Document Document Title
US08256929B2 Efficient LED array
An efficient LED array. In an aspect, an LED apparatus includes a metal substrate having a reflective surface, and LED chips mounted directly to the reflective surface to allow for thermal dissipation, and wherein at least a portion of the LED chips are spaced apart from each other to allow light to reflect from a portion of the reflective surface that is located between the portion of the LED chips. In another aspect, a method includes configuring a metal substrate to have a reflective surface, and mounting a plurality of LED chips directly to the reflective surface of the metal substrate to allow for thermal dissipation, and wherein at least a portion of the LED chips are spaced apart from each other to allow light to reflect from a portion of the reflective surface that is located between the portion of the LED chips.
US08256928B2 Light-emitting diode lamp with radiation mechanism
A LED lamp includes at least one LED element having electrode terminals, a conductive heat-receiving member electrically and mechanically connected with the electrode terminals of the at least one LED element, for receiving heat emitted from the at least one LED element via the electrode terminals, a casing for housing, at substantially sealed state, the at least one LED element and the heat-receiving member, a plurality of fins thermally coupled with the casing and arranged at a position out of a main irradiation direction of light from the at least one LED element, and a conductive heat-transfer member electrically and mechanically connected with the heat-receiving member, the heat-transfer member extending to a position at which the plurality of fins exist.
US08256926B2 Illumination device
An illumination device includes a lampshade, a heat dissipation module, a light module and a lamp cap. The lampshade includes a shell and an optical lens fixed on the shell. The heat dissipation module includes a plurality of heat sinks, a bottom plate coupled to the heat sinks, and a cavity defined in the center of the heat dissipation module. The light module is received in the cavity and toward the optical lens, including a substrate and a light source mounted on the substrate. The lamp cap is coupled to the heat dissipation module and away from the optical lens.
US08256925B2 Rotatory table lamp
A rotatory table lamp includes a base, a holder, a connection element, a rotation mechanism, a first lamp and a second lamp. One end of the holder is fixed in the center of the bas, and the other end is received in the connection element. The rotation mechanism is rotatably received in the connection element, the holder and the base. The first lamp is fixed on the connection element. The second lamp is fixed on the rotation mechanism, and is as the same structure of the first lamp.
US08256919B2 LED replacement lamp and a method of replacing preexisting luminaires with LED lighting assemblies
A lighting apparatus for retrofitting an existing luminaire includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) of similar or differing wavelengths arranged and configured in at least one light bar array, a heat sink module thermally coupled to the at least one light bar array, an electronic power module electrically coupled to the at least one light bar array, and a plate coupled to the at least one light bar array, electronic power module and the heat sink module, the plate arranged and configured for coupling to the luminaire to provide quick and easy installation and replacement of the at least one light bar array, heat sink module and electronic power module into and from the luminaire.
US08256912B2 High positioning reproducible low torque mirror-actuator interface
The present high positioning reproducible mirror-actuator interface disclosed herein overcomes the deficiencies associated with conventional interface systems and offer a number of advantages that are disclosed herein. Generally, the mirror mounts provide a reliable and robust interface between the mirrors and actuators, that serve to move and position the mirrors, as wells as providing an interface between the mirrors and gravity compensator pins. The mirror mount is characterized as having a body that has an outer peripheral wall that includes a plurality of flexible elements around the perimeter of the body, each having a high stiffness in plane and a high flexibility out of plane. The body is open at the first end to allow flexing of the flexible elements. The flexible elements providing a direct coupling interface between the mirror mount and the mirror. The flexible elements of the mirror mount provides a number of advantages and increases the performance capabilities of the first mechanical interface between the mirror mount and the actuator.
US08256909B2 Antiglare film having particles for use in a display and a method for manufacturing the antiglare film
An antiglare film includes a transparent substrate, and an antiglare layer on the transparent substrate, the antiglare layer including a light-transmitting coating layer and an antiglare agent contained in the light-transmitting coating layer, the antiglare agent being composed of first antiglare particles and second antiglare particles overlapping each other.
US08256908B2 Antiglare film, antireflective film, polarizing plate and image display device
An antiglare film is provided, the antiglare film including: a support; and an antiglare layer including a surface that has asperities, wherein the antiglare layer contains at least first light-transmitting particles and second light-transmitting particles, the first light-transmitting particles have an average particle size that is 0.01 to 2.5 μm greater than an average thickness of the antiglare layer, the second light-transmitting particles have an average particle size that is at least 0.1 μm smaller than the average thickness of the antiglare layer, the first light-transmitting particles are contained in an amount of 0.1 to 2 mass % based on a total solid content in the antiglare layer, the second light-transmitting particles are contained in an amount of 2 to 30 mass % based on the total solid content in the antiglare layer, and the second light-transmitting particles include organic polymer-containing particles each of which has a core particle/shell layer structure.
US08256907B2 Vehicle reflector and reflex pin
A vehicle reflector can include a plurality of retroreflection elements including a first reflection surface, a second reflection surface, and a third reflection surface which are adjacently disposed to form a corner portion of a substantially regular hexahedron. The first reflection surface can be inclined by 35.264°+angle α1 with respect to a reference axis. The second reflection surface can be inclined by 35.264°+angle α2 with respect to the reference axis and can be disposed at a position rotated by 120° about the reference axis from the first reflection surface. The third reflection surface can be inclined by 35.264°+angle α3 with respect to the reference axis and can be disposed at a position rotated by 120° in an opposite direction from the second reflection surface about the reference axis from the first reflection surface. The angle α1, angle α2 and angle α3 can be set to satisfy a relation of −α1=α2=α3 or −α1≈α2=α3.
US08256905B2 Foreign substance removing device and foreign substance removing method
There is provided a foreign substance removing device which is capable of moving a foreign substance in a desired direction at a high removing efficiency. The foreign substance removing device removes a foreign substance on an object. A vibrator has first and second piezoelectric elements provided on the object. Power supplies applies alternating voltages to the respective first and second piezoelectric elements. A control circuit controls the alternating voltages applied by the power supplies. The control circuit changes the frequency of the alternating voltage and at the same time makes respective phases of the alternating voltages applied to the first and second piezoelectric elements different from each other, so as to concurrently generate a first standing wave and a second standing wave different in order.
US08256903B2 Optical system and projector
An optical system and a projector utilizing the optical system can prevent tilted projection, hence ensuring that keystone distortion will not occur. The inventive optical system includes a lens group and a reflection layer. The lens group has a plurality of lens elements, and is utilized for guiding an input light beam. A shape of each of lens elements is substantially identical to a shape of a half of a rotationally symmetrical lens. The reflection layer is disposed under the lens group, and utilized for reflecting an incident light beam. As a result, the optical system is configured for guiding the output light beam derived from the input light beam to be projected onto an area substantially higher than a common line.
US08256902B2 Entire visual-field projection device, and entire-visual-field image system
An entire-visual-field projection device which projects image information relating to an entire-visual-field image onto a spherical screen to provide the entire-visual-field image to a viewer positioned inside the screen. The projection device is provided with the spherical screen, a pair of projectors which project the entire-visual-field image onto the screen and are arranged opposite each other with the center of the screen therebetween, and a double-convex mirror for projection which reflects luminous fluxes from the projectors toward the screen and is disposed in the vicinity of the center of the screen. A projection luminous flux from one of the projectors is emitted to one of the convex surfaces of the mirror, and that from the other projector to the other convex surface of the mirror.
US08256898B2 Method and device for tear film analysis
Tear film stability has an important role in the quality of vision. A system and method for performing Fluctuation Analysis of Spatial Image Correlation (FASIC) provides for a non-invasive system and method for evaluating the dynamics of the tear film surface using spatial autocorrelation analysis. With FASIC, a series of images are obtained using illumination and a camera. The spatial autocorrelation is calculated for image frames produced by the camera. A sinusoidal background appears in this correlation together with other features. The changes in the sinusoidal background of the spatial autocorrelation is extracted and monitored over time. The spatial period of this sinusoidal background correlates with the thickness of the tear film. In this regard, one is able to derive the tear film thickness from the period of this sinusoidal background.
US08256894B2 Resilient hinge for eyeglasses
The present invention relates to a hinge assembly for use with eyeglasses. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a hinge assembly to attach a temple to a main frame of a pair of eyeglasses. The hinge assembly of this embodiment may include a pair of hinge members (formed as a ball and socket) rotationally attached to one another and each resiliently attached (e.g., using a spring) to a respective one of the temple and the main frame of the pair of eyeglasses.
US08256892B2 High performance porous ink-jet media with superior image quality
A print medium for ink-jet printing can comprise a base substrate; an ink-receiving layer comprising metal oxide particulates or semi-metal oxide particulates and a binder; and a gloss layer comprising colloidal silica and greater than 5 wt % of a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone. The ink-receiving layer can be positioned between the substrate and the gloss layer.
US08256890B2 Device for printing a component by means of a digital printing method
A device for printing at least one component using a digital printing method includes at least one print bar with a plurality of spray nozzles for electronically controlled spraying of coloring liquid and at least one holding device structured and arranged for holding the at least one component. Additionally, the device includes a transport device for generating a linear relative motion between the at least one print bar and the at least one holding device directed approximately perpendicular to a spray direction of the plurality of spray nozzles and a control device, with which the transport device and the plurality of spray nozzles can be controlled such that the at least one component is printed with a predetermined pattern. Further, the device includes a rotation device controllable by the control device, and structured and arranged to rotate the at least one component through about an axis, which is tilted to the spray direction of the spray nozzles.
US08256889B1 Platen for digital printing on variable height garments
Platens for digital garment printing are provided. The platens include cutouts or depressions configured to conform to areas of increased height on garments. The garments may then be placed onto the platens such that the garments have a substantially uniform horizontal printing surface, thus providing high quality printing on the garments.
US08256879B2 Self-sealing unit, liquid ejecting head unit and liquid ejecting apparatus
A self-sealing unit has a liquid supply route for supplying liquid to a liquid ejecting head. The self-sealing unit includes a pressure chamber on the liquid supply route and a valving element that opens or closes the liquid supply route to supply the liquid. A biasing member biases the valving element to close the liquid supply route. A film is fixed to the body of the self-sealing unit to demarcate the pressure chamber and causes the valving element to open by being displaced toward the pressure chamber side by a negative pressure acting in the pressure chamber. A convex section is positioned between the valving element and a wall surface of the pressure chamber. The distance between the valving element and the wall surface is shorter than that in other areas, away from the valving element and the wall surface such that the convex section supports the film.
US08256877B2 Inkjet printhead assembly having backside electrical connection
An inkjet printhead assembly comprising an ink supply manifold; printhead integrated circuits and a connector film for supplying power to drive circuitry in the printhead integrated circuits. Each printhead integrated circuit has a frontside comprising the drive circuitry and inkjet nozzle assemblies, a backside attached to the ink supply manifold, and ink supply channels providing fluid communication between the backside and the inkjet nozzle assemblies. A connection end of the connector film is sandwiched between part of the ink supply manifold and the printhead integrated circuits.
US08256876B2 Ink passageways connecting inlet ports and chambers
A printhead frame for an inkjet printhead assembly, the printhead frame includes a holding receptacle for at least one replaceable ink tank, the holding receptacle including a plurality of ink inlet ports disposed on a first wall; a plurality of ink chambers corresponding to the plurality of ink inlet ports, wherein at least a first ink chamber is adjacent the first wall and is directly opposite a first ink inlet port, a second ink chamber is not adjacent the first wall, and the first wall includes a first hole to fluidly connect the first ink inlet port and the first ink chamber; and a second wall adjoining the first wall and forming a part of the second ink chamber, the second wall including a first groove; wherein the first wall includes a second hole to fluidly connect a second ink inlet port and the first groove; and wherein the second wall includes a first hole to fluidly connect the second ink chamber and the first groove.
US08256872B2 Inkjet cartridge printhead sealing band
An inkjet cartridge printhead seal comprises an elastomeric band and a seal portion. The elastomeric band includes an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter. The seal portion is disposed along a portion of the band. The seal portion connects to the inner perimeter of the elastomeric band. The seal portion has a sealing surface with a partially spherical-shape. The elastomeric band comprises an inkjet cartridge attaching portion disposed opposite the seal portion. The inkjet cartridge attaching portion has a generally flat surface.
US08256866B2 Ink jet recording apparatus and ink jet recording method
There is provided an ink jet recording apparatus capable of shortening the recording duration even when an image to be recorded includes a high-duty area having a large amount of ink to be discharged in the case of two-sided recording on a recording medium. The ink jet recording apparatus, which reverses the recording medium to enable two-sided recording, performs dividing the image to be recorded on a high-duty area having a large amount of ink to be discharged into two (first and second) planes, first plane recording involving a unit area to be subjected to an ink discharge amount below a predetermined amount, reversing the recording medium, and recording on the rear surface, and reversing the recording medium again, and second plane recording.
US08256864B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus and control method thereof
A return component that gently expands the volume of the pressure generating chamber, wherein a time interval of the expansion component is longer than that of the expansion holding component, and a time interval of the return component is longer than that of the contraction holding component, wherein a first reference potential is set to be 50% or more of the potential of the contraction holding component, and wherein when the ejection driving pulse is applied to a piezoelectric oscillator, a flow rate of the ink ejected from the nozzle opening is 0.36 mg/s or more.
US08256862B2 Formation of image by image forming apparatus with overlapping area
A method of forming an image by an image forming apparatus provided with a print head having plural nozzles, wherein the print head has an overlapping area whose print area overlaps a print area of a physically adjacent print head, or has an overlapping area whose print area overlaps an adjacent scan line on a print sheet surface, includes an image forming step of forming an image by the print head, wherein the image forming step includes a control step of controlling in a variable manner an amount of ink sprayed from a proximity nozzle situated in close proximity of the overlapping area, the proximity nozzle being one of the nozzles situated in a non-overlapping area outside the overlapping area.
US08256859B2 Distortion compensation for printing
A printing machine includes a substrate and at least one printhead with at least two material deposition channels which are movable with respect to the substrate, wherein the printhead is mounted on a stage which allows rotation of the printhead around an axis perpendicular to the substrate and translation in a direction perpendicular to the print direction, and wherein during each print swath, the rotation angle and translation values of the printhead are varied in order to change the pitch and the lateral position in the direction perpendicular to the print direction of material deposited from the different deposition channels; and an algorithm which computes the required rotation angles and translation values for a given pattern of substrate distortion.
US08256858B2 Liquid ejection device and liquid ejection printer
A liquid ejection device includes: a drive waveform generator generating a drive waveform signal; a modulator performing pulse modulation on a signal from the drive waveform generator to provide a modulated signal; a digital power amplifier performing power amplification on the modulated signal to provide an amplified digital signal; a Lowpass Filter smoothing the amplified digital signal to provide a drive signal of an actuator; a compensator advancing the phase of the drive signal to provide a negative feedback signal; and a subtractor providing a differential signal between the drive waveform signal and the negative feedback signal as an input signal to the modulator.
US08256856B2 Liquid droplet jetting apparatus
A liquid droplet jetting apparatus includes a nozzle which jet the liquid droplets in a plurality of types of jetting modes; a liquid droplet jetting head which has the nozzles; a signal generating section which generates a plurality of types of jetting signals, each of which is formed of bit data, has predetermined bits not less than three bits, and corresponds to one of the plurality of types of jetting modes; and a signal supply section which outputs serially the bit data forming one of the jetting signals to the liquid droplet jetting head at each of jetting timings of the nozzle. The jetting signals are set such that the jetting signals corresponding to the jetting modes respectively are subjected to binary switching of the bit data at frequencies decreasing proportional to usage frequencies of the jetting modes when the bit data are outputted serially from the signal supply section.
US08256855B2 Method for confirming ink circulation path and method for filling with ink
An image forming apparatus which ejects ink to form an image on a recording medium flows the ink from an upstream side tank to a downstream side tank on an ink circulation path, includes a sensor for detecting a parameter corresponding to variations in amount of the ink in the downstream side tank, and confirms ink circulation in accordance with an amount of ink which returns through circulation from an appropriate amount of ink and a measured time.
US08256849B2 Braking control device
A braking control device which adjusts fluid pressure according to the degree of opening of a proportional electromagnetic valve driven at a set drive frequency, and controls a braking force on the basis of the adjusted fluid pressure, comprises a required pressure adjustment precision index setting mechanism for setting a required pressure adjustment precision index on the basis of the precision of pressure adjustment required when the fluid pressure is adjusted according to a required braking force, required operating noise reduction index setting mechanism for setting a required operating noise reduction index on the basis of a requirement to reduce operating noise caused by the drive frequency for driving the proportional electromagnetic valve, and drive frequency setting mechanism for setting the drive frequency of the proportional electromagnetic valve on the basis of the set required pressure adjustment precision index and required operating noise reduction index.
US08256847B2 Rotational milling chamber
In one aspect of the invention, a system for exchanging a milling chamber comprises a vehicle comprising a milling chamber supported by the underside of the vehicle. The underside comprises a track that interfaces with a guide of the milling chamber. The track and guide are configured to accommodate lateral movement of the milling chamber with respect to a length of the vehicle.
US08256843B2 Vehicle seat reclining device
A seat reclining device has a torsion spring for a cam, and a plurality of guide-protrusion pairs formed integral with the inside face of a stationary member for guiding movement of tooth blocks into and out of meshed-engagement with an internal tooth of a movable member. Two opposing circular-arc concave portions are formed on opposing faces of two circumferentially adjacent guide-protrusion sets. A space between the concave portions is dimensioned to be wider on a radially outward side for defining a spring accommodation space, and dimensioned to be narrower on a radially inward side for forming circumferentially-opposing convex portions. Two spring hooks engage with the respective convex portions under preload. One of the hooks is also engaged with the cam for forcing it in its locked direction. An anti-rotation protrusion is formed on the outside face of the stationary member at a position conforming to the spring accommodation space.
US08256839B2 Method of protecting an infant or toddler from both sun's rays and from overheating in warm weather
A seat cover and attached footmuff using the latest sun protection fabrics designed for child carriers, strollers and joggers, has a top portion with natural UV protected cotton to block the sun's harmful rays and uses buttons and zippers to ensure the top portion cannot be separated from the bottom portion. The bottom portion is designed to perfectly line the inside of carriers with head, back, seat and leg portions. A plurality of buttons and a single zipper connect the top and bottom portion to allow for maximum flexibility of use and airflow to child. The top portion never covers the child's head or face. The bottom has several openings to thread all harness systems safely. The buttons and zipper can be opened and used in any combination to fold the top unit up to child's chest level or rolled down to completely expose child's lower body and even feet.
US08256838B2 Active headrest
An active headrest has a simple structure so that injuries of the neck and a portion near the neck of a passenger can be effectively prevented in the event of a rear-end collision and forward and rearward inclinations of the active headrest can be adjusted in an ordinary driving state to improve user's convenience and shake of the active headrest with respect to a vehicle seat in an ordinary state can be prevented to suppress noise and vibration and the quality of the vehicle seat and the car can be improved.
US08256831B2 Structure for vehicle body front portion
A vehicle body front structure is disclosed, wherein a large engine can be installed even if the entire vehicle body length is kept compact, and an impact load can be efficiently absorbed. In a vehicle body front structure (10), internal and external extension members (41, 42) protruding forward are provided to the front ends of left and right front side frames (11, 12) and the front ends of left and right upper members (13, 14) via a mounting plate (35). In the mounting plate, internal mounting parts (51) and front walls (68) of the internal extension members are inclined farther toward the front of the vehicle body nearer the center of the vehicle width direction.
US08256830B2 Dashboard support
A dashboard support of a motor vehicle includes a cross member having at least two axial profile sections of different cross-sectional configuration. The profile sections are coupled to one another by a flange plate. Secured to the cross member are support arms which are made of profile elements, with one of the support arms being a transmission tunnel support arm arranged substantially in midsection on the cross member or the flange plate. The transmission tunnel support arm is made of two sections of U-shaped cross section, with one of the two sections being shorter than the other one of the two sections.
US08256825B1 Vehicle body structure
A vehicle body structure comprises at least one vehicle body panel, a hinge and a vehicle door. The vehicle body panel includes a roof ditch that is defined by a recessed support surface, a first wall surface and a second wall surface. The second wall surface is disposed outboard of the first wall surface. The hinge includes a base component and an arm component. The arm component is pivotally coupled to the base component. The base component is mounted to the recessed support surface of the roof ditch. The arm component includes a vehicle door mounting structure. The vehicle door is fixed to the arm component by the vehicle door mounting structure, which defines at least one fastening point that is situated at a location outboard of the second wall surface of the roof ditch.
US08256824B2 Clamp mechanism for a cover assembly
A protective cover assembly for covering a space defined by at least one wall. The protective cover assembly includes a plurality of rails coupled to one another to form a frame for securing a material over the space. At least one support bow spans the space to support the material. Clamp mechanisms are coupled to the ends of the support bow for securing the protective cover over the space. The clamp mechanisms include a latch member for engaging the wall and a handle for biasing the latch member against the wall. The clamp further includes a shaft for interconnecting the support bow to the frame. A collar is disposed over the shaft for guiding the handle and the latch member between an operational position and a stowed position along the shaft.
US08256823B2 Trim and core thereof, and method and apparatus for manufacturing trim and core
Core (16) in weatherstrip (13) is obtained by linking multiple core pieces (22) at given intervals to provide separation spaces (24) between individual core pieces (22). The interior of the separation spaces (24) is filled with filler polymer material (P2) having a thickness substantially equal to that of the core pieces (22). The whole surface of the core (16) is coated with the filler polymer material (P2). Accordingly, the thicknesses of trim polymer material (P1) at the area covering the core pieces (22) and at the area covering the separation spaces (24) are made substantially identical with each other, thereby attaining substantially zeroing of the variation of molding shrinkage along the thickness direction of the trim polymer material (P1).
US08256815B2 Raisable load shelf for a luggage compartment of a motor vehicle
A raisable load shelf for a luggage compartment of a motor vehicle is provided with a panel, which defines an upper surface on which items can be placed and is provided with a handle that a user can grasp to raise or maneuver the load shelf in the luggage compartment; the load shelf has at least two appendages, which are arranged along respective edges of the panel and are hinged to the panel about respective axes parallel to the edges to rotate downwards from a horizontal position to a substantially vertical position in order to reduce a dimension of the load shelf; in the horizontal position, the appendages project horizontally with respect to the panel so as to rest, in use, on respective brackets of the luggage compartment.
US08256809B2 Material handling tool
A tool for manipulating a material, such as snow, ice, sand, salt, dirt, gravel, concrete, vegetation, grains, debris and the like, resting on a surface has an elongated handle, an elongated shaft, and a compound blade head. The handle is attached to a proximal end of the elongated shaft and the compound blade is fixed to a distal end of the elongated shaft. The tool is capable of pushing and pulling materials when operating either the first tool section or the second tool section. The compound blade head has a first tool section adapted generally for shoveling and digging and a second tool section adapted for chopping and scraping. Tamping, compressing, and leveling is achieved when using the tools in the shoveling/digging position. The structure of the tool is designed to endure the stresses and forces of aggressive and repeated operating.
US08256807B2 In-bumper storage tray for automotive vehicle
For conveniently storing items aboard an automotive vehicle, a storage tray is movable between a stowed position housed within a bumper and an access position wherein it extends through an opening in a rear surface of the bumper. A door is attached to the bumper by a hinge connected to a lower edge of the door and is movable relative to the bumper between a closed position closing off the opening when the tray is in the stowed position and an open position permitting movement of the tray to the extended position. The door includes a guide feature that engages the tray when the tray is moved toward the extended position to stabilize movement of the tray.
US08256804B2 Electronic apparatus and latching device thereof
An electronic apparatus includes a first body, a second body pivotally attached on the first body for covering on the first body, and a latching device for locking the second body on the first body when the second body covers the first body. The latching device includes a locking member rotatably attached on the first body, a hook disposed on the second body and capable of hooking on the locking member for locking the second body on the first body, and a driving subassembly rotatably connecting with locking member and slidably disposed on the first body. The driving subassembly drives the locking member to rotate to engage and disengage with the hook.
US08256803B2 Socket for pipe joint and pipe joint
A socket that receives and locks a plug has a cylindrical socket body, a plug-locking element provided in a first through-hole of the socket, a sleeve-operating element provided in a second through-hole of the socket, a sleeve, and a collar. The collar is movable between a first position (FIG. 1) and a second position where the collar allows radially inward displacement of the sleeve-operating element by the plug inserted into the socket. When the plug is inserted into the socket, first, a locking element-pushing portion of the plug pushes out the plug-locking element into a first recess of the sleeve and causes the plug-locking element to displace the sleeve rearward. As the plug is further inserted into the socket in this state, the plug engages and pushes the collar from the first position to the second position.
US08256799B2 Aluminum flatbed with unique front connection
A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.
US08256798B2 Airbag
A substantially vertically extending concave portion is provided at a middle part of an impact absorbing face of an airbag body that deploys under a windshield so as to face a front seat occupant. With this configuration, an occupant who is seated in a regular seating position and wearing a seatbelt can be properly protected by preventing the neck area or the like of the occupant from being damaged. In addition, a bulging portion configured to bulge under the windshield and at an upper part of the concave portion is provided to the airbag body. With this configuration, it is possible to properly prevent the head area of an occupant who is not wearing a seatbelt from being damaged directly by the windshield.
US08256794B1 Convertible deer cart
A hand-propelled or vehicle-towed convertible deer cart incorporates side walls that are locked vertically when collapsed to a first geometry of very small size for storage and transport, and also when readily reconfigured for use as a larger transport cart or trailer. When further reconfigured for use as a hunting stand, the side walls are pivoted from vertical to horizontal and form a part of a larger platform in combination with the cart bed. A pair of ladders may be stored within the cart bed when configured as a transport cart. The ladders are pivoted about their longitudinal axis to convert to the larger transport cart, and then extended to full-length ladders in the hunting stand geometry.
US08256788B2 Foot rest for saddle-ride type vehicle
Foot rests are provided for a saddle-ride type vehicle each including a step portion for placing a foot and an attachment portion which extends from the step portion toward a vehicle body frame and is turnably attached to a corresponding one of step brackets on the vehicle-body-frame side. The step portion includes: a first foot-placing portion, a second foot-placing portion, and a third foot-placing portion which extend in a vehicle width direction; a first reinforcement member and a second reinforcement member which connect the first foot-placing portion and the second foot placing portion; and a third reinforcement member and a fourth reinforcement member which connect the first foot-placing portion and the third foot-placing portion.
