating system performs page swapping operating in parallel with a new task rescheduled by the virtual CPU, and sends a wake-up signal to the virtual CPU when the page has been brought back into the memory. |
| US08239608B1 |
Secure computing environment
Detailed herein are approaches to enabling a secure computing environment. In one approach, a computer system runs an operating system and a virtual machine management console. An input device is used to provide input to the operating system. The operating system is configured such that input received from the input device is directed to the virtual machine management console. The virtual machine management console, in turn, is configured to pass some or all of the input to a virtual machine. |
| US08239606B2 |
Switching device configured to couple a first computer to a first peripheral device and one or more second peripheral devices and method of manufacturing same
In some embodiments, a switching device is configured to couple a first computer to a first peripheral device and one or more second peripheral devices. The switching device includes: (a) a switch configured to couple to the one or more second peripheral devices; (b) a first hub including: (1) a first upstream port configured to couple to the first computer; (2) a first downstream port configured to couple to the first peripheral device; and (3) at least one second downstream port coupled to the switch. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein. |
| US08239604B1 |
Method and apparatus for converting data between different word widths using line grouping of data segments
Some embodiments involve a circuit having first and second interfaces, and configurable structure to identify a selected integer number that is one of a plurality of different integer numbers associated with respective different configurations. In one embodiment, a conversion section organizes lines of the second interface into line groups equal in number to the selected integer number, and carries out a conversion operation in which it supplies to each line group a respective incoming data segment received through the first interface. In another embodiment, a conversion section organizes the lines of the first interface into line groups equal in number to the selected integer number, and carries out a conversion operation in which it supplies to the second interface a respective incoming data segment from each line group. |
| US08239602B2 |
Field bus system with address connector
Field bus system, comprising (i) at least one field bus module with a connection unit for the connection to a network, wherein a control unit can be connected to the network and the at least one field bus module can be addressed in the network, and with a plurality of ports for the connection of field devices, in particular sensors and/or actuators, and (ii) at least one address connector which has a non-volatile memory for an address, wherein the at least one field bus module has an address port for the at least one address connector and the address of the at least one address connector in the network is communicated to the field bus module via its connection. |
| US08239600B2 |
Data processing system with selectable interrupt control
The present invention provides a data processing system having excellent immediacy of interrupting process. Different interrupt request signals are supplied from a circuit module which can be commonly used by a plurality of central processing units to a plurality of interrupt controllers assigned to central processing units, respectively. In response to the input interrupt request signal, each of the interrupt controllers notifies the corresponding central processing unit of an interrupt. The circuit module selects an interrupt controller for supplying an interrupt request signal from the plural interrupt controllers. For example, the circuit module identifies a central processing unit which instructed a start request and supplies an interrupt request signal to an interrupt controller corresponding to the central processing unit. The burden of the interrupting process of the single central processing unit can be lessened. In addition, since the interrupting process in the single central processing unit is not necessary, interruption response of another central processing unit is increased. |
| US08239598B1 |
Techniques for tracking status within object chains
Techniques are presented for tracking status within object chains. Global objects are associated with unique identifiers and each dependent local object created within the context of a particular global object receives that particular global object's identifier. A unique counter value is maintained for each status type of each global object. The local object facilitates communicating changes in its status using the received global identifier, and the counter values are updated accordingly for the affected global object. |
| US08239593B2 |
Handheld electronic device with text disambiguation allowing dynamic expansion of input key associations
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. Additionally, the device can facilitate the selection of variants by displaying a graphic of a special |
| US08239592B2 |
Smart card with self-detachment features and related methods
An integrated circuit for a smart card in accordance with an exemplary embodiment includes at least one data terminal for providing communications with a host device over a system bus and a processor configured to provide an attachment signal on the at least one data terminal for recognition by the host device. Further, the processor also cooperates with the host device to perform an enumeration based upon at least one default descriptor, and receive information from the host device regarding a system event. In addition, the processor is configured to remove the attachment signal from the at least one data terminal and thereafter again provide the attachment signal on the at least one data terminal based upon the information regarding the system event, and cooperate with the host device to perform a new enumeration based upon at least one alternate descriptor. |
| US08239590B1 |
Method and apparatus for transferring data between two different interfaces
An embodiment of a technique to transfer data between two different interfaces is disclosed. The embodiment of the technique includes: manipulating data arriving at a first data interface with a first word width into data with a second word width; transferring the manipulated data to a second data interface having the second word width; and selecting one of a plurality of different word widths for one of the first or second word widths. |
| US08239585B2 |
Systems and methods for improved hardware device connectivity
Systems and methods are described herein to provide for improved hardware device connectivity. Other embodiments include apparatus and system for receiving messages from an operating system and sending messages to one or more hardware devices. Further embodiments include methods for receiving messages from an operating system regarding operations on a hardware device and responding to those messages. Other embodiments include methods for receiving interrupt messages and mapping those interrupt messages to hardware devices. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08239583B2 |
Migrating domains from one physical data processing system to another
A system and method for migrating domains from one physical data processing system to another are provided. With the system and method, domains may be assigned direct access to physical I/O devices but in the case of migration, the I/O devices may be converted to virtual I/O devices without service interruption. At this point, the domain may be migrated without limitation. Upon completion of the migration process, the domain may be converted back to using direct physical access, if available in the new data processing system to which the domain is migrated. Alternatively, the virtualized access to the I/O devices may continue to be used until the domain is migrated back to the original data processing system. Once migration back to the original data processing system is completed, the access may be converted back to direct access with the original physical I/O devices. |
| US08239582B2 |
Hand-held test meter with disruption avoidance circuitry
A hand-held test meter for use with an analytical test strip configured for the determination of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample includes a USB interface, a microcontroller block configured for boot strap loading (BSL) of data into the hand-held test meter via a serial signal and a circuit disruption avoidance block. The circuit disruption avoidance block includes a USB to serial bridge sub-block with (i) a USB input(s), (ii) a serial output(s) configured to provide a serial signal for BSL of data to the microcontroller block; and (iii) a plurality of general purpose input/outputs (GPIO). The circuit disruption avoidance block also includes a BSL enable gate/buffer sub-block. At least two of the GPIO are configured to provide BSL control signals to the microcontroller block via the BSL enable gate/buffer sub-block and the USB to serial bridge sub-block is configured to send the data to the microcontroller block via the at least one serial output. |
| US08239580B2 |
Programmed I/O ethernet adapter with early interrupts for accelerating data transfer
In a Local Area Network (LAN) system, an Ethernet adapter exchanges data with a host through programmed I/O (PIO) and FIFO buffers. The receive PIO employs a DMA ring buffer backup so incoming packets can be copied directly into host memory when the PIO FIFO buffer is full. The adapter may be programmed to generate early receive interrupts when only a portion of a packet has been received from the network, so as to decrease latency. The adapter may also be programmed to generate a second early interrupt so that the copying of a large packet to the host may overlap reception of the packet end. The adapter to begin packet transmission before the packet is completely transferred from the host to the adapter, which further reduces latency. The minimal latency of the adapter allows it to employ receive and transmit FIFO buffers which are small enough to be contained within RAM internal to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) containing the transceiver, ethernet controller, FIFO control circuitry and the host interface as well. |
| US08239578B2 |
Method and device for transferring digital data with a progressive format
Method of transferring digital data between a client device and a server device on a communication network, said method being implemented within said server device and comprising: i) coming from the client device, receiving a request in markup format for the delivery of a digital object or part of a chosen digital object, ii) obtaining in the communication network a representation of the object requested, iii) checking whether the representation of the object thus obtained corresponds to a data compression format of the progressive type, iv) in the event of a positive check, dividing the digital object into a plurality of sub-parts, to each sub-part there being allocated a high priority rank defined according to at least one chosen criterion, and v) sending to the client device a response in markup format comprising the sub-parts of the digital object in binary format and associated priority ranks in markup format. |
| US08239575B2 |
Method, system, apparatus, and program to facilitate communication between systems
The disclosed subject matter describes a method, system, apparatus, and program for interfacing multiple communication systems, comprising the following steps. The interface receives information from the client, followed by determination of the format of said information. The disclosed subject matter identifies the third party to receive the information and transforms the originally received information into a format compatible for the third party. The server then sends the converted information to the intended third party. The associated process allows communication between the client and third party in both directions. |
| US08239573B2 |
Off-peak background delivery
Methods, systems, and machine readable media are disclosed for managing bandwidth utilization including off-peak, background delivery of content. According to one embodiment, a method of managing bandwidth used for delivering content to a plurality of users can comprise determining one or more destinations for the content and determining available bandwidth for delivering the content to the one or more destinations. A set of criteria can be applied to the content, the one or more destinations for the content, and the available bandwidth. A schedule for delivery of the content can be generated based on applying the set of criteria. The content can be delivered to the one or more destinations based on the schedule. |
| US08239571B2 |
Request routing using network computing components
A system, method and computer-readable medium for request routing. A DNS server at a content delivery network service provider obtains a DNS query corresponding to a resource requested from a client computing device and associated with a first resource identifier. The first resource identifier includes a first portion with DNS information and a second portion with path information. The DNS server selects a network computing component for processing the requested resource based on the DNS portion of the resource identifier and transmits information identifying the selected network computing component to the client computing device. |
| US08239567B1 |
Filtering superfluous data fragments on a computer network
Methods and apparatus for controlling transmission of data units in a network. In one embodiment, a method of controlling transmission of data units in a network node includes receiving a fragment of a data unit. The method further includes determining at least one of (a) whether a prior fragment of the data unit has been dropped and (b) whether a subsequent fragment of the data unit is likely to be dropped. The method further includes at least one of (c) transmitting the received fragment of the data unit only if no prior data fragment of the data unit has been dropped and (d) transmitting the fragment of the data unit only if no subsequent fragment of the data unit is likely to be dropped. |
| US08239564B2 |
Dynamic throttling based on network conditions
The dynamic management of download rates when downloading digital resources to clients. A server concurrently maintains download sessions with any number of clients, each download session for downloading a corresponding digital resource to a corresponding client. The download rates for the various download sessions are adjusted as download sessions are completed, and as new download sessions are added. As new download sessions are initiated, a minimum and target download rate may be calculated. The target download rate is the rate at which the server will attempt to download the requested digital resource to the client, and will depend on the total available bandwidth for use to download the digital resources. |
| US08239560B2 |
System and generation method of remote objects with network streaming ability
A system of remote objects with network streaming ability includes a streaming client, a plurality of streaming servers, a streaming buffer area, a plurality of first continuous buffer areas, a streaming controller, a plurality of first network connections, and a plurality of second network connections. The plurality of streaming servers is used to respond a remote procedure call from the streaming client. The streaming buffer area stores a complete data unit for the streaming client to access. A generation method of remote objects with network streaming ability is further provided. The method includes executing a link procedure, executing a streaming preparation, executing a streaming transfer procedure, and closing the link procedure. |
| US08239558B2 |
Transport mechanisms for dynamic rich media scenes
A transport mechanism for supporting the download of SVG over FLUTE or UDP. A RTP payload format is specified that enables live streaming and the streaming of rich media content. According to the present invention, rich media content is encapsulated in RTP packets based upon the payload format at the sender. With the present invention, an efficient framework is provided for satisfying several use cases or scenarios that involve rich media transmission. |
| US08239557B2 |
Virtualization management using a centralized server
Some embodiments of virtualization management using a centralized server have been presented. In one embodiment, a centralized server obtains metadata of an operating system and information on provisioning computing resources from a software vendor. The centralized server is deployed within an internal network of a customer of the software vendor, where the internal network further includes a set of at least one physical machine. The centralized server may further generate a graphical user interface to allow users of the centralized server to manage a set of virtual machines running on the set of at least one physical machine. The set of virtual machines may include at least one virtual host and at least one virtual guest. |
| US08239555B2 |
Method and apparatus for mobility agent recovery
Techniques for recovering Mobile Internet Protocol (IP) session(s) of a mobility agent in a Mobile IP network are described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, for each mobility session associated with a mobility agent, the mobility agent distributively backs up mobility agent specific information to the mobility agent peer associated with that mobility session. The mobility agent specific information is not used by the mobility agent peer. Upon the mobility agent inadvertently losing at least one mobility session, the mobility agent recovers the stored mobility agent specific information associated with those sessions from the mobility agent peers respectively associated with those sessions. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08239554B2 |
Systems and methods for termination of session initiation protocol
Systems for graceful termination of support for session initiation protocol communications on a server are described. Systems include techniques for setting a time period for gracefully terminating such support, for sending a service unavailable message to a client, for causing the server to maintain support, until no later than the expiration of the time period for terminating support, for uncompleted session initiation protocol invites accepted by the server before sending the service unavailable message to the client, and for terminating support for session initiation protocol communications on the server no later than upon expiration of the time period for terminating support. Methods for graceful termination of such support and computer-readable storage media whose contents cause a computer system to perform a graceful termination of such support are also described. |
| US08239550B2 |
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for facilitating establishing a communications session
An apparatus may include a processor configured to maintain at least a portion of a distributed database. The distributed database may comprise a plurality of private address data. The processor may be further configured to receive a request from a first terminal device seeking to establish a communications session with a second terminal device. The processor may be additionally configured to search the distributed database for a private address for the second terminal device. The processor may also be configured instruct a network address translating (NAT) apparatus to create a binding between the private address for the second terminal device and a public address accessible by the first terminal device. In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to facilitate establishing a communications session between the first and second terminal devices based upon the binding between the private address and the public address. |
| US08239549B2 |
Dynamic host configuration protocol
Dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) is extended in order to assist with secure network location awareness. In an embodiment a DHCP client receives a signed DHCP response message from a DHCP server, the signed message comprising at least a certificate chain having a public key. In that embodiment the DHCP client validates the certificate chain and verifies the signature of the signed message. If this is successful the DHCP client accesses stored settings for use with the server. The stored settings are accessed at least using information about the public key. In some embodiments signed DHCPOFFER messages and signed DHCPACK messages are used. In another embodiment the signed DHCP message comprises a location identifier which is, for example, a domain name system (DNS) suffix of a DHCP server. |
| US08239548B2 |
Endpoint discriminator in network transport protocol startup packets
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to communication between a client and a server or between peers in a communications network. In one particular example, only a desired server from a plurality of servers addressable through a socket address may respond to a client request to initiate a session. |
| US08239547B2 |
Method and arrangement for providing different services in a multimedia communication system
In current multimedia communication systems using session initiation protocols such as SIP, a service change (e.g. adding a new media type to an existing multimedia conversation) entails significant delays and processor load in both clients and server. The current invention solves this by separating session signaling and media control signaling in different signaling channels (141,142) and by eliminating the need to re-establish SIP sessions for each service change. The application server (120) maintains a list of all media types supported by each multimedia client (110) involved in a multimedia conversation. Each multimedia client (110) requesting to send one or several media streams with different media types to one or several other multimedia client(s) negotiates with the application server (120) only. The inventive concept significantly reduces networks delays and speeds up the service change as perceived by the user. The invention is of interest for various multimedia conferencing applications. |
| US08239544B2 |
Removable storage content transfer
A system and method for removable storage content transfer. A removable storage medium is passed between a terminal and a device, and a device file stored on the removable storage medium is used to communicate media content and other information between the terminal and the device. The device file may include “session information,” such as information that can be used to represent a network or direct connect session between the terminal and the device file. The session information may include, for example, media content and header information. The device file may allow the terminal to treat the removable storage medium as a locally connected device in some situations. For example, the terminal may create a device stack using device parameters stored on the removable storage medium, and use the device stack to communicate with the device via the removable storage medium. |
| US08239536B2 |
System for generic service management in a distributed and dynamic resource environment, providing constant service access to users
A service controller for providing centralized service management, control and placement, as well as guaranteed failover, in a dynamic and distributed computing environment. The service controller works in conjunction with a computing resource supply manager, which supplies the required resources so that the service controller can run the service on the allocated resources. The number of active service instances may dynamically increase or decrease in accordance with changing availability of or demand for resources. The service controller monitors the service instances and takes appropriate action in the event of service instance failures. The service controller is provided with a service director component, which records and tracks, for each service instance which has been started on a particular resource/host, the IP address of such host, through a name location service, thus allowing end-users to locate the service regardless of where the service instances are physically running. |
| US08239529B2 |
Event management for hosted applications
At a server system, event data is received that was sent over a network to the server system. The event data reflects one or more application events generated by at least one hosted application. The hosted application is executed on one or more servers and being accessible by a user over a network using a user client device. The event data is stored at the server system. A request to view information regarding events generated by the hosted application is received at the server system and from an administrator client device over a network. The stored event data is received. At the administrator client device and based on the retrieved event data, a display of information regarding application events is generated by the hosted application. |
| US08239527B2 |
System and interface for monitoring information technology assets
An application service provider (ASP)-based interface and system for analyzing performance and costs of respective enterprise information technology assets from the correlation of metrics data of enterprise SNMP-enabled devices. |
| US08239526B2 |
System and method for performance data collection in a virtual environment
A system and method can deploy and manage software services in virtualized and non-virtualized environments. The system provides a data consumer that manages a plurality of data collectors, wherein each data collector resides on one of the plurality of virtualized and non-virtualized machines in the computing environment and extracts performance data from a set of Virtual Machines running on a specific compute resource using an operating contract. The operating contract includes one or more metric descriptors, wherein each metric descriptor specifies one or more resources associated with the set of Virtual Machines. In addition, a push manager allows the data consumer to register performance data items that need to be handled, wherein the push manager calls the data consumer to process the performance data items at each time the periodic interval elapse. |
| US08239521B2 |
Transmission of information relating to a quality of service
Methods of transmitting information relating to a quality of service are shown, which information is to be transmitted in at least one direction between a first device 30 and a second device 20. A first method comprises at least at one of the devices 20, 30 assembling a protocol message containing information other than the information relating to a quality of service and attaching the quality of service related information to the protocol message. A second method comprises forming the information relating to a quality of service inside at least one of a header field and an attribute of a protocol message. The disclosure relates equally to corresponding software codes, devices 20, 30, network elements and systems. |
| US08239519B2 |
Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer program products for autonomic recovery of messages
Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer program products for autonomic recovery of messages are provided. A computer-implemented method includes creating a temporary file for a communication session. The temporary file identifies a communication partner to the communication session and a start time of the communication session. The computer-implemented method also includes monitoring the communication session. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the computer-implemented method includes logging the time of the triggering event in the temporary file, logging the time of any messages received after the time of the triggering event, and storing the messages in the temporary file. The computer-implemented method further includes presenting the messages in response to initiation of another communication session with the communication partner. |
| US08239517B1 |
Architecture for presence based transaction tracking across multiple devices and clients
A presence-based transaction tracking method and system for communicating transaction information over a data network in which a sensing device in a host network associated with a transaction publishes presence information associated with a sensed transaction state to a server. A watcher subscribes to the server for receiving the presence information in which a middleware application can enable a watcher access across disparate client messaging systems. |
| US08239514B2 |
Managing content delivery network service providers
A system, method, and computer readable medium for managing CDN service providers are provided. A network storage provider storing one or more resources on behalf of a content provider obtains client computing device requests for content. The network storage provider processes the client computing device requests and determines whether a subsequent request for the resource should be directed to a CDN service provider as a function of the updated or processed by the network storage provider storage component. |
| US08239513B1 |
Optimizing media distribution using metrics
Metrics may be gathered at various points of a media distribution system as digital media files are being transmitted to client devices. The metrics may be analyzed to determine whether the media distribution system is performing at an appropriate level. If it is determined that the media distribution system is not performing at an appropriate level, configuration changes may be made to the media distribution system to improve performance. Examples of configuration changes may include changing the number of servers or server instances that are being utilized, changing the quality of the files that are being transmitted, changing the amount of CPU resources being used, adjusting client priorities, and so forth. |
| US08239512B2 |
Personal inter-home media exchange network
A system and method support the exchange of media between friends, family members, and 3rd party media providers over a closed and secure media exchange network. The media may include, for example, digital video, digital audio, digital images, digital data, or any form of digital information. |
| US08239511B2 |
Network operating system
Generally described, the present invention is directed to a network operating system that provides more effective ways of leveraging the connectivity of computer networks. In one embodiment, an XML virtual machine is implemented that accepts high-level application code written in an XML programming language as input. Functionality is provided to interpret or translate the application code written in an XML programming language into code that is suitable for execution across computer platforms. Moreover, the XML virtual machine supports the Model View Controller (MVC) design paradigm that facilitates true data abstraction from applications to a common data model. Multi-instance applications, with each instance potentially supporting multiple views, may be created and executed. |
| US08239509B2 |
Systems and methods for management of virtual appliances in cloud-based network
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for instantiating and operating a virtual appliance monitor in a cloud. A network cloud environment can include a set of instantiated virtual appliances supported in the cloud. A cloud management system can control and organize the resource servers and other resources necessary to build the virtual appliances. In addition to the set of virtual appliances, the cloud management system can instantiate a virtual appliance monitor that communicates with the set of virtual appliances, to monitor their execution state, software complement, and other operational details. In implementations the virtual appliance monitor can be migrated from a physical on-premise platform. The virtual appliance store can store information related to the execution state of the virtual appliances to an off-cloud appliance data store. The instantiation and operation of the virtual appliance monitor can be metered for subscription-based usage charges. |
| US08239506B2 |
System and method for affecting the behavior of a network device in a cable network
A subscriber access control system (SACS) configures a network device connected to cable network to affect the behavior of that device. The SACS comprises a rules engine and a datastore that stores the current state of subscribers known to the SACS and historical request information. When the SACS receives a request to quarantine a device, it assigns attributes to a subscriber record accessed by a DHCP server to affect the configuration and behavior of that device. The actual behavior of the quarantined device is determined by the presence of the attribute and the value of the attribute. |
| US08239505B2 |
Progressively implementing declarative models in distributed systems
A system for automatically implementing high-level instructions in a distributed application program, where the high-level instructions reflect the behavior of the distributed application program, includes at least a tools component. The tools component is used to write high-level instructions in the form of declarative models, and place them in a repository. An executive component then receives the declarative models from the repository and refines them (e.g., via progressive elaboration) until there are no ambiguities. A platform-specific driver then translates the commands from the executive component, effectively turning the declarative model instructions into a set of imperative actions to be implemented in one or more application containers. The platform-specific driver also relays one or more event streams to an analytics means, which can result in modifications to the declarative models and corresponding new sets of instructions coming through the platform-specific driver at a later point. |
| US08239504B2 |
Synchronization methods and systems
Systems, methods and computer readable media for synchronization of electronic message accounts. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving information to establish an electronic message account on a first data processing system, the electronic message account being defined by setup information, and synchronizing the setup information onto a store on a second data processing system. In another embodiment, a method includes receiving information to establish an electronic message account, defined by first setup information, on a host and synchronizing the first setup information onto a device when the device is coupled to the host for synchronization. Systems, other methods and computer readable media are also described. |
| US08239502B2 |
System and method for network design
A system and method for network design are disclosed. In one embodiment of a method incorporating teachings of the present disclosure, embedded network information describing at least one existing network element and a plurality of physical locations available for locating new network nodes may be received. A demand forecast for a coverage area of a proposed network may also be received. In an embodiment in which a proposed network has a core layer, a number of core layer nodes to be included in the proposed network may also be received. In an embodiment in which a proposed network has an aggregation layer, a number of aggregator layer nodes to include in the proposed network may be calculated by adding a positive integer to a lower bound number of aggregator layer nodes. Consideration may be given to these and other inputs in connection with generating a network design. |
| US08239501B1 |
System, method and computer program product for creating mobile custom views with filtering for tenants of an on-demand database service
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for creating mobile custom views with filtering for tenants of an on-demand database service. These mechanisms and methods for creating mobile custom views with filtering for tenants of an on-demand database service can enable embodiments to allow tenants to create and push instructions for generating user-defined views to mobile devices, etc. The ability of embodiments to provide such feature may allow tenants to efficiently and effectively create interfaces for mobile devices. |
| US08239500B2 |
Flexible graphical extension engine
A flexible graphical extension engine having a function block engine combined with extensions in communications with a wall module bus to make it possible to provide fixed function, configurable function and programmable function devices which implement additional function block behavior, and provide an automated configuration approach for generating configuration files for a programmable wall module. In other words, the engine not only depends on fixed inputs and outputs (I/O's) and fixed features in a control solution, but also may allow for flexible blocks and the ability to change an interface on the fly (i.e., during operation). |
| US08239496B2 |
Systems and methods for document management transformation and security
The present invention provides systems and methods for dynamically rendering documents during a signing ceremony (instead of validating that signature tasks are placed appropriately on all documents). The invention establishes a visibility policy that governs how documents are rendered, based on the state of system Tabs (instructions) placed on the documents. |
| US08239495B2 |
Media player with integrated parallel source download technology
A media player implements an integrated parallel source download technology to receive a media file from streamed and segmented media file sources. A first source streams delivery of streamed media packets of the media file in sequential packet number order to the media player, while a second source provides segmented delivery of segmented media packets of the media file in random order to the media player. The media player combines the streamed media packets and the segmented media packets to produce the media file. |
| US08239493B2 |
Automated server controlled client-side logging
A request for web content is received from a web client device at a web content server. At least one of a logging enablement status and a logging level associated with the web content is determined. Client-side logging executable syntax is configured within the web content based upon the determined logging enablement status and logging level associated with the web content. The web content with the configured client-side logging executable syntax is sent to the web client device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08239492B2 |
System for content-based peer-to-peer indexing of data on a networked storage device
An apparatus consisting of a networked data storage device and a software system for automatically indexing the data on the storage device by topic, and for sharing both the data and the topic indexes on the network. These may be used to provide the user of the apparatus with functionality including, but not limited to, content-based searching, sharing and automatic recommendations. The storage device stores its data by means of a file system. The indexing portion of the software performs topic-based categorization by means of a higher-order path analysis algorithm, which mimics human intuition by considering both high- and low-order links between data elements. The indexes generated by the software arc automatically partitioned by topic. The indexing software operates continuously and transparently, updating the index as data is added to or removed from the storage device. |