US08256785B2 Wheelchair having height-adjustable axle mounts
A wheelchair frame assembly comprises a frame member having a first leg adapted to support a seat and a second leg configured to support a caster wheel. An axle mounting assembly connects an axle tube to the frame member. The axle mounting assembly includes an axle tube mount, a frame mount, and a spacer. The spacer is configured to alter the distance between the frame member and the axle tube and transfer longitudinal forces between the axle tube mount and the frame mount.
US08256784B2 Tricycle with front and rear steering
A vehicle with front and rear steering is disclosed. The vehicle can be a cycle. The cycle includes a front wheel steered by a front hand-steering mechanism, and two back wheels steered by a back hand-steering mechanism. The back wheels are dual inclined casters with full rotational movement. A drive train forward of the front wheel drives the front wheel, while a rider is inclined in a seat in a recumbent orientation. The front and rear steering provides unlimited maneuverability and turning capabilities.
US08256779B1 Apparatus for practicing balance needed to perform sporting-board tricks
An apparatus for practicing balance required for performing a trick of a sporting board traveling over a given terrain is provided. The apparatus may include a first or “top” deck, a second or “bottom” deck and one or more pivot elements. The top and bottom decks may respectively include first and second side edges, first and second (e.g., nose and tail) ends, first and second (e.g., upper and lower) surfaces and one or more apertures. The bottom deck may also include a centerline that is defined between the bottom-deck-nose and bottom-deck-tail ends. The top-deck-upper surface is adapted for a rider to ride on. The bottom-deck-upper surface is adapted to be in communication with at least a portion of the top-deck-lower surface, and the bottom-deck-lower surface is adapted to be positioned over a surface of the ground. The pivot elements are (i) disposed at least in part in one of the top-deck and bottom-deck apertures, and (ii) adapted to allow the top deck to rotate horizontally about an axis perpendicular to the bottom deck when the apparatus is in motion. When the top deck is positioned at an angle to the centerline causing the top deck to overhang at least a portion of the first side edge of the bottom deck, the top-deck-lower surface is in communication with the bottom-deck-upper surface above an intersection of the first side edge of the second deck and the bottom-deck-upper surface; thereby, permitting the rider to practice maintaining the balance with the top deck so positioned and with the apparatus in motion.
US08256778B1 Combination trash can dolly and mop bucket
A unique attachment mechanism whereby a trash can dolly can be affixed to the underside of a mop bucket by an interconnection mechanism by a simple rolling motion so that it is not necessary to lift a heavy mop bucket filled with water to interconnect the mop bucket and the trash can dolly.
US08256774B2 Chucking member and spin head and method for chucking substrate using the chucking member
A chucking member configured to chuck the edge of a substrate includes a chucking pin which is eccentric from the rotation center. The chucking pin has a streamline shape and includes a first front-end portion disposed at the front end relative to the flow of an air current generated by the rotation of the substrate and a first back-end portion disposed at the back end relative to the flow of the air current. The first front-end portion includes a first tip, and the first front-end portion has a round shape.
US08256770B1 Skill game apparatuses
Skill game apparatuses include one or more game piece guiding elements configured to influence movement of game pieces within a game piece path in a manner that is dependent at least in part upon the skill of the player. In one embodiment, the back portion of a skill game apparatus is provided with one or more guide channels configured to limit horizontal movement by a game piece as it moves from the top of the back portion to a base portion of the skill game apparatus. In another embodiment, the skill game apparatus includes one or more player-repositionable guide members along a game piece path that are moveable in response to inputs provided by one or more player-operated controller devices.
US08256765B2 High-capacity device for receiving mailpieces
A storage device for a mail-handling machine, said storage device comprising a mailpiece-receiving deck along a longitudinal edge of which a referencing wall extends, and through which a conveyor belt passes for the purpose of conveying mailpieces along said referencing wall from an inlet of the device towards a sloping surface against which said mailpieces accumulate, said storage device further comprising a pivot arm that is mounted to move both vertically about hinge pin and horizontally along a slide rail, on which arm firstly a friction roller is mounted for pressing said mailpieces against the conveyor belt, and secondly a holding roller is mounted for pressing said mailpieces against the sloping surface.
US08256762B2 Raisable lift plate system for positioning and feeding media in an image forming device
A system for positioning and feeding media in an image forming device according to one embodiment includes a raisable lift plate having a top surface for receiving a stack of media sheets and a pick mechanism for feeding the media sheets into a media feed path. The system further includes a drive transmission having a single input, a first output connected to the pick mechanism for driving the pick mechanism, a second output connected to the lift plate for raising the lift plate, a first clutched gear connected to the first output of the drive transmission, and a second clutched gear connected to the first clutched gear and the second output of the drive transmission. The second clutched gear has an engagement opposite the first clutched gear. A single motor is connected to the input of the drive transmission for raising the lift plate and driving the pick mechanism.
US08256753B2 High-density fixture vise
A multi-station machine vise that is disclosed herein that utilizes soft jaws, which are symmetrical and machineable on all four sides. The jaws being identical in size and configuration makes them interchangeable/usable on any vise station, which results in reduced operating costs. The movable jaws are precisely located and fastened to the vise utilizing a jaw carrier, which incorporates a pull-down action to eliminate jaw lift. The jaw carrier includes a downwardly positioned wedge design that engages a corresponding wedge on a slide that moves the jaw carrier and the jaw. Incorporating the pull-down mechanism into the jaw carrier disposed between and slide and the jaw allows for simplifying the design and manufacture of the jaws.
US08256749B2 Strut assembly with air spring
A strut assembly includes a damper having a housing and a rod moveable relative to the housing along a longitudinal axis. The strut assembly includes a flexible membrane configured to receive a pressurized gas to form an air spring. A coil spring defines an inner diameter with the housing disposed within the inner diameter to permit relative movement between the coil spring and the housing. The coil spring is at least partially disposed outside the flexible membrane relative to the longitudinal axis.
US08256748B1 Land based or floating wastewater evaporator
A working pontoon raft has frame that supports a plurality of high speed evaporator fans. An alternative design uses a skid to support the same high speed evaporator fans. An on board pump draws wastewater from under the raft or via a hose from the pond to the skid and feeds it to the fans. Large amounts of wastewater from industrial reservoirs, such as oil drilling reservoirs, are evaporated into the air in an environmentally friendly manner Power is supplied to the raft via hydraulic lines. A land base generator supplies the hydraulic power. The entire system fits on a custom trailer.
US08256746B2 Integrated cross-flow reservoir
A cross-flow reservoir has a uniquely integrated filter and heat exchanger, whereby the reservoir, filtration and cooling functions are all performed by a single unit and without connecting fittings and connecting hoses therebetween.
US08256745B2 Portable hoist
A portable strap hoist comprises a generally rectangular frame. An upper hook is mounted at a top of the frame for mounting the frame to a structure, in use. A drum includes an insulated strap wound about the drum supporting a lower hook for supporting a load, in use. A spline shaft is operatively associated with the drum to rotatably mount the drum to the frame. A driven gear is mounted to the shaft. A portable housing is mounted to the frame and includes a handle and a drive in the portable housing including a drive gear operatively engaging the driven gear.
US08256740B2 Connection mechanism for fluid pipings, manufacturing method for the same, and fuel cell system including connection mechanism for fluid pipings
A connection mechanism for fluid pipings, for connecting a plurality of the fluid pipings to flow a fluid, includes: a first component provided to one side of the plurality of the fluid pipings and including a movable portion constituting a part of a pressure control valve and operated by a differential pressure; a second component provided to another side of the plurality of the fluid pipings and including an opening and closing mechanism which is opened and closed by an operation of the movable portion constituting the part of the pressure control valve; and a transmission mechanism provided to at least one of the first component and the second component.
US08256738B2 Double action directional fluid flow valve
A double action directional fluid flow valve includes a stepped piston connected with a poppet valve and moveable by a controller between open and closed positions by applying a continuous pressure to a small diameter piston face and selectively applying and removing pressure from a large diameter piston face to move the poppet valve between an open position and a closed position.
US08256736B2 Mounting rack structure and mounting hole adapter thereof
A mounting rack structure includes a rack body having a plurality of downward extended supporting legs, each of which is provided near a distal end with an mounting hole; a plurality of mounting hole adapters; and a plurality of fastening elements. The mounting hole adapter includes at least one vertical extension portion with a first retaining flange and a central passage having at least one second retaining flange formed therearound; and is assembled to the mounting hole with the first retaining flange firmly pressed against one side of the supporting leg. The fastening element can be extended through the central passage of the mounting hole adapter to firmly lock the supporting leg and accordingly the rack body to a heat-generating unit. With the mounting hole adapter, the mounting rack structure can be used with different types of fastening elements to save the cost for making different molds.
US08256729B2 Support for the holding and positioning of a utility load in space
In a support for holding and positioning a utility load in space having a base (10) and an elongated supporting arm (12) which between its longitudinal ends is swingably supported on the base (10) for swinging moment about a vertical first axis (24) and about a horizontal second axis (30) which intersects the vertical first axis (24), the supporting arm (12) carrying on one side of the second axis the utility load and on the other side of the second axis carrying a counterweight compensating for the utility load, the utility load being arranged on a first connector arm (14) which is pivotally supported at one end of the supporting arm (12) for moment about a third axis (36), the counterweight (18) being arranged on a second connector arm which is swingably supported on the other end of the supporting arm (12) for movement about a fourth axis (38), the third and fourth axis being parallel to one another, the spacing (Ln) between the engagement point (N) of the utility load and the first connector arm (14) and the third axis (38) being equal to the spacing between the third axis (38) and the vertical axis (24), the spacing (Lg) measured in the longitudinal direction of the second connector arm (16) between the center of gravity (G) of the counterweight (18) and the fourth axis (38) being equal to the spacing between a fourth axis (38) and the vertical first axis (24), and the two connector arms (14, 16) being so coupled with one another by a coupling means that in any pivoted position they are directed antiparallel to one another.
US08256728B2 Speaker assemblies, methods of installing speaker assemblies and methods of making speaker assemblies
Speaker assemblies are disclosed that are configured for simple installation and removal. Speaker assemblies include a gear ring, a plurality of screws adapted to rotate when the gear ring is rotated, and a latching mechanism adapted to extend one or more latches outward when the screws are rotated. Methods of installing speaker assemblies include inserting a frame through a mounting hole in a mounting panel. A gear ring coupled to a plurality of screws is rotated, and a plurality of latches extend outward to engage a back-side surface of the mounting panel. Methods of making speaker assemblies include coupling a plurality of screws with a gear ring to enable rotation of the plurality of screws upon rotation of the gear ring. A latching mechanism is coupled to each of the plurality of screws.
US08256727B2 Modular casket hardware
Modular casket hardware which includes a bracket configured to attach to a casket corner wall surface. The bracket is also configured to be oriented with respect to the casket in a first orientation to attach to the casket wall and a second orientation to attach to the casket corner. A bore in the bracket is configured to receive a casket bar when in the first orientation. Tabs on the bracket are configured to at least partially fit within a portion of the casket bar when the bracket is oriented in the second orientation. A bracket cover could also use other bracket type mechanisms to attach and hold the casket bars to the casket which will support the required weight of a casket at the grave site. Once a bracket and bars are attached, the casket will be able to be shipped without the decorative bracket cover installed. The decorative modular casket bracket cover will be able to be added to the casket at any time.
US08256726B2 Head for video-photographic apparatus
A support head (1) for video-photographic apparatuses (7) comprises a base (3) which can be fastened to a support structure (4) of said head (1), a platform (2, 2a) fixed rotatably to said base (3) about an axis of rotation (X), a slide (5) provided with attaching means (6) for attaching said apparatus (7) removably associable with said platform (2, 2a) so as to slide along a positioning direction (Y), a locking device (9, 10, 11, 12) for locking said slide (5) on said platform (2) in a desired position (P), and a positioning system (20) for positioning said slide (5) on said platform (2, 2a) provided with generating means (22) for generating a signal which is variable along said positioning direction (Y) and is correlated with said position (P), (and?) detector means (21) positioned on said platform (2, 2a) and capable of detecting said signal, said generating means (22) for generating a variable signal being provided on said slide (5) and configured in such a way that a specific value of said detected signal corresponds in a unique way to a specified position (P) of said slide (5) on said platform (2, 2a) along said positioning direction (Y).
US08256724B2 Display device
A display device includes a support part. The display device also includes a display main body coupled to the support part and tiltable relative to the support part. The display device further includes a first friction member coupled to the support part and configured to generate a first frictional force when the display main body is titled back and forth relative to the support part. In addition, the display device includes a second friction member configured to generate a second frictional force when the display main body is tilted relative to the support part at a predetermined angle or more.
US08256721B2 Toy track set and relay segments
Disclosed herein is a relay for a toy track set, the relay having: a first actuator; a second actuator; an object coupling the first actuator to the second actuator, the object being releasably received on the first actuator and the object has a mechanism configured to retract a cord into the object, the cord being secured to the second actuator at one end and the mechanism at the other end; a trigger moveably secured to the first actuator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein movement of the trigger from the first position towards the second position actuates the mechanism of the object and the object moves towards the second actuator as the mechanism of the object retracts the cord into the object; and a trigger moveably secured to the second actuator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein movement of the trigger from the first position towards the second position launches an object from the second actuator, wherein the trigger secured to the second actuator moves towards the second position when the object is drawn towards the second actuator by retraction of the cord into the object by the mechanism.
US08256719B2 Shape changing airfoil system
A method and apparatus for an airfoil, a flexible skin, and a shape control system. The flexible skin forms a control surface of the airfoil. The shape control system is capable of changing a shape of the control surface formed by the flexible skin between a plurality of shapes, wherein a gap does not occur during a changing of the shape of the control surface.
US08256712B2 Overhead rest module
A crew rest unit for an aircraft fuselage may be formed as a monocoque shell (10) having curved walls (10b) complementary to and fitting within an available space (20a, 20b) in the aircraft fuselage. The monocoque shell (10) provides an enclosure for at least one sleep area (14a, 14b) therein. The curved walls (10b) of the monocoque shell (10) have load-bearing mounting members (12) on their outer surfaces for attachment of fasteners (22) to an adjacent wall or frame for the pre-determined available space (20a, 20b) in the aircraft fuselage.
US08256710B2 Live trim tabs
A trim tab is disclosed for use on an aerodynamic foil that has first and second surfaces which extend between a leading edge and a trailing edge. Structurally, the trim tab includes a tab member that is bounded by slits formed through each surface to extend from the trailing edge toward the leading edge. Also, the tab member is bounded by a slot formed between the slits on the second surface to establish a flange between the slot and the trailing edge. Further, the trim tab includes an actuator that is mounted on the foil between the slot and the leading edge. The actuator includes an actuator arm that is connected to the flange. As a result, extension and retraction of the actuator moves the tab member about a hinge-less tab that is created on the first surface.
US08256707B2 Engine mounting configuration for a turbofan gas turbine engine
An engine mounting configuration reacts engine thrust at an aft mount. The engine mounting configuration reduces backbone bending of the engine, intermediate case distortion and frees-up space within the core nacelle.
US08256704B2 Vertical/short take-off and landing aircraft
A vertical/short take-off and landing aircraft with a single proprotor assembly that has a pair of inline counter-rotating rotors. Two inline counter-rotating engines are directly connected to the rotors. One engine is shut down in horizontal flight to improve efficiency. Gimbal mounting the proprotor assembly permits thrust to be directed forward to back and left to right to control pitch and roll when hovering. Varying the relative engine speeds controls yaw. The aircraft is adaptable as an unmanned vehicle.
US08256699B2 Webbing take-up device
A webbing take-up device includes a speed-reduction mechanism that reduces rotation speed of a motor to transmit rotation force to a take-up shaft. An overload release mechanism is disposed at a middle position of the speed-reduction mechanism. The overload release mechanism includes a large-diameter gear rotating with the rotation speed of the motor being reduced and the rotation force being transmitted, a spring member mounted to the large-diameter gear, and a small-diameter gear provided to rotate relatively to the large-diameter gear, rotating the take-up shaft when the rotation speed thereof is reduced and the rotation force is transmitted to the take-up shaft, engaging with the spring member to become a state where relative rotation with respect to the large-diameter gear is stopped, and slides with the spring member when the rotation force acts between the large-diameter gear to become a state where relative rotation to the large-diameter gear is allowed.
US08256697B2 Seal assembly with shroud
A seal system including a sleeve configured to receive a rotatable shaft therein and a dynamic race configured to be rotatably coupled to the shaft. The seal system further includes a biasing element configured to urge the dynamic race into engagement with a static race to form a primary seal, and a shroud configured to be rotatably coupled to the sleeve and positioned radially outside the biasing element. The seal system also includes a sealing element configured to be positioned radially inside the biasing element and to sealingly engage the sleeve to provide a secondary seal to generally block fluid bypassing the primary seal.
US08256695B2 Method for purification of semiconducting single wall nanotubes
A process of forming a semiconductive carbon nanotube structure includes imposing energy on a mixture that contains metallic carbon nanotubes and semiconductive carbon nanotubes under conditions to cause the metallic carbon nanotubes to be digested or to decompose so that they may be separated away from the semiconductive carbon nanotubes.
US08256686B2 Financial and similar identification cards read by magnetic swipe card readers and methods relating thereto
Apparatus forming a portable charge, debit or similar identification card which can be read using a magnetic card reader and methods for securing information are described. The preferred apparatus includes a magnetic stripe for storing information, a jamming assembly configured to emit a jamming signal which temporarily renders at least a portion of the magnetic stripe unreadable when the card is swiped through the card reader without first entering correct authentication data, and a power source adapted to supply power to the jamming assembly. Other features are also disclosed.
US08256682B2 Foldable data card assembly and method
A foldable data card assembly and method are disclosed. The foldable data card assembly comprises a base assembly with a left portion, a middle portion, and a right potion. The left portion or the middle portion contains an aperture. A data card is enclosed within the base assembly such that the aperture is aligned with a special number on the data card. A security barrier is placed adjacent to the personal account number on the data card, but the security barrier is not placed between the aperture and the special number on the card. During manufacture, the special number is read from the card through the aperture, and the special number used to generate activation information which is printed on the package. The activation information is read at the point of sale, and used to activate the account associated with the activation information.
US08256679B2 Use of barcode menus to configure and set-up vital signs monitors
When configuring multiple patient monitors (12) in a healthcare environment, configuration is simplified and setup time is reduced by employing barcoded configuration information that is scanned into the monitors (12) using a barcode scanner (14). A first monitor (12a) is configured by selectively scanning one or more barcodes contained in a configuration booklet. Once the first monitor (12a) is configured, its configuration information is stored and printed in barcoded format. The printed barcodes are then scanned into a second patient monitor (12b), without requiring the user to navigate the configuration barcode booklet a second time. Additionally, a patient's ID barcode is printed on vital signs records generated by the monitor, such as by a strip chart recorder or printer (20).
US08256675B2 Voltage converter, usage of a voltage converter, method for converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage, and contactless chip card
The invention relates to a voltage converter comprising a rectification unit and a voltage regulation unit, wherein the input side of the voltage converter can have an AC voltage applied to it, the output side of the voltage converter can have a rectified voltage taken from it, and the voltage regulation unit regulates the power in the voltage converter.
US08256674B2 Apparatus and methods for monitoring objects in a surgical field
Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifiers are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.
US08256666B2 Processing transactions of different payment devices of the same issuer account
Each portable payment device associated with a single account within a payment processing system is distinguished using track data. The track data from the portable payment device is read at each of a plurality of merchant point of sale terminals (POS). Rather than relying on the PAN alone, a merchant may utilizes the track data, or a proxy thereof, as the unique identifier for the portable payment device. The merchant may then process transactions involving the portable payment device based on the unique identifier. For example, in the transit environment the transit fare for each rider with different portable payment devices but the same account can be calculated using the unique identifier, such as the full track data read from both tracks of the corresponding portable payment devices.
US08256662B2 File with multiple labeled pockets
A file having first and second cover panels pivotally connected to each other at a hinge for movement between an open and closed position may be provided. The cover panels can overlap each other in the closed position to contain papers of a predetermined size therebetween. One or more superimposed pocket panels can be coupled to an inside of the first cover panel to define overlapping pockets dimensioned to hold the papers. The pocket panels can have first edge portions that define openings to the pockets, and the first edge portions can be staggered. The pocket panels may include an outermost pocket panel with an additional coupled edge. A labeling member can be provided that is associated with each pocket panel and configured for displaying identification information. The labeling members can extend beyond papers held in the pockets and can comprise tabs that can be staggered from each other.
US08256660B2 Semiconductor package system with fine pitch lead fingers and method of manufacturing thereof
A semiconductor package system, and method of manufacturing thereof, includes: a die having a contact pad; a lead finger having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section; a bump clamped on a top and a side of the lead finger, the bump connected to the contact pad; and an encapsulant over the lead finger and the die, the encapsulant with a bottom of the lead finger exposed.
US08256655B2 Cartridge for applying varying amounts of tissue compression
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
US08256653B2 Surgical instrument with clamp
A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion, a pair of jaw members and a clamp. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the handle portion and defines a longitudinal axis. The pair of jaw members is disposed adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The pair of jaw members is curved with respect to the longitudinal axis. The clamp is disposed adjacent the jaw members. The clamp is movable between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue. The clamp is independently movable with respect to the jaw members and is curved with respect to the longitudinal axis.
US08256652B2 Carrier system
A system for carrying articles on a user's belt, comprising a belt (10) having multiple loops (22) on its outside surface and an article carrier (1) having a sleeve (40) sewn to the body of the carrier at a first end (42) and detachably connected to the body of the carrier at a second end (44). A stiff tab (60) is sewn at one end thereof into the sewn connection of the body of the carrier to the sleeve. The other end of the tab (64) is unattached and overlapped by the sleeve when the sleeve is wrapped around the belt for supporting the carrier from the belt. The carrier can be moved along the belt and placed in different positions unless the free end of the tab is inserted through a loop on the belt in which case the carrier will be fixed in position with respect to the belt.
US08256649B2 Clothes hanger with door hook and closet rod hook
A clothes hanger is provided including a hanger body and a hook assembly. The hanger body includes a pair of laterally and downwardly extending arms which connect at a central apex. The hook assembly is connected to the hanger body apex so as to rotate about a horizontal axis. The hook assembly includes a clothes rod hook and a door hook which extend in opposite directions from the hanger body's apex. The clothes rod hook includes an arcuate portion for hanging from a clothes rod having a circular cross-section. The door hook is u-shaped including a straight bar, a straight top plate, and a return flange. The door hook may be rotatable about an axis 90° relative to the axis which the hook assembly rotates about.
US08256648B2 Precompression system for a liquid dispensing device and method of assembling such precompressed system
A pre-compression system for liquid dispensing devices, such as sprayers, is presented. The pre-compression system includes a pump chamber and a valve chamber including a pre-compression valve member. The valve member is operable to allow liquid in the pump chamber to exit via an outlet only after a predetermined pressure is reached in the pump chamber, and to stop liquid from exiting when the pressure in the pump chamber falls below the predetermined pressure. The valve member includes an elastic diaphragm and a valve seat. The valve member has a concave surface facing a valve seat opening and a convex surface in communication with atmospheric pressure.
US08256647B2 Valve assembly for dispensing flowable materials
A valve assembly for dispensing a plurality of flowable materials, such as viscous fluids or powders, comprising a valve member having a plurality of inlets for the plurality of flowable materials and dispense outlets communicating with the inlets and a closure having one or more openings in a pattern that corresponds to the pattern of at least some of the outlets. The valve member and the closure are movable relative to each other between a closed position in which the outlets are closed and at least one dispensing position in which one or more openings in the closure are at least partially in register with the dispense outlets thus clearing the latter.
US08256645B2 Fluid dispensing system
A fluid dispenser is disclosed where a backoff distance is determined and implemented to prevent leakage while dispensing sequentially an accurate, precise amount of fluid substantially independent of the fluid remaining in a syringe-type dispenser. The fluid characteristics of the fluid, e.g. viscosity, surface tension, etc. affect the backoff distance that may be determined heuristically for fluid type, amount of fluid remaining in the syringe and amount to be dispensed. Once the fluid characteristics are known, the dispensing may be accomplished automatically with a processor loading new drive and backoff steps to a motor controller.
US08256638B2 Paint liner, and kit including the same
A paint liner having a containment area within the paint liner for receiving and containing paint, the containment area defining a peripheral edge provided with a rim, the rim being provided with male and female components, the male and female components of the paint liner being positioned, shaped and sized with respect to one another so that the paint liner can be operated along first and second operating modes, where in the first operating mode the male component of the paint liner is insertable into a corresponding female component of another paint liner so that the paint liners can be nested into one another, and where in the second operating mode the paint liner is turned over so that the male component of the paint liner is insertable into another corresponding female component of the other paint liner in order to have the first paint liner cover the containment area of the other paint liner.
US08256634B2 Synthetic resin bottle
The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to create a shape of vacuum absorbing panels that can control swelling deformation involved in hot filling of synthetic resin bottles, without impairing the vacuum absorbing function of the bottles. A principle means of giving solution to this problem is a synthetic resin bottle of this invention comprising multiple vacuum absorbing panels in a dented shape disposed around a body in parallel in a circumferential direction, and also a vertical groove disposed in a laterally central area of each vacuum absorbing panel so that the vertical groove performs a function as a starting point for the deformation into a further dented state at the time of depressurization, wherein the vertical groove has a changing depth that gradually grows larger toward an upper end and a lower end, starting from a vertically central area of each vacuum absorbing panel.
US08256632B2 Tamper-evident opening device, screw cap for use in such an opening device and method of forming such an opening device
An opening device for a packaging container comprises a neck portion and a screw cap. The opening device comprises a wall of the first part of the screw cap being with a weakening extending in a circumferential direction of the first part and a recess extending in a longitudinal center axis direction of the first part. The recess is arranged to receive a projection of the neck portion, which projection is directly injection-molded in the recess. A tamper flap of the first part, which tamper flap is defined by the weakening and the recess, is automatically deformable in connection with a first time opening of the packaging container by cap rotation.
US08256631B2 Closure system for containers
A closure system is provided for containers used for storing or administering substances in the form of liquids, pastes or powders, which includes a cap, provided with a through-hole, and a closure element, wherein the cap holds the closure element with a force fit and/or form fit on the container, in the area of the container opening that is to be closed, by a catch element present on the container. The end face which surrounds the container opening, and on which the closure element bears, comprises a depression. The closure element is a virus-proof, bacteria-proof and spore-proof film that lies on the end face and, at least in some areas, over the depression. The cap is then fitted in place, an elastomer ring or adhesive ring is arranged between the closure element and the depression and fills the depression.
US08256627B2 Blanking panel
A snap-mount blanking panel for an equipment rack or cabinet enclosure has ergonomic grips spaced laterally inwardly and offset forwardly to permit comfortable and reliable mounting and removal of the blanking panel regardless of lateral clearance. A special stacking structure engages the grips in a manner to position a blanking panel, when stacked upon a lower blanking panel, in a fixed and stabilized relation to the lower blanking panel. The stacking features enable stable stacking of multiple units, one on top of another, without requiring external confinement of the stack.
US08256625B2 Water filtration system
A filter cartridge includes a top end cap and a bottom end cap spaced apart from one another. A filter media is disposed between the top and bottom end caps. An outlet channel is within the filter media and extends between the top end cap and the bottom end cap. The outlet channel includes an open top end proximate the top end cap and a closed bottom end proximate the bottom end cap.
US08256622B2 Combined transport and exhibition device
The present invention is related to a combined transport and exhibition device (1) for an exhibition stand comprising two matching shell portions (2, 3) and at least two clasp means (2a, 3a) provided on each shell portion to keep said shell portions together and interacting to form a storage space (4) when mounted as a transport unit. The device (1) includes at least two bars (13) which are connectable to two oppositely arranged clasp means (2a, 3a) on each shell portion (2, 3) when mounted as a display unit.
US08256620B2 Box template with integrated corner protectors
A box template formed of a sheet of material defines a foldable box having at least four side surfaces, a first end surface, and a second end surface. The box template also includes corner protector sections integrally formed with the foldable box. The corner protector sections are configured to be folded to protect an object placed inside the foldable box. The first end surface and second end surface may each include at least two surfaces that are integrally formed with, and connected to, two of the side surfaces. The corner protector sections may be integrally formed with, and connected to, the other two sides of the four side surfaces. The corner protector sections are configured with a plurality of identifiable sections that may be folded in order to create corner protectors. Four corner protector sections may be integrally formed with the foldable box so as to define eight corner protectors.
US08256618B2 Magnetic storage device and a method of assembling the device
A magnetic storage device is disclosed which is capable of retaining a plurality of articles, each having a thickness and a magnetic affinity. The storage device includes a base having a cavity which houses a magnetic member and a tray which mates with the base to enclose the magnetic member. The tray has a plurality of cavities formed in an upper surface and each of the cavities is designed to retain one of the articles. Each of the cavities has an elongated, semi-circular configuration with opposite ends located adjacent to a pair of raised abutments. The pair of raised abutments extends to a height less than the thickness of each article. The storage device also includes a cover which can be secured to the tray to enclose the plurality of articles therein. A method of assembling the magnetic storage device is also disclosed.
US08256617B2 Carrier for containers
A carrier is for holding a plurality of containers. The carrier comprises a bottom panel comprising a plurality of bottom openings, and a first side panel and a second side panel. A first top panel is foldably connected to the first side panel and a second top panel is foldably connected to the second top panel. The first top panel and the second top panel form a top wall of the carrier. The first top panel comprises a first handle portion, the second top panel comprises a second handle portion. A handle is foldably connected to at least one of the side panels. The handle comprises the first handle portion and the second handle portion, is separable from the top wall, and pivotable between a lowered position and a raised position. A blank for forming a carrier and a method for forming a carrier are also generally disclosed.
US08256615B2 Packaging container
A packaging container includes a pallet, an enclosure base, an enclosure box, a sheet, and a set of fasteners. The pallet includes a bottom deck, a top deck, and a set of support members. The enclosure base is placed on the pallet top deck. The enclosure box is placed above the pallet top deck around the enclosure base, and includes a top wall, first and second pairs of opposed side walls, an open bottom, and a first set of through-holes. The sheet is passed across the pallet hollow structure and fastened to the enclosure box to connect the pallet to the enclosure box, and includes a center panel, a pair of side flaps, and a second set of through-holes. The set of fasteners are passed through the first and second sets of through-holes to fasten the sheet to the enclosure box from outside the enclosure box.
US08256613B2 Suture packaging for barbed sutures
The preset disclosure describes packaging for sutures having barbs. The packaging includes a base, a cover configured to be placed adjacent to the base to form the suture package and a plurality of protrusions which are configured for selectively maintaining and slideably releasing surgical barbed sutures. Additionally disclosed is a barbed suture package including a substantially flat base member having a top side, a bottom side, and an outer periphery, an outer wall extending upwardly from said top side of said base member about the periphery of said base member, said outer wall having a top, an outer surface, and an inner surface, at least one groove in said base member for receiving a suture, each of said grooves having an opening in a bottom and both sides and an opening in said top side of said base member, a needle park for receiving a needle, said needle park centrally mounted to said top side of said base member within the interior wall, and, a flat cover member having a top, a bottom, a suture discharge opening, and an outer periphery, wherein said cover member is mounted on said top of said outer wall.
US08256612B1 Protective frame for portable electronic devices
A protective frame for portable electronic devices consists of a main frame and a cover. The main frame is provided with a window, a recessed entry formed in a lower side, at least one positioning projection located at the recessed entry and separated by a groove, and a sliding groove cut in the inner walls of other three sides. The cover is laid on the main frame, having an opening, an engaging projection protruding outward around three sides to slide in and engage with the sliding groove, at least one recessed groove cut in the inner wall to correspond to the positioning projections of the main frame, a positioning projection formed at the end of each recessed groove, and an interlocking groove bored next to the outer edge of each positioning projection. Hence, a portable electronic device can be wrapped up by the protective frame to prevent it from damaged.
US08256611B2 Camera cover allowing concealed use of lens and camera
A camera cover comprising a surrounding sidewall that has an interior sized and configured for receiving and housing a camera. The sidewall defines opposed first and second openings through which the camera may be operated. A camera mount is connected to the surrounding sidewall and is operative to secure the camera within the interior with the camera's lens directed to one of the first and second openings. The camera cover preferably includes a strap with opposed first and second end portions that are each removably fastened to the surrounding sidewall. The end portions of the strap may each include an extension strap securable to the camera. The camera cover includes a first closure associated with the first opening and a second closure associated with the second opening. The first closure comprises a first flap and a magnetic latch and the second closure comprises a second flap and a zipper.
US08256610B2 Golf bag with a carrying system, a lockable stand system, and a recessed stand system
A golf bag is provided including a carrying system having two members attached to a surface of the golf bag and arranged to form an “X” pattern. A casing is affixed to the golf bag and defines a recess in a surface of the golf bag. A stand system is mounted in the recess. The stand system includes a pair of attached pivotal members and a center rod assembly disposed between the pivotal members. The stand system further includes a spring mounted to an upper end of the center rod assembly, whereby compression and release of the spring cause the pivotal members to pivot between extended and retracted positions.
US08256609B1 Dispensing system
A device comprising a sealed package having a front wall, a rear wall, a top edge, a bottom edge, a lubricant compartment and a prophylactic compartment, with the compartments proximate to each other. A lubricant is in the lubricant compartment and a prophylactic is in the prophylactic compartment.
US08256604B2 Banknote processing machine
A banknote processing machine includes: a receipt section which receives a banknote; a temporary storage section which includes a pair of first and second drums, and a tape wound between the pair of first and second drums, the tape having an end fixed to the first drum, a tape section for banknote sheets and a tape section for partition sheets positioned at a side of the end with respect to the tape section for banknote sheets, the temporary storage section releasably receiving a conveyed banknote by winding the conveyed banknote on the first drum together with the tape section for banknote sheets and releasably receiving at least one partition sheet by winding the partition sheet on the first drum together with the tape section for partition sheets; and a control section which causes the temporary storage section to release the partition sheet wound on the first drum, and causes the receipt section to receive the partition sheet from the temporary storage section, in response to the receipt section receiving a banknote.
US08256603B2 Device for intake and output of paper currency and method therefore
A device for the intake and output of paper currencies comprises an arrangement for examining the value and authenticity of the currency, which thereafter is fed to a transport system of a currency stacking bank via a currency storage module, wherein the storage module, which is exchangeable located below the currency stacking bank is constructed as a revolving magazine and comprises a series of roller magazines, whereby the intake and output opening of each of the roller magazines is pivoted by means of an actuator into a d position of the transport system.
US08256601B2 Sprung anti-backing-off device
The invention relates to a mechanical sprung anti-backoff device, capable of fixedly immobilizing or releasing a manual control handwheel (4) and a motor acting on one and the same rotation shaft, comprising a cylindrical spring (7, 16), a cylinder (9, 17) mounted so as to rotate on the rotation shaft, the spring being able to rotate with the cylinder, turns of the spring being in contact with a surface of the cylinder and its ends being capable of coming into contact with the handwheel. The ends of the spring (7, 16) are curved inward or outward, the handwheel (4) may act on the curve of one or other of the ends of the spring (7, 16), and the rotation of the spring (7, 16) is limited by a stop acting against one or other of the ends of the spring. Application can be to manual control and motorized control valves, for example on fluid pipes.
US08256596B2 Outer housing geometry for aligning clutch plates
An outer housing for a clutch assembly that allows for the housing to be placed over an already assembled multi-disc clutch pack. The outer housing incorporates a plurality of internally splined grooves, a lead-in chamfer to assist in the alignment of the center line between the housing and the center line of the clutch pack, and an index chamfer on elevated ridges that reside between the splined grooves to assist in the alignment of the splined teeth of outer clutch plates in the assembled clutch pack with said splined grooves.
US08256592B2 Wet clutch
A wet clutch and to a hydrodynamic torque converter with a respective wet clutch as converter lockup clutch. In order to provide a good response of the wet clutch, the support elements for the friction surfaces and for the opposite friction surfaces of the wet clutch are axially supported relative to one another, at least over a partial portion of the actuation travel of the wet clutch.
US08256591B2 U-beam support mechanism for luggage
The present invention relates generally to a support mechanism for luggage, and more specifically to a support mechanism for luggage having U-shaped recesses within which telescoping handle tubes are positioned.
US08256589B2 Spring strut with control sleeve
A suspension strut with an elastomer block for a wheel of a vehicle, in particular, for a wheel of a motorcycle is provided. The spring constant of the elastomer block, which interacts with an additional spring element, can be changed by introducing a control sleeve between the elastomer block and the body of the suspension strut. The elastomer block further is effectively disengaged from the additional spring element when the control sleeve is in a lower end position, so that the spring rate is determined only by the additional spring element.
US08256587B2 Shock absorber
A shock absorber for use in lowering a structure in a body of sea water. The shock absorber includes a cylinder with a piston arranged slidably therein, said piston having a piston rod which in use extends downwards out of the cylinder, wherein at least one chamber in the cylinder above the piston is fillable with a fluid and is provided with means for controlled exiting of the fluid from the chamber when the piston rod is subjected to an impact force which presses the piston inwards in the chamber. Said fluid is water deliverable from the body of sea water to said chamber through a valve device having a one-way function in the piston, and the piston and the piston rod alone have sufficient weight to pull the piston down and provide renewed filling of the chamber with water when the impact force has ceased.
US08256583B2 Integrated outboard wet disk brake
A integrated outboard wet disk brake comprises a one-piece casting including a power plate, an upper portion and a lower portion. The power plate provides a backing surface for a sealed annular housing for brake cooling fluid, and having a central opening. The upper portion extends radially and axially from the power plate above the central opening, and is pivotably connected to a first component of an independent wheel suspension. The lower portion extends radially and axially from the power plate below the central opening, and is pivotably connected to a second component of the independent wheel suspension.
US08256582B2 Methods and devices for surveying elevator hoistways
A device for surveying an enclosed structure (10) includes a platform (24) configured to longitudinally traverse the structure (10), at least one first distance) sensor (48) connected to the platform (24) and configured to measure a lateral distance between a point on the platform (24) and a wall of the structure (10), at least one second distance sensor (50) connected to the platform (24) and configured to measure a longitudinal distance between a point on the platform (24) and a first end of the structure (10), and a transport machine (22) configured to move the platform (24) substantially longitudinally within the structure (10).
US08256581B2 Landing door proximity warning system
A security system for an elevator has a car position sensor, which is adapted to determine if a car is at a landing. The security system further has an indicator, which is located at the landing. The indicator is adapted to emit a warning signal if the car is not at the landing.
US08256568B2 Protective sleeve having an external sound-amplifying member
A protective sleeve having an external sound-amplifying member is configured to cover a portable electronic product having an audio port, and it includes a covering element covering the portable electronic product and a sound-amplifying member. A surface of the covering element is provided with a connecting hole in communication with the audio port. The sound-amplifying member is hollow and connected to the outside of the covering element. One end of the sound-amplifying member is formed into an insertion section inserted into the connecting hole, and the other end thereof is formed into a sound-amplifying section. The sound of the portable electronic product is emitted from the audio port and amplified through the sound-amplifying member and the sound-amplifying section. By this structure, an external loud speaker is unnecessary, and the protective sleeve itself can generate a sufficient sound-amplifying effect, thereby increasing the functionality and practicability of the protective sleeve.
US08256567B2 Diaphragm and speaker using same
A diaphragm is disclosed. The diaphragm includes a dome part, an edge part connected to an outer peripheral part of the dome part. The dome part includes a main body defining a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first dome part connected to the first surface, and a second dome part connected to the second surface.
US08256566B1 Speaker enclosure
A loudspeaker enclosure accommodates at least one speaker. Sound waves emanating from the rear of the speaker exit through a port in the enclosure. The interior of the enclosure contains at least one partition to lengthen the acoustic path from the rear of the speaker to the port and to cause alternating expansion and contraction of the sound waves emanating from the rear of the speaker. The partitions are arranged in relation to the speaker(s) so as to reduce sound wave reflections that would create non-linearities in the frequency response.
US08256565B2 Enclosures for containing transducers and electronics on a downhole tool
An enclosure for housing a transducer and electronics for disposal on a downhole tool. A transducer is disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure contains a fluid surrounding the transducer. Enclosures also include transducers linked to motor means for selective rotation of the transducers within the enclosure. Enclosures with transducer arrays for phased or targeted signal transmission/detection.
US08256564B2 Vehicle and vehicle exhaust pipe
A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can include an exhaust pipe connected to a back or rear side of an engine of the vehicle. A rear cushioning member can be provided between the engine and a rear wheel of the vehicle. The exhaust pipe can include a front portion that extends from the engine backward on one side of the rear cushioning member, with respect to a widthwise direction of the vehicle, and a transverse portion that extends, in a direction substantially transverse to a lengthwise direction of the vehicle, from the one side to another side, between the rear cushioning member and the rear wheel.
US08256563B2 All terrain vehicle
In an all terrain vehicle, an engine body of an engine unit is positioned along a center line that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a transverse direction of the vehicle. A continuously variable transmission of the engine unit is disposed transversely lateral to the engine body. A center console includes an inner space. The center console is disposed in a transverse center portion of a cabin space. The center console connects a space positioned forward of a front panel and a space positioned under a seat. An intake duct is connected to an upper surface of the engine unit, and extends forward therefrom. The intake duct is at least partially disposed in the interior of the center console. An exhaust duct is connected to the engine unit, and extends rearward therefrom.
US08256562B2 Powertrain having multi-stage damper
A powertrain for a motor vehicle includes an engine disposed in a front of the motor vehicle and having an output member, an automatic transmission disposed in a rear of the motor vehicle and having an input member, a torque converter connected to the input member of the automatic transmission, and a shaft disposed along a length of the motor vehicle and connected to the torque converter. A first damper is connected to the output member of the engine and is connected to the shaft. The first damper has a first spring set interconnected to the output member of the engine and a second spring set interconnected to the first spring set and to the shaft. The first damper is operable to isolate torsional vibration between the engine and the shaft and isolate the shaft from torsional resonant behavior.
US08256561B2 Vehicle
In one aspect, the vehicle is a relatively small-sized utility vehicle and includes front and rear wheels on the right and left sides of a body of the vehicle. A seat is located substantially midway between the front and rear wheels. At least part of a power unit is disposed in the space under the seat. The power unit includes an engine having a crank shaft and a transmission to which power is input from the output portion of the engine through a first power train. The crank shaft includes a rotational mass, and at least a portion of the transmission is located in the space below a swept area of the rotational mass.
US08256560B2 Motor vehicle operator identification and maximum speed limiter
A programmable device that interfaces with a motor vehicle. The device is programmed to identify the operator who is gaining access to the motor vehicle. The device is further programmed to associate a maximum allowable speed with each person allowed to operate the motor vehicle. The device incorporates an access and operation means together with a computer that is compatible with the motor vehicle on board computer. The computer includes in it's output a signal that controls the maximum allowable speed that the on board computer will permit the motor vehicle to operate at for the identified operator.
US08256555B2 Three-wheeled motorcycle
A three-wheel motorcycle having a support frame with rear wheels mounted on a double axle with differential there between for a drive from a powerful automobile type engine. A front portion of the frame supporting the front motorcycle type single steerable wheel and handlebars mounted thereto for conventional steering. Other features include a unique shock and spring mechanism for the support frame measuring no more than 6 inches off of the ground and having a center of gravity of 14 inches or less powered by an internal combustion engine.
US08256553B2 Electric vehicles
An electric vehicle includes a chassis and a compartment defined by the chassis. A power container houses at least one energy storage/generating device for powering the electric vehicle. The power container is insertable into and removable from the compartment through the left side and the right side of the chassis. A suspension apparatus includes a shaft, a control arm pivotably connected to the shaft, at least one helical torsion spring mounted on the shaft, and a linear actuator. Movement of the linear actuator increases bending stress on the at least one helical torsion spring and urges the control arm downwardly.
US08256549B2 Electric vehicle
A utility vehicle is disclosed having an electric drive. The drivetrain is comprised of batteries, a motor, a transaxle driven by the motor, a rear differential driven by the transaxle, and a prop shaft which is driven by the transaxle and drives a front differential. The batteries are provided in two groups and are supported on the frame of the vehicle.
US08256542B2 Robotic vehicle
A mobile robot includes a chassis defining at least one chassis volume and first and second sets of right and left driven flippers associated with the chassis. Each flipper has a drive wheel and defines a flipper volume adjacent to the drive wheel. The first set of flippers is disposed between the second set of flippers and the chassis. Motive power elements are distributed among the chassis volume and the flipper volumes. The motive power elements include a battery assembly, a main drive motor assembly, and a load shifting motor assembly.
US08256540B1 Self-storing retainer cap assembly
A retainer cap assembly for attaching a track assembly to a vehicle includes a housing and at least two latch plates disposed in the housing, pivotable about a common pivot axis, between a locked and an unlocked position. A lock bar is rotatably supported on the housing, wherein the lock bar rotates about an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis of the latch plates, so as to be selectively engaged with both of the latch plates to prevent the latch plates from rotating on the pivot axis when the latch plates are in a locked position and disengaged with both of the latch plates to allow the latch plates to rotate on the pivot axis when the latch plates are in an unlocked position.
US08256538B1 Containment system for oil field riser pipes
A riser pipe containment valve attached to the drill string tool that uses the wells' intense pressure to cap and control flow when lowered down the riser and attached to its internal wall. Oil/gas sealing and stoppage flow through the valve are controlled by stop flow plug movement. The valve attached then to the riser pipe wall is locked to that surface with pressure indented balls forced into wall indented cavities locking valve to riser in multiple engagement points. When the valve is installed as a riser pipe insert, and used as a by-pass stop flow pipe, without retention attachments, it continues to function as an oil/gas stop flow plug system, and electronic sensors in the valve are utilized to monitor flow and sealing conditions relative to high pressure and convey data to the drill string tool and its electronic system display.
US08256536B2 Backreamer for a tunneling apparatus
A backreamer includes a distal end configured for connection to product and a proximal end configured for attachment to a distal end of a drill string. The backreamer includes a backreaming cutter having a cutting side that faces toward the proximal end of the backreamer. The backreamer also includes a proximal assembly that extends between the proximal end of the backreamer and the backreaming cutter. The proximal assembly defines a vacuum passage for removing material cut by the backreaming cutter. The backreamer further includes a drive stem for transferring torque to the backreaming cutter for rotating the backreaming cutter. The drive stem is rotatably supported within the proximal assembly such that the drive stem and the backreaming cutter are rotatable relative to the proximal assembly. The backreamer additionally includes a distal assembly that extends between the backreaming cutter and the distal end of the backreamer. The distal assembly includes a vacuum blocking plate positioned distally with respect to the backreaming cutter. The backreaming cutter and the drive stem are rotatable relative to the vacuum blocking plate.
US08256535B2 Mill-through tailpipe liner exit and method of use thereof
A method and apparatus for forming a window in the wall of a tubular wellbore. In one embodiment described herein, a down hole apparatus for forming a window in the wall of a wellbore utilizing a plurality of tubing string sections and a thick tailpipe positioned at the down hole end of a tubing section.
US08256529B2 Arrangement for employing drill steel centralizer travelling on feed beam of rock drill machine
The invention relates to an arrangement for employing a drill steel centralizer travelling on a feed beam of a rock drill machine. The drill steel centralizer has a pressure fluid-operated actuator for closing a transfer opening intended for a drill rod during drilling, whereby pressure fluid is fed into the actuator during drilling.
US08256517B2 Downhole multiple bore tubing apparatus
A tubing assembly for entering multiple boreholes includes an outer shroud having an axial throughbore, and an inner tubular member disposed in the axial throughbore, wherein the tubular member is releasably coupled to the shroud, and wherein the outer diameter of the shroud is adjustable. A tubing assembly for entering multiple boreholes may also include a shroud having an axial throughbore, a movable tubular member disposed in the axial throughbore, and a releasable coupling between the shroud and the tubular member, wherein the releasable coupling includes a retracted position allowing entry of the tubing assembly into a junction between two boreholes, wherein the releasable coupling includes an expanded position allowing movement of the tubular member relative to the shroud and prevents re-entry of the tubing assembly into the junction.
US08256511B2 Use of a heavy petroleum fraction as a drive fluid in the recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation
A process is disclosed for using heavy petroleum fraction as a drive fluid in the recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. The hydrocarbons may be in the form of bitumen or heavy oil. The heavy petroleum fraction may be injected into at least one injection well and hydrocarbons produced out of at least one distinct production well. The heavy petroleum fraction may be co-injected together with steam and/or hot water and/or solvent. The heavy petroleum fraction may be a heavy fraction of a process used to upgrade crude oil, such as a heavy asphaltene fraction produced from solvent deasphalting crude oil produced by this recovery process.
US08256510B2 Control screen assembly
Screen assemblies capable of being disposed in a bore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The screen assemblies can support filter mediums and reduce or eliminate plugging by swellable material. One screen assembly includes filter mediums supported by a rigid member located exterior to a portion of a base pipe. The rigid member can include openings through which the filter mediums can be in fluid communication with an inner diameter of the base pipe. Swellable material can be disposed exterior to a second portion of the base pipe adjacent to the rigid member. The filter mediums can be displaced to contact a wellbore and the rigid members can help reduce or prevent plugging of screen assembly openings.
US08256509B2 Compact jar for dislodging tools in an oil or gas well
This invention relates to a jar used to dislodge tools stuck in a well. The jar includes two housing portions movable with respect to each other. A release collet forms a portion of one of the housings. A release sleeve is carried by a mandrel and is located within the release collet. After a given amount of movement of the housing with respect to the mandrel, the release mechanism is activated and the two housing sections rapidly move with respect to each other. A hammer portion of the mandrel then strikes an anvil in the anvil housing, thus applying an upward force to the tool lodged in the well.
US08256507B2 Tapered surface bearing assembly and well drilling equipment comprising same
A well drilling head comprises a housing and a bearing assembly. The housing has a sidewall structure defining a central bore. A tapered bearing assembly seating surface is provided within the central bore of the housing. The bearing assembly includes an outer barrel having a central bore, an inner barrel at least partially disposed within the central bore of the outer barrel and bearing units coupled between the barrels for providing concentric alignment of the barrels and allowing rotation therebetween. The outer barrel is removably seated within the central bore of the housing. A tapered exterior surface of the outer barrel is engaged with the tapered bearing assembly seating surface of the housing whereby engagement of the tapered surfaces align the outer barrel with respect to the central bore of the housing.
US08256504B2 Unlimited stroke drive oil well pumping system
An unlimited stroke drive method for pumping fluid from an oil well in which the well has a tubing string extending from the earth's surface down to a fluid producing formation. The method includes the steps of positioning a pump barrel within the tubing, an upper end of the pump barrel having communication through a standing valve with the interior of the tubing string, vertically reciprocating a length of flexible cable within the tubing string to vertically reciprocate a plunger within the pump barrel to allow a lower portion to quickly fill with fluid from the producing formation and then to a downward position in which fluid within the pump barrel lower portion is transferred through a traveling valve to an area within the pump barrel above the plunger to move formation fluid from within the pump barrel to the interior of the tubing and thence to the earth's surface.
US08256500B2 Heat dissipation device having support brackets with buckles to support the fan
A heat dissipation device includes a heat sink, a fan having a flange and a plurality of brackets mounting the fan on the heat sink. Each of the brackets includes two pair of spaced buckles extending from a top thereof toward the fan. A bottom of each bracket is fixed on a bottom of the heat sink. The two pair of buckles of the bracket are buckled on the flange of the fan.
US08256498B2 Heat dissipation apparatus having heat pipes inserted therein
A heat dissipation apparatus includes a heat sink and a pair of first heat pipes. The heat sink includes a pair of first fin assemblies staggered with a pair of second fin assemblies. The first and second fin assemblies each define a receiving groove therein. The second fin assemblies each further defines an opening communicating with the receiving groove of a corresponding second fin assembly. The first heat pipes each include an evaporation section and a condensation section. A portion of the condensation section of each of the first heat pipes is inserted into the receiving groove of each of the first fin assemblies. The other portion of the condensation section of each of the first heat pipes is received in the receiving groove of each of the second fin assemblies through the opening.
US08256497B2 Thermal energy exchanger
A thermal energy exchanger assembly (100) includes an exchanger housing (138). The exchanger housing (138) houses a pair of core support assemblies (174) formed of individual core supports (200). The core supports (200) are coupled together so as to form apertures 228. Core tubes (180) are received within the apertures (228). A fresh airstream (122) is made to flow through the core tubes (180) while a stale airstream (114) is made to flow between and around the core tubes (180). In this manner, an exchange of thermal energy occurs between the fresh airstream (122) and the stale airstream (114).
US08256496B2 Air diverter for vehicle cooling system
The invention relates to an air diverter for a vehicle cooling system. There is a need for an improved vehicle cooling system. An air diverter is provided for a vehicle cooling system having a radiator, a fan for moving air through the radiator and a cooling unit positioned in front of the radiator with respect to air moving through the radiator. The fan is surrounded by a fan shroud. The air diverter includes a collector and a conduit. The collector is positioned between the cooling unit and the radiator. The collector receives a portion of air which passes through the cooling unit. The conduit extends around an edge of the radiator and communicates air from the collector to the interior of the fan shroud while bypassing the radiator.