| US08239488B2 |
Hypothesis development based on user and sensing device data
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: acquiring a first data indicating at least one reported event as originally reported by a user and a second data indicating at least a second reported event as originally reported by one or more sensing devices; and developing a hypothesis based, at least in part, on the first data and the second data. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US08239484B2 |
Information terminal
The present invention provides mobile terminals with various types of services such as electronic commerce service, music delivery service, and position information service. User applications required for the electronic commerce service, music delivery service, and position information service are respectively configured as service objects each having a server facility, and further a local gateway is provided, whereby various types of services can be used through a browser. |
| US08239482B2 |
System and method for selectively caching hot content in a content delivery system
A method includes receiving a request for content from a client, and determining an elapsed time since a previous request for the content. Additionally, the method includes retrieving the content from a content server and storing the content in a cache when the elapsed time since the previous request for the content is not greater than a threshold. Further, the method includes providing the content to the client. The method also includes determining a cache-hit ratio and altering a threshold in response to the cache-hit ratio. |
| US08239479B2 |
Server-assisted and peer-to-peer synchronization
Systems and methods for synchronizing data between endpoints using elements of centralized and decentralized synchronization systems and communication topologies are disclosed. Such systems and methods may in some cases synchronize some subset of data with a centralized endpoint while another subset of data is synchronized in a decentralized fashion directly with other endpoints. Such systems and methods may include a variety of cooperative functionality to assist in the synchronization of data between endpoints. |
| US08239475B2 |
Managed messaging platform
Software is executed on a wireless device for presenting a response aggregation drawn upon a message having at least two desired recipients. The software of presenting at least two message-structure item questions via the wireless device and receives input requesting response aggregation drawn upon the message having at least two desired recipients and transmits the message to at least one of the at least two desired recipients using the wireless device. |
| US08239474B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting abusive email based on number of hops
A classifier is implemented to determine the number of message transfer agents (MTAs) through which an email message has traveled. If the number of MTAs through which the email message has traveled is below a predetermined threshold and the email message is not otherwise authenticated, the classifier will designate the email message as abusive. |
| US08239471B2 |
System and method for controlling access to an electronic message recipient
A system for, and method of, generating a plurality of proxy identities to a given originator identity as a means of providing controlled access to the originator identity in electronic communications media such as e-mail and instant messaging. |
| US08239470B2 |
Schedule adjustment assisting apparatus, method and program
In response to a request from a user, multiple reply mails are accessed and a changed portion for each of the reply mails is determined. Here, when the reply mail has a quotation from a past mail in the body and when the quotation includes newly-added information, a part where the information is added is determined as the changed portion. Otherwise, an original reply part in the body of the current mail is determined as the changed portion. Then, schedule information on a schedule is extracted from the changed portion. Based on the schedule information, summary information including a schedule of each person is created. |
| US08239468B2 |
Session QoS control apparatus
A session QoS control arrangement wherein for an occurrence of user session information indicating a change of user state and/or a change of session condition from a user communication terminal: said session information analysis means analyses the session state of the user terminal in real-time by referring to said session management database and said user preference database; and, said session QoS control means determines the QoS policy for the user session in real-time, based on the result of session analysis performed by said session information analysis means. |
| US08239466B2 |
Local loop for mobile peer to peer messaging
Techniques described herein describe a proxy used in an instant messaging system. The proxy, upon receiving an instant message (IM) from a first mobile device and addressed to a second mobile device, dynamically determines whether, and for how long to store the IM on a local proxy. Otherwise the IM is forwarded to a server. |
| US08239458B2 |
Determining failed delivery of email messages using email notifications
Notifying a user that an email message sent to the user was not received by the user. Users can register to receive notifications. When a sender sends an email message to a recipient, a separate notification also may be sent to a notification service that populates and controls access to an email notification list. Each notification in the list may comprise a hash of the content of the email message that it represents. A recipient module may be configured to check the notification list periodically and/or in response to a recipient's instructions, and compare notifications to the email messages received for the recipient to determine whether any email messages intended for the recipient were not received. If it is determined from the notifications that an email message was not received, a notice may be sent to the sender, which my include a request that the sender re-send the email message. |
| US08239456B2 |
Managing navigation history for intra-page state transitions
An intra Web-page navigation history mechanism allows history points to be tracked even for state transitions within the same Web page. A Web page may be subjected to a number of different state changes as the Web application executes. Along the way, a number of the state changes may be tracked as history points. When a history point is created, associated state is also recorded. When the history point is again navigated to, a navigation event may be raised along with the associated state for the history point. Various components (whether on the server or client) may listen to that event and reconstruct their respective states by using selective portions of the reconstruction state. |
| US08239452B2 |
System and method for discovering and publishing of presence information on a network
A system and method is provided for publication and discovery of the presence of nearby users on a network. When the system is enabled, the presence of the local user is published on the network. Nearby users that also have a similar system enabled can discover the local user's presence on the network. Furthermore, the local user may discovery the presence of the other nearby users that are currently publishing their presence on the network. |
| US08239448B2 |
System and method for providing network connectivity and computer status information
The present system and method for providing network connectivity and computer status information is displayed to a user and presents useful troubleshooting information related to various networks and computer status information. The present system includes means for determining at least one of the group consisting of a computer's IP address, host name, computer model, and user ID of said user's computer, means for determining a telephone number to a help desk associated with the user's computer, and means for displaying the telephone number and the at least one of the group consisting of a computer's IP address, host name, computer model, and user ID of the user's computer to the user. |
| US08239440B2 |
Processor which implements fused and unfused multiply-add instructions in a pipelined manner
Implementing an unfused multiply-add instruction within a fused multiply-add pipeline. The system may include an aligner having an input for receiving an addition term, a multiplier tree having two inputs for receiving a first value and a second value for multiplication, and a first carry save adder (CSA), wherein the first CSA may receive partial products from the multiplier tree and an aligned addition term from the aligner. The system may include a fused/unfused multiply add (FUMA) block which may receive the first partial product, the second partial product, and the aligned addition term, wherein the first partial product and the second partial product are not truncated. The FUMA block may perform an unfused multiply add operation or a fused multiply add operation using the first partial product, the second partial product, and the aligned addition term, e.g., depending on an opcode or mode bit. |
| US08239439B2 |
Method and apparatus implementing a minimal area consumption multiple addend floating point summation function in a vector microprocessor
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus for executing a multiple operand instruction. Executing the multiple operand instruction comprises transferring more than two operands to a vector unit, each operand being transferred to a respective one of a plurality of processing lanes of the vector unit. The operands may be transferred from the vector unit to a dot product unit wherein an arithmetic operation using the more than two operands may be performed. |
| US08239438B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing a multiple operand vector floating point summation to scalar function
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus for executing a multiple operand instruction. Executing the multiple operand instruction comprises computing an arithmetic result of a pair of operands in each processing lane of a vector unit. The arithmetic results generated in each processing lane of the vector unit may be transferred to a dot product unit. The dot product unit may compute an arithmetic result using the arithmetic result computed by each processing lane of the vector unit to generate an arithmetic result of more than two operands. |
| US08239436B2 |
Estimating a signal based on samples derived from dot products and random projections
A system and method for estimating a signal based on a stream of randomly generated samples. The method includes: (a) receiving a sample; (b) generating a sampling vector; (c) multiplying the sample and the sampling vector to obtain a current back projection; (d) computing a first intermediate vector that represents an average of the current back projection and previous back projections; (e) transforming the first intermediate vector to determine a second intermediate vector; (f) identifying locations where the second intermediate vector attains its k largest values; (g) computing an estimate for the transformation of the signal by solving a system of equations based on the identified locations, the received sample value, previously received sample values, the sampling vector and previously generated sampling vectors; (h) inverse transforming the transformation estimate to determine an estimate of the signal; and (i) storing the signal estimate. |
| US08239430B2 |
Accuracy improvement in CORDIC through precomputation of the error bias
Performing a calculation using a coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) algorithm. Execution of the CORDIC algorithm is begun. An error introduced by a truncated vector as a result of executing the CORDIC algorithm is pre-computed. The error is incorporated into a subsequent iteration of the CORDIC algorithm. Execution of the CORDIC algorithm is completed. The result of the CORDIC algorithm is stored. |
| US08239421B1 |
Techniques for compression and processing optimizations by using data transformations
Described herein are compression and processing optimizations by using data transformation techniques. In example embodiments, a byte-wise differential transformation is applied to columnar data represented as a list of length-value pairs to determine a list of delta pairs that is subsequently compressed and stored on persistent storage. A length separation transformation is applied to separate a list of length-value pairs into a length array and a corresponding data value array, where these two arrays are subsequently compressed and stored separately on persistent storage. A native number transformation is applied to a set of number values to remove the lengths stored in the number values, where the transformed set is stored on persistent storage instead of the original set of number values. A native datetime-type transformation is applied to a set of datetime values to generate an encoding that is used to encode the set of datetime values into an encoded set that is stored on persistent storage instead of the original set. |
| US08239420B1 |
System, method and computer program product for locking data in an on-demand database service
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for locking data in an on-demand database service. These mechanisms and methods for locking data in an on-demand database service can enable embodiments to prevent race conditions, etc. The ability of embodiments to provide such feature may lead to enhanced data integrity when editing data. |
| US08239418B1 |
Video-related recommendations using link structure
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes inferring labels for videos, users, advertisements, groups of users, and other entities included in a social network system. The inferred labels can be used to generate recommendations such as videos or advertisements in which a user may be interested. Inferred labels can be generated based on social or other relationships derived from, for example, profiles or activities of social network users. Inferred labels can be advantageous when explicit information about these entities is not available. For example, a particular user may not have clicked on any online advertisements, so the user is not explicitly linked to any advertisements. |
| US08239416B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for modeling changes to large scale datasets
A system, method, and computer program product for modeling, the user appears to have a body of information in a data structure that can be manipulated independently of an underlying database. In an embodiment of the invention, the data structure is an entity cache. |
| US08239405B1 |
Keywords filtering based on combined scores
A system and method for filtering keywords. The method may include receiving a first set of keywords. The method may include determining a first set of numbers associated with a first metric relating to the first set of keywords and a second set of numbers associated with a second metric relating to the first set of keywords. The method may include receiving at least one metric rule relating to the first and the second metric. The method may include determining a respective combination number for each keyword in the first set of keywords based on the first set of numbers, the second set of numbers, and the metric rule. The method may include filtering the first set of keywords based on the respective combination numbers to produce a second set of keywords. |
| US08239404B2 |
Identifying entries and exits of strongly connected components
A graph traversal system is described herein that efficiently identifies strongly connected components with entries, exits, and corresponding edges at the same time. Entry and exit nodes can be recognized by scanning every node after the strongly connected components have been identified, but revisiting these nodes incurs undesirable overhead. The graph traversal system identifies entries and exits during a single pass while the strongly connected components are being identified. In addition, the system modifies the semantics for some applications so that a single node all alone is not considered to be a strongly connected component. Thus, the graph traversal system allows efficient identification of entries to and exits from strongly connected components in a manner that can be applied to a variety of computer software problems that use directed graphs for data structures. |
| US08239392B2 |
Enhanced query performance using fixed length hashing of multidimensional data
Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer program products, for enhancing query performance through fixed length hashing of multidimensional data. According to one method, a fixed length hash of a multidimensional data record is created where the hash has respective fixed length sections for each data dimension of the record being hashed. The composite fixed length hash is stored with a reference to the original data record to which it corresponds. Query parameters are hashed and compared to a corresponding section of the fixed length hash to determine a set of candidate records. |
| US08239381B2 |
System and method for dynamically generating a selectable search extension
A system and related techniques accept user-inputted search terms, for example to perform a search for files or other data or objects. According to embodiments, an extension of a search to different levels or points in the file system hierarchy may be automatically generated and presented to the user as a selectable search box. That box may be highlighted to the user for easy selection. When the user selects the selectable search box, the user's search for files of type or extension “.doc” or “.memo”, may be seamlessly extended to other files, folders, trees or other points or levels in the file system hierarchy. Search results may be continuously or dynamically updated as the user enters more characters or other data. |
| US08239375B2 |
Method of searching for personal information management (PIM) information and handheld electronic device employing the same
A method of searching for Personal Information Management information of a handheld electronic device includes accepting input of one or more search criteria, such as text search criteria and/or name search criteria; accepting input of a representation of a plurality of different databases or applications of the handheld electronic device including Personal Information Management information to be searched; and conducting a search of the different databases or applications based upon the one or more search criteria and the representation of different databases or applications. The method determines one or more search results from the search and displays those search results. |
| US08239372B2 |
Using link structure for suggesting related queries
An approach is provided for determining related queries for a given search query based on the linking structure of electronic documents within a document set. Document titles are used to represent potential search queries and links between the electronic documents are used to determine relationships between the potential search queries. As such, the document set may be represented as a directed graph in which document titles (which represent potential search queries) are nodes and links are edges between the nodes. When a particular search query is received, a corresponding node is identified and related queries are determined by identifying other nodes having connections with that node. |