US08256494B2 Metal-strip guiding apparatus
A continuous-casting unit produces a longitudinally extending and traveling strand having a solid shell and a liquid core. A strand-guiding apparatus has a plurality of longitudinally spaced section frames and respective pairs of roller assemblies carried on the frames and transversely flanking and bearing transversely on the strand. Each pair forms a gap through which the strand passes, and each roller assembly is formed by two aligned subrollers. A respective center is provided bearing between the subrollers of each roller assembly and bracing inner ends of the respective subrollers transversely against the respective frame. Respective outer rollers at outer ends of the subrollers of each roller assembly brace the respective outer ends transversely against the respective frame. The subrollers are shaped or supported on the respective frame such that in an unloaded condition the gap is transversely narrower at the center bearing than at the outer bearing.
US08256488B2 Collapsible light-weight perforated partition
A semi-private partition or covering includes a collapsible structure having a plurality of uniform perforations formed therein. The plurality of uniform perforations can be configured in size, shape, and dimension to provide not only aesthetic but functional differences from one partition to the next. A manufacturer can make a partition by forming a collapsible structure, such as by bonding a plurality of elongate cells along a plurality of different horizontal seams. The manufacturer can then position a plurality of cutout apparatus about the structure and apply the cutout apparatus to create hollow perforations passing through the entire depth of the collapsible structure (e.g., when expanded). The partition can be mounted to a top or side support structure for any combination of vertical or horizontal expansion/contraction of the partition.
US08256486B1 Water accumulation prevention systems, devices and methods for awning structures
A bow system is provided for coupling between a pair of arm members of an awning structure in a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading portion of an awning sheet thereof. A bow member of the bow system is aligned generally parallel to a lead member of the awning structure and is configured to flex upwardly to elevate a portion of the awning sheet when the awning is in a deployed configuration to prevent the accumulation of water or debris thereon. The bow member may automatically flex as the awning structure moves from a retracted configuration toward the deployed configuration. Other prop devices and methods of preventing the accumulation of water or debris on awning structures using bow systems and other prop devices are also provided.
US08256484B2 End effector for constructing composite members
An end effector constructing composite members, in which a compaction roller and redirect rollers translate synchronously along the compaction axis. Additionally, the end effector includes an advantageous arrangement of spools and rollers that directs tow to the redirect rollers at substantially a right angle. Movement of the compaction roller along the compaction axis induces little, if any, changes in tow tension. The substantially constant tow tension advantageously reduces rewinding of the tow supply spools, which can degrade the quality of the lay up and contribute to despooling problems.
US08256480B1 Coupling apparatus for positioning components in workpiece interior and method of using same
A component coupling apparatus for mounting a component to an internal contact surface of a hollow workpiece which includes a positioning unit and at least one component holding unit. The component positioning unit includes a processor having memory which pre-stores data representative of a workpiece target feature and an access opening therein. The component positioning unit includes a 3D laser scanner/digitizer which is movable to scan the exterior surface of the workpiece and identify the axial centers of the access opening and target feature, and calculate the distance and/or directional vector therebetween. The component holder unit includes component holder supported on a support arm. The component holder releasably secures the component to be joined to the workpiece, and is sized for insertion at through the access opening to move the component into alignment with the contact surface. The processor controls movement of the carrying arm in directional movement in relation to the scanned distance between the access opening and the target feature, by providing control signals to a robot used to selectively activate position the component holder in response to identified and triangulated relative distances between the access opening and target features.
US08256479B2 Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire according to the present invention enhances visibility of a mark formed on a sidewall portion, and reduces cure trouble due to an air pocket produced during molding of the mark.Two circumferential projections 9 extending in the circumferential direction of the tire are disposed on the surface 2a of a sidewall portion 2 at a prescribed distance in the radial direction of the tire. At least two radial projections 10 extending in the radial direction of the tire and connected to the two circumferential projections 9 are disposed at a prescribed distance in the circumferential direction of the tire between the two circumferential projections 9. A region defined by the circumferential projections 9 and radial projections 10 is formed in a depression surface 11 depressed from the surface 2a of the sidewall portion 2. At least one mark 8 protruding beyond the surface 2a of the sidewall portion 2 is provided on the depression surface 11. The height H1 of the mark 8 from the surface 2a of the sidewall portion 2 is equal to or less than the heights H2 of the circumferential projections 9 from the surface 2a of the sidewall portion 2 and the heights H3 of the radial projections 10 from the surface 2a of the sidewall portion 2.
US08256478B2 Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes at least two types of cap tread rubber layers made from differing rubber compositions disposed in a tread portion. A tan δ at 60° C. of a rubber composition forming the cap tread rubber layer on a vehicle outer side is greater than a tan δ at 60° C. of a rubber composition forming the cap tread rubber layer on a vehicle inner side. A ratio (tan δH/tan δL) of a maximum tan δH to a minimum tan δL at 60° C. of the tan δ of the rubber compositions forming the at least two types of cap tread rubber layers is from 1.05 to 1.80 . An under tread rubber layer disposed in the tread portion has an average thickness from 0.8 mm to 4.0 mm. A hardness of a rubber composition forming the under tread rubber layer is from 73 to 83. A tan δ at 60° C. of the rubber composition forming the under tread rubber layer is 0.25 or less.
US08256476B2 Swing arm assembly with replaceable insert for use with a debarker apparatus
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for debarking logs are shown and described. The disclosed embodiments can be used for quickly and conveniently replacing contact surfaces, such as leading edges, of-swing arm assemblies (110). Some disclosed embodiments include a swing arm assembly having a replaceable insert (121) that defines a leading edge for engaging logs (130) moving along a processing line. The insert can be made of a wear resistant material for a prolonged life. A worn insert (121) can be replaced with another insert to ensure proper functioning of the debarker.
US08256474B2 Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage, having a flow meter integrated into the filling element and located in the flow path for filling bottles with a liquid beverage and a filling machine having such a filling element
A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage, having a flow meter integrated into the filling element and located in the flow path for filling bottles with a liquid beverage and a filling machine having such a filling element. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US08256472B2 Method of refilling a container and an auxiliary device for refilling a container from a reservoir
A domestic appliance apparatus having a container is connectable to a fluid-containing reservoir that includes a movable actuator for activating a pump for dispensing the fluid. The reservoir is put in communication with the container and the actuator is activated by an auxiliary device to transfer a quantity of fluid from the reservoir to the container. The auxiliary device includes a housing which accommodates a holder for holding the reservoir and an actuator driver for activating the actuator. The auxiliary device may be part of a refilling assembly, which also includes the reservoir and/or the refillable container.
US08256471B2 Fuel storage facility and method for filling and/or emptying the tanks of said facility
This storage facility (I) comprises at least one light fuel tank (C1, C2, C3) and at least one heavy fuel tank (C4), each one of the tanks being equipped with a vent pipe (12, 22, 32, 42). All of the vent pipes open into the same collector (14) intended to communicate these pipes with one another and to be connected to a tank (10) of a delivery vehicle. Furthermore, whether respectively associated with a light fuel tank or a heavy fuel tank, the vent pipes are provided with means (13, 23, 33, 43) for condensing the vent gases flowing through these pipes, the condensates from these condensation means being discharged into the or at least one of the light fuel tanks. It is thus possible to minimize the discharge of light fuel vapors from the facility, whether into the atmosphere or into the tank of the delivery vehicle.
US08256470B2 Woven multi-layer fabrics and methods of fabricating same
A multi-layer ballistic woven fabric, including an upper woven layer having upper warp yarns and upper weft yarns that are interwoven together to form the upper woven layer. The multi-layer ballistic woven fabric also includes a lower woven layer having lower warp yarns and lower weft yarns that are interwoven together, and a plurality of securing yarns, each securing yarn interwoven with at least some of the upper yarns and some of the lower yarns so as to secure the upper and lower woven layers together. At least one of the securing yarns is woven underneath a first lower weft yarn, then above a second upper weft yarn adjacent the first lower weft yarn, then underneath a third lower weft yarn adjacent the second upper weft yarn and then above a fourth upper weft yarn adjacent the third lower weft yarn. The multi-layer ballistic woven fabric is formed by interweaving the securing yarns with the warp yarns and weft yarns as the upper woven layer and lower woven layer are made.
US08256468B1 Methods and apparatus for lining a passageway
A method of forming a lining in a passageway, by placing or disposing or inverting or everting into the passageway a tube having a port and made from a material containing a curable resin so that the port passes at least partially through the passageway; and creating an opening in the tube to produce a flow path between the port and the inside of the tube. Additionally, inserting a pipe or hose into a conduit of the port; sealing the conduit around the pipe or hose, draining or exhausting fluid out from the inside of the tube through the port and the pipe or hose and/or circulating a fluid through the inside of the tube via the port and the pipe or hose may also be performed. A liner for insertion into a passageway, having a tube of one or more layers of resin absorbent material or curable resin material; and a port disposed on the tube wherein the port has a conduit with a first end attached to the tube and a second end unattached to the tube, wherein the conduit is disposed, at least in part, in or between the one or more layers of the tube.
US08256466B2 Thermal insulted sewer water treatment environment
A sewer water treatment system having a septic tank and drain field is protected from freezing and becoming nonfunctional with a thermal insulation blanket. A plurality of stakes connected to the borders of the blanket extend into the ground to hold the blanket on the ground above the sewer water treatment system.
US08256462B2 Fluid flow control members for use with valves
Fluid flow control members for use with valves are described herein. An example fluid flow control member for use with a valve includes a body having a first seating surface to control a flow of fluid through the valve. The body defines a second seating surface opposite the first seating surface to control a flow of fluid through the valve. Additionally, the body defines an aperture to receive a stem of the valve, and a bore surrounded by the first seating surface to receive at least one of a seal or a sliding member each of which have a first surface to be engaged by a second surface of a spring seat coupled to the stem to control a fluid flow through the valve.
US08256459B2 Fluid conduit connector apparatus
A fluid conduit connector apparatus that approximates pneumatic characteristics of a removed pneumatic system component when a fluid conduit is removed from a pneumatic system. The fluid conduit connector apparatus includes a port portion having a valve disposed therein. The valve closes to provide a reduced fluid orifice when a fluid conduit is removed from the port. The reduced fluid orifice is configured to provide pneumatic characteristics of the device being disconnected.
US08256457B2 Saddle tank
A saddle tank for internal combustion engines of motor vehicles includes an oblong boom, which is connected at one end to a swirl pot located in the first chamber and rests toward the other end on a lower saddle surface of the saddle and a retainer for a Venturi nozzle or pump, which is mounted so it is rotatable on the other end of the boom.
US08256454B2 Dynamic flapper and method
An adjustable moment arm flapper including a flapper defining a cavity there within and a moveable mass system disposed within the cavity, a center of mass of the flapper changeable based upon position of the movable mass and a method for dynamically controlling a flapper.
US08256446B2 Modular regulator platform
Apparatus to configure fluid regulators are described. In one example, a stem guide for use with a fluid regulator is described. The stem guide includes a body having an opening to slidably receive a valve stem and an outer surface having a plurality of circumferential seals that removably couple the body within a bore of a regulator casing and align the body with the regulator casing or a valve.
US08256445B2 Pressurizing and pressure regulating valve and fuel supply system employing the same
A pressurizing and pressure regulating valve is provided. In one embodiment, the pressurizing and pressure regulating valve includes a sleeve, a first flow passage formed through the sleeve, a second flow passage formed through the sleeve, and a piston slidably disposed in the sleeve. The piston is configured to move between: (i) a pressurizing position wherein the piston impedes fluid flow through the first flow passage, and (ii) a pressure limiting position wherein the piston impedes fluid flow through the second flow passage. A sensing chamber is fluidly coupled to the first flow passage and configured to receive pressurized fluid therefrom. The piston is configured to move from the pressurizing position to the pressure limiting position when the pressure within the sensing chamber exceeds a predetermined minimum pressure.
US08256443B2 Collapsible privacy shelter
A collapsible privacy shelter includes an upper section, lower section, and roof section. The lower section includes a back wall, a pair of side walls pivotally connected to the back wall of the lower section and are operable to fold inward, a front wall pivotally connected to the plurality of side walls of the lower section, and a door pivotally connected to the front wall of the lower section. The upper section includes a back wall disposed on an edge of the back wall of the lower section and operable to engage the back wall of the lower section, a pair of opposing side walls pivotally connected to the back wall of the upper section and operable to fold inward and each operable to engage a corresponding side wall of the lower section, a front wall pivotally connected to the plurality of side walls of the upper section and operable to engage the front wall of the lower section, and a door pivotally connected to the upstanding front wall of the upper section and operable to engage the door of the lower section. The roof section includes a roof operable to engage an upper portion of the upper section.
US08256440B2 Dishwasher with pump driven by supply water
Embodiments include a dishwasher to be connected to pressurized supply water is further improved by the dishwasher comprising a pump driven by at least a first part of the supply water, the pump being adapted to produce pressurized washing water for a washing process from a second part of the supply water, wherein the pressurized washing water has a higher pressure than the supply water. Embodiments of the invention provide a dishwasher which achieves a high cleaning effect even at a pressure of the supply water common in the household.
US08256436B2 Compositions for neutralizing and coloring hair and methods thereof
The present invention relates to processes for neutralizing relaxed hair. Still further, the present invention relates to neutralizer compositions for use on relaxed hair. Still further, the present invention relates to a system for neutralizing relaxed hair. Yet further, the invention relates to relaxed hair neutralized by the compositions and methods disclosed herein. The present invention also relates to compositions and methods to simultaneously neutralize and color relaxed hair.
US08256434B2 Cigarette filter
The present invention concerns an at least partially transparent cigarette filter tipping film comprising a biodegradable substrate, and softener in an amount of less than 25% by weight of the biodegradable substrate, and a cigarette filter comprising a filtration material encased in a cylinder of the said tipping film.
US08256430B2 Hyperthermia treatment and probe therefor
A method of using a probe that emits energy to coagulate lesions is disclosed. The probe is constructed and arranged to emit light from its distal end, either at an angle to its longitudinal axis, or along its longitudinal axis. Optionally, an end reflector may be used to direct the energy in a beam to one side of the fiber end. A reinforcing sleeve for the fiber is mounted to a shielded, Piezo-electric motor constructed and arranged to move the fiber both longitudinally and rotationally within an optional elongate cannula. An MRI system is arranged to generate a series of output signals indicative of temperature in the targeted area. The application of energy is stopped when the temperature at the boundary of the lesion reaches the required hyperthermic temperature. Cooling of the tip portion of the probe is effected by expansion of a supplied cooling fluid through a restrictive orifice into an expansion zone at the probe end. The fiber is encased in a stiff tubular titanium probe with a relatively small fluid supply duct inside the probe with the interior of the probe acting as a return duct for the expanded liquid. The temperature of the probe end is monitored by a sensor in the probe end and controlled by controlling the pressure in the supplied cooling fluid.
US08256426B2 Modular dental appliance for improving airflow through nasal-pharyngeal airway
An embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention is adapted to be positioned at least partially in a mouth of a user to reduce resistance of air flow in the oral pharyngeal region and to improve anatomic and functional relationships of the oral pharyngeal structure. The device comprises a base unit adapted to be removably mounted on a lower jaw of the mouth, a pair of tongue positioner guides, each tongue positioner guide connected at a proximal end to the base unit, and a pair of tongue positioners, each connected with a distal end of a corresponding tongue positioner guide. When the base unit is mounted on the lower jaw, the tongue positioners are adapted to be arranged beneath a tongue of the mouth so that the tongue is urged against a soft palette of the mouth to thereby reduce resistance of air flow in the oral pharyngeal region and improve anatomic and functional relationships of the oral pharyngeal structure.
US08256424B2 Fertility regulator incorporating vas deferens implanted open/close bypass in combination with a hand held controller for wireless power transfer
An on/off fertility regulator device in the form of a male vas deferens or female fallopian tube bypass mounted device incorporating an open/close valve actuator. A separate handheld controller is positioned above the skin and in proximity to the previously implanted regulating device. Wireless energy transfer receiver circuitry is built into the device and, upon receiving a electric generated signal the inductive circuit printed coil activates the actuator in order to actuate any of a clamp, ball, globe or flow interrupter associated with a bypass connection tube associated with each of the pair of vas deferens. As a result, passage of semen from the seminal vesticle (or alternatively eggs through the fallopian tube) can be instantly interrupted or permitted in on/off fashion as a viable alternative to the user undergoing an irreversible vasectomy operation.
US08256418B2 Determination of leak during CPAP treatment
In a CPAP or positive pressure ventilation system, leak is determined at each instant by a lookback for a time as long as single breath to establish the start of an averaging window over which low-pass filtered values used in the determination of a parameter of a leak model are averaged. A jamming index indicates whether the leak is rapidly changing. To the extent that jamming is high, the leak estimate used progressively changes from that using sliding breath-window averaging to a more robust and faster responding low-pass filter method, and adjustment of ventilatory support based on measures employing estimated respiratory flow is slowed down or stopped.
US08256414B2 Neonatal colorimetric carbon dioxide detector
An application for a neonatal calorimetric carbon dioxide detector has a calorimetric carbon dioxide detector membrane having a pH-sensitive chemical indicator that undergoes calorimetric change in the presence of carbon dioxide. The detector has a patient orifice in fluid communication with the baby's airway and a respiration equipment orifice connected to a breathing system. The patient orifice is connected to a breathing tube and when the breathing tube is inserted correctly into the trachea, as the baby exhales, carbon dioxide interacts with the calorimetric membrane which changes color based upon the concentration of carbon dioxide. The neonatal calorimetric carbon dioxide detector adds a volume of less than or equal to 1 mL after being attached to a breathing circuit.
US08256407B2 Multi-wire saw and method for cutting ingot
To provide a multi-wire saw that, at the start of cutting of an ingot, prevents a wire from being displaced in grooves of guide rollers due to the wire being lifted. A wire is wound around a plurality of wire guide rollers to be positioned in a feeding direction of an ingot, and in this state, a wire-lifting restraining member that is a body of rotation and restrains the wire from being lifted by being brought into contact with the wire is disposed near the wire guide rollers.
US08256405B2 Breather assembly with standpipe for an internal combustion engine
Disclosed herein is a breather assembly for use in an internal combustion engine and a method of operating an internal combustion engine. In at least one embodiment, the breather assembly includes an input chamber for receiving blow-by gas, the input chamber bounded at least partially by a crankcase exterior, and a standpipe situated inside the input chamber for directing blow-by gas into the input chamber. Additionally, the breather assembly can include an input drainback passage situated inside the input chamber and an output chamber situated adjacent the input chamber, the chamber having an inner wall with a one-way valve that allows blow-by gas to flow from the input chamber to the output chamber. The breather assembly can also include an output drainback aperture situated in the inner wall and an output chamber housing that substantially encloses the output chamber and includes an exhaust port for exhausting blow-by gas.
US08256402B2 Exhaust passage structure of multi-cylinder engine
Three or more independent passages are coupled to respective cylinders which are different from each other, and a collective portion where the independent passages collect is provided. An exhaust turbocharger is arranged downstream of the collective portion. Rotary throttle valves are arranged respectively in the independent passages upstream of the collective portion. At least two of the throttle valves are supported by a common rotary axis. The independent passages with the throttle valves supported by the common rotary axis are coupled to cylinders which have exhaust strokes which are not adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the exhaust gas can be supplied to the exhaust turbocharger efficiently.
US08256401B2 Alternate fuel storage system and method
A fuel tank for storing an alternate fuel and providing the fuel to an internal combustion engine includes: an inner shell with an internal cavity designed to store fuel; an outer shell configured and positioned relative to the inner shell such that an interstitial volume is created between the inner and outer shells; and a heating unit positioned in the interstitial volume. In some embodiments, the interstitial volume is filled with air; in other embodiments, the interstitial volume is filled with a thermally insulative material.
US08256396B2 Power cutter with controller responsive to lubrication status
A power cutter including a housing; a two stroke internal combustion engine mounted within the housing; a throttle switch by which the engine can be accelerated when the engine is running; a support arm mounted on the housing and which projects forward of the housing. A blade mounting mechanism is rotatably mounted on the end of the support arm and is capable of being rotationally driven by the engine when the engine is running. A carburetor provides aerated fuel for the engine and an air intake provides air for the carburetor. An air filtration mechanism filters the air drawn in from the air intake for the carburetor. A fuel tank provides fuel to the carburetor. An exhaust is provided through which the exhaust gases generated by the operation of the engine are expelled from the engine. The power cutter also includes an engine controller that controls the operation of the engine; an oil tank that provides lubricating oil for the engine; an oil pump that pumps lubricating oil from the oil tank to mix it with fuel; and a sensing system that determines whether sufficient lubricating oil is being provided for mixing with the fuel in accordance with predetermined parameters. The sensing system provides an indication to the engine controller of when the lubricating oil is not being provided in accordance with the predetermined parameters. When the sensing system indicates that the lubricating oil is not being provided in accordance with the predetermined parameters, the engine controller places the engine either in an idle mode or switches it off.
US08256393B2 Variable cam timing controls mounted in the camshaft
An internal combustion engine in which the variable cam timing controls for a variable cam timing mechanism include a variable force solenoid mounted within a hollow portion of the camshaft. The variable force solenoid is maintained in place within the hollow camshaft by a tubular shaft fixed to the engine and a bearing between the solenoid and the variable cam timing mechanism.
US08256390B1 Six-cycle internal combustion engine
Described is a six-cycle internal combustion engine. Four of the cycles are the standard “Otto” cycles, namely intake, compression, power and exhaust plus two additional cycles, a primary intake cycle and a transfer cycle. The two additional cycles act as a supercharger to provide compressed air to the intake port of the “Otto” cycle. The engine utilizes four independently operated valves, including a transfer valve and a secondary intake valve. The transfer valve and secondary intake valve are in fluid communication via a conduit. A discharge conduit can be provided from a pressurized transfer system to release any excessive pressure within the conduit. Alternately, external pressure can be forced into the transfer conduit and a secondary intake conduit to increase the pressure within a combustion chamber.
US08256387B2 Radiator shutter using film door technology
An apparatus for controlling airflow to and a temperature of an engine may employ a radiator with liquid coolant, a first roller positioned parallel to an inlet tank and a second roller positioned parallel to an outlet tank, and a single film shutter that winds upon each roller. Thin strip leaders define gaps for airflow to reach the radiator. A method of controlling an open position of the film shutter may entail calculating a first film shutter open position based upon an engine coolant temperature, calculating a second film shutter open position based upon an air conditioning output pressure, comparing the first film shutter open position to the second film shutter open position, determining the larger open position, and moving the film shutter to the larger open position to expose a greater radiator surface area than the smaller open position.
US08256384B2 Multifunctional pet leash storage device
The present invention is a multifunctional pet leash storage device for collecting and disposing animal waste. The multifunctional pet leash storage device comprises a leash housing, a waste storage compartment, a sanitary compartment, a sanitary wipe dispensing slot, a sanitary bag dispensing slot, a leash securing hole, a front lid button, a rear lid button, a handle and a battery storage compartment. The sanitary compartment includes a sanitary wipe storage area and a sanitary bag storage area. The sanitary wipe dispensing slot and the sanitary bag dispensing slot are bilaterally symmetrical to each other. The bilaterally symmetrical arrangement of the sanitary wipe dispensing slot and the sanitary bag dispensing slot provides good balance characteristics to the multifunctional pet leash storage device and an easy access of the at least one sanitary bag and the at least one sanitary wipe from the sanitary compartment.
US08256379B2 Dog leash assembly with removable containers
A dog leash handle assembly is provided with containers for dog food and water which are removeably attached to the assembly. Thus, the dog owner has a single assembly including the leash and provisions for the dog which are readily transported. The assembly also provides a place for the storage of clean up bags and other items. The handle assembly further includes has a mechanism for attaching to the loop handle of a typical dog leash but may also be used with a retractable leash.
US08256378B2 Closing device for milking device
Closing device assembly for systems for milking animals, provided with at least one primary passage and at least two secondary passages, wherein the primary and secondary passages are provided with first and second connecting edges, respectively, with respective openings each having an axis, further provided with at least one closing device for at least one unused, non-selected secondary passage, which closing device is provided with a closing edge, wherein of each set of connecting edges and closing edges to be connected to each other in each case at least one is provided with a seal, wherein the closing device assembly further comprises a first drive unit for mutual displacement of the first connecting edge and the second connecting edge of a selected secondary passage from an uncoupled position in which the axes of their openings are not in line with each other to a position in which the axes of their openings are in line, a coupling line, with each other, and a second drive unit for bringing said connecting edges against each other.
US08256371B2 Application liquid supply apparatus and inkjet recording apparatus
An application liquid supply apparatus supplying an application liquid to an application roller, includes: a space forming member which is abutted against an outer circumferential surface of the application roller and of which a recess section is formed along a breadthways direction of the application roller in a surface which abuts against the application roller, and a frame-shaped abutting section is provided in a projecting fashion so as to surround a perimeter of the recess section, the abutting section being abutted against the outer circumferential surface of the application roller so as to cover an opening of the recess section with the outer circumferential surface of the application roller in such a manner that an application liquid holding space is created along the breadthways direction on the outer circumferential surface of the application roller; at least one groove which has a length in a direction of rotation of the application roller and is formed in the abutting section on an upstream side in terms of the direction of the rotation of the application roller; an application liquid supply port which is formed in the space forming member and via which the application liquid is supplied to the application liquid holding space; and an application liquid supply device which supplies the application liquid to the application liquid holding space via the application liquid supply port.
US08256370B2 Coating apparatus and method
A coating apparatus includes a liquid film forming mechanism configured to form a liquid film of a process liquid for preventing a contaminant derived from a coating liquid from being deposited or left on a back side peripheral portion of a substrate. The liquid film forming mechanism includes a counter face portion facing the back side peripheral portion of the substrate and a process liquid supply portion for supplying the process liquid onto the counter face portion. The coating apparatus further includes a posture regulating mechanism disposed around the substrate holding member and configured to damp a vertical wobble of the peripheral portion of the substrate being rotated. The posture regulating mechanism includes delivery holes arrayed in a rotational direction of the substrate and configured to deliver a gas onto a back side region of the substrate on an inner side of the peripheral portion.
US08256367B2 Anchor cover
A cover for an anchor, particularly a fluke-type boat anchor is constructed of a cover material of a resilient rubber that includes an elongated section and side wings. An elongated opening and closing member, such as a zipper, enables the cover to be opened and closed for receipt of the anchor therein.
US08256366B2 Small watercraft boatlift
A boatlift for use with small, manual or paddle or oar powered watercraft (such as canoes and kayaks) is provided with a guide rails on either side of the boat lift, which can be utilized by a boater to propel or urge his/her watercraft onto the boatlift. In addition, that boatlift is provided with an entrance/exit assist member which can be used by boaters with impaired leg function to enter and exit from the watercraft.
US08256362B2 Embroidery sewing machine and control method therefor
First calculation section calculates, on the basis of sewing data, a sewing-progressing direction angle for rotating a rotary cylinder to orient an embroidering material, guided by a guide lever of a zigzag sewing head, in a sewing-progressing direction. Second calculation section adds or subtracts a zigzag-swinging angle to or from the sewing-progressing direction angle to thereby calculate a target rotational angle of the rotary cylinder. Swinging mechanism may be provided for swinging the guide lever relative to the rotary cylinder, and a swinging amount corresponding to the swinging angle of the rotary cylinder may be added to a width of zigzag-swinging by the swinging mechanism. Alternatively, every swinging movement necessary for zigzagging the embroidering material may be set by the swinging angle without the guide lever being caused to swing relative to the rotary cylinder.
US08256361B2 Liquid-cooled grill comprising wear plates
A grill consisting of liquid-cooled grill plates and liquid-cooled lateral panels, the surfaces of which are provided with wear plates (1) connected to the liquid-cooled grill plates (2) and lateral planks in a heat-conducting manner. Wear plates (1) consist of a wear-resistant material which must however be cooled. Advantageously, a layer of a heat-conducting material in the form of a highly heat-conducting soft silicon film (3) is clamped between the liquid-cooled grill plates (2) and lateral panels and the wear plates (1), the layer providing a good heat transfer between the wear plates (1) and the permeable grill plates (2) and central panels. It is thus ensured that, during operation, the wear plates (1) always remain in a non-critical temperature range as they are cooled by the underlying grill plates (2) and lateral panels which are cooled to ca. 50° C.
US08256358B2 Piece of furniture
The invention relates to a piece of furniture containing a furniture base part (13a-13f), in particular a furniture frame, and a furniture part (11) movable relative thereto, in particular a table top (12), with an adjusting gear (20a-20f) for driving the furniture part (11) and with an actuating mechanism (30a-30f) for the rotary actuation of a drive shaft (36a-36f) of the adjusting gear (20a-20f). In the piece of furniture (10a-10f), it is provided that the actuating mechanism (30a-30f) for the rotary actuation of the adjusting gear (20a-20f) contains a manually operated cable- or belt-type pulling element (31a-31f) which is wrapped around a wrapping section (51a-51f) coupled for rotation with the drive shaft (36a-36f) at least during an actuation of the actuating mechanism (30a-30f) and which, when pulled, causes the drive shaft (36a-36f) to rotate.
US08256349B2 Tracking system for blast holes
A system and method is provided for identifying any one or more of a plurality of blast holes in a drill pattern. The method involves providing each blast hole in a drill pattern with an individually identifiable first identifier and a GPS device capable of relaying identification and location data for the respective blast hole. A data reception system is provided to receive the data and store it in a database for processing purposes. The information may be later used to correlate any one or more of the blast holes with a corresponding detonator.
US08256348B1 Reveal of reference marks for mounting of printing plates
A method for preparing lithographic printing plates for on-press development, including sequentially feeding the plates to an imaging station to produce a plurality of latent image reference marks allocated among at least two margins along a respective two sides of the plate, and a latent print image within the margins. The imaged plates are transported from the imaging station to a plate bending station where the short ends of the plate are bent over. Between the imaging station and the bending station, the unimaged areas of the coating in at least two of the margins are removed to reveal the reference marks without developing the latent print image. Preferably, the reference marks are revealed while the plate is temporarily aligned in landscape orientation at stop, such as at the feeder to the bending station.
US08256347B2 Method and apparatus for treating a reimagable printing plate
A reusable printing form is treated after printing. The printing form has a substrate provided with amphiphilic molecules and it is cleaned to remove printing ink and provided with amphiphilic molecules, for fresh printing in the course of a reimaging process. Here, the printing form is provided with amphiphilic molecules in the course of the reimaging process substantially before cleaning to remove the printing ink.
US08256339B1 Missile launch system and apparatus therefor
A missile is guided and/or supported within a canister by a collapsible support structure. In one embodiment the collapsible support structure is part of a railcar running on a rail within the canister. Each railcar includes a missile-engaging guidance and/or support structure, a rail engaging element, and a hinged pantograph-like collapsible support extending between the missile-engaging structure and the rail engaging element. A hinge of the pantograph is locked in a storage state and during part of motion during the missile launch. The hinge is unlocked, and travel of the rail engaging element is stopped. The missile-engaging support structure momentarily continues its motion, and the pantograph collapses. Capture elements engage parts of the railcar or the canister during collapse to prevent rebound of the missile-engaging support structure toward the missile.
US08256334B2 Cutting structure for plastic film
A cutting structure for plastic film includes a bracket, a first roller, a second roller, a tachometer, a processor, a monitor and a cutter. The bracket includes a bottom and two sidewalls extending from the bottom along a same direction. The first roller includes a shaft fixed to the sidewalls and a sleeve rotatably sleeving on the shaft. The second roller is pivotally connected to the sidewalls. The tachometer is disposed on one end of the second roller and configured for measuring the rotation speed of the second roller. The processor is configured for reading the rotation speed and further calculating a rotation distance of the second roller. The monitor is configured for displaying the rotation distance. The cutter extends upward from the bottom for cutting the plastic film pulled from the first roller and the second roller.
US08256332B2 Method for automatically feeding a specimen to be thinly cut to the knife of a microtome
A method for the automatic and contact-free relative approach between a specimen (6) and a knife (7) of a microtome (1). A first light beam bundle (9′) forms a detector-side zero point and a last light beam bundle (9″) forms a detector-side end point of a light band (8), the light band (8) being arranged perpendicular to the second spatial direction (Y) and in the direction thereof spaced from the knife, a zero point (X0) being assigned to a reference position of the knife blade (XBlade). The specimen (6) is guided through the light band (8) by way of a cutting movement. The position of the highest point of the specimen (XSpecimen) in the first spatial direction (X) is determined from the number of shaded light beam bundles (9).
US08256331B2 Guarded surgical knife handle
A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position.
US08256330B2 Guarded surgical knife handle
A guarded surgical knife handle includes a lower handle portion, an upper handle postion, and a button. The lower handle portion includes a blade holder, a proximal pair of lateral shelves, and a distal pair of lateral shelves. The upper handle portion includes a guard portion, a proximal post between the proximal pair of shelves with a first widened post portion wider than the lateral spacing between the shelves, and a distal post between the distal pair of shelves with a second widened post portion wider than the lateral spacing between the shelves. The button has a button waist narrower than the second lateral spacing and a widened button portion below the button waist wider than the second lateral spacing. A bias member connected to the button and at least one of the handle portions provides an upward force on the button.
US08256329B2 Tool for removing and replacing light bulb
A tool for removing and replacing a light bulb includes a long handle rod, a chuck at an upper end of the handle rod, and an operating mechanism at a lower end of the handle rod for actuating the chuck. The chuck includes an arm holder, bearing brackets, chuck arms pivotally supported by the bearing brackets, tension springs for closing the chuck arms, a seat pad for receiving and supporting a top surface of the glass sphere of the light bulb, guide bars for opening the chuck arms, and a movable bar-holder-block connected to the operation mechanism for supporting the guide bars. When the movable bar-holder-block is pulled downward by the operating mechanism, the upper end portions of the chuck arms are operatively opened away from one another.
US08256324B2 Shifter with one-touch locking knob
A transmission shifter includes a shift lever, and a knob with attachment clip that mechanically locks the knob atop the lever with a single assembly motion. The clip is located inside a hole in the select knob, and the lever includes a notch near its top. The clip is positioned to flex to facilitate assembly as the lever is inserted into the hole, but then unflex to engage the notch and lock the knob to the lever. To remove the knob from the lever, a removal tool is used to depress the clip, pushing it out of the way and allowing the select knob to be pulled off the lever. The illustrated shifters include a mechanically-actuated pawl actuator system and an electrically-actuated pawl actuator system.
US08256312B2 Transmission and method of shift control for transmission
A transmission includes a controller that has a rapid-deceleration judge and a rapid-deceleration processor. The rapid-deceleration judge judges whether a vehicle is decelerating rapidly or not. The rapid-deceleration processor includes a torque-fluctuation inhibitor, and an after-rapid-deceleration change-speed stage anticipator. The torque-fluctuation inhibitor shuts off power transmission from a power source, or holds power transmission by way of a current change-speed stage or lower, when the vehicle is decelerating rapidly. The after-rapid-deceleration change-speed stage anticipator anticipates a subsequent change-speed stage being adapted for restarting or reaccelerating the vehicle that has come out of rapid deceleration.
US08256310B2 Motion conversion device
Rotary to linear and linear to rotary motion conversion devices that consist of rotational elements, at least two flexible linking elements, and motion elements are disclosed. Rotary elements and motion elements are connected by the flexible linking members, which twist around each other when rotational elements rotate and thus produce pulling force on the motion elements. A methodology to design the motion conversion devices and robotic joints incorporating the motion conversion devices are disclosed.
US08256308B2 Method and device for providing blood constituents
A metering capillary and method for providing at least one defined volume of a target constituent of a sample is provided, the method comprising providing at least one metering capillary having at least two openings; at least partly filling the metering capillary with the sample; carrying out a constituent separation for the at least partial separation of at least two constituents of the sample inside the metering capillary; and dividing the metering capillary into at least two partial pieces, wherein at least one of the partial pieces contains the defined volume of the target constituent.
US08256307B2 Particulate sampling system and method of reducing oversampling during transients
Testing of engine particulate matter production during a transient is made more accurate by selecting an appropriate sized opening for a test probe of the sampling system located in the exhaust line upstream from a particulate trap. By examining the pressure signature at the test probe location and utilizing that information in conjunction with a desired volumetric flow rate into the sampling system, a flow opening size for the test probe can be selected that reduces potential oversampling which may be otherwise induced due to the back pressure increases in the exhaust line caused by the presence of the particulate trap. The flow opening into the test probe of the sampling system behaves relative unrestricted when pressure differentials at the test probe location are relatively low, such as during steady state operating conditions, but restricts flow into the sampling system when pressure differentials are relatively high, such as at a pressure during a transient event.
US08256304B2 Float type flow meter
A flow meter having a magnetic base sensor for electrical feedback of flow rate is disclosed. A float rod carrying an indicator and a magnet moves within the flow meter body with and the flow being visually read and electronically read.
US08256303B2 Method of operating a shiplift
A platform includes main transverse beams (“MTBs”), each supported by at least one hoist. It is determined whether a load on any MTB is different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount. An MTB which has a load different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount is selected and then vertically moved with respect to the other MTBs within a predetermined safety limit to transfer load between the selected MTB and the other MTBs while monitoring the loads on each MTB and the position of the selected MTB as vertical movement of the selected MTB proceeds. The monitored loads and position are compared with the safety limit; and the movement of the selected MTB stopped when either the desired load transfer is completed or the safety limit has been met.
US08256301B2 Micromechanical pressure sensing device
A micromechanical pressure sensing device includes a silicon support structure, which is configured to provide a plurality of silicon support beams. The device further includes one or more diaphragms attached to and supported by the support beams, and at least one piezoresistive sensing device, which is buried in at least one of the support beams. The piezoresistive sensing device is arranged to sense a strain induced in the silicon support structure, the strain being induced by a fluid in contact with the one or more diaphragms, to determine the pressure acting on the one or more diaphragms.
US08256297B2 Systems and methods for measuring turbine blade vibratory response
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for measuring turbine blade vibratory responses. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for measuring a vibratory response of a plurality of turbine blades. The method can include mounting an optical probe comprising at least one probe tip optical surface, wherein the at least one probe tip optical surface is substantially parallel to within about +15 or about −15 degrees with respect to a trailing edge surface of at least one of the plurality of turbine blades, directing light towards a trailing edge surface of at least one of the plurality of turbine blades, receiving reflected light from the at least one of the plurality of turbine blades, and determining relative position of the at least one of the plurality of blades based at least in part on the reflected light.
US08256296B2 Methods and systems for detecting defects in welded structures utilizing pattern matching
A method for processing ultrasonic response signals collected from a plurality of measurement locations along a weld to determine the presence of a defect in the weld may include filtering an ultrasonic response signal from each of the measurement locations to produce a filtered response signal for each of the measurement locations. Thereafter, an ultrasonic energy for each of the measurement locations is calculated with the corresponding filtered response signal. The ultrasonic energy for each measurement location is then compared to the ultrasonic energy of adjacent measurement locations to identify potential defect locations. When the ultrasonic energy of a measurement location is less than the ultrasonic energy of the adjacent measurement locations, the measurement location is a potential defect location. The presence of a defect in the weld is then determined by analyzing fluctuations in the ultrasonic energy at measurement locations neighboring the potential defect locations.
US08256295B2 Method and apparatus for measuring speed-of-sound
A speed-of-sound measurement apparatus includes a wave transmission module for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a front surface of a subject's body, a plurality of wave reception modules which each receives the ultrasonic wave from the subject's body and outputs a waveform signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic wave, a presumed propagation time calculating module for calculating a propagation time from when the ultrasonic wave is transmitted by the wave transmission module to when the ultrasonic wave arrives at each of the wave reception modules after propagating along the front surface of the subject's body or inside the subject's body, based on a presumed value of speed-of -sound in the subject's body and a front surface shape of the subject's body, a validity index value calculating module for finding a validity index value to be an index of validity of the propagation time based on the waveform signals outputted by at least two of the plurality of wave reception modules, and a speed-of-sound deriving module for finding the speed-of-sound in the subject's body based on the validity index value.
US08256294B2 Grammage detection sensor of recording medium and image forming apparatus
A grammage detection sensor which detects a grammage of a recording medium using an ultrasonic wave includes a transmitting unit configured to transmit the ultrasonic wave and a receiving unit including a first vibration member configured to receive the ultrasonic wave that is transmitted from the transmitting unit and passes through the recording medium. The receiving unit includes a guide member configured to guide the ultrasonic wave that passes through the recording medium to the first vibration member. A length from a surface of the first vibration member to a plane including an end plane of the guide member along a line that passes through a center of the first vibration member and is perpendicular to the first vibration member is approximately n times of one-half wavelength of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmitting unit where n is an integer of one or greater.
US08256293B2 Devices comprising nanotubes for use as sensors and/or transducers, and related methods
Devices usable as sensors, as transducers, or as both sensors and transducers include one or more nanotubes or nanowires. In some embodiments, the devices may each include a plurality of sensor/transducer devices carried by a common substrate. The sensor/transducer devices may be individually operable, and may exhibit a plurality of resonant frequencies to enhance the operable frequency bandwidth of the devices. Sensor/transducer devices include one or more elements configured to alter a resonant frequency of a nanotube. Such elements may be selectively and individually actuable. Methods for sensing mechanical displacements and vibrations include monitoring an electrical characteristic of a nanotube. Methods for generating mechanical displacements and vibrations include using an electrical signal to induce mechanical displacements or vibrations in one or more nanotubes. Methods for adjusting an electrical signal include passing an electrical signal through a nanotube and changing a resonant frequency of the nanotube.
US08256292B2 Acceleration sensor with surface protection
An acceleration sensor has a pair of main surface protection members arranged at one end of both main surfaces of a piezoelectric oscillation element, and spaced from the main surfaces through a pair of main surface spacer members. An end surface protection member is arranged on an end surface at the other end of the main surface protection members by having an interval between the end surface protection member and the piezoelectric oscillation element, through a pair of end surface spacer members. A pair of side surface protection members is arranged at one end of the both side surfaces of the piezoelectric vibration element, the pair of main surface protection members, the end surface protection member, the pair of main surface spacer members, and a pair of side surface spacer members arranged on both side surfaces of the end surface spacer members.
US08256290B2 Tri-axis angular rate sensor
Angular rate sensor for detecting rotation about first, second and third mutually perpendicular input axes having a plurality of generally planar proof masses coupled together for linear drive-mode oscillation along multi-directional drive axes in a plane formed by the first and second input axes. The masses are mounted on a generally planar sense frame for linear movements relative to the sense frame in drive-mode and for rotation together with the sense frame in sense modes. The sense frame is mounted for rotation with the masses in sense modes about the first, second, and third input axes independent of each other, in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the masses about the first, second, and third input axes respectively. And capacitance sensors responsive to the rotational movements of the masses and the sense frame in sense modes are employed for monitoring rate of rotation.
US08256288B2 Sensor device
A sensor device includes: a sensor component including a package, connection terminals having first terminals on a terminal forming surface of the package, and a sensor element that has a detection axis and is housed in the package; a resin part covering the sensor component; and mounting leads, each of the mounting leads including, a one-end part formed by being folded so as to be coupled to one of the first connection terminals in the resin part so that a main surface of the one-end part and a main surface of the one of the first connection terminals face each other, an intermediate part extending toward a mounting surface of the sensor device from the one-end part, and an other-end part formed by being folded so as to be externally exposed from the resin part. In the device, the sensor component is tilted or orthogonal with respect to the mounting surface, and the connection terminals are provided along one of sides forming an outline of the terminal forming surface, the one side being tilted or orthogonal with respect to the mounting surface.
US08256285B2 Flow sensor including a base member with a resilient region forming a flow channel and a cover member covering the flow channel
A flow sensor (1) comprising a flow channel (14) embedded in a base body (1′), a flow sensor element (13) adjacent to the flow channel (14) and a cover plate (12) covering the flow channel (14) and arranged on the base body (1′). The flow channel (14) is formed by an elastic sealing lip (15) which delimits the channel (14), running on and around an upper side of the base body (1′) lying opposite the cover plate (12) such that a seal is formed. This arrangement allows the formation of a sealed structure where a flow channel (14) with a level channel that avoids contamination and turbulence and has laminar current flowing through the flow channel (14).
US08256283B2 Method of downhole characterization of formation fluids, measurement controller for downhole characterization of formation fluids, and apparatus for downhole characterization of formation fluids
A downhole characterization apparatus for formation fluids is provided. The apparatus comprises a downhole tool including a flowline for flowing the formation fluids capable of isolating a quantity of the formation fluids in a portion thereof; and a pump unit for depressurizing the isolated formation fluids; and a measurement controller which controls the downhole tool. The measurement controller includes a rough value estimation unit which estimates a rough value of the bubble point pressure of the formation fluids; and a speed controller which controls the depressurizing speed of the pump unit such that the isolated formation fluids are depressurized at a first speed to a certain pressure which is a predetermined value higher than said estimated rough value, and the isolated fluids are depressurized at a second speed which is slower than said first speed in order to measure a precise value of the bubble point pressure.
US08256279B2 Device for detecting a combustion chamber pressure of an internal combustion engine
A device for detecting a combustion chamber pressure of an internal combustion engine, in particular a gasoline engine. The device includes a sensor housing, the sensor housing being set up to be at least partially introduced into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. At least one mechanical-electrical transducer element is accommodated inside the sensor housing, which is separated from the sensor housing by at least one sensor holder, in particular a sensor holder which at least partially encloses the mechanical-electrical transducer element. The sensor holder has an at least partially rigid design.
US08256278B2 Engine misfire detection systems and methods using discrete fourier transform approximation
A method of detecting a misfire of an engine includes determining a range of sub-harmonic frequencies of one of a crankshaft sensor signal and an engine speed signal. The range of sub-harmonic frequencies is determined based on a fundamental frequency. The sub-harmonic frequencies are less than the fundamental frequency. Frequency content magnitudes are generated based on the range of the sub-harmonic frequencies and a Discrete Fourier Transform of at least one of the crankshaft sensor signal and an engine speed signal. An energy from velocity non-uniformity (EVN) signal is generated based on the frequency content magnitudes and the range of the sub-harmonic frequencies. The misfire is detected based on the EVN signal and a misfire threshold.
US08256275B2 In-liquid-substance detection sensor
An in-liquid-substance detection sensor that achieves size reduction and detection accuracy improvement includes a piezoelectric substrate, at least two SAW devices provided on one major surface of the piezoelectric substrate and each having at least one IDT electrode defining a sensing portion, outer electrodes provided on the other major surface of the piezoelectric substrate and electrically connected to the SAW devices through vias extending through the piezoelectric substrate, a channel-defining member provided on the one major surface of the piezoelectric substrate so as to surround the SAW devices and a region connecting the SAW devices to each other, thereby defining sidewalls of a channel, and a protective member bonded to the one major surface of the piezoelectric substrate with the channel-defining member interposed therebetween, thereby sealing the channel, the protective member having at least two through holes communicating with the channel.
US08256266B2 Testing stylus for testing keyboard of portable electronic device
A testing stylus used for testing a keyboard, includes a sleeve, a resisting member and an elastic member, the resisting member be conductive and have an engageable end and an opposite resisting end, the resisting end is used to resist against the keyboard. The resisting member and the elastic member are assembled in the sleeve, the elastic member resists against the engageable end, to allow the resisting end to be exposed to the outside from the sleeve, the resisting end is withdrawn into the sleeve by pressing the sleeve.
US08256264B2 Method and device for detecting the composition of gas mixtures
A method for detecting the composition of an unknown gas mixture (Minc) through an electronic nose (2) equipped with a measuring chamber (3) that houses at least one sensor comprises the steps of: calibrating a sensor by feeding a known gas mixture (Mn) into the measuring chamber (3); feeding the unknown gas mixture (Minc) into the chamber (3), while keeping the unknown gas mixture (Mine) in a predetermined desired state; and detecting the composition of the unknown gas mixture (Minc) by means of the sensor.
US08256261B2 Method of making through-passages in sheet metal parts
In a method of making through-passages in a perforated U-shaped sheet metal part, an inner core is positioned between confronting legs of the sheet metal part in an area of holes, and a support bar is inserted through one hole into the sheet metal part for support of a backside of the inner core. A shaping punch is inserted through another opposite hole into the inner core, thereby forming an inwardly directed collar. After retracting the support bar and the shaping punch and transferring the sheet metal part to replace the first inner core with a second inner core, a centering bar is inserted through the collared hole into the sheet metal part to center the sheet metal part in relation to the centering bar and to support a backside of the other inner core. A further shaping punch is then inserted into the second inner core through the first hole, thereby forming an inwardly directed collar so that the two collars are aligned and form through-passages.
US08256258B2 Radiator, heat sink fan, and radiator manufacturing method
A heat sink has a plurality of radially extending radiating fins, which are arranged annularly on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical base to be integral with that surface. The base is formed to have a cylindrical shape having a center axis. The base is formed to be solid-core. The heat sink is ground such that a cooling object contact portion having a generally cylindrical shape projects from the end surface of the heat sink in the axial direction. An annular groove is ground out along the outer circumference of a contact surface of the cooling object contact portion. An attaching member is attached on the outer circumferential surface of the cooling object contact portion, and a pressure application portion is entirely pressed by a pressing machine. The pressure application portion is plastically deformed outward in the diameter direction, so that the attaching member is fixed in between.
US08256256B2 Coiling furnace
A coiler furnace having a heat-insulated enclosure delimiting a furnace interior, a strip coiling device includes a coiler drum having a slotted receiving opening for the hot-rolled strip in the furnace interior, A controlled rotational drive for a coiler shaft is located outside the furnace interior. An inlet and outlet opening to the enclosure for a hot-rolled strip. A strip guiding device between a roller table and the coiler drum. In order to avoid any winding errors, a feeding shield extends through the enclosure of the coiler furnace and is coupled to a displacement drive arranged outside the furnace interior. The displacement drive can be displaced between an insertion position and a withdrawal position of the shield. The feeding shield, in the insertion position, interacts with the strip guiding device to form a feed funnel, mounted upstream the slotted receiving opening on the coiler drum for the hot-rolled strip together.
US08256254B2 Lock portion with solid-state actuator
An electronic lock includes a rotatable core movable within an outer body. The rotatable core includes an actuator configured to move a tumbler blocking member into or out of interfering engagement with one or more tumblers. In an unlocked state, the actuator moves the tumbler blocking member so that a movable locking member in the rotatable core that engages the outer body can be moved into the rotatable core. In a locked state, the actuator positions the tumbler blocking member to prevent the one or more tumblers from retracting and thereby retain the locking member in a channel of the outer body.
US08256250B2 Padlock with indication device
A padlock includes a housing, a shackle, a limit knob, a movable block and a lock core. The housing has an opening in a wall thereof. The shackle has a shaft portion movably mounted in the housing, and a locking portion extended from the shaft portion and located outside of the housing. The limit knob is partly received in the housing via the opening and has a button located outside of the housing. The movable block is disposed on the limit knob and capable of moving to a predetermined position which is outside of the housing. The lock core has a rotor configured to be driven by a key so as to move the limit knob to a first position where the button of the limit knob keeps the shackle from rotating and a second position where the button of the limit knob allows the shackle to rotate.
US08256248B2 Rotating tub body and drum-type washing machine having the same
A cylindrical rotating tub body and a drum-type washing machine having the same, in which the rotating tub body is formed by rolling a plate such that both ends of the plate are connected to each other. The washing machine includes a cylindrical rotating tub body and a plurality of lifters, which are spaced apart from each other on an inner peripheral surface of the rotating tub body. The rotating tub body includes lifter installation sections on which a plurality of lifters are installed, concave-convex sections having a plurality of concave-convex parts and being installed between the lifter installation sections, and reinforcement sections to reinforce the strength of the lifter installation sections. The lifter installation sections having a strength lower than that of the concave-convex sections are reinforced due to the reinforcement sections, so that the lifter installation sections are prevented from being extremely being deformed during the rolling process.
US08256244B2 Method for bending a glass sheet and apparatus for bending a glass sheet
The present invention relates to a method or an apparatus for bending a plate-like material such as a glass sheet for a side window having a double-curved surface for automobiles wherein the positioning of support frame and forming mold is performed with high precision.There are a forming step for placing a glass sheet on a forming support frame and pressing the glass sheet placed thereon against a forming surface of forming mold to bend the glass sheet and a conveyance step for transferring the formed glass sheet onto a conveyance support frame (the forming support frame can be used as a conveyance support frame) for conveying the glass sheet wherein the forming step includes a forming position correcting step for correcting a displacement of press position with respect to the forming support frame and a forming mold at the time of pressing the glass sheet against the forming mold, and the conveyance step includes a transfer position correcting step for correcting a displacement of transfer position of the glass sheet with respect to the forming mold and the conveyance support frame at the time of transferring the formed glass sheet onto the conveyance support frame.