| US08239370B2 |
Basing search results on metadata of prior results
Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system, and media for determining search results based on a query. One embodiment of the method includes receiving an initial query, inspecting an initial set of query-related information that is associated with the query, which is the fruit of analyzing aggregated user-interaction data, which includes information related to how users have previously interacted with former search results that were presented in response to the query. This information includes prior metadata associated with the former search results. Embodiments further include presenting an initial set of search results based on the initial set of query-related information, gathering current user-interaction data, and updating the initial set of query-related information based on the current user-interaction data. In this way, an embodiment of the invention helps, among other things, map a semantic meaning of a query to results that bring about a satisfying user experience. |
| US08239369B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing performance of database and environment thereof
A method and apparatus for enhancing the performance of an environment comprising a database system. The method and apparatus employ collection stage for collecting data related to substantially all aspects of the system, including hardware, operating system, database, database schema, content and activity. Multiple issues relating to multiple categories are detected within the collected information. Then the detected issues are analyzed by correlating and prioritizing them. The issues that receive the highest priority are preferably those whose correction will yield the most significant improvement on the overall performance of the system. One or more recommendations are then issued for correcting the root issues hindering performance. Preferably, for one or more recommendations, scripts are generated which are then executed manually or automatically. |
| US08239368B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for executing a distributed spatial data query
An apparatus, system, and method for executing a distributed spatial data query. The present invention allows a client to perform spatial queries against spatial data stored in a various formats in various separate databases. A view of the data is created in the relevant databases, wherein the spatial data is converted to WKB and stored as a BLOB. A federated server contains nicknames for the various database views, and also contains views of the data where the BLOB is converted back to a spatial data type. The federated server presents to clients an application view of the distributed heterogeneous spatial data such that the clients can treat the data as if it were a homogenous data source. Also taught is incorporating distributed non-spatial data into the application view by creating a nickname and a view on top of the nickname which derives spatial information from the non-spatial location information. |
| US08239366B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing spoken search queries
Some embodiments relate to a method of performing a search for content on the Internet, in which a user may speak a search query and speech recognition may be performed on the spoken query to generate a text search query to be provided to a plurality of search engines. This enables a user to speak the search query rather than having to type it, and also allows the user to provide the search query only once, rather than having to provide it separately to multiple different search engines. |
| US08239360B2 |
Content management device, content management system, and content management method
A content management device for managing acquired content in a searchable manner, includes a storage device that stores a search database in which a plurality of keywords and content are registered; a registration unit that registers new content in the search database; and a search unit that searches content registered in the search database. The registration unit performs operations includes: extracting a plurality of keyword candidates associated with the new content from the search database; displaying the extracted keyword candidates; and registering a keyword candidate designated from among the displayed keyword candidates in the search database, as a search keyword in association with the new content. The search unit performs operations includes: displaying a plurality of search keywords registered in the search database; extracting content associated with a search keyword designated from among the displayed search keywords from the search database; and displaying the extracted content. |
| US08239352B1 |
Method and apparatus for determining whether a private data area is safe to preserve
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that configures a safety-tag that indicates whether a private data area is safe to preserve. During operation, the system receives a file with a private data area. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the private data area is contained within an Exchangeable Image File (EXIF) MakerNote tag, which allows makers of EXIF writers to record any desired information. Next, the system determines whether the private data area is safe to preserve. If the private data area is safe to preserve, the system configures a safety-tag to indicate that the private data area is safe to preserve. Otherwise, if the private data area is not safe to preserve, the system configures the safety-tag to indicate that the private data is not safe to preserve. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the safety-tag is a Digital Negative (DNG) MakerNoteSafety tag. |
| US08239351B2 |
Methods and systems for managing permissions data
Methods, systems and computer readable media which use permissions checking when deciding whether to allow access to a file are described. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes receiving a notification of a change of permissions of a directory in a hierarchical file system and determining, in response to the notification, whether to update partially a permissions cache which is used in screening access based on permissions, such as access to search results. The determining may include a comparison of an identifier of the directory to a data structure of cached directories which have files represented in the permissions cache. |
| US08239350B1 |
Date ambiguity resolution
A system and method for resolving ambiguities in date values associated with an attribute in a memory of the computer system. If a first text string conforms to one or more date formats, a confidence value is assigned for each of the date formats for the first text string based on the amount of specificity with which the first text string conforms to each date format. Similarly, if a second text string conforms to one or more date formats, a confidence value is assigned for each of the date formats for the second text string based on the amount of specificity with which the second text string conforms to each date format. The date format with the highest confidence value for the first text string and the date format with the highest confidence value for the second text string are merged to obtain a date value for the attribute. |
| US08239340B2 |
Message conduit systems with algorithmic data stream control and methods for processing thereof
A method for processing messages is provided where at least one algorithmic conduit is defined, and at least one conduit rule for controlling at least one algorithmic conduit is defined. An algorithmic conduit is a persistent connection, controlled by explicit, independent, dynamic rules, and capable of processing messages among data communicators such as devices, systems, or programs. Messages can be monitored, filtered, transformed, correlated, or processed in other ways without modifying the data communicators. A message conduit hub system allows creation and management of algorithmic conduits to serve as active, virtualized links carrying rules-based data streams among configurable endpoints. These “smart” connections are managed using parameters, logic, and other control interfaces for tailoring behavior to a particular application, site, or user. A message conduit hub system may be implemented as a stand-alone device, as part of a larger system, or as an “encapsulation layer” for an existing application. |
| US08239339B2 |
Library synchronization between definitions and instances
In an industrial control configuration, various instances can exist that are based upon a definition. A definition can be changed and thus it can be appropriate to alter related instances in accordance with the change. However, changing an instance can cause disruption in other actions even when the change is minor. Therefore, various standards can be used to determine if a change to an instance should be propagated automatically or at another time, such as after an operation. The determination can be based on artificial intelligence techniques, user preference, a defined rule set, user instruction, as well as other standards. |
| US08239337B2 |
Network device proximity data import based on weighting factor
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with importing proximity data are provided. Device identification information and device location information associated with a device are received from a data source. An estimated proximity of the device to one or more network zones is determined based at least in part on the device location information. A device identifier and the estimated proximity of the device are stored in a proximity database that stores proximity data for devices relative to one or more network zones. |
| US08239334B2 |
Learning latent semantic space for ranking
A tool facilitating learning latent semantics for ranking (LLSR) tailored to the ranking task via leveraging relevance information of query-document pairs to learn a tailored latent semantic space such that other documents are better ranked for the queries in the subspace. The tool applying a learning latent semantics for ranking algorithm integrating LLSR, thereby enabling learning an optimal latent semantic space (LSS) for ranking by utilizing relevance information in the training process of subspace learning. The tool enabling an optimization of the LSS as a closed form solution and facilitating reporting the learned LSS. |
| US08239332B2 |
Constrained line search optimization for discriminative training of HMMS
An exemplary method for optimizing a continuous density hidden Markov model (CDHMM) includes imposing a constraint for discriminative training, approximating an objective function as a smooth function of CDHMM parameters and performing a constrained line search on the smoothed function to optimize values of the CDHMM parameters. Various other methods, devices and systems are disclosed. |
| US08239326B1 |
Method and apparatus for authorizing transactions using transaction phrases in a transaction authorization service
A transaction processing and authorization service. If a source entity does not respond to an authorization attempt via a communications channel, the service may generate a transaction phrase corresponding to the transaction and communicate the transaction phrase to the source entity. The transaction phrase may also be stored by the service and associated with the source entity's account and the particular transaction as initiated, and may be used to identify the transaction. After receiving the transaction phrase, the source entity may then, if desired, return the transaction phrase to the service. Upon receiving the transaction phrase from the source entity, the service may then contact the source entity via the communications channel to authorize the transaction. As an alternative, a source entity may submit a replay command to the service to replay any pending transactions. |
| US08239325B2 |
Method and system to verify the identity of a user
A method and system to verify the identity of a user are described. The system may include a communications module to receive a billing telephone number and a private data segment associated with a user; an address detector to obtain a street address associated with the user; a private data processor to obtain one or more identification records, utilizing the obtained street address and the private data segment; and a matching module to compare the one or more identification records with the private data segment associated with the user to generate a match result. |
| US08239324B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal capable of causing the user side to grasp whether or not a credit settlement service stops with a simple operation is provided. In the mobile terminal 10, validation and invalidation of a storage area within an IC chip assigned to an issuer application corresponding to one issuer are switched based on switching instruction information received from an issuer terminal 20 managed by one issuer. Then, when the issuer application starts, there is displayed in a lump whether or not the respective issuer applications are available on a display part 16, based on state information indicating whether or not the respective storage areas are validated. Therefore, in the mobile terminal 10, even if plural issuer applications are stored, it is possible to cause the user side to grasp which kind of the credit settlement service stops, with a simple operation of only starting a management application. |
| US08239322B2 |
Method of postal payment for set of customized postage
A method of paying for postage stamps, that involves the generation of a plurality of postage stamps, wherein each of the stamps has a unique identification code; and the debiting of an account for the generation of the plurality of stamps when a carrier processes one of the plurality of stamps. |
| US08239319B2 |
Equipment to facilitate money transfers into bank accounts
In one embodiment, the invention provides a computerized system and method for transferring money to a bank account, typically when paid in cash or a cash equivalent at a point of sale device. According to one method, transactional information is transmitted to a host computer system from a point of sale device. The transactional information includes information on a bank account that is to receive the money. The transaction information is stored at the host computer system. Also, at least some of the transaction information is sent to an intermediary computer system that is configured to interact with a plurality of banking networks in different countries. The intermediary computer system may also determine which one of the banking networks is associated with the bank account that is to receive the money. A request is transmitted from the intermediary computer network to a local banking network and includes information on the bank account that is to receive the money and an amount of money to deposit. The bank account may then be credited with the money. |
| US08239317B2 |
Method and system of trading a standardized contract
A system, method, and corresponding computer program product facilitates trading of a standardized contract. The terms of the contract may be such that it provides a payout from one party to the other based on the price, yield, level or other measure of an asset, basket, index, financial contract, other financial instrument or some economically significant variable observed at or around two specified times, both such times being after the time that the standardized contract is first available for trading. Alternatively, the terms of the contract may be such that it provides that one party has the right but not the obligation either to purchase or to sell some asset at a price which is determined at a first specified time, such right to be exercised at some time not later than the second specified time, both such times being after the time that the standardized contract is first available for trading. These and other related contracts are described. |
| US08239314B2 |
System and method for estimating a spread value
An estimated spread value is computed that represents a price at which a trader might have been able to buy or sell a spread given the current market conditions of the legs. In particular, when an event occurs in one of the legs, price information is gathered from each of the other legs based on the spread definition, in addition to the defined event, and is used in estimating the value of a spread. According to one feature, the computations may be triggered by any predefined event. According to another feature, the computation may be programmed by a user to tailor the estimation process according to the type of spread being traded. The estimated spread value may be used to analyze spreads, it may be fed to other trading related software tools, or it may be used in charting. |
| US08239312B2 |
Method and apparatus for net-pay and debt consolidation
A method and apparatus for consolidating net-pay and debt management of a sales representative or sales team is presented. A party associated with the sales representatives may obtain debts and specify rules on payment of those debts which can be tracked back to the domain (e.g., agreements, rules, sale item, etc.). The ledger items created for that distributor by the commission engine are typically processed to distribute payments into accounts specified by the distributor and to pay debts obtained by the distributor. Available money may be split into various methods of payments for a distributor. These splits can be tracked by adding various constraints (related to the financial industries business model). The system allows the user to model the payment rule/constraints. Payment splits support pay-outs to alternate payee from funds of a distributor. The distributor may specify deduction rules which can be applied to the distributors earning to facilitate deductions for items such as taxes, mutual funds etc. The system offers the flexibility to choose the method of payment for a distributor for each issued debt. Debt repayment rules are introduced so that debts can be repaid from available earnings of a distributor. Debt collection mechanisms for defaulters are also provided. |
| US08239309B2 |
Closing price determination for an automated market system
A method for determining a closing price of a security traded in an electronic market includes receiving a trade price of an executed trade of the security wherein the executed trade is executed during a trading session of the electronic market, comparing the received trade price to a market parameter of the security to determine the closing price of the security, and reporting the determined closing price of the security to a user. |
| US08239307B2 |
Asset allocation based on expected utility of time and wealth
A method and system for providing financial advice to individuals that includes outputting a target asset allocation for an individual and a critical wealth, a retirement wealth, a utility function, or a combination thereof. The target asset allocation includes a target securities allocation and is computed using a function analyzing a trade-off between retirement time and retirement consumption of the individual. The method includes computing a critical wealth of the individual, a retirement wealth of the individual, and a wealth utility function of the individual. A determination of whether the individual is in a wealth maximizing phase or a critical wealth phase is made. The determination is based on whether the individual has a current wealth equal to or greater than the calculated critical wealth threshold. Having determined the relevant wealth phase, a target asset allocation for the current assets of the individual is computed. |