US08256240B2 Device for the preparation and distribution of cold products
A device for the production and distribution of cold products, in particular for machines for the production of soft ice-cream, comprises a cylindrical chamber (12) equipped at one end with an inlet mouth (13) for a liquid food mixture and at an opposite end with an extraction tap (14) for the distribution of the cold food product, wherein said cylindrical chamber (12) is externally enveloped by an evaporation chamber (15) for the cooling of the liquid food mixture and contains in its interior a mixer (17). According to the invention, said extraction tap (14) is positioned on a closing flange (21) of said cylindrical chamber (12), wherein said flange (21) comprises an annular wall (22), which can be complementarily coupled with a front annular wall (31) of said evaporation chamber (15), and a housing (25) of the opening and closing organs of a nozzle (29), wherein said annular wall (22) and said housing (25) are made of a metallic material and put in thermal contact with each other for the cooling of the extraction tap (14).
US08256223B2 Ceramic combustor liner panel for a gas turbine engine
A combustor assembly includes a support structure and at least one combustor liner panel selectively attached to the support structure. The combustor liner panel includes an uncooled ceramic portion, a cooled ceramic portion and a support that receives the cooled ceramic portion.
US08256222B2 Direct metering fuel control with integral electrical metering pump and actuator servo pump
A fuel supply system includes a fuel metering pump and a servo-flow pump that are used to supply fuel to one or more fuel manifolds and one or more fluid-operated actuators, respectively. The fuel metering pump and the servo-flow pump are driven by the same electric motor(s).
US08256221B2 Concentric tube support assembly
An assembly (45) includes a plurality of separate pie-shaped segments (72) forming a disk (70) around a central region (48) for retaining a plurality of tubes (46) in a concentrically spaced apart configuration. Each segment includes a support member (94) radially extending along an upstream face (96) of the segment and a plurality of annularly curved support arms (98) transversely attached to the support member and radially spaced apart from one another away from the central region for receiving respective upstream end portions of the tubes in arc-shaped spaces (100) between the arms. Each segment also includes a radial passageway (102) formed in the support member for receiving a fluid segment portion (106) and a plurality of annular passageways (104) formed in the support arms for receiving respective arm portions (108) of the fluid segment portion from the radial passageway and for conducting the respective arm portions into corresponding annular spaces (47) formed between the tubes retained by the disk.
US08256218B2 Compressor
A compressor comprises an impeller wheel mounted within a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. The wheel has a plurality of vanes and is rotatable about an axis. The housing has an inner wall defining a surface located in close proximity to radially outer edges of the impeller vanes which sweep across said surface as the impeller wheel rotates about its axis. The inlet comprises a tubular wall extending away from the impeller wheel in an upstream direction. An enclosed chamber is defined between said inner wall and an outer wall and in communication with at least one opening in said in said inner wall. The outer wall is penetrated by at least one ventilation aperture that is designed to be connected via a conduit to a location upstream of the inlet and downstream of an air filter. The arrangement maintains the advantages of a conventional MWE structure and further improves the surge margin. In addition, the risk of debris being drawn into the compressor via the opening is eliminated.
US08256216B2 Vehicular brake apparatus
An annular sealing member 95 for establishing sealing between a boosted hydraulic pressure application chamber 22 and an input-side annular chamber 93 formed between a casing and a backup piston 64A and connected to a hydraulic pressure source is disposed between the casing and the backup piston 64A, and communication passage 216 for establishing communication between the input-side annular chamber 93 and the boosted hydraulic pressure application chamber 22 as the backup piston 64A moves forward by a predetermined stroke or more is provided in one of the backup piston 64A and the casing.
US08256215B2 Fuel efficient hydraulic power steering
A hydraulic power steering system that maintains proportional pressure control between an input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear by relying upon a control valve. A pressure differential is maintained between the input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear throughout certain events. Those events include running the pump to fully charge the accumulator, idling the pump after fully charging the accumulator, discharging pressure from the fully charged accumulator at an onset of a steering event having a demand for steering load, recovering the discharged pressure of the accumulator by running the pump after turning on the pump at the onset of the steering event, and opening the relief valve in the valve manifold during the steering event.
US08256214B2 Internal combustion engine with deactivation of part of the cylinders and control method thereof
Internal combustion engine provided with a plurality of cylinders divided into a first group and a second group; a control unit for deactivating all the cylinders of the second group; a first exhaust conduit and a second exhaust conduit, which are reciprocally connected at an intersection and which are respectively connected to cylinders of the first group and to cylinders of the second group; a catalyzer, which is arranged along the first exhaust conduit upstream of the intersection and is provided with first sensors for detecting the exhaust gases; and a second catalyzer, which is arranged downstream of the intersection and is provided with second sensors for detecting the exhaust gas composition.
US08256212B2 Explosion protection system with integrated emission control device
The exhaust system of an internal combustion engine includes a duct having an input end coupled to the engine for passing and processing the exhaust gases and fumes emitted by the engine such that the duct functions as an anti-explosion and fire arrester device. The duct includes a reinforced filter structure securely and firmly mounted within and across the duct opening. The filter structure is coated with a noble metal to enhance oxidation of the gases and fumes passing through the duct. An insulator layer is attached about and along the outer surface of the duct and a jacket for carrying a coolant is mounted above and about the insulator layer. The insulator layer isolates the coolant from the duct to ensure that the temperature on the external side of the jacket is less than a predetermined value. Simultaneously, the insulator layer isolates the duct from the coolant to enable the temperature within the duct to have a sufficiently high value to sustain oxidation of the gases and fumes. The input end of the duct may be connected to the engine via a first heat exchanger and the exhaust end of the duct may be connected by additional heat exchangers to the exhaust system output.
US08256210B2 Flexible fuel injection for multiple modes of diesel engine exhaust aftertreatment
One embodiment is a system including a controller operable to control fuel injection events. The system is operable in a base mode, and at least one of a deNOx mode, a deSOx mode, and a deSoot mode. The base mode includes a pilot injection pulse, a main injection pulse, a post injection pulse, and a second post injection pulse. The deNOx mode includes a pilot injection pulse, a main injection pulse, and a post injection pulse. The deSOx mode includes a pilot injection pulse, a main injection pulse, a post injection pulse, a second post injection pulse, and a third post injection pulse. The deSoot mode includes a pilot injection pulse, a main injection pulse, a post injection pulse, a second post injection pulse, and a third post injection pulse. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.
US08256204B2 Aircraft engine thrust reverser
A power unit for providing propulsive thrust includes an efflux duct defining a first fluid flow path along which gaseous fluid travels for discharge from a first fluid exit opening to provide propulsive thrust. The power unit also has a thrust reversing structure which, when in a deployed position, redirects the flow of gaseous fluid along a second fluid flow path to discharge from a second fluid exit opening to provide reverse thrust. The thrust reversing structure includes longitudinally translating cowl portions, which are moveable from a stowed position to the deployed position where the translating cowl portions block a major portion of the first fluid exit opening to cause gaseous fluid to efflux from the second fluid exit opening. The translating cowl portions move in a generally longitudinal direction towards the deployed position along a path which is inclined to the power unit axis.
US08256203B1 Rocket based combined cycle propulsion unit having external rocket thrusters
The present disclosure generally pertains to rocket based combined cycle (RBCC) propulsion units. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one rocket thruster is integrated with a jet engine but is external to the flow path of the jet engine, forming an altitude compensating plug nozzle. Since the rocket thruster is external to such flow path, the rocket flow from the rocket thruster interacts with the jet flow from the jet engine aft of the nozzle of the jet engine. Such interaction occurs without a significant performance penalty in the operation of the jet engine. In fact, it is possible that the interaction of the rocket flow with the jet flow may actually improve the efficiency of the jet engine under some conditions. Moreover, having the rocket thrusters positioned external to the flow path of the jet engine helps to avoid many of the problems plaguing conventional RBCC propulsion units.
US08256198B2 Automatically steered gearboxes for an implement with a pivoting tongue
A mower is suspended from a frame and includes a header with a cutter. A tongue is pivotally connected to the mower frame and is moveable with respect to the frame by a hydraulic cylinder. At the front of the tongue is a front gearbox rigidly attached to the tongue. The front gearbox transmits rotary power from the power take off of the tractor to a rear gearbox pivotally attached the header and from the rear gearbox rotary power is passed on ultimately to the rotary cutting units. Pivoting of the rear gearbox is controlled by a steering connection operatively attached between the front and rear gearboxes.
US08256196B2 Equine tongue tie
An equine tongue tie has a small elastic tongue loop 14 and a large elastic jaw loop 12. The two loops 12, 14 are stitched or otherwise joined at a location 18 across the width of the loops. The two loops 12, 14 can be made from a single strap 2 of elastomeric material wherein the ends are preferably folded over prior to stitching or otherwise affixing so as to form four layers of the elastomeric material at the location 18 wherein the tongue loop 14 and jaw loop 12 are joined. Alternatively, each loop can be made from a separate strap, each tongue loop 14 and jaw loop 12 having its ends overlapped and sewn together to form a separate loop and these two separate loops 12, 14 being sewn together where the sewn ends overlap creating four layers of material at the location 18 where the loops are joined.
US08256195B2 Ice bagging apparatus
An ice bagging apparatus which has a frame defining a first ice collecting zone with a collecting bin and an ice bagging zone, wherein the ice bagging zone has a film feeding mechanism that conveys two heat-sealable elongated plastic film webs and a welding apparatus to form a bag from the webs. The film feeding mechanism has rollers between which film webs are passed and pressed against each other. A measuring arrangement measures ice dispensed into the bag by a first ice transport system positioned between the two film webs that form the bag.
US08256192B2 Film wrapping gable containers
This invention is directed to film wrapped and heat shrunk bundles of gabled containers to form bundles that can be stacked on pallets and not be constrained by the gables in determining the size of the bundles. This is accomplished by nesting the gable containers on a conveyor on their side. The nesting of the gable containers on their side provides a stable structure that can be moved on a conveyor to be film wrapped. After film wrapping, the containers are conveyed to a heat shrink tunnel to form bundles of gable containers that can be placed on a pallet.
US08256185B2 Pre-assembled shingle set and installation system
An assembly, and method for constructing the assembly, to aid in the proper installation of shingles by providing panels of shingles and assembly guides that when followed, result in the installation of shingles that meet keyway width requirements, keyway alignment requirements, provide an aesthetically pleasing distribution of the shingles, and provides adequate ventilation.
US08256182B2 Free-standing wall arrangement and methods
A free-standing wall includes concrete base blocks adjacent to each other forming a base course; a first set of concrete wall blocks stacked on the base course and on each other to form a first wall face; and a second set of concrete wall blocks stacked on the base course and on each other to form a second wall face that faces the opposite direction from the first wall face and that has the same number of courses as the first plurality of wall blocks. Methods of constructing the wall arrangement include laying the base blocks next to each other end to end; stacking individual blocks of a first set of blocks on the base course and then on each other to form a first wall face; stacking individual blocks of the second set of blocks on the base course and then on each other to form a second wall face that faces a direction opposite of the first wall face.
US08256180B2 Roof tile with at least one water course defined by projections
A roof tile with a central brim and at least one lateral cover or water beading and a watercourse located between them, in whose region a water stop is disposed. This water stop is partially pressed with its edges in the region of the watercourse, of the central brim and of the lateral beading into the material of the roof tile blank. Such water stop is comprised of a flexurally elastic, thin small plate, and specifically of a material which does not conform to the material of the roof tile.
US08256173B2 Environmentally sustainable form-inclusion system
An environmentally sustainable form-inclusion system that can be utilized in reinforced concrete structures. A goal of this invention is to provide structural systems that achieve the highest level of environmental sustainability by minimizing the structure's carbon footprint and embodied energy. This engineered form-inclusion system uses materials that might otherwise become waste in landfills. The system is designed to significantly reduce raw materials, labor for placement, and transportation of material for building construction. Materials used in this engineered system, that might otherwise be placed in landfills, include but are not limited to plastic bottles, bags, waste Styrofoam, packing materials, rubber tires, and other similar waste materials, preferably compressed or assembled into controlled shapes. The shapes of these forms can be spherical, square, rectangular, cylindrical, or any other, and are specifically engineered to provide form inclusions to significantly reduce the material (e.g., concrete and reinforcing steel) required for the structure, and to reduce the overall structural weight (seismic mass), thereby relieving demand on the structure's lateral and gravity systems. The inclusion system described herein allows for flat forming of horizontal framing throughout the structure, greatly reducing the material required for forming (limited beams/drops).
US08256172B2 Modular free standing structure
A modular free standing structure and an adjustable footing configured to support the modular free standing structure are described. The structural footing comprises a support member having a support surface configured to provide vertical support to one or more modular platform structures, a base member, and an adjustable leveling mechanism disposed between the support member and the base member, and configured to level adjoining modular platform structures by adjusting a height of the support member relative to the base member about a vertical axis of the structural footing.
US08256169B2 Support system for solar panels
Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.
US08256166B2 Openable roof or wall
The invention relates to an openable roof or openable wall, comprising at least one section (1) extending along a longitudinal axis, each section comprising a plurality of panels (2a, 2) overlapping in pairs along said longitudinal axis, whose longitudinal edge portions (39) are movably received in guide rails (4) for the purpose of opening and closing. Each panel (2, 2a) has, on its second transverse edge portion (38), a first (21) and a second (27) sealing strip, which between them define a gap (28). This gap (28) cooperates with a bottom surface (31) of the inner longitudinal surfaces (14) of the guide rails (4) to form a draining channel (29) along said bottom surface and away from said first sealing strip (21).
US08256164B2 Safety hatch having rail mounting system
A safety hatch and safety railing assembly in unitary form which incorporates the fabrication of a roof or deck scuttle with safety guard rails as required by the Occupation Safety Hazards Act (OSHA) around the roof or deck opening of a building. The safety hatch or safety hatch and safety railing assembly of the present invention preferably employs safety railing mounting bracket components that are welded to hatch flashing or to bracket hanger members and are designed to receive and provide for safe and efficient mounting of vertical posts and rails of a safety railing assembly around a roof or deck access opening. The safety hatch and safety railing assembly provides an improved base flashing that additionally functions to hold the roofing membrane to the scuttle curb. Lateral elongate safety members have one end connected to the hatch cover and another end connected to safety railing support posts and being moveable to personnel protecting position upon opening movement of the hatch cover and a collapsed position upon closing of the hatch cover.
US08256163B2 Glass run having a molded part attached to a doorframe of a vehicle
A glass run attached to a doorframe of a vehicle. The glass run comprises a molded part attached to a corner part of the doorframe, and a fin, formed integrally with the molded part, and covering the corner part of the doorframe. The fin includes a hook and lip that protrude from a back of a rim of the fin. The lip provides the rim of the fin with increased rigidity and prevents the rim of the fin from turning up and opening.
US08256159B2 Porous and non-porous particle reinforcement for viscous hydraulic matrices
A hydraulically-applied mulch matrix comprising non-porous particles, porous particles and mixtures thereof combined with a mechanically and or chemically bonded fiber mulch mixed within a high viscosity slurry to keep the particles in suspension for dispersion onto soil surfaces with mulch spraying equipment for enhanced erosion control and higher level plant establishment.
US08256156B1 Portable angler cooler apparatus and associated method
A portable angler cooler apparatus includes two skis removably connected to a bottom-most circumferential edge of two wheels such that the wheels may remain elevated above a ground surface during transportation. A handle is pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the cooler such that the skis are removably connected to the handle after the skis are detached from the wheels. Each of the skis may have a pair of spring-loaded clips mated to opposed longitudinal edges of each wheel respectively so as to be selectively biased between tensioned and equilibrium positions when engaged and disengaged from each of the wheels and the handle respectively. A T-bar locks selected ones of the compartments at a closed position to prohibit premature disengagement from the cooler during transport.
US08256155B1 Simulated fowl swimming apparatus
A simulated fowl swimming apparatus includes a pump conduit, a pump disposed in fluid communication with the pump conduit, a decoy motion assembly disposed in fluid communication with and rotatable with respect to the pump conduit, at least one discharge opening in the decoy motion assembly and at least one water fowl decoy carried by the decoy motion assembly.
US08256151B2 Lighted signage structure
A signage structure includes a first drum, a valance and a plurality of bracket assemblies. The first drum is suspended from a ceiling and includes a first frame supporting a first material having an outer circumferential surface for displaying indicia. The first frame has an upper frame ring and a lower frame ring. The valance is located outwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the first drum and includes at least one curved section having a plurality of spaced apart lights positioned along the interior side of the valance. The plurality of bracket assemblies include arms that couple the upper frame ring of the first drum to the valance. A first end of each arm is configured to attach to the upper frame ring of the first drum and a second end of each arm is configured to attach to the valance.
US08256150B2 Motion greeting cards
The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object.
US08256148B2 Coupler
Couplers for attaching an accessory to an excavator arm of an excavator. Couplers having a first side for attaching the coupler to the excavator arm and a second side onto which the accessory will be coupled. The coupler includes a latch for selectively securing and releasing an attachment pin of the accessory in a jaw, groove, hook or slot in the second side of the coupler. The coupler is fully controllable from within the cab of the excavator and it allows improved security in the securement of the accessory to the coupler, i.e. preventing accidental decouplings, but while still allowing intentional decoupling operations to be carried out without undue burden.
US08256143B2 Article of footwear including improved lace keeper
An article of footwear is provided and includes a sole structure and an upper structure attached to the sole structure. The upper structure includes a vamp separated into medial and lateral portions, a tongue, and a lace. The tongue includes a main body portion and a first lace-retention feature attached to the main body portion. The main body portion has a first end attached to the medial and lateral portions, a second end that is moveable relative to the upper structure, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The first lace-retention feature includes a first opening that receives the lace in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
US08256139B2 Method of reducing a risk of fire in a laundry appliance and an appliance incorporating said method
A method of reducing the risk of fire or containing fire in a laundry appliance and an appliance incorporating said method. The appliance includes a sensor means capable of sensing an abnormal fault condition indicative of an increased fire risk or a fire within the appliance drum. In response to sensing the abnormal fault condition, the appliance controller enters a fire containment cycle which rotates the drum at a tumbling speed.
US08256134B2 Drying apparatus and methods for ethanol production
The apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to the production of dried co-products from stillage produced by an ethanol production facility. In various aspects, the apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to an ethanol production facility that produces ethanol and stillage from grain, and a pulse combustion dryer in communication with the ethanol production facility to receive stillage therefrom and adapted to dry the stillage into a dried material
US08256128B2 Chainsaw chain tooth measuring tool
The present invention discloses an improved chainsaw measuring devices that allows a user to accurately and quickly measure the necessary widths and angles required for sharpening a chainsaw chain cutting tooth. The device comprises a caliper capable of measuring the width of the top plate and includes a built-in gauge for measuring the angle of the top plate cutting edge. This allows a user to individually and accurately sharpen a chainsaw chain without relying on a professional sharpening service.
US08256127B1 Detecting apparatus
A detecting apparatus is capable of detecting a vertical distance between a first axis and a second axis on a workpiece. The detecting apparatus includes a supporting plate, a first positioning member, a second positioning member, and a measuring member. The first positioning member and the second positioning member are arranged on the supporting plate along the first axis, and fix the horizontal position of the workpiece. The measuring member is arranged on the supporting plate along the second axis, and is capable to slide along the second axis. The measuring member is able to pass a bottom hole of the workpiece if the workpiece is qualified, and is unable to pass the bottom hole if the workpiece is not qualified.
US08256124B2 Tilt sensor
A tilt sensor comprises a multi-layer circuit board, a holder, a first light-sensing component, a second light-sensing component, a light-emitting component, and a movable component. The multi-layer circuit board comprises a first layer board and a second layer board disposed on the first layer board. The second layer board comprises first, second, and third holding spaces each of which exposing a respective portion of the first layer board. The holder is disposed on the second layer board and has a containing recess connecting the first, second, and third holding spaces. A bottom surface of the containing recess is reflective. The first and second light-sensing components and the light-emitting component are disposed on the first layer board and in the first, second, and third holding spaces, respectively. The light-emitting component emits a light beam toward the bottom surface of the containing recess. The movable component is disposed in the containing recess.
US08256121B2 Folding hand tool having an at least partially composite handle
A hand tool, a handle of a hand tool and associated methods for fabricating the handle of a hand tool are provided in order to reduce the weight and thickness of the resulting hand tool. The handle generally includes a composite portion fabricated of fibers embedded in a matrix material in such a manner such that the composite portion meaningfully contributes to the strength of the handle and, in turn, the hand tool. In this regard, the composite portion may include a relatively high percentage of fibers, relatively long fibers and/or fibers that are generally aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle. For example, the composite portion may include fibers that constitute at least 50% by volume, fibers that are at least 30 mm in length on average and/or fibers that are within 15° of being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle.
US08256118B2 Method of manufacturing a turbine fan blade
A metal leading edge of a turbine fan blade is manufactured by cutting and shaping an elongated metal part. The metal part has front and rear edges extending lengthwise of the part, and has a generally wedge-shaped transverse cross-section with opposite sides diverging from the front edge toward the rear edge. A cavity is cut inward from the rear edge toward the front edge. This provides the part with a generally V-shaped transverse cross-section having opposite side walls diverging rearwardly from the front edge. A mandrel is inserted into the cavity, and the side walls of the V-shaped part are deflected toward each other to constrict the cavity into the configuration of the mandrel. The part is then mounted as a metal leading edge by inserting a turbine fan blade component into the constricted cavity and fastening the part to the component.
US08256117B2 Method for the controlled shot peening of blisk blades wherein a shot peening stream is provided on a pressure and a suction side of the blades
A controlled shot-peening of blisk blades (1) uses a stream of spherical shot-peening medium transported by compressed air or water. The shot is driven essentially at a right angle onto each blisk blade individually, actually simultaneously on both blade sides, and with identical impact intensity and immediately opposite on both sides in several side-by-side processing paths extending over the entire blade surface. A dual-nozzle unit (6) is linearly moveable in two directions normal to each other, and swivellable about an X and a Y axis. The unit (6) includes two preferably rectangular, essentially parallel arranged, shot-peening nozzles (7), whose spacing is settable in accordance with the blade profile, each of which has a nozzle opening situated at the same level and facing the pressure or the suction side of the respective blisk blade, and featuring identical distance to the respective blade surface during shot-peening.
US08256115B2 Method of making a fluid coupling
Each of ridges 7 on respective opposite side surfaces of a gasket 4 has a trapezoidal cross sectional shape defined by an outer tapered face 7a providing an outer peripheral surface, an inner tapered face 7b providing an inner peripheral surface and a flat face 7c providing a top end surface. The hardness of the gasket 4, the angle between the tapered faces 7a, 7b of the ridge 7, the height of the ridge 7 and the area of the flat top end face 7c of the ridge are so determined that the value of thrust for tightening up the coupling is between a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value.
US08256110B2 Method of manufacturing electrical connector
The invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic connector including the steps of: (a) providing an insulating body made of a fiberboard having a thermal deformation degree which is close to the printed circuit board, and a plurality of terminal receiving apertures penetrating a top surface and a under surface of the insulating body being deposed on the insulating body; (b) forming a plurality of conducting terminals respectively comprising a soldering portion soldering to the printed circuit board and a contacting arm electrically contacting with an electronic device; and (c) setting the conducting terminals into the insulating body. In the method of manufacturing an electronic connector according to the invention, because the thermal deformation degrees of the materials used in the insulating body and the printed circuit board are substantially same, a false soldering phenomenon between the conducting terminals located at four corners of the insulating body and the printed circuit board can be prevented.
US08256099B2 Manufacturing method for a thermal head
The manufacturing method for a thermal head includes: forming a hollow concave portion and a marking concave portion having a depth larger than a depth of the hollow concave portion on one surface of a thin plate glass; a bonding step of bonding a supporting plate onto the one surface of the thin plate glass, in which the hollow concave portion and the marking concave portion are formed in the concave portion forming step; a thinning step of thinning the thin plate glass onto which the supporting plate is bonded in the bonding step until the marking concave portion extends through the substrate from a side of a back surface opposite to the one surface; and a heating resistor forming step of forming a heating resistor on the back surface of the thin plate glass thinned in the thinning step so as to be opposed to the hollow concave portion.
US08256096B2 Method of using xenon ion beams to improve track width definition
Using a beam of xenon ions together with a suitable mask, a stack is ion milled until a part of it, no more than about 0.1 microns thick, has been removed so that a pedestal having sidewalls, including a vertical section and a shortened taper portion, has been formed. This is followed by formation of conductive lead layers as needed. Using xenon as the sputtering gas enables the point at which milling is terminated to be more precisely controlled.
US08256095B2 Method for manufacturing a magneto-resistance effect element
An example method for manufacturing a magneto-resistance effect element includes forming a free magnetization layer and forming a spacer layer. The spacer layer is formed, for example, by forming a non-magnetic first metallic layer and forming a second metallic layer on a surface of the non-magnetic first metallic layer. A first irradiating process includes irradiating, onto the second metallic layer, first ions or plasma including at least one of oxygen and nitrogen and at least one selected from the group consisting of Ar, Xe, He, Ne, Kr, so as to convert the second metallic layer into an insulating layer and to form a non-magnetic metallic path penetrating through the insulating layer and containing elements of the non-magnetic first metallic layer. A second irradiating process includes irradiating second ions or plasma onto the insulating layer. A non-magnetic third metallic layer is formed on the non-magnetic metallic path.
US08256094B2 Method for shaping electric wire for stator coil of electric rotating machine
A method is provided for shaping an electric wire for a stator coil of an electric rotating machine. The electric wire to be shaped includes a plurality of straight portions and a plurality of turn portions. Each of the turn portions includes a specific part and all of the specific parts of the turn portions are identical to each other. The method includes clamping the specific part of one of the turn portions of the electric wire in a width-wise direction thereof, holding two different sections of the specific part in a thickness-wise direction thereof, and moving one of the first and second holders relative to the other in the thickness-wise direction of the specific part, thereby shaping the specific part to form a crank-shaped portion therein.
US08256085B2 System and method for classifying wire
A quantity of wire is associated with a number of interruptions that occurred during the production and/or subsequent processing of the wire. The number of interruptions is used to classify the wire as being of a particular quality and/or suitable for a particular task.
US08256080B2 System and method for manufacturing a medical instrument
A system for manufacturing a forceps is disclosed. The system includes a forceps having first and second opposing jaw members. A compression mechanism is coupled to the pair of opposing jaw members and configured to provide and maintain a compression force between the opposing jaw members. The system also includes a load cell configured to measure an initial compression force between the opposing jaw members and a controller coupled to the load cell and configured to adjust the compression force based on a comparison between the initial compression force and a predetermined range.