| US08239306B2 |
Computer-implemented method of constructing a stock index
Computer-implemented methods of creating and maintaining stock indexes are provided. For a stock index of a particular size, a band is defined around the upper and/or lower limits of the stock index. To be added to, or dropped from, a particular stock index, the stocks must fall outside of the bands for that particular stock index size. Stock migration is controlled using a systematic stock migration process so that stocks are gradually added and deleted from an index. Stock investment style is determined in a multi-dimensional process, instead of a linear process. Furthermore, the number of stocks in the stock index need not be a fixed value, but may depend upon how many stocks meet predefined criteria at any given point in time. |
| US08239302B2 |
Minimizing security holdings risk during portfolio trading
A method and computer program product for minimizing short-term risk to a portfolio of securities holdings during implementation of executing an outstanding trade list of securities to be traded, takes into account covariances between securities in the outstanding trade list and between securities in the outstanding trade list and securities in the portfolio of holdings so as to minimize risk to the portfolio of holdings as well as to a residual trade list of unexecuted orders during said implementation. |
| US08239300B2 |
Method and system for extracting weight classified by ranking
A method and system for extracting a weight classified by a ranking which can calculate, in a keyword advertisement, a unit sale cost of an advertisement area exposing advertisement information by considering an advertising effect classified by a keyword, the advertising effect being acquired by using the corresponding advertisement area, is provided. The method of extracting a weight classified by a ranking includes the steps of: generating the advertisement area, wherein one keyword corresponds to a plurality of advertisement areas and each of the plurality of advertisement areas corresponds to the ranking; and extracting a weight value for advertising costs of the advertisement area by considering an advertising effect classified by the ranking of the advertisement area corresponding to a click-through rate (CTR), and the ranking. |
| US08239291B2 |
System and method for communicating status information of inventory-related tasks using a status indicator
A method for communicating information pertaining to a task includes receiving wirelessly first status information. The first status information specifies a first status associated with a task. The method also includes indicating the first status to a user and receiving input from the user indicating a second status associated with the task. Additionally, the method includes transmitting wirelessly second status information to a remote device in response to receiving the input from the user. The second status information specifies the second status. |
| US08239283B2 |
Product design system and method
Computer-implemented product design creation system and method for quickly developing a product design having desirable component elements. Multiple candidate product designs are simultaneously displayed for review. Controls are provided allowing a reviewer to enter a preference level for individual component elements of each of the displayed designs. A new set of candidate designs is created based on the entered preference levels. The new candidate designs are displayed for further review and further preference level selection. |
| US08239282B2 |
Purchaser centered, product driven world wide web searching and e-commerce system
Aspects of this invention disclose a system for providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including providing storage circuitry comprising a database of products, storing product data in the database, receiving from a prospective product purchaser, product data of a desired product to purchase, accessing the database of products and comparing the product data to product data in the database, and determining a probability that the product data matches product data stored in the database. Other aspects may include a data processing apparatus providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including storage circuitry comprising a database of product data, processing circuitry configured to receive purchaser specified product search inquiry data, accessing the database of product data, and comparing the purchaser specified product search inquiry data to the product data; and determining a probability that the prospective purchaser product data matches the product data stored in the database. |
| US08239278B1 |
Method, medium, and system for sending notifications to property managers regarding vacancies
Consumers who are interested in various rental properties can create a list of those properties, and notifications of that interest can be sent to the property managers associated with those properties. A system could be implemented to send multiple notifications (e.g., to each manager of a property on the list) with a single request by the consumer. Such notifications can be used to provide property managers with information used to screen applicants, and/or can allow property managers to seek to access additional information about the consumer. Whether any additional information has been accessed can be tracked to verify that access is only provided in compliance with relevant regulation. This type of functionality can be integrated with a system that allows regulatory investigations to be allocated to, and performed by, compliance representatives using mobile devices, and can also be integrated with functionality that allows consumers to present themselves as pre-qualified applicants. |
| US08239277B2 |
Method, medium, and system to monitor shoppers in a retail or commercial establishment
Methods and apparatus to monitor shoppers in a retail environment are disclosed herein. In a disclosed example method involves collecting location information indicative of a measured path of travel of a person through a monitored environment. The example method also involves collecting person detection event information associated with a plurality of zones in the monitored environment. The person detection event information is indicative of detections of the person in each of the zones. In addition, the example method involves determining an adjusted path of travel of the person through the monitored environment based on the location information indicative of the measured path of travel and the person detection event information. |
| US08239273B1 |
Integrated pay per click and pay per call listings
A response subsystem includes a plurality of listings, with at least one listing associated with a first type of per-hit fee and at least one second listing associated with a second type of per-hit fee. A translation subsystem is configured to translate between the first type of per-hit fee and the second type of per-hit fee. |
| US08239262B2 |
Secondary market and vending system for devices
A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of a mobile telephone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes an inspection area with at least one camera and a plurality of electrical connectors in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the mobile telephone for determination of a value of the mobile telephone. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor, a display and a user interface. |
| US08239261B2 |
Method and system for managing limited use coupon and coupon prioritization
A system for managing coupon redemption and prioritization is provided. According to one aspect of the system, the system allows an electronic coupon or reward to be redeemed a specific number of times. The specific number of times may range from one to infinity. According to another aspect of the system, the system automatically resolves any redemption conflict associated with the concurrent redemption of electronic coupon(s) and paper-based coupon(s) by using certain predefined rules and logic. |
| US08239259B2 |
Donations in a virtual environment
A donation aspect for a website is provided. Amounts of donations are limited and users are given awards based on their donations. |
| US08239258B2 |
Redeeming affinity rewards as political contributions
Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating the redemption of affinity reward points as political contributions are disclosed. In an aspect, “points” or “miles” created through various existing affinity programs prevalent in the credit card and airline industries can be redeemed as political donations. Typically, such reward, award or bonus “points” or “miles” have been redeemed for free or discounted rewards such as airline tickets, hotel room stays, restaurant vouchers or other goods and services. However, millions of vested affinity points or miles are left unused (i.e., unredeemed). The present invention allows a consumer who holds such points or miles to link to a political campaign, political party or political action committee allowing excess points to be converted into cash donations to such political campaigns, political parties or political action committees. |
| US08239248B2 |
Techniques to manage information for dynamic reports using time periods for a business model
Techniques to manage information for dynamic reports are described. An apparatus may comprise a business planning application module to update a current period reference to a time member of a time dimension, generate a rolling data entry form with actual data members and forecast data members based on the current period reference, and set a data locking mode for the actual data members and a data access mode for the forecast data members. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08239247B2 |
Correlated analytics for benchmarking in community shared data
Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a method that includes estimating an empirical distribution of a metric for a company. The method includes estimating a distribution of the metric for a plurality of companies. The method further includes determining whether the company is an outlier, based on the empirical distribution of the metric for the company and the distribution of the metric for the plurality of companies, and generating at least one recommendation based determining whether the company is an outlier. |
| US08239246B1 |
Health and life sciences payer high performance capability assessment
A high-performance capability assessment model helps a health and life sciences business meet the challenges of the global marketplace. As a result, the health and life sciences business can achieve the clarity, consistency, and well-defined execution of core processes that reduce inefficiencies and waste that result from unnecessary process complexity and exceptions. In addition, the high-performance capability assessment model helps the health and life sciences business to identify specific areas in which improvements may be made, to understand how to make said improvements, and to establish levels of capability along the way to reaching an ultimate capability goal. |
| US08239245B2 |
Method and apparatus for end-to-end retail store site optimization
A method and apparatus for end-to-end retail store one-stop site configuration integrates multiple data sources, identifying key customers, forecasting merchandise demand. Site configuration is formulated as a mathematical optimization problem with both in-store and external data as input to the problem whose solution provides proper suggestions for retail store transformation. |
| US08239244B2 |
System and method for transaction log cleansing and aggregation
A computer-implemented method prepares data for modeling. The method comprises storing data from customer sales transactions in a database and retrieving a dataset of the data from the database. The dataset may include promotion and merchandizing entries. The method includes cleansing the dataset to remove erroneous and anomalous entries. Cleansing the dataset may include determining a threshold value from the dataset and determining whether a value of the dataset exceeds the threshold value, and determining an out-of-stock status for a product from the dataset. The method includes aggregating the dataset over a plurality of dimensions of the transactional space including store, product, and time dimensions, and analyzing the dataset following the cleansing and aggregating steps within a model to predict attributes of subsequent sales transactions. |
| US08239243B2 |
Apparatus and method for operating supply chain management in mobile terminal
An apparatus and method for effectively operating Supply Chain Management (SCM) emerging as a management scheme preferred by mobile terminal manufacturers are provided. The method includes, upon detection of initial booting, gathering at least one of mobile terminal identifier information, product information, and subscriber location information, generating a sales information message comprising the gathered information, and transmitting the generated sales information message. Accordingly, an SCM system is reliably implemented in advance and determines statistical data regarding a time of sales of the mobile terminal. Further, the SCM system may determine statistical data for preferred models and colors of the mobile terminal. In addition, the determined statistical data may be utilized as marketing information or may be usefully utilized for point-of-sales inventory management by performing demand prediction. |
| US08239240B2 |
Method and apparatus for conducting an information brokering service
A system and method is provided that provides an early indication of consensus of opinion among a number of users regarding an event or observation indicated by a user. Such an opinion may be interesting to an information consumer, who may be interested in determining the outcome of the consensus relating to the event or observation, or may otherwise desire to perform surveillance or survey of a particular issue or subject. Such recognition of early events or observations may be useful in different areas, such as healthcare, finance, etc., where initial observations, if provided early, allow resulting decisions to be made much earlier. The opinion may, for instance, be used as an early indicator of problem with a product, company, etc. that would permit an information consumer to perform an action at a much earlier point than if he/she relied on traditional sources of information. Thus, such opinion information may be invaluable as a tool for monitoring events. |
| US08239239B1 |
Methods and systems for dynamic workflow access based on user action
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for modifying a user interface to provide easier access to succeeding user actions in a stored workflow after receiving a subsequent user action that corresponds to a user action in a stored workflow. In one embodiment, workflows that include a series of such user actions are received and stored. User actions may be inputs from a user that select an option representing a function that is performed by the application. A subsequent user action is received that corresponds to a user action in one or more stored workflows. Each of the workflows that include a corresponding user action are identified. A favorite workflow is determined based on the number of identified workflows that include the same user actions, including a user action corresponding to the subsequent user action. After determining the favorite workflow, the application user interface can be modified to provide easier access to succeeding user actions in the favorite workflow. |
| US08239238B2 |
Methods and apparatus for encoding a work item type definition
Methods and apparatus are provided for encoding a work item type definition. In one embodiment, a method is provided for encoding the work item type definition as a data object, such as an XML document. The work item type definition may include a specification of workflow associated with the work item type, and//or a specification of the display of the work item type by a graphical user interface, such as that which may be provided by a workflow management application. |
| US08239236B2 |
Method and system for scheduling a meeting for a set of attendees via a special attendee
A method for scheduling a meeting for a set of recipients is provided. The set of recipients includes a special attendee and at least one additional attendee including a meeting organizer. The method includes obtaining an initial meeting request from the meeting organizer. The meeting request does not specify meeting commencement information corresponding to at least one of a start time and a date. The method also includes generating a user interface for displaying the initial meeting request to the special attendee. The method also includes collecting input designated by the special attendee from the user interface. The input specifies the meeting commencement information. The method further includes transmitting the collected input. The collected input is used to generate an updated meeting request designating the set of recipients and specifying the meeting commencement information. |
| US08239234B2 |
Freeform communication in calendaring system
A method of sharing a calendar between a plurality of users, the calendar being capable of holding one or more events. The method comprises providing the calendar to each of said plurality of users; allowing any of said plurality of users to add to the calendar any of a new event, a change to an event and a message relating to an event; and providing any new event, change to an event or message added by a user to the other users. A change to an event may comprise a change to at least one of a start time of the event, an end time of the event, a description of the event, a status of the event, whether the event is to be repeated and the persons attending the event. |
| US08239228B2 |
System for valuating users and user generated content in a collaborative environment
A system for valuating users and user generated content in a collaborative environment is described. The system may include a memory, an interface, and a processor. The memory may store an item, responses to the item, and ratings for each response. The processor may receive responses from the users based on the item provided by the content provider. The processor may receive ratings from the users for each of the responses. The processor may determine a response quality score for each response if the number of users who viewed the response satisfies a view threshold. The response quality score may be based on the ratings received for each response and the number of users who viewed each response. The processor may transform each response and the response quality score of each response into a graphical representation and may provide the graphical representation to the content provider. |
| US08239225B2 |
System and method for selection of airline seats and payment verification
This invention relates to an electronic means by which people can select the exact seat or seats they want for any type of event or reserve an appointment for any activity. More specifically, a customer or a ticket re-seller or a venue operator can go, for example, to the internet and select the event or activity for which he wants a ticket or tickets or reserve a time and reserve and order the exact seat or seats or the time of his choosing directly online. The seat or seats or reserved time he selects is then paid for using payment information that is verified with a payment verification server. |
| US08239223B1 |
Methods for validating participants in a pension insurance program
A method for ensuring valid participation of a plan participant in a defined contribution pension plan provides data query for identifying the plan participant. A pension debt coverage policy protects an outstanding balance of a defined contribution plan loan secured by participant's plan assets, eliminating adverse tax consequences to the plan beneficiary in the event of the death or disability of the participant and ensuring that the full plan account balance passes intact to beneficiary in such event. |
| US08239222B2 |
Virtual share exchange apparatus and method
A method and apparatus that includes a method and apparatus for pooling resources into a common fund such that the risk benefit is held low by assigning rating to the individual members as well as allowing people with similar characteristic or profiles to participate in the pool. |
| US08239219B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing availability of airline seats
A computer program product, method and system for producing seat availability information for a mode of travel such as airline travel produce a prediction of availability of a seat in accordance with an availability query. The prediction is used in place of making an actual query to an airline or other travel mode availability system. |
| US08239218B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing a centralized medical record system
A method of creating and maintaining a centralized medical record system includes establishing, in a computer system, a record associated with an account of a client, the computer system being in communication with a network to which the client has access, receiving a copy of at least one medical record or item of data, from one or more of a multiplicity of health care entity sources, sent to the centralized medical record system, producing an electronic representation of each copy received from each of the multiplicity of health care entity sources, and storing, in the centralized medical record system, the representation received and logically associating, with each representation, client information related to the client. The method also includes providing the client with access, via a web page, to each of the representations over the network, each of the representations constituting an accessible entry in the web page, such that the client can review the representations, wherein the web page includes a facility by which the client can provide information describing each representation, the information being stored in logical association with the representation so as to permit subsequent access to and retrieval thereof via the web page, the information including a client-described label that is used in identifying the representation on the web page. |
| US08239215B2 |
Apparatus and method for revenue distribution generated from delivering healthcare advertisements via EMR systems, RHIN, and electronic advertising servers
A system and method for effectively distributing revenues generated from delivering specific healthcare advertisements and non health-care specific advertisements over electronic medical record systems (EMR) and a regional healthcare information network (RHIN) using an electronic advertising server in a manner compliant with HIPAA and Federal Anti-Kickback laws. The system consists of several components including: (1) an internet or intranet based patient portal used by health consumers to communicate with their health care provider; (2) a protocol at the patient portal in which the health consumer may choose from a menu of possible actions; 3) an ad server providing appropriate protocol to distribute the advertisement on the patient portal and EMR; 4) an EMR system used by a physician to record the clinical encounters with the healthcare consumer; 5) a RHIN which bridges the EMR systems and patient portals to create a healthcare network or community of physicians, healthcare consumers and other providers using this system; and 6) an advertisement targeting process. |
| US08239214B2 |
Method and apparatus for backing up power failure for automatic medicine packing machine
A method for backing up power failure for an automatic medicine packing machine includes steps of creating backup file from prescription data, storing backup file, deleting backup file for which packing of corresponding medicine is completed, detecting power recovery, and performing backup operation. In the step of creating backup file, when prescription data are received, the prescription data are arranged in preparation order and classified into one or more packing units, and a backup file is created for each of the packing units. An apparatus for the method includes a controller, a storage unit that stores backup files and a power recovery detecting unit that detects power recovery after power failure. |
| US08239212B2 |
Genetic profiling and banking system and method
A method is provided for determining whether a third party is authorized to access information representative of genetic data. This information representative of genetic data is associated with a physical sample and is provided in an accessible format. A set of access rights is received that define which third parties can access the information and how the information can be used. A third party requests to access the information for the purposes of performing a test. The request is compared to the access rights. If the third party is authorized, the test is performed on the information. If, however, the third party is not authorized, access is denied. |
| US08239208B2 |
Spectral enhancing method and device
The invention concerns a method for spectral enhancement and a device therefor. The inventive method is a method for enhancing spectral content of a signal having an incomplete spectrum including a first spectral band, the method including the following steps: at least transposing the spectral content of the first band into a second spectral band not included in the spectrum to generate a transposed spectrum signal, with spectrum limited to the second spectral band; transforming the spectrum of the transposed spectrum signal to obtain an enhancing signal; combining the incomplete spectrum signal and the enhancing signal to produce a spectrum enhanced signal. The invention is characterized in that the spectral content is subjected to a whitening step. |
| US08239204B2 |
Inferring switching conditions for switching between modalities in a speech application environment extended for interactive text exchanges
The disclosed solution includes a method for dynamically switching modalities based upon inferred conditions in a dialogue session involving a speech application. The method establishes a dialogue session between a user and the speech application. During the dialogue session, the user interacts using an original modality and a second modality. The speech application interacts using a speech modality only. A set of conditions indicative of interaction problems using the original modality can be inferred. Responsive to the inferring step, the original modality can be changed to the second modality. A modality transition to the second modality can be transparent the speech application and can occur without interrupting the dialogue session. The original modality and the second modality can be different modalities; one including a text exchange modality and another including a speech modality. |
| US08239202B2 |
System and method for audibly outputting text messages
A method and system for audibly outputting text messages includes: setting a vocalizing function for audibly outputting text messages, searching a character speech library for each character of a received text message, and acquiring pronunciation data of each character of the received text message. The method and the system further includes vocalizing the pronunciation data of each character of the received text message, generating a voice message, and audibly outputting the generated voice message. |
| US08239199B2 |
Replacing an audio portion
A method includes identifying a first syllable in a first audio of a first word and a second syllable in a second audio of a second word, the first syllable having a first set of properties and the second syllable having a second set of properties; detecting the first syllable in a first instance of the first word in an audio file, the first syllable in the first instance having a third set of properties; determining one or more transformations for transforming the first set of properties to the third set of properties; applying the one or more transformations to the second set of properties of the second syllable to yield a transformed second syllable; and replacing the first syllable in the first instance of the first word with the transformed second syllable in the audio file. |
| US08239195B2 |
Adapting a compressed model for use in speech recognition
A speech recognition system includes a receiver component that receives a distorted speech utterance. The speech recognition also includes an adaptor component that selectively adapts parameters of a compressed model used to recognize at least a portion of the distorted speech utterance, wherein the adaptor component selectively adapts the parameters of the compressed model based at least in part upon the received distorted speech utterance. |
| US08239186B2 |
Machine translation feedback
Methods, program products and systems for first receiving an indication of when a user-manipulable cursor is positioned in proximity to a first presentation of first text in a graphical user interface (GUI), the first text being in a first language. In response to the first receiving, causing a second presentation in the GUI of second text in a distinct second language, where the second text represents a translation of the first text into the second language or the first text represents a translation of the second text into the first language. Second user input to the GUI is received providing an alternate translation of the first text to the second text or the second text to the first text. |
| US08239185B2 |
Method and system for situational language translation
The present invention is a method and apparatus for facilitating an interview where the interviewer and interviewee speak different languages. An important application is to first responder situations during an emergency. The invention implements several improvements over the prior art. A method is provided whereby the interviewee who cannot read can nevertheless specify her language to the interviewer and system. Choices of topics about which the interviewer might want to communicate with the interviewee are ranked by associated probabilities or risks, thereby assisting the interviewer in selecting next steps in the interview and treatment process; the interviewer, nevertheless, retains the discretion to choose other options. Information communicated to the interviewee in detail can be presented to the interviewer in summary form, so that the interviewer can concentrate on higher priority matters. Ordinarily, the interviewer and interviewee wear headsets, but an interviewee headset that can be conveniently converted into speakers allows the interviewer to communicate in the interviewee language to third parties at the scene, such as family members. Other implementations allow the headset to serve as a hub for sensor (e.g., camera, audio recorder, thermometer) data collection, storage, and dissemination. |
| US08239179B2 |
Geospatial modeling system using single optical images and associated methods
A geospatial modeling system includes a display, a geospatial database, and a processor. The processor generates a model based upon a single optical image and a digital elevation model (DEM), and without registration of multiple optical images. The processor also generates time-lapsed models based upon single time-lapsed optical images and the DEM, and without registration of multiple time-lapsed optical images. Regions of interest are user selected from the time-lapsed models, and are displayed along with the model. |
| US08239176B2 |
Simulation methods and systems for carriers having multiplications
A simulation of a multiplication process includes tracing histories of a plurality of carriers, increasing a weight factor of a carrier to simulate a multiplication of the carrier, and summing the number of the plurality of carriers. Each of the plurality of carriers is multiplied by its respective weight factor. |
| US08239171B2 |
System and method of eliminating interference for impurities measurement in noble gases
The invention provides a system and a method of eliminating interference for impurities measurement in noble gases based on emission spectroscopy which provide very stable, sensitive and interference free results. The method mainly relies on the use of a combination of particularly designed means serially connected for cancelling interferences and proper means for correcting linearity issues. The proposed method is particularly advantageous since it offers long-term stability while providing very accurate and reliable results, even at sub-ppb and up to 10,000 ppm levels, whatever the surrounding conditions and the additional impurities that could be present in the gas under analysis. |
| US08239170B2 |
Complex signal decomposition and modeling
A system, method and program product for monitoring a complex signal for ultrasensitive detection of state changes, or for signature recognition and classification is provided. A complex signal is decomposed periodically for empirical modeling. Wavelet analysis, frequency band filtering or other methods may be used to decompose the complex signal into components. A library of signature data may be referenced for selection of a recognized signature in the decomposed complex signal. The recognized signature may indicate data being carried in the complex signal. Estimated signal data may be generated for determination of an operational state of a monitored process or machine using a statistical hypothesis test with reference to the decomposed input signal. |
| US08239165B1 |
Ultra-fast determination of quantum efficiency of a solar cell
An apparatus for measuring quantum efficiency (QE) of solar cells. The apparatus includes a light source including an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that each emit light corresponding to a differing portion of a test spectrum and each LED is driven by a sinusoidal power supply that operates at a unique frequency. The light source includes an optical coupling focusing the LED light into a test beam targeted on a solar cell, and a signal conditioner converts analog current signals generated by the solar cell into digital voltage signals. A QE measurement module determines a QE value corresponding to each of the LEDs based on the digital voltage signals using a Fast Fourier Transform module that processes the digital voltage signals to generate values for each operating frequency. The QE measurement module determines the QE values by applying a conversion factor to these values. Since all the LEDs can be power-modulated simultaneously and the corresponding cell responses to each of the LEDS can be analyzed simultaneously, the QE spectrum measurement time is greatly shortened as compared to conventional methods. |
| US08239162B2 |
Miniaturized inertial measurement unit and associated methods
An inertial measurement unit includes a base having a plurality of physically distinct sectors, upon which are positioned thereon three groups of orthogonally oriented angle rate sensors, each group positioned on a different sector of the base. Three high-G orthogonally oriented accelerometers are also positioned on the base, as well as three low-G orthogonally oriented accelerometers. A processor is positioned on the base having software resident thereon for receiving signals from the three groups of angle rate sensors and the three high-G and three low-G accelerometers. Software is also resident on the processor for calculating from the received signals one or more of the following: a change in attitude, a change in position, a change in angular rate, a change in velocity, and a change in acceleration of the unit over a plurality of finite time increments. Preferably, each gyro is subjected to oversampling, temperature and bias compensation, and bias offset compensation. |
| US08239161B2 |
Measuring device with two-channel sampling
The present invention relates to a shaft encoder device, comprising magnetic sensor means designed to detect the magnetic field of a magnetic field generating means stationary with respect to the shaft, a light source, optical sensor means designed to detect light emitted from the light source and reflected or transmitted by an encoder disk stationary with respect to the shaft, and signal processing means designed to receive first data from the magnetic sensor means and second data from the optical sensor means, and to determine an angle of rotation of the shaft from the received first data and/or to determine the angle of rotation of the shaft from the received second data. |
| US08239159B2 |
Method used to yield irradiation product with minimal impurity for solid target for gallium (Ga)-68/germanium (Ge)-68 generator
A method used to yield irradiation product with minimal impurity for the solid target for gallium (Ga)-68/germanium (Ge)-68 generator mainly consists of the procedures: first calculate the thickness d for the electroplated gallium (Ga)-69 on the solid target; and then through a graph of decay curves including 69Ga(p, 2n) 68Ge target thickness and incident energy with 5 different incident energy doses, derive the corresponding irradiation energy dose Yi for each group after decay; and through the graph including 69Ga(p,2n)68Ge incident energy and reaction cross-sectional area, derive the nuclear reaction cross-sectional area for each group for germanium(Ge)-68, gallium (Ga)-68, zinc (Zn)-65 and figure out the mean reaction area (MRA) from the reaction cross-sectional area of each group; and select the maximum germanium(Ge)-68 MRA value and the minimum gallium (Ga)-68 and zinc (Zn)-65 MRA values; and generate the required default irradiation energy for the MRA of each group. |
| US08239157B2 |
Method and apparatus for directing the use of a coriolis flow meter
A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task. |
| US08239155B2 |
Track information processor, track information processing method, information recording medium, and program
In a trajectory information processing apparatus (201) for equalizing the sensitivity of input near a starting point of a trajectory input to the extent possible, regardless of direction of movement, the trajectory information processing apparatus (201) including an input receiving unit (202) receives input of coordinate information of a trajectory at a first definition, a correcting unit (203) corrects the coordinate information of the trajectory based on a pair of coordinates of a starting point of the trajectory at the first definition and a pair of coordinates of the starting point of the trajectory at a second definition lower than the first definition, a converting unit (204) converts the corrected trajectory coordinate information to the second definition and outputs the converted coordinate information, the correcting unit (203), if the starting point locates on an edge of an area which includes the starting point at the first definition, and includes pairs of coordinates which are to be converted to a same pair of coordinates at the second definition, then corrects the pairs of position coordinates of the trajectory so that the starting point of the trajectory is located further inside than said edge of the area. |
| US08239151B2 |
Method and apparatus for analysis of continuous data using binary parsing