US08256073B2 Harness fastener system for child carrier device
A harness fastener system for a child carrier device comprises a first plug, and a buckle including a front surface and a release button. The first plug is movable along a first direction substantially parallel with the front surface for engaging with the buckle, and the release button is movable along a second direction substantially parallel with the front surface for pushing the first plug out of the buckle.
US08256065B2 Hinge mechanism for display device
A hinge mechanism for a display device is arranged such that a cylindrical holder 14 which encloses the outer peripheral portion of a shaft 13 projecting laterally from a display 3 has a protrusion 19 provided on the internal surface thereof, and also the shaft 13 has provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof a plurality of flat faces 20, 21, and 22 for engaging with the protrusion 19.
US08256063B2 Strap with rigid barbs
An embodiment of the invention includes a device having a first barb proximate a first end of a strap and a second barb proximate a second end of the strap. A first sheath is proximate a portion of the first barb and the first end of the strap, wherein the first sheath has a length less than the length of the first barb. A second sheath is proximate a portion of the second barb and the second end of the strap, wherein the second sheath has a length less than the length of the second barb. The device further includes container having a first aperture and a second aperture. The strap is positioned within the first and second apertures such that the first barb engages the container at the first aperture and the second barb engages the container at the second aperture.
US08256062B2 Device comprising a guide, rail system and transport mechanism for use in such a device
A device comprising a guide having a first pair of substantially parallel running surfaces, which are placed along a first track at a lateral distance apart, and a second pair of substantially parallel running surfaces, which are placed along a second track at a lateral distance apart. The second pair of running surfaces extends, at a crossing or junction, transversely to the first pair of running surfaces. A carrier is displaceable over at least the running surfaces and has a bearing axle, extending transversely to the running surfaces, for fastening of a load, which bearing axle extends between the running surfaces. The device, close to the crossing/junction, has a transport mechanism. The transport mechanism is movable between a take-up position in the first track, for load-bearing engagement with the carrier, and a delivery position in the second track, for release of the carrier. The invention further relates to a rail system and a transport mechanism.
US08256053B2 Ramp bottom transition foot
An apparatus for wheeling a vehicle onto a truck or trailer includes a ramp. The apparatus includes a mounting portion attached to the ramp that mounts to the truck or trailer. The apparatus includes a transition piece the pivotally attaches to the ramp and contacts ground when the mounting portion is mounted to the truck or trailer. A method for placing a vehicle onto a truck or trailer includes the steps of attaching a mounting portion of a ramp to the truck or trailer. There is the step of moving a transition piece attached to the ramp so the transition piece contacts ground. There is the step of wheeling the vehicle across the transition piece, up the ramp and onto the truck or trailer.
US08256051B2 Random tumbling washing machine wash chamber for improving cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes
Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
US08256050B2 Surgical table extension
A surgical table extension features a patient support structure, a large area base, and a support leg. A first joint having at least two degrees of freedom is located between the patient support structure and the support leg. A second joint also having at least two degrees of freedom is located between the base and the support leg. There is a stop limiting the range of motion of the support leg such that a portion of the base area is constrained to be below the first joint irrespective of the position of the base.
US08256048B2 Bed lift mechanism
A bed with a leg assembly coupled to a support link assembly by a joint, the joint comprising a slot having at least two paths. A support link assembly defining a length that automatically varies as the support link assembly moves relative to the leg assembly.
US08256043B2 Support element for a cushion cover for seating and lying areas
A support element for a cushion cover for seating and lying areas includes a baseplate that can be fixed to a base, and at least one spring element formed by a plurality of spring arms and extending upward from the baseplate in the direction of the cushion cover.
US08256036B2 Lockable assembly for urinal flush valves
A lockable assembly for a urinal valve is provided. The lockable assembly includes a shaft assembly configured to engage portions of the urinal valve and a housing body configured to connect to the urinal valve and further configured to support the shaft assembly for axial movement. The lockable assembly is configured to allow selective operation of the urinal valve between a flushable state and a locked non-flushable state, wherein in a locked non-flushable state, the shaft assembly is prevented from moving in the axial direction and in a flushable state, axial movement of the shaft assembly urges the shaft assembly into contact with portions of the urinal valve.
US08256033B2 Open face helmet
An open face helmet includes an outer shell and a shock-absorbing liner, as well as a fixing member on the front side of the inner surface of the right side of the outer shell for the attachment of a removable cheek pad. The cheek pad includes a shock-absorbing member and a cushioning member stacked thereon, as well as an engaging body to be removably engaged with the fixing member. The fixing member is opposed to the front edge of the shock-absorbing liner, having a slit to be engaged with or disengaged from the engaging body in a front-back direction. The cheek pad is supported on the inner surface of the right side of the helmet shell by an engagement of the engaging body with the slit and a face-to-face contact of the back edge of the cheek pad with the front edge of the shock-absorbing liner.
US08256029B2 Glove
A glove having a fiber glove coated and impregnated with a polyurethane resin that is superior in wearing/removing efficiency and grip property between the glove and thumb and fingers and also in strength and flexibility. The glove is superior in workability, strength, durability, and flexibility, as well as in waterproofness. The glove hasa fiber glove coated and impregnated with a polyurethane resin such that resin films or resin regions having an uneven surface like a knit or weave pattern of the yarn are formed on a partial or entire surface in the impregnated resin regions on the inside surface by the resin impregnated from the outside surface to the inside surface, and the dynamic friction coefficient of the inside surface of the glove having the resin films or resin regions is 0.8 to 1.8.
US08256028B1 Matched pair of protective baseball batting gloves for right handed and left handed batters to protect the side of the hand and the wrist facing a pitcher with protective shock absorbing members on the exterior of the glove
The present invention is a novel protective batting glove which is used specifically for protecting the most vulnerable parts of a batter's hands and wrists when the batter is standing at home plate and is gripping the end of a baseball bat and awaiting the arrival of a baseball which is thrown by the pitcher. The invention comprises a unique protective system of a design of a matched pair of batting gloves with one matched pair designed for a right handed batter and one matched pair designed for a left handed batter. For each matched pair of batting gloves, impact and shock absorbing material is incorporated onto selected portions of the exterior of the glove where the grip on the bat causes the hand to be most exposed to a pitch thrown at the batter.
US08256025B2 Vapor permeable retroreflective garment
A vapor permeable retroreflective material for use on protective garments. The material may be formed in a non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability to prevent exposure to trapped thermal energy and heated moisture. The non-continuous retroreflective pattern may include retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions arranged such that thermal decay through the protective garment is not substantially decreased in the regions corresponding to the retroreflective material. Rather, vapor permeation and thermal decay through the garment may be substantially the same as if the retroreflective material was not present.
US08256024B2 Cold weather garment
Described herein are various embodiments of a cold-weather garment. In one exemplary embodiment, a long-sleeve upper-body cold-weather garment includes a torso portion and two sleeve portions that are attached to and extend from opposite edges of the torso portion. The torso portion is made from a first material and the sleeve portions are each made from a second material. The first material is lighter per unit area and more breathable than the second material. The second material is heavier per unit area than the first material, but is more resistant to cold-weather environmental conditions. For example, the second material is water resistant, flame resistant and comprises an outer surface having a camouflage pattern. In some implementations, the second material is made up of at least approximately 50% hydrophobic fibers, includes a coating having water-repellant characteristics, and/or includes a multi-layer composite fabric that includes a water-resistant membrane made from either polyurethane or polytetrafluoroethylene.
US08256023B2 Coverall convenient to act
A coverall is convenient for a worker to act, and can be easily distinguished at night, with a convenience for a worker in doing a job. The coverall includes an upper clothes part, waist part and lower clothes part. The coverall has a shape wrapping an upper body of worker, and the upper and lower clothes parts are united through the waist part. The upper clothes part includes a wear fastener part, front-face protective cover, back fold part formed folded on the right and left both sides of the back surface, and a luminous band. The waist part has a waist band with elasticity. The lower clothes part is coupled to the upper clothes part in a united type with the waist part, and includes a lower clothes opening part openable along a hip part of worker on a rear face, a dual pocket, and a luminous band. The lower clothes opening part is formed in a “∪” or “∩” shape.
US08261367B2 Method and device for protection of an MRAM device against tampering
Data, stored in MRAM-cells should be protected against misuse or read-out by unauthorized persons. The present invention provides an array of MRAM-cells provided with a security device for destroying data stored in the MRAM-cells when they are tampered with. This is achieved by placing a permanent magnet adjacent the MRAM-array in combination with a soft-magnetic flux-closing layer. As long as the soft-magnetic layer is present, the magnetic field lines from the permanent magnet are deviated and flow through this soft-magnetic layer. When somebody is tampering with the MRAM-array, e.g. by means of reverse engineering, and the flux-closing layer is removed, the flux is no longer deviated and affects the nearby MRAM-array, thus destroying the data stored in the MRAM-cells.
US08261366B2 Method and apparatus for identifying and characterizing errant electronic files
A computer system includes a server having a memory connected thereto. The server is adapted to be connected to a network to permit remote storage and retrieval of data files from the memory. A file identification application is operative with the server to identify errant files stored in the memory. The file identification application provides the functions of: (1) selecting a file stored in said memory; (2) generating a unique checksum corresponding to the stored fire; (3) comparing said unique checksum to each of a plurality of previously generated checksums, wherein the plurality of previously generated checksums correspond to known errant files; and (4) marking the file for deletion from the memory if the unique checksum matches one of the plurality of previously generated checksums.
US08261363B2 Managing electronic data with identification data
An improved approach for managing and sending electronic data which allows one to access electronic data corresponding to a hardcopy document is provided. For example, when the hardcopy bearing a visible image is output, an identification image corresponding to identification data identifying the document is added to the visible image. The identification data can be recognized from the identification image, and used to retrieve various information in a database corresponding to the document.
US08261362B2 Online privacy management
A privacy management system (PMS) is disclosed for a Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) or other user to use in monitoring and/or controlling in realtime the flow of data (e.g., outflow) about the user and his/her online experience. The PMS may provide a dashboard displaying a whitelist and/or blacklist indicating what destinations/sources are blocked or allowed. The PMS includes browser-client scripting code and may also include a PMS-certified verification icon for display on webpages being monitored/controlled in realtime by the PMS.
US08261351B1 DNS flood protection platform for a network
Embodiments are directed towards providing protection to DNS servers against DNS flood attacks by causing a requesting device to perform multiple DNS lookup requests for resolving a resource record. A request from a network device for a resolution of a domain name may be received by a device interposed between the requesting network device and a DNS server. Upon receiving the request to resolve the domain name, the interposed device may respond with a CNAME that includes a cookie. The requesting device may then send another request that includes the cookie preceded CNAME. The interposed device may then validate the returned cookie returned in the CNAME and if valid, forward the domain name resolution request on to a DNS server. The response may then be forwarded to the requesting device.
US08261348B2 Reception apparatus
A reception apparatus in accordance with the present invention is provided with a reception unit (11, 12) to receive a stream including a data signal, a display unit 17 for performing display based on the stream received, an authentication process unit 13 for authenticating a sender of the stream received, a signal separating unit 14 for separating the data signal from the stream received, a script detection unit 16 for detecting a script by analyzing the data signal separated, and a control unit 23 for controlling the display unit 17 to perform display based on the stream received, wherein the control unit 23 prohibits an input related to execution of the script in a case where the script is detected by the script detection unit 16 during an authentication of the stream. Thereby, the reception apparatus plays contents appropriately without inflicting either a disadvantage or stress on a user.
US08261347B2 Security system for a computer network having a security subsystem and a master system which monitors the integrity of a security subsystem
A security system for a computer network that has a plurality of devices connected thereto comprises a security subsystem, a master system and a secure link. The security subsystem is connected to at least some of the devices in the network. The security subsystem is configured to monitor activities of the at least some devices on the network and detect attacks on the at least some devices. The master system monitors the integrity of the security subsystem and registers information pertaining to attacks detected by the security subsystem. The secure link is connected between the security subsystem and the master system. The master system monitors the integrity of the security subsystem and receives the information pertaining to the attacks through the secure link.
US08261346B2 Detecting attacks on a data communication network
Described is a technique for detecting attacks on a data communications network having a plurality of addresses for assignment to data processing systems in the network. The technique involves identifying data traffic on the network originating at any assigned address and addressed to any unassigned address. Any data traffic so identified is inspected for data indicative of an attack. On detection of data indicative of an attack, an alert signal is generated.
US08261344B2 Method and system for classification of software using characteristics and combinations of such characteristics
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for software classification. Certain embodiments provide a method for identification of malware. Certain embodiments provide a method for identification of unwanted software. The method includes identifying one or more functional blocks and/or properties of software. The method further includes identifying genes in the functional blocks and/or properties. The method also includes matching the resulting list of genes against one or more combinations of classifications of groupings of genes. Additionally, the method includes classifying the software. Certain embodiments provide a method for generating classifications. The method includes identifying functional blocks and/or properties. Furthermore, the method includes combining a plurality of genes to form a classification.
US08261343B2 Processing of content with rights associated priority information based on conditions
A mobile terminal apparatus is provided to process a copyright-protected content based on rights that permit the processing of the content. The mobile terminal apparatus includes a priority information selecting unit selecting a piece of priority information associated with one of many processing conditions for the content to be processed, from among pieces of priority information for determining a priority for each of the rights. The mobile terminal apparatus also includes a right selecting unit determining a priority of each of the rights based on the selected piece of priority information, and selecting a right having a highest priority among the rights, according to the determined priority. The mobile terminal apparatus also includes a content processing unit processing the content based on the selected right.
US08261341B2 UPnP VPN gateway configuration service
A system and method for creating a virtual private network through a VPN gateway configuration service. The VPN gateway configuration service inherits UPnP zero-configuration characteristics and also provides an interface for configuring the VPN gateway that enables the configuration of any VPN gateway device, regardless of manufacturer. Additionally, the device control protocol defined by the VPN gateway configuration service can provide client provisioning, as well as enabling the configuration of gateway-to-gateway virtual private networks.
US08261338B2 Policy proxy
In a system with a policy server, a first device able to communicate with the policy server and a second device able to communicate with the first device and unable to communicate with the policy server, the first device is to act as a policy proxy. The policy server may push to the first device a policy for the second device, and the first device may push the policy to the second device.
US08261337B1 Firewall security between network devices
A security device may be interconnected, via multiple links, between multiple network devices in a network. The firewall device may include multiple input interfaces that receive data units from a first network device destined for a second network device of the multiple network devices, identify a session associated with each of the data units, and process the data units in accordance with the identified sessions and a security policy.
US08261334B2 System for performing web authentication of a user by proxy
A data gathering system is guided by an Internet-capable appliance associated with a user, which has a Pin Vault software instance executing from a digital memory media coupled to the appliance and a Pin Vault file stored in a data repository coupled to the appliance. The Pin Vault file comprises data for authenticating the user to one or more web sites storing information of interest to the user, and the Pin Vault software cooperates with an Internet service to provide, from the Pin Vault, data as needed by the Internet service to log onto and authenticate as the user at the one or more web sites storing information of interest to the user, to gather information on behalf of the user. The data for authentication is never kept at the Internet service.
US08261331B2 Security management for an integrated console for applications associated with multiple user registries
A system for security management for applications associated with multiple user registries can include an integrated console configured to host a one or more applications or resource objects in corresponding realms. The system also can include one or more roles mapped to different ones of the resource objects and also to different users permitted to access the integrated console. The system yet further can include a user relationship system having associations with multiple different ones of the roles. Finally, the system can include console security management logic programmed to manage authentication for the users using realm of the resource object while not requiring a separate user registry for the integrated console.
US08261329B2 Trust and identity in secure calendar sharing collaboration
In some embodiments, a system includes a database of trust information that internalizes security and trust relationships between a first entity and a second entity in regards to scheduling, and a central trust manager operable to determine from the database of trust information whether a trust relationship exists between a first organization and a second organization, the central trust manager also being operable to provide availability information of a user of the first organization to a second user of the second organization, the central trust manager also being operable to determine whether the second user of the second organization is granted access to requested calendar data and the central trust manager also being operable to provide the requested calendar data.
US08261328B2 Trusted electronic communication through shared vulnerability
A method for using shared vulnerability to provide trusted communication services between systems is disclosed. For example, a server may deny access to a service which renders it vulnerable to an untrusted client unless access to a useful vulnerability is received from the client. That is, the server may trust the client because any misuse by the client may result in the server exploiting the shared vulnerability. A system may request access to a service on another system to perform some transaction. Upon receiving this request, the server may determine a vulnerability of the client useful in deterring or stopping unwanted actions. The server may request access to this vulnerability. Once this vulnerability has been granted to the server, the server may then grant access to the requested service to the client.
US08261325B2 System and method for assisting in remote message server configuration
When a user enters an email address associated with a remote message server account in a configuration area on a display, one or more suggestions for other field inputs are made based on canonical data or historical data from a variety of users. If the user cannot find a desired entry in the suggestions, the user may enter new information. The newly entered information (once validated) improves the prediction capability for subsequent users. A database stores information associated with each email address domain name including one or more remote message server names, one or more username patterns and ranking values. When more than one suggestion for a field is presented to a user, the suggestions are ranked in accordance with the respective ranking values such as by the popularity of a particular configuration.
US08261321B2 Systems and methods for controlled transmittance in a telecommunication system
Systems and methods for authenticating digital assets in relation to a telecommunications network. In various cases, the systems include a network interface device associated with a customer premises. The network interface device includes a local authentication authority operable to authenticate one or more digital assets maintained in relation to the customer premises. In some cases, a global authentication authority can authenticate the network interface device, and implicitly authenticate the one or more digital assets. Many other cases and/or embodiments are disclosed herein.
US08261319B2 Logging access attempts to an area
Logging events associated with accessing an area includes recording an event associated with accessing the area to provide an event recording and authenticating at least the event recording to provide an authenticated recording. Recording an event may include recording a time of the event. Recording an event may include recording a type of event. The event may be an attempt to access the area. Recording an event may include recording credentials/proofs used in connection with the attempt to access the area. Recording an event may include recording a result of the attempt. Recording an event may include recording the existence of data other than the credentials/proofs indicating that access should be denied. Recording an event may include recording additional data related to the area. Authenticating the recording may include digitally signing the recording. Authenticating at least the event recording may include authenticating the event recording and authenticating other event recordings to provide a single authenticated recording.
US08261318B2 Method and apparatus for passing security configuration information between a client and a security policy server
Techniques for passing security configuration information between a security policy server and a client includes the client forming a request for security configuration information that configures the client for secure communications. The client is separated by an untrusted network from a trusted network that includes the security policy sever. A tag is generated that indicates a generic security configuration attribute. An Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol (ISAKMP) configuration mode request message is sent to a security gateway on an edge of the trusted network connected to the untrusted network. The message includes the request in association with the tag. The gateway sends the request associated with the tag to the security policy server on the trusted network and does not interpret the request. The techniques allow client configuration extensions to be added by modifying the policy server or security client, or both, without modifying the gateway.
US08261316B2 System for accessing a data set on the basis of A-priori knowledge of an interconnection of a plurality of corresponding data files in response to an access message from a client to a master
A system (1) for storing and/or retrieving a data-set is proposed, wherein the data-set comprises a plurality of data-files, the system comprising: storage(3) for storing the data-set; at least one client(2) being operable to write the data-set to the storage and/or to read the data-set from the storage; to receive an access-request from the client for accessing at least one data-file of the data-set in the storage, wherein the storage master(5) is operable to send an access-message to the storage, wherein the storage is operable to cache further data-files or blocks thereof of the same data-set and/or to allocate storage space for further data-files or blocks thereof of the same data-set as a reaction on the access-message.
US08261315B2 Multicasting multimedia content distribution system
A method and apparatus for a multicasting multimedia content distribution system. A content server creates a schedule of transmission times for data streams and assigns the streams to multicast groups. DVRs receive the schedule from content server that contains content descriptions for each data stream along with the transmission times of each particular content description. The content server transmits the content across the Internet according to the published schedule via a multicast transmission designated for a particular multicast group. Each DVR determines the content for which it has an interest, finds the scheduled time for transmission for the content, schedules a recording time in its recording schedule, and joins the associated multicast group at the scheduled time. The DVR receives the multicast stream for the group and stores the stream on its local storage device for use by the DVR or for viewing by a user.
US08261307B1 Wireless multimedia content brokerage service for real time selective content provisioning
A wireless multimedia content brokerage service can provide for real time selective content extraction in a manner that allows users to easily obtain, at a mobile device, one or more portions of a real time multimedia composite content presentation. The brokerage service ensures that the experience is transparent from the point of view of the user, and additionally does not require any specific interaction between the user and the display, or interaction between the user and the content service provider (or providers). Instead, the brokerage service handles the transactional details involved in subscribing to content and in obtaining, formatting, and forwarding content to the mobile device. Additionally, since the content of interest is not forwarded from the display itself and since some embodiments of the system do not rely on any interactivity at the display to identify the display device or content, relatively unsophisticated display devices can be used.
US08261302B2 Digital television and channel editing method thereof
A digital television and a channel editing method are provided wherein various channel information is edited efficiently. In the channel edit method of the digital TV, the channel information stored according to a user's request is displayed on a multi-window. If the user selects a channel based on the multi-window, the channel selected by the user is tuned by a tuner and displayed as a moving picture. The user can edit the corresponding channel referring to the multi-window. In another embodiment, the user can edit the set favorite channel(s) separately. The broadcast status of all channels can be recognized almost instantaneously by viewing the multi-window displaying all the broadcast programs of multiple channels.
US08261301B2 Broadcast receiver and method for managing reserved recording information
A broadcast receiver and a method for managing reserved recording information are disclosed. If a cell for a reserved recording list is added to an EPG (Electronic Program Guide), a user can easily check, modify, or delete all information associated with the reserved recording on the EPG, such that the user can conveniently manage the reserved recording information on the EPG. A method for managing reserved recording information of a broadcast receiver includes the steps of: a) receiving a reserved recording signal of a specific program; b) storing reserved recording information of the program on the basis of the reserved recording signal; and c) loading the stored reserved recording information, inserting the loaded reserved recording information into a pre-stored Electronic Program Guide (EPG), and creating an EPG-reserved recording list.
US08261300B2 Method and apparatus for advertisement placement in a user dialog on a set-top box
Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
US08261299B2 Methods and computer program products for reporting internet protocol television related data collected from application and device data
Methods and computer program products for reporting application and device data retrieved from within an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network environment are provided. IPTV system usage data is retrieved from at least one IPTV device and normalized into a predetermined data format. The IPTV system usage data is parsed according to predetermined criteria. The parsed IPTV system usage data is delivered to a dedicated data mart for storage, the IPTV system usage data that is stored within at least one dedicated data mart is accessed, and the IPTV system usage data that is stored at the at least one dedicated data mart is used to generate a report.
US08261294B2 Encoding object states
A method, computer program and system, which, given a set of Boolean state variables, a set of state transitions described as truth tables for the the state variables, a set of initial states (that is states that objects happen to be in when they are brand new or when they are introduced into the system), all established by a natural modeling of the application domain, can derive an encoding that is provably isomorphic to the initial one but smaller, and transitions that match exactly the initial transitions but operating upon the new encoding, without incurring a significant time penalty. This effect is obtained by generating the extensive set of significant states, renumbering those states, then modifying the transitions implementation so as to use the renumbered states in place of the original ones.
US08261293B2 Methods, systems and computer program products for application name and client ID pairing in a message connection
An exemplary embodiment includes a method for pairing an application name and a client ID in a messaging broker infrastructure, the method including running a messaging system associated with the messaging broker infrastructure running a monitoring application configured to monitor a connection to the messaging broker, creating a connection to the messaging broker, identifying a class name and the client ID associated with an application, converting the class name to an application name and publishing a pairing of the application name and the client ID on the messaging infrastructure.
US08261292B2 Information processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, program, and recording medium
If a new device object matching at least a portion of device information concerning a device of an existing device object is detected, the device information of the existing device object is acquired, and the existing device object is deleted. Device information of the new device object is updated by using the acquired device information.
US08261291B2 Network apparatus, terminal apparatus, program, and recording medium
A network apparatus connected to at least one terminal apparatus via a network is disclosed. The terminal apparatus instructs operation of hardware unique to the network apparatus. The network apparatus includes an interface part for communicating with the terminal apparatus by using the same protocol as the terminal apparatus. The interface part receives an instruction to operate the hardware from various types of software executed in the terminal apparatus and instructs the hardware to operate in accordance with the received instruction.
US08261290B2 Heartbeat subscriptions
Example embodiments provide for “heartbeat” subscriptions which can be thought of as pseudo-events that can occur periodically for any subscription. Notification of a heartbeat event can be sent in lieu of, or in addition to, regular events to inform the subscriber application of such things like the subscription is still active and/or that connectivity exists between the subscriber application and the publishing service application. Alternatively, if the heartbeat notification does not arrive at the subscriber application, then the client knows that the connectivity is bad or that the subscription has expired and it may take corrective action (e.g., attempt to re-subscribe to the appropriate subscription). Note that similar embodiments also apply to pull requests received by the publishing service from the subscriber.
US08261289B2 Business event processing
Techniques for business event processing are presented. Producer services produce events that are managed and distributed by a transport service. Consumer services acquire events from the transport service and perform actions in response to the events. The production, distribution, and processing of the events and actions may be asynchronously and concurrently performed.
US08261279B2 Optimized preemption and reservation of software locks for woken threads
An approach is provided that reserves a software lock for a waiting thread is presented. When a software lock is released by a first thread, a second thread that is waiting for the same resource controlled by the software lock is woken up. In addition, a reservation to the software lock is established for the second thread. After the reservation is established, if the lock is available and requested by a thread other than the second thread, the requesting thread is denied, added to the wait queue, and put to sleep. In addition, the reservation is cleared. After the reservation has been cleared, the lock will be granted to the next thread to request the lock.
US08261266B2 Deploying a virtual machine having a virtual hardware configuration matching an improved hardware profile with respect to execution of an application
A system and a method are provided. Performance and capacity statistics, with respect to an application executing on one or more VMs, may be accessed and collected. The collected performance and capacity statistics may be analyzed to determine an improved hardware profile for efficiently executing the application on a VM. VMs with a virtual hardware configuration matching the improved hardware profile may be scheduled and deployed to execute the application. Performance and capacity statistics, with respect to the VMs, may be periodically analyzed to determine whether a threshold condition has occurred. When the threshold condition has been determined to have occurred, performance and capacity statistics, with respect to VMs having different configurations corresponding to different hardware profiles, may be automatically analyzed to determine an updated improved hardware profile. VMs for executing the application may be redeployed with virtual hardware configurations matching the updated improved profile.