A method, apparatus, and a system for generating a binary mapping of wafer regions using measured value. A first measured value relating to processing a first workpiece is acquired. A second measured value relating to a second workpiece is acquired. At least a first region common to the first and second workpieces is defined. A determination is made as to whether the results associated with the first or second measured value is above a predetermined threshold. A first binary value is assigned to the first region based upon a determination that the results associated the first or second measured value data is above the threshold. |
| US08239149B2 |
Method for determining the operating condition of a photovoltaic panel
Due to their exposure to extreme environments, it is expected that parts or all of a solar power system will experience degradation in performance. The degradation may be due to temporary environmental factors, such as cloud cover; damage or localized soiling; a general dirty condition; or ageing of the components. A method is disclosed wherein a remote system may detect degraded performance and determine the cause, thereby enabling a decision as to the appropriate corrective action to be taken, if any. |
| US08239148B2 |
State switching device for switching states of electronic device by detecting battery voltage of the electronic device and method thereof
A state switching device for switching the states of a device by detecting a battery voltage of the device is provided. The device includes a voltage dividing circuit to provide an output voltage in proportion to the battery voltage, and a detection unit which includes a voltage detection module, a comparison module, a control module and a state detection module to obtain the device's state. The voltage detection module produces a digital detection voltage according to the output voltage at normal time intervals, the comparison module detects whether the digital detection voltage is lower than a reference voltage corresponding to the state. If yes, the voltage detection module obtains digital detection voltage at abnormal time intervals. The comparison module compares a predetermined number of digital detection voltages with the reference voltage to produce comparison results. The control module determines whether to maintain the device's state according to the comparison results. |
| US08239147B2 |
Test apparatus and manufacturing method
Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test, comprising a test signal generating section that generates a test signal to be applied to the device under test; a first driver that is electrically connected to a terminal of the device under test and that supplies the test signal to the terminal of the device under test; a correction signal generating section that generates a correction signal for correcting attenuation of the test signal occurring until the test signal reaches the terminal of the device under test; and a second driver that is electrically connected to the terminal of the device under test and that supplies the correction signal to the terminal of the device under test. |
| US08239146B2 |
Board sports sensing devices, and associated methods
A system assesses activity of a sportsman engaged in board sports. At least one sensor detects movement of the sportsman, and a processor processes data from the sensor to assess activity of the sportsman. Activity of sportsmen engaged in human powered sports is compared. A plurality of activity sensing units is associated with the sportsman. Each of the units (a) attach to one of either the sportsman or to a human powered vehicle ridden by the sportsman, and (b) wirelessly communicate activity to a remote location. The activity comprising one or more of airtime, speed, drop distance, power and energy absorbed. A database, accessible by Internet and connected to the remote location, provides access to the activity via the Internet. |
| US08239143B2 |
System and method for gemstone cut grading
A system for grading the cut of a diamond utilizes a number of appearance metrics to generate scores for a number of cut components that affect cut quality. These cut components include brightness, fire, scintillation, overweight, durability, polish, and symmetry. The cut grading system employs a cut grading algorithm that processes the individual scores obtained for the cut components to generate an overall cut grade for the diamond. The scoring methodology and the cut grading algorithm are designed to emulate actual observation grading such that the overall cut grade represents a fair indication of the cut quality of the diamond. In one practical embodiment, the cut grading system is fully automated and computer-implemented. |
| US08239137B2 |
Analytical method and instrument
Subjects of the invention are a method for determination of an analyte using a particular algorithm based on a mathematical model for transforming measurement data into a growth curve and an analytical instrument comprising a computing unit for more precise determination of an analyte. |
| US08239135B2 |
Method for calculation of seismic attributes from seismic signals
Filters are applied to seismic signals representative of subsurface formations to generate filtered signals with attenuated spatially aliased energy. The filtered signals are multiplied in the frequency-wavenumber domain by a complex function of frequency and wavenumber representing the seismic attribute in the frequency-wavenumber domain, to generate scaled signals. The scaled signals, transformed to the time-space domain, are divided by the filtered signals in the time-space domain, to a seismic attribute useful for identifying and characterizing the subsurface formations. |
| US08239132B2 |
Systems, apparatus and methods for delivery of location-oriented information
An augmented reality guiding system for delivery of location-oriented information, including a location server, a database coupled to the location server, and at least one mobile locating device. The database is configured to receive, store, customize and send target information relating to target points of interest. Each mobile locating device has a geographical positioning module configured to determine location information for that locating device, an imaging module configured to capture at least one image of at least some of a field of vision for that locating device, a spatial orientation detection module configured to determine spatial information of that locating device, a display module configured to provide visual feedback, and at least one wireless communication module configured to communicate with the location server. Each mobile locating device is configured to be able to receive target information relating to at least one target points of interest from the location server, and based on the target information and the location information and spatial information for that locating device, display the target information relating to the target point of interest by visually augmenting the at least one captured image on the display module. |
| US08239130B1 |
Enhanced identification of interesting points-of-interest
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying points-of-interest. In one aspect, a method includes determining a position and a heading of a mobile device, defining a zone of interest based on the position and heading of the mobile device, identifying one or more points of interest (POIs) that are located within the zone of interest, determining, for each of the identified POIs, a distance between the mobile device and the respective POI, selecting one or more of the identified POIs based on the distances, and displaying information identifying the selected POIs on a user interface of the mobile device. |
| US08239129B2 |
Method and system for improving speech recognition accuracy by use of geographic information
A method for speech recognition includes providing a source of geographical information within a vehicle. The geographical information pertains to a current location of the vehicle, a planned travel route of the vehicle, a map displayed within the vehicle, and/or a gesture marked by a user on a map. Words spoken within the vehicle are recognized by use of a speech recognition module. The recognizing is dependent upon the geographical information. |
| US08239128B2 |
Electric cable management for a mobile machine
A method of managing movement of an electric cable that is configured to provide power to a mobile machine. The method includes determining an initial boundary of an isolation zone in which the cable lies, for a first location of the machine. The initial boundary is divided into a first static boundary and a first dynamic boundary. The first static boundary surrounds a static isolation sub-zone of the isolation zone, and the first dynamic boundary surrounds a dynamic isolation sub-zone of the isolation zone. A second dynamic boundary surrounding the dynamic isolation sub-zone is determined, based on a second location of the machine when the machine moves from the first location to the second location, such that the cable lies within the second dynamic boundary. The first static boundary is maintained when the machine is in the second location. |
| US08239125B2 |
Method and system for automatically directing traffic on a site
In a method for automatically directing traffic on a site, information is received regarding a plurality of selected entities on the job site. An indication of a first priority assigned to a first of the plurality of selected entities is received. An indication of a second priority assigned to a second of the plurality of selected entities is received. It is then determined that the first of the plurality of selected entities has a right of way over the second of the plurality of selected entities based upon a comparison of the first priority and the second priority. |
| US08239123B2 |
System and method for exchanging positioning information between vehicles in order to estimate road traffic
The present invention discloses a method, system and computer program embarked in a vehicle, for estimating traffic conditions based on positioning information exchanged with other vehicles using wireless communication. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes: receiving positioning information repeatedly broadcast by at least one vehicle, the positioning information for each vehicle including: information related to a current location of the vehicle; and information identifying the vehicle; calculating based on at least two successive locations of a same identified vehicle, a current speed and a current direction for the vehicle; and estimating current traffic conditions based on current location, speed and direction of identified vehicles. |
| US08239121B2 |
Control unit for variable valve timing mechanism
A stop-time target phase setting unit sets a target phase CAr for an intake valve to a target phase, which is used when an engine is stopped, in response to issuance of an engine stop command. An engine stop control unit generates a series of control commands for an engine stop process in response to issuance of the engine stop command. A motoring command unit generates a first MG control command for rotating the engine using a motor for a predetermined period Tm that is counted by a timer in response to issuance of the engine stop command. Thus, the engine idles even after fuel combustion stops. In this way, the period in which the valve phase can be changed by a VVT mechanism is increased. As a result, a valve phase when the engine stops is reliably brought to the target phase that is suitable for next engine starting. |
| US08239120B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine
A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine to perform a lambda regulation without using a lambda sensor. Fuel is injected for combustion in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. A first quantity of the internal combustion engine is ascertained, which allows a conclusion to be drawn about the behavior of an output quantity of the internal combustion engine, in particular of a torque. |
| US08239118B2 |
Method and system for controlling a high pressure pump, particularly for a diesel engine fuel injection system
In a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, including, but not limited to a high pressure pump adapted to deliver a fuel mass conveyed from a fuel tank to a high pressure region to which a plurality of injectors is connected, including a fuel metering device for adjusting the fuel quantity to be delivered to the high pressure region, a pressure sensor for measuring fuel pressure in the high pressure region; and an electronic control unit arranged for driving the fuel metering device through an energizing signal (Inom; Iact) as a function of the measured fuel pressure and the engine operating mode, where the electronic control unit is arranged for determining the energizing signal (Inom; Iact) for driving the fuel metering device according to a nominal characteristic curve (A) of the high pressure pump representative of a predetermined relationship between the energizing signal and the fuel mass delivered by the pump, the operating pressure is controlled by driving the fuel metering device with an energizing signal determined according to an updated characteristic curve (B) estimated by applying to the nominal characteristic curve (A) an offset between the actual energizing signal value (Iact) related to the controlled fuel mass delivered to the high pressure region in a predetermined engine operating point and a nominal energizing signal (Inom) related to the controlled fuel mass according to the nominal characteristic curve (A). |
| US08239115B2 |
Method and device for offsetting bounce effects in a piezo-actuated injection system of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method and a device for offsetting bounce effects in a piezo-actuated injection system of an internal combustion engine using a control valve actuated by a piezoelectric actuator. The inventive method comprises the following steps: detecting an actual bounce behavior of the control valve, and determining and offsetting a deviation between the actual bounce behavior and a desired bounce behavior of the control valve, thereby generating an actuation information for the control valve which influences a speed characteristic of a needle of the control valve. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the inventive method. |
| US08239110B2 |
Method for treatment of a driveline
A method of operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The drivetrain comprises a drive aggregate formed as a hybrid drive with a combustion engine and an electric machine, and a transmission connected between the drive aggregate and a drive output. The drivetrain also comprises a pressure reservoir system with at least one pressure reservoir and at least one pressure generator by the combustion engine in order to fill the pressure reservoir. A pressure in the pressure reservoir of the pressure reservoir system is measured and a value of the actual pressure, in the pressure reservoir system, is compared with at least one threshold value. When the actual pressure value is higher than a threshold value, stopping of the combustion engine is permitted, whereas if the actual pressure value is lower than the threshold value, stopping of the combustion engine is not permitted. |
| US08239109B2 |
Output shaft speed sensor based anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) calculates driven wheel speed without any sensors on the driven axle assembly. A powertrain control module (PCM) receives signals from an output shaft speed (OSS) sensor and adds the speed and axle ratio information to a control network bus. Access to the CAN bus is provided to enable calculation of the rear wheel speed based on such information so that ABS may implement anti-lock braking functionality by taking into account such information. |
| US08239105B2 |
Control device and control method of automatic transmission
A control device of an automatic transmission includes a motor control portion to control an output of a motor that executes a control operation on a clutch control portion. The motor control portion includes a target motor current computation portion that computes a target motor current according to a desired driving state, a motor current detection portion that detects plural motor currents respectively corresponding to plural detection timings, a selection portion that selects a motor current corresponding to the desired driving state among the detected plural motor currents, and a motor driving portion that applies feedback control on an output of the motor according to a difference between the target motor current and the selected motor current. Hence, not only can the most suitable clutch control be applied for each gear-change interval at gear change, but also the comfortable feeling during the driving and the fuel efficiency can be enhanced. |
| US08239103B2 |
Vehicle control device and control method
In order to simplify a door lock operation by a user after starting an energy supply receiving operation, an ECU mounted on a vehicle stores an ID code beforehand. Furthermore, ECU locks all the doors, if a charging paddle on the power supply device side is connected with a charging plug on the vehicle side, and if an ID code received from the power supply device matches the ID code stored beforehand, and if a drive system of the vehicle is stopped, and if all the doors of the vehicle are closed. |
| US08239098B2 |
Industrial truck, in particular, a lift truck
Industrial truck, in particular a lift truck, with a drive axle with drive wheels and a drive motor, a steering axle with two steerable wheels, a target value sensor that is connected to a steering wheel, a steering motor, a steering device which is in effective connection with a steering tie rod, a position transducer magnet whose position is recorded by two magnetic resonance sensors that are arranged in parallel, where the position transducer magnet and the resonance sensors are moved relative to each other during a steering movement of the steering device, and where the magnetic resonance sensors generate counter directional analog signals for the actual value of the steering angle of the steerable wheels, a steering control, connected to the target value sensor, the steering motor, and the magnetic resonance sensors, which evaluates the signals received from the target value sensor and the magnetic resonance sensors, and controls the vehicle steering angle to the target steering angle, where the signals of the magnetic resonance sensors are evaluated by the steering control for the recognition of malfunction of one of the magnetic resonance sensors. |
| US08239096B2 |
Motion control unit for vehicle based on jerk information
In a motion control system for a vehicle including control means for controlling a yaw moment of the vehicle; first detection means for detecting a longitudinal velocity (V) of the vehicle; second detection means for detecting a lateral jerk (Gy_dot) of the vehicle; and third detection means for detecting a yaw angular acceleration (r_dot) of the vehicle, the yaw moment of the vehicle is controlled by the control means so that a difference between the yaw angular acceleration (r_dot) detected by the third detection means and a value (Gy_dot/V) obtained by the lateral jerk (Gy_dot) of the vehicle detected by the second detection means by the longitudinal velocity (V) detected by the first detection means becomes small. |
| US08239095B2 |
Cooling system, motor vehicle equipped with cooling system, and control method of cooling system
A cooling system of the invention mounted on a motor vehicle has a damper configured to switch over an air blow mode between an inside air intake mode of taking in the air from a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via operation of a battery blower fan and directly blowing the intake air to a battery and an A/C intake mode of taking in the air cooled down by an air conditioner (evaporator) via operation of the battery blower fan and blowing the cooled intake air to the battery. In response to a switchover demand of the air blow mode, when a vehicle speed is not lower than a preset reference speed, a switchover of the damper is immediately performed to switch over the air blow mode. When the vehicle speed is lower than the preset reference speed, the switchover of the damper is prohibited to keep the air blow mode unchanged. At the higher vehicle speed, the drive-related noise (background noise) sufficiently masks the wind noise occurring in the course of the switchover of the damper. The damper is thus switched over only at the vehicle speed of not lower than the preset reference speed. This arrangement effectively prevents the driver and the other passengers from feeling odd and uncomfortable. |
| US08239093B1 |
Vehicle diagnostic tool—running multiple tests
An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range. |
| US08239091B2 |
Method for detecting a “rotating stall” fault in a compressor fed by an inverter
The invention relates to a method for detecting a rotating stall fault in a compressor (12) which is driven by means of a three-phase current motor (8) fed by an inverter. According to the invention, an instantaneous estimated value (^m) which is calculated from measured power converter output currents (iS1, iS2, iS3) and a measured rotational-speed-proportional signal (ω) is compared with an instantaneous setpoint value (m*) determined from a measured rotational-speed-proportional signal (ω) and a predetermined rotational-speed-proportional signal (ω*), in such a way that in the case of inequality a signal (SRS) is generated which indicates that the rotating stall fault has occurred. In this way, it is possible for the rotating stall fault to be detected without pressure sensors and/or oscillation pickups in a compressor (12) which is driven with a three-phase current motor (8) fed by inverter. |
| US08239084B2 |
Moving device
A moving device (70) determines an obstacle virtual existence region (72) of a simple graphic approximating a detected obstacle (71) to detect the obstacle (71) in a real time and determine a smooth avoidance path by calculation, thereby performing collision prediction. |
| US08239083B2 |
Robotic vehicle controller
A method and apparatus for moving a machine having at least one drive wheel along a desired path includes detecting and storing data including a plurality of GPS locations linked to particular points along an entire desired path of travel of the machine during operation of the machine in a manual learn mode to traverse the entire desired path to be followed by the machine during subsequent operation in a robotic mode. The method and apparatus then operates the machine in the robotic mode by controlling the at least one drive wheel to move the machine along the desired path. In one embodiment, a fee is charged based on an amount of time the machine is operated. |
| US08239082B2 |
Method and system for enhancing fuel economy of a hybrid electric vehicle
A method and system is disclosed for enhancing fuel economy of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) with a high-voltage storage battery and a heat transfer device. Whether a user has elected to enhance the fuel economy of the HEV is determined. When the user has elected to enhance the fuel economy, a command signal is generated increasing operation of the heat transfer device to reduce a temperature of the high-voltage storage battery. |
| US08239081B2 |
Hybrid type working machine
A charge accumulating circuit accumulates regeneration power. The charge accumulating circuit includes a DC bus line which is connected to a smoothing capacitor, a charge accumulating capacitor with an internal resistance, and a converter which connects the DC bus line and the charge accumulating capacitor to each other, and performs a charge/discharge operation. The control device changes the OFF state of the first switch to the ON state when the start key is turned on, measures a physical quantity involved with a discharge characteristic of the charge accumulating capacitor, and calculates at least one of the internal resistance and a capacitance of the charge accumulating capacitor on the basis of a measurement result. |
| US08239080B2 |
Synchronized express and local trains for urban commuter rail systems
A computerized system and method of managing subway trains along a two-track subway line to allow express travel in combination with local service. Express trains catch up to local trains at express stations along the line, and provision is made to allow the express trains to physically or “virtually” pass the local train at those stations. Embodiments in which the express trains physically pass the local train include direct train-to-train transfer facilitated by side-by-side tracks at the express station occupying reduced foot-print. In other embodiments, virtual passing is accomplished by changing the type of service provided by trains at express intervals: a local train “transforms” into an express train and vice versa. Embodiments enable passengers to transfer between trains at express stations so that these “relay” passengers can travel faster than any specific train. |
| US08239079B2 |
System and method for computing rail car switching sequence in a switchyard
As embodied and broadly described herein the invention includes a system for computing a preferred sequence in which cars in a switching queue of a railway switchyard are to be sequentially switched to classification tracks. The system has a processing entity for determining within a given set of cars at least two possible sequences in which the cars in the set can be switched and applying logic rules for identifying among the sequences a preferred sequence. The system also has an output for releasing data describing the preferred sequence. |
| US08239070B1 |
Root cause and system enhancement analysis
A method of assessing an electrical power system is provided that includes performing a plurality of contingencies using a mathematical model of the system and determining a representative solution for each contingency. For each bus and contingency, symptoms of system stress exhibited in the representative solution are tabulated. Each contingency is categorized into a contingency cluster based on its representative solution, and those buses having a highest number of the symptoms of system stress for each contingency categorized within a respective contingency cluster are sorted into a group associated therewith. The contingency clusters are arranged into a ranking based on its effect on the network, and a location for a network enhancement is selected from a group of buses associated with a contingency cluster of the ranking that has a largest effect on the network and also includes buses as a result of the sorting. |
| US08239060B2 |
Sheet processing system and checking method of the same
A sheet processing system includes an arrangement device, a sheet processing apparatus, and a server with a communication line to count and sort sheets. The arrangement device includes an input unit configured to input attribute information of the sheets, a reading apparatus configured to, sort the sheets to a first sheet group and a second sheet group by respective first and second identification cards, and a unified identification card corresponding to a unified sheet group. A transmitting unit processes the input attribute information and the identification information, transmits the processed arrangement processing information to the server via the communication line. A sorter conveys and sorts the sheet groups and identification cards. A second reading apparatus reads the identification information, and a CPU checks the information from the server. |
| US08239059B2 |
Access records on tape medium auxiliary memory device
Described is a tape library which can generally include a tape drive, a tape cartridge that possesses a medium auxiliary memory device, a device for reading information retained on the medium auxiliary memory device and a program that runs on a processor capable of manipulating information received by the reading device. The tape cartridge's medium auxiliary memory device can contain at least one record of a previous access event, such as an approximate point in time when the tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive. The program may be operable to determine how much time has elapsed from the access event. Knowledge of the elapsed time can, among other things, cause an action to be taken relative to the tape cartridge and/or the data thereon. A method of using the system is also described. |
| US08239057B2 |
Controlling a slave drive with dynamic determination of the dynamics of the master axis
A method for controlling several master axes in a machine, for example a production machine includes the steps of defining profiles of desired values for a plurality of master axes, determining for each master axis a current desired value and also a current desired value for a slave axis using a logic combination rule, controlling a first drive in accordance with the current desired value of the slave axis, and if the dynamics controlling the first drive exceeds an upper dynamics limit, starting at the next clock pulse to modify determination of the current desired values for at least one of the master axes, and controlling the first drive with a reduced dynamics until the reduced dynamics falls below a lower dynamics limit. |
| US08239056B2 |
Advanced process control for new tapeout product
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor manufacturing method. The method includes providing product data of a product, the product data including a sensitive product parameter; searching existing products according to the sensitive product parameter to identify a relevant product from the existing products; determining an initial value of a processing model parameter to the product using corresponding data of the relevant product; assigning the initial value of the processing model parameter to a processing model associated with a manufacturing process; thereafter, tuning a processing recipe using the processing model; and performing the manufacturing process to a semiconductor wafer using the processing recipe. |
| US08239055B2 |
System for maintaining unified access to SCADA and manufacturing execution system (MES) information
A system is disclosed that simplifies configuring an MES entity corresponding to a SCADA system object representing plant equipment. The system includes an equipment model builder (EMB) that receives a set of configured UCO information for a modeled piece of plant equipment in a SCADA system. The EMB extracts relevant MES information from the utilization capability object and invokes an application interface on an MES database to create a corresponding entity (e.g., a database element). Another aspect of the disclosed system and methods involves the enhancement of a SCADA system object, through a new MES facet, to support acquiring and reporting equipment status received via the SCADA system to a corresponding MES entity. A raw reason code configuration interface is provided by UCO configurator computer software executed on a computer. Each raw reason code is associated with a prioritized logical expression defining circumstances under which the reason code becomes true. |
| US08239052B2 |
Sound source separation system, sound source separation method, and computer program for sound source separation
An audio signal produced by playing a plurality of musical instruments is separated into sound sources according to respective instrument sounds. Each time a separation process is performed, the updated model parameter estimation/storage section 114 estimates parameters respectively contained in updated model parameters such that updated power spectrograms gradually change from a state close to initial power spectrograms to a state close to a plurality of power spectrograms most recently stored in a power spectrogram separation/storage section. Respective sections including the power spectrogram separation/storage section 112 and an updated distribution function computation/storage section 118 repeatedly perform process operations until the updated power spectrograms change from the state close to the initial power spectrograms to the state close to the plurality of power spectrograms most recently stored in the power spectrogram separation/storage section 112. The final updated power spectrograms are close to the power spectrograms of single tones of one musical instrument contained in the input audio signal formed to contain harmonic and inharmonic models. |
| US08239051B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method
An information processing apparatus includes a node, and a system controlling apparatus connected to the node. The node includes a first detecting unit that detects first error information, a second detecting unit that detects second error information, a retaining unit that retains the first and the second error information, and a temporary retaining unit that retains new first error information and new second error information, and when the first or second error information is initialized, causes the retaining unit to store error information corresponding to the initialized first or second error information. The system controlling apparatus includes a controlling unit connected to the retaining unit, and a firmware that causes the controlling unit to read into the first and second error information and to initialize the new first or second error information. |
| US08239048B2 |
Method and system for analyzing competition result
A method and system for analyzing competition results is disclosed, the method comprising providing a probability model to analyze competition results including both information about options used for a competition process, and rank information of competition participants; and determining a first parameter about a pure ability of each competition participant, and a second parameter about advantages and disadvantages of the option used for the competition process by analyzing the competition results using the probability model, wherein the first and second parameters are determined by calculating a prior distribution of the second random variable, calculating a likelihood function of the second random variable, and estimating the first and second parameter through the use of the prior distribution of the second random variable and the likelihood function. This method and system can estimate the advantages and disadvantages of the options used for the process of competition, whereby the estimated advantages and disadvantages of the options are reflected on the design of competition or the adjustment of options when designing the competition such as the game, to thereby maximize the interest in competition. |
| US08239044B1 |
Stimulation lead for steering current for stimulation of patient tissue, method of stimulating patient tissue, and implantable medical system
In one embodiment, a method of electrically stimulating neural tissue of a patient, comprises: generating, by an implantable pulse generator, one or more electrical pulses; applying the one or more electrical pulses to neural tissue of a patient using one or more electrodes of one or more stimulation leads; concurrently with the generating, providing a voltage waveform or signal by the implantable pulse generator; and concurrently with the applying, electrically coupling one or more field effect electrodes of the one or more stimulation leads to the voltage waveform or signal to generate a localized electric field within tissue proximate to the one or more electrodes used to apply the one or more electrical pulses. |
| US08239039B2 |
Device on lead to prevent perforation and/or fixate lead
This document discusses, among other things, a lead body extending longitudinally along a lead axis, a driver axially displaceable relative to the lead body, and a driven member coupled to the lead body and displaceable away from the lead axis. The driven member at least partially defines an expandable passage having at least one internal dimension. The driver is displaceable into the expandable passage and has at least one outer dimension that is larger than the at least one internal dimension of the expandable passage. An example method includes disposing a first member having a first cross-section in a lead assembly having a lead axis, an expandable passage, and a displaceable member proximate the expandable passage. The method further includes urging the first member into the expandable passage in the lead assembly, and urging the displaceable member away from the lead axis to expand the expandable passage. |
| US08239038B2 |
Apparatus and method using near infrared reflectometry to reduce the effect of positional changes during spinal cord stimulation
A spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method for automatic adjustments of SCS using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided. A positionally sensitive system for spinal cord stimulation including an electrode assembly with integrated optical components for sensing spinal cord position relative to a stimulating electrode array and an SCS controller for controlling electrode stimulation parameters is provided. The integrated optical components include an IR emitter and a pair of IR photodetectors. As light from the IR emitter reflects from the spinal cord, it is detected by each of the pair of IR photodetectors. As the spinal cord changes position so do the angles of incidence for detected light from the IR emitter, a ratio of optical intensities in combination with a total optical intensity is measured and used to interpolate a set of electrode stimulation settings from a calibration table. Electrode pulse characteristics are adjusted in real time to minimize changes in stimulation perceived by the patient during motion. |
| US08239035B2 |
Method and system for providing stimulation inputs to a visual prosthesis implant
Stimulation inputs are provided to a visual prosthesis implant. The images captured by a video decoder are received and digitized to provide a plurality of video frames; integrity of the video frames is checked, the checked video frames are filtered, and the filtered video frames are converted to stimulation inputs. A similar system is also disclosed. |
| US08239031B2 |
Mimicking neural coding in retinal ganglion cells with short pulse electrical stimulation
A method, device and system for stimulating visual tissue, typically in the retina or visual cortex, to achieve an artificial percept of light or image. The method includes providing stimulating electrodes suitable for placement in proximity to the visual tissue and generating a series of short-duration stimulation signals having a duration of less than about 0.5 milliseconds each. The short-duration stimulation signals are applied through the stimulating electrodes with varying frequencies that are substantially matched to a spiking range of frequencies of at least one ganglion cell for perceiving brightness or image. |
| US08239030B1 |
Transcranial stimulation device and method based on electrophysiological testing
Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a combination electroencephalography and non-invasive stimulation devices. Upon measuring an electrical anomaly in a region of a brain, various tDCS or other electrical stimulations are utilized to correct neural activity. Devices of the disclosed technology may utilize visual, balance, auditory, and other stimuli to test the subject, analyze necessary brain stimulations, and administer stimulation to the brain. |