US08261261B2 Installing a computer program
An electronic mobile communication device is configured to install a computer program onto a computing device that is different than the mobile communication device. The installation process includes the electronic mobile computing device communicating with the computing device to obtain information for use in installing the computer program, and the electronic mobile computing device executing an installer for the computer program. The installer uses the information to install the computer program on the computing device.
US08261260B2 Driver management apparatus and method therefor
A driver management apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a network entry message sent by unicast according to a search protocol for one-to-one connection from one of a plurality of devices connected to a network, a determination unit configured to determine a capacity to install a driver according to the search protocol for one-to-one connection of a device connected to the network, and a processing unit configured to perform processing for installing, on a client terminal apparatus connected to the network, a driver for operating a device that has sent the network entry message. The processing unit is configured to perform different processing operations for installing the driver for operating the device with respect to respective devices having different capacities according to the capacity determined by the determination unit.
US08261259B2 Dynamic printing system, apparatus and method
Improved techniques which enable a user of a terminal to select a printer, without a priori knowledge of available printers, for printing a print job are provided. A map indicating locations of available printing devices is retrieved from a back-end server based on user information or other information retrieved from the user, and provided to the user terminal for user selection of an appropriate printing device.
US08261258B1 Common installer client
Systems and techniques to provide for software installation. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes receiving a manifest, the manifest including a reference to one or more applications to be installed, obtaining an installer associated with an application, and using the associated installer to install the application on a target system, the application and the associated installer not being provided in the manifest.
US08261253B2 Method for restoring software applications on desktop computers
An automated method is provided for restoring software applications installed on a desktop computer. Information identifying an inventory of software applications resident on the computer is stored locally in a file on the computer. In response to a request to restore applications, the inventory is compared to a master library of known software applications, and those applications in the inventory that are found in the library are selected and downloaded onto the computer to complete the restoration process.
US08261243B2 Selective execution of trace mechanisms for applications having different bit structures
A computer implemented method, a computer program product, and a data processing system trace information about current context and system state for either 32-bit or 64-bit applications. A 32-bit trace executable code and a 64-bit trace executable code are compiled for a trace script. A determination is then made as to whether an application process is a 32-bit process or a 64-bit process. Responsive to determining that the application process is the 32-bit process or the 64-bit process, an internal indicator is set to indicate the application process as either a 32-bit process or a 64-bit process. Subsequently, the internal indicator is identified as either indicating the 32-bit process or the 64-bit process. If the internal identifier indicates the application process is a 32-bit process, an instruction pointer is set to indicate the 32-bit trace executable code, and the 32-bit trace executable code is executed. If the internal identifier indicates the application process is a 64-bit process, an instruction pointer is set to indicate the 64-bit trace executable code, and the 64-bit trace executable code is executed.
US08261242B2 Assisting debug memory tracing using an instruction array that tracks the addresses of instructions modifying user specified objects
The present invention discloses a solution for increasing the immediacy in determining a point of failure after an unexpected program termination. In the solution, a user determined object is identified by a user at compile time, where the identified object is one to be tracked. The compiler introduces executable code into the source code which is able to track modifications made to the object members during run-time. During execution, the address of each instruction modifying to the object is stored in an instruction pointer (IP) array associated with the tracked object. The IP array is continuously updated during program execution when an instruction modifies a member of the tracked object. When an unexpected program termination occurs, the instruction pointer array can be presented to a debugging agent to assist in determining the instruction causing the termination. The debugging agent can be a human agent, debugging software, report generation software, and the like.
US08261238B2 Shield for user interface testing
Real user input targeting an application under test is blocked to prevent interference with a test. A shield window can be placed in front of an application-under-test window to intercept input destined for the application. Users can be notified of interception or a failed attempt to access the application. Furthermore, the shield window can be employed to provide feedback about the test including pointer movement and area focus.
US08261234B1 System, method, and computer program product for compiling code adapted to execute utilizing a first processor, for executing the code utilizing a second processor
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for compiling code adapted to execute utilizing a first processor, for executing the code utilizing a second processor. In operation, code adapted to execute utilizing a first processor is identified. Additionally, the code is compiled for executing the code utilizing a second processor that is different from the first processor and includes a central processing unit. Further, the code is executed utilizing the second processor.
US08261232B2 Data locations template based application-data association and its use for policy based management
Method and system are disclosed for automatically discovering associations between applications and data in multi-tiered distributed systems. The method in one aspect uses a machine-readable specification of a model or template that describes use and transformation of data by software components. The method additionally utilizes a model of system configuration and appropriate runtime support to mine information available from systems management software present in enterprise systems. The application-data association discovery process performs a traversal of the distributed system configuration graph with actions taken during this traversal driven by the contents of the templates for the software components present in the system. The results of the application-data association discovery process are stored in a database and may be used to specify application-specific information lifecycle management (ILM) policy or as input to impact analysis tools in access control and antivirus systems.
US08261229B2 Method and apparatus for interconnect layout in an integrated circuit
An embodiment of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method of designing an integrated circuit (IC). In this embodiment, layout data describing conductive layers of the integrated circuit on a substrate is generated according to design specification data for the integrated circuit. The conductive layers include a topmost layer of bond pads. Metal structures in the layout data are modified to maximize metal density in a superimposed plane of the conductive layers within a threshold volume under each of the bond pads. A description of the layout data is generated on one or more masks for manufacturing the integrated circuit. By maximizing metal density in the superimposed plane, vertical channels through the dielectric material in the interconnect are reduced or eliminated. Thus, alpha particles cannot readily penetrate the interconnect and reach the underlying semiconductor substrate, reducing soft errors, such as single event upsets in memory cells.
US08261228B1 Technique for modeling parasitics from layout during circuit design and for parasitic aware circuit design using modes of varying accuracy
Techniques are presented for accounting for parasitics in the automated design of integrated circuits. In one set of techniques, model values for parasitic models are received on a schematic environment from a user, the parasitic models are evaluated from the schematic using the received model values, the parasitic models are transferred to a layout environment, and the transferred parasitic models are evaluated on the layout environment. In other techniques, model values are received for parasitic models from a user, the parasitic models are evaluated on the layout environment, and the process then backannotates the parasitic models evaluated on the layout environment and corresponding parameter values to a schematic environment. In yet other techniques, a user is presented with a simulation environment within which the user is provided a choice to select between parasitic simulation modes of varying accuracy, the modes including a mode without parasitics and a plurality of modes including parasitics with a varying degree of accuracy. A selection from among the modes is received from the user and simulation test are performed at the selected degree of accuracy.
US08261224B2 Computer program product, apparatus, and method for inserting components in a hierarchical chip design
Components are inserted into a cell-based current chin design with multiple levels of nested hierarchy. A selection of components having various silicon densities to insert into the current chip design is received. The components are inserted into the current chip design such that the components do not touch or overlap existing circuits or silicon shapes in the current chip design. The components are inserted such that components having highest silicon densities are placed further away from the existing circuits or silicon shapes than components having lower silicon densities.
US08261222B2 Methods for analyzing and adjusting semiconductor device, and semiconductor system
Using fabrication-time variation predicting means that predicts this fact, the variation is predicted beforehand at the design stage prior to fabrication and is stored in variation prediction storage means. Rather than measuring a delay, testing an operation is performed (by a pass/fail determination) by actual-speed logic operation testing means for checking, after fabrication, whether a flip-flop (FF) operates at a specified operation frequency. As a result, the variation is estimated using the non-operation flip-flop (FF) information and the predicted value of the variation from the fabrication-time variation predicting means, and a delay value which corrects for the variation is inserted into a fabricated semiconductor integrated circuit by post-fabrication delay insertion position/value determining means using the variation value that has been estimated.
US08261218B1 Systems and methods for determining beneficial clock-path connection delays
Systems and methods for determining clock-path connection delays are described. The systems include a memory configured to store information, and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor determines whether a clock delay applied to a first storage node changes independently of a clock delay applied to a second storage node. The processor determines ideal path delay changes to apply to the first node upon determining that the delay applied to the first node changes independently of the delay applied to the second node. The processor further determines clock path connection delay changes to apply to a group or a collection of the first and second nodes upon determining that the delay applied to the first node cannot or should not change independently of the delay applied to the second node. Such grouping or collections help resolve any conflicts between the first and second nodes and improves processor efficiency by applying the methods to the group or collection instead of each of the individual nodes. Further, the processor considers restrictions based on the granularity of delay options and/or the range of delay options on clock paths.
US08261215B2 Method and system for performing cell modeling and selection
An improved method, system, and computer program product for selecting components for an early stage electronic design is disclosed. A library of cells is modeled and is characterized by parameter combinations, where the cell modeling information is based upon ranking and scoring of the cells in the cell library. Based upon design specification information for an electronic design, the cell modeling data is used to select one or more representative cells for the early stage design based upon the list of ranked cells. The rankings provide an indication of the appropriateness of the selected cells for the early stage design. The pre-modeling of the cells provides high efficiency at run-time when there is a need to quickly select cells for the early stage design.
US08261211B2 Monitoring pointer trajectory and modifying display interface
Apparatus and methods for improving touch-screen interface usability and accuracy by determining the trajectory of a pointer as it approaches the touch-screen and modifying the touch-screen display accordingly. The system may predict an object on the display the user is likely to select next. The system may designate this object as a Designated Target Object, or DTO. The system may modify the appearance of the DTO by, for example, changing the size of the DTO, or by changing its shape, style, coloring, perspective, positioning, etc.
US08261206B2 Digital map having user-defined zoom areas
Computer hardware logic displays a computer-generated geographic map on a video display through the use of a receiving logic and a zooming logic. The receiving ic detects an input signal for initiating a map zoning mode for an initial computer-generated geographic map. This map zoning mode prevents zooming of the entire initial computer-generated geographic map. The zooming logic zooms a user-selected area on the initial computer-generated geographic map, thus generating a zoom window that displays and overlays an enlarged view of the user-selected area over the initial computer-generated geographic map.
US08261204B1 Method and system for obtaining form data from a user
A method for obtaining data from a user includes receiving a row selection in an input grid, where each column is associated with one of a plurality of primary input variables, and where each row is configured to display primary data corresponding with the plurality of primary input variables, receiving a request to expand the row to display an input form, where the input form comprises a plurality of fields, where each of the plurality of fields is associated with one of a plurality of supplementary input variables, and where the plurality of fields are configured to display supplementary data corresponding with the plurality of supplementary input variables. The method further includes expanding the row to display the input form, obtaining and storing supplementary data for the input form, collapsing the row to hide the input form, and displaying a summary of supplementary data stored for the input form.
US08261201B2 Spectrum bar control
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing a graphical user interface control in a spectrum bar. The spectrum bar control is operable to switch between a statistical view of data and a discrete view of the data while maintaining a same size of the graphical user interface control. The spectrum bar control is operable to display data for multiple data elements, with different colors being used to represent different categories of the data elements. The spectrum bar control also enables three or more dimensions of data to be displayed in a small space.
US08261198B2 Automatic co-browsing invitations
Embodiments can include instructions or steps, which when carried out, detect that copy operations are being performed on website data displayed to a user. Further to this detection, a co-browsing query for display to a user may be generated, an instruction to associate a co-browsing invitation with website data copied by the user may also be generated and a co-browsing invitation and pasted website data may be sent to an invitee.
US08261197B2 Methods and systems for managing to do items or notes or electronic messages
Methods and systems for managing To do items and/or notes and/or emails (or other electronic messages) are described. On exemplary method includes receiving an input to create a To do item based on a portion of an email record, such as a received email, and creating, in response to the input, the To do item. Another exemplary method includes storing a note having a To do item in the note, the note being stored as an entry in a note database which is separate from a To do database and storing the To do item in the To do database and receiving an input within either a note view or a To do view to edit the To do item and causing the note to be edited and causing the To do item to be edited in response to the input.
US08261192B2 Providing useful information associated with an item in a document
A method includes recognizing an item within a first document based on a pattern associated with the item but not the exact content of the item. The method further includes identifying a link for the item and providing a second document that includes information associated with the item when the link for the item is selected.
US08261189B2 Database monitor replay
Method, article of manufacture and apparatus for playing back recorded database activity in a graphical user interface. Chronologically ordered database event information is dynamically displayed in a user interface having user-selectable graphical elements associated with predefined playback controls.
US08261187B2 System and method for managing dynamic document references
Document fragments are managed by the use of fragment objects. Fragment objects contain a reference to a portion of a source document. Referencing documents contain a reference to a fragment object which delivers the content of the fragment of the source document to the referencing document. The source document can be directly updated through updating the fragment of the source document contained in the referencing document via the use of the fragment object. Source document deletion is controlled by storing the references to the source document by fragment objects so that no fragment object has a reference to a non-existent source document. A process for organizing document fragments within a document management system wherein source documents comprise duplicates of the document fragments includes replacing a duplicate fragment with a reference to a single fragment object the fragment object including a reference to a fragment of a source document and an object class method for deletion of the fragment object including instructions to remove the reference to the fragment object from the metadata of the source document to which the fragment object refers.
US08261186B2 Methods for efficient cluster analysis
Some embodiments provide a method for defining structure for an unstructured document that includes a number of primitive elements that are defined in terms of their position in the document. The method identifies a pairwise grouping of nearest primitive elements. The method sorts the pairwise primitive elements based on an order from the closest to the furthest pairs. The method stores a single value that identifies which of the pairwise primitive elements are sufficiently far apart to form a partition. The method uses the stored value to identify and analyze the partitions in order to define structural elements for the document.
US08261179B2 Web page hot spots
An image map designer creates an image map for use with an image. The image map contains one or more hotspots, each of which specifies a set of pixels which may be non-contiguous and non-polygonal. The image map designer may create the image map using image processing software that facilitates creation of non-contiguous and non-polygonal image maps. Multiple versions of the image map may be created, each for use with a different magnification of the image. The image maps are stored in a compact format, which may be transmitted efficiently from a server to a client. Data contained within the image map facilitates the process of determining whether the client user's mouse pointer is within any of the hotspots, and the process of applying the image map to the image when rendered at different magnifications.
US08261175B2 Method and apparatus for performing a CRC check
A description is given of an apparatus that includes a division unit configured to receive a data stream and to divide the received data stream into a plurality of data segments and a plurality of first CRC check units, wherein each of the first CRC units is configured to perform a CRC check of a respective one of the plurality of segments of data, and wherein the plurality of CRC checks are performed concurrently.
US08261174B2 Protecting and migrating memory lines
A data protection method is provided. The method includes receiving data; generating compressed data based on the data; determining a degree of compressibility based on the compressed data; determining an amount of free space based on the degree of compressibility; and setting one or more error bits based on the amount of free space.
US08261168B2 Code combining soft handoff in wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting a signal in a wireless communication system. The method includes channel coding a data stream using a first turbo encoded puncture pattern, and channel coding the data stream using a second turbo encoded puncture pattern. Preferably, the first turbo encoded puncture pattern is a turbo encoded puncture pattern of a first local operator infrastructure (LOI) and the second turbo encoded puncture pattern is a turbo encoded puncture pattern of a second LOI that neighbors the first LOI.
US08261167B1 Cyclically interleaved dual BCH, with simultaneous decode and per-codeword maximum likelihood reconciliation
A method and system are provided for forward error correction. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strong FEC algorithm that performs similarly to RS(255,239) when a simple decoder is used, and scales up linearly to a full-scale decoder that outperforms all 7% algorithms currently in G.975.1. The Forward Error Correction code is suitable for use in optical transport networks (OTN) and other applications requiring high decode performance and high code rate. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an FEC code that is a cyclically interleaved dual BCH, with simultaneous decode and per-codeword maximum likelihood reconciliation.
US08261166B2 Node processor for use with low density parity check decoder using multiple variable node degree distribution codes
A decoding system for use with different degree parity constraint nodes and highly parallel processing operates by passing messages to variable nodes based on updated states of first and second check nodes, processing messages from the variable nodes and updating states of first and second check nodes in a decoder with Z processors that operate in parallel, further processing the updated state information for the second check nodes to coordinate the states of N=Z/z sets of second check nodes, where z is the number of bits associated with the second check nodes, and repeating the process utilizing the coordinated states of the second check nodes as the updated states of the second check nodes.
US08261162B2 Decoding device, decoding method, and media data delivery system
A decoding device includes a first receiving section for receiving a data packets, a second receiving section for receiving a plurality of error correction packets which includes matrix configuration information regarding the plural data packets, a deciding section for deciding a number of packets to be accumulated to restore a lost data packet, based on the matrix configuration information, an accumulating section for accumulating the data packets received by the first receiving section in the number of packets to be accumulated, and a restoring section for, when a loss of any of the data packets received by the first receiving section is detected, restoring the lost data packet by using at least one of the data packets and the error correction packets.
US08261161B2 Method and system of receiving data with enhanced partial matching
A method and system of receiving data with enhanced partial matching is disclosed. A received word is compared with the frame code to determine mismatch bit(s). Subsequently, a determination is made whether the mismatch bit(s) are at positions of defined critical bits. If the mismatch bit(s) are not critical, the received word is then affirmed.
US08261160B1 Synchronization of serial data signals
Various techniques are provided for synchronizing serial data signals received by electronic systems or devices such as programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a method of synchronizing data includes receiving a serial data signal at a device. The serial data signal operates independently of the device. The method also includes oversampling the serial data signal to provide a plurality of samples distributed over bit periods of the serial data signal. The method further includes filtering the samples to correct errors in the samples. In addition, the method includes extracting a plurality of data bit values from the samples under the control of a clock signal associated with the device without adjusting a frequency of the clock signal. Each data bit value is associated with one of the bit periods of the serial data signal.
US08261137B2 Apparatus, a method and a program thereof
An apparatus and method for efficiently processing memory faults. A faulty memory is exchanged with a spare memory when the total number of faults in the memories is over a threshold. After the switching, when the number of faults in a single cache line is over a threshold, a memory page corresponding to the single cache line is blocked.
US08261135B2 Interleaving method and communication device
A communication device which includes an error correction encoder that generates an error correction encoded sequence. Additionally, there is an interleaver that arranges elements of the error correction encoded sequence generated by the error correction encoder. The interleaver arranges elements of the error correction encoded sequence in an order which is a same order as an order of the elements in the error correction encoded sequence, when the one of the error correction methods is a predetermined method. Further, the interleaver arranges elements of the error correction encoded sequence in an order different from the order of the elements in the error correction encoded sequence, when the one of the error correction methods is not the predetermined method.
US08261134B2 Error management watchdog timers in a multiprocessor computer
A multiprocessor computer system comprises one or more watchdog timers operable to detect failure of a memory operation based on passage of a certain timing period from a memory operation being issued without a valid response. An error handler is operable to take corrective action regarding the failed memory operation, such as to provide at least one of hardware state management and application state management.
US08261128B2 Selection of a domain of a configuration access
A data processing system includes an input/output (I/O) host bridge to which at least one I/O adapter is coupled by an I/O link. In a register of the I/O host bridge, a configuration partitionable endpoint (PE) field is set to identify a PE to be used for an I/O configuration operation. Thereafter, the host bridge initiates the I/O configuration operation on the I/O link and determines if an error occurred for the I/O configuration operation. In response to a determination that an error occurred for the I/O configuration operation, an error state is set in the I/O host bridge only for the PE indicated in the configuration PE field of the register in the I/O host bridge, wherein I/O configuration errors are isolated to particular PEs.
US08261117B2 Virtualization in a multi-core processor (MCP)
This invention describes an apparatus, computer architecture, method, operating system, compiler, and application program products for MPEs as well as virtualization in a symmetric MCP. The disclosure is applied to a generic microprocessor architecture with a set (e.g., one or more) of controlling elements (e.g., MPEs) and a set of groups of sub-processing elements (e.g., SPEs). Under this arrangement, MPEs and SPEs are organized in a way that a smaller number MPEs control the behavior of a group of SPEs. The apparatus enables virtualized control threads within MPEs to be assigned to different groups of SPEs for controlling the same. The apparatus further includes a MCP coupled to a power supply coupled with cores to provide a supply voltage to each core (or core group) and controlling-digital elements and multiple instances of sub-processing elements.
US08261115B2 Sub-processor configured to execute a specific program stored in the first memory or second memory on behalf of the main processor
A processing device may comprise a first controlling unit, a second controlling unit, a first memory and a second memory. The second memory may be set to a normal operation mode in a case where the first controlling unit is in the non-sleeping state, and may be set to a low power consumption mode in a case where the first controlling unit is in the sleeping state. In the case where the first controlling unit is in the sleeping state, the second controlling unit may be configured to perform one of the below processes depending on its condition. If the second controlling unit is to perform a specific process by using a first program, the second controlling unit may perform the specific process on behalf of the first controlling unit by using the first program stored in the first memory while the first controlling unit is maintained in the sleeping state and the second memory is maintained in the low power consumption mode. If the second controlling unit is to perform the specific process by using a second program, the second controlling unit may change a mode of the second memory from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode, and perform the specific process on behalf of the first controlling unit by using the second program stored in the second memory, while the first controlling unit is maintained in the sleeping state.
US08261112B2 Optimizing power consumption by tracking how program runtime performance metrics respond to changes in operating frequency
A method, system, and computer program product for optimizing power consumption of an executing processor executing. The method includes determining a first sensitivity relationship (SR) based on a first and a second performance metric value (PMV) measured at a first and second operating frequency (OF), respectively. The first SR predicts workload performance over a range of OFs. A third OF is determined based on the first SR and a specified workload performance floor. A third PMV is measured by executing the processor operating at the third OF. A second SR based on the second and third PMVs is then determined. The first and second SRs are logically combined to generate a third SR. Based on the third SR, a fourth OF is outputted.
US08261109B2 Power sharing between portable computer system and peripheral devices
A peripheral device and a method for operating a peripheral device is disclosed. The peripheral device includes one or more connection mechanisms for coupling to a computing device, a power supply, and a controller. The controller is configured to enable the peripheral device to communicate with the computing device. When the peripheral device is coupled to the computing device, the controller is configured to determine the amount of power remaining in the power supply of the peripheral device, and based at least in part on the amount of power remaining in the power supply of the peripheral device, enable the peripheral device to charge a power supply of the computing device, and enable the peripheral device to receive power from the power supply of the computing device.
US08261108B2 Information handling system including wireless scanning feature
An information handling system (IHS) is provided which includes a system processor and a wireless section coupled to the system processor. While the system processor remains in a reduced power state, the wireless section is operable to be powered up to detect the presence of a wireless network external to the IHS and determine if that detected wireless network matches a network included in profile information stored in a memory that is accessible by the wireless section. An indicator is coupled to the wireless section and is operable to provide an indication that a wireless network is present.
US08261107B2 Printing device controller and printing device
A printing device controller provided with a first computational processing unit that performs overall control of the device as a whole and a second computational processing unit that consumes less power than the first computational processing unit, the printing device controller including: a RAM (Random Access Memory) having a self-refresh mode; a main control unit whose main processing constituent is the first computational processing unit; and a sub control unit whose main processing constituent is the second computational processing unit. When an instruction to enter a power-saving state is inputted, the main control unit causes the first computational processing unit to store information necessary for returning from the power-saving state into a storage unit and then causes the RAM to enter the self-refresh mode, and the sub control unit then powers off the first computational processing unit.
US08261106B2 System for controlling power of a portable electronic device using lock code
A portable electronic device includes a main power supply, a power management unit (PMU) connected to the main power supply, and a receiver unit connected to the PMU. The main power supply supplies electric power to the portable electronic device through the PMU. The receiver unit includes a processor module connected to the PMU. The processor module stores a lock code, the processor module directs the PMU to prevent the main power supply from providing electric power to the portable electronic device when the receiver unit receives wireless signals corresponding to the lock code.
US08261105B2 Switching power circuit and computer system
The invention relates to a switching power circuit connected to a motherboard of a computer system. The switching power circuit includes a PWM circuit and a snubber circuit. The PWM circuit includes a phase terminal, and it may output an output voltage to the motherboard via the phase terminal. The snubber circuit includes a zener diode. A negative terminal of the zener diode is connected to the phase terminal, and a positive terminal is connected to the ground terminal. The level of a breakdown voltage of the zener diode is equal to the level of the output voltage in a steady state.
US08261104B2 System and method of classification in power over ethernet systems
A method is disclosed that includes receiving a classification voltage at a powered device from a network. The classification voltage includes a baseline voltage level that is below an operating voltage range of the powered device and includes a sequence of distinct signal elements derived from the classification voltage. The method further includes detecting a number of signal elements of the sequence of distinct signal elements. A current is drawn until the number of signal elements exceeds a predetermined number.
US08261095B1 Methods and systems for using derived user accounts
Methods, systems and articles of manufacture consistent with features of the present invention allow the generation and use of derived user accounts, or DUA, in a computer system comprising user accounts. In particular, derivation rules define how a DUA is linked to or created based on an existing original user account, or OUA. Derivation transformations may also update the state of a DUA based on its corresponding OUA or give feedback from the state of a DUA to the state of its corresponding OUA.
US08261094B2 Secure data gathering from rendered documents
A facility for securing text captured from a rendered document is described. The facility receives data including an encryption of text captured from a rendered document. The facility decrypts the captured text included in the received data.
US08261093B1 System, method, and computer program product for disabling a communication channel during authentication
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for disabling a communication channel during authentication. In operation, an authentication request for an authentication event is detected. Furthermore, a communication channel is disabled, in response to the authentication event.
US08261091B2 Solid-state memory-based generation and handling of security authentication tokens
An architecture is presented that facilitates secure token generation and transmission capabilities in a mobile device. The system comprises at least one software application that includes a secure token assigned to a specific user and a memory module that communicates with an external processor. A security processor, non-volatile memory component and volatile memory component are integrated to form the memory module that communicates with the external processor. The memory module creates a secure execution environment for the execution of application agents associated with the software application and the secure token. The security processor of the system communicates with the software application and external processor to manage generation, authentication, confidentiality, and transmission of the secure token. And, the non-volatile memory allows the introduction of new tokens and the removal of old tokens.
US08261088B2 Secret authentication system
Authentication data indicating authenticity of a client is distributed into a plurality of function data as distributed data, the plurality of function data including function data specifying a function and rule data specifying the authentication data from the function. The client and a server shares a portion of the plurality of function data. The client calculates verification data from the function data unshared with the server, by performing a calculation process difficult for a third party to calculate the function data, and transmits the verification data to the server. The server verifies authenticity of the client based on the authentication data and distributed data per client stored therein, and the verification data received from the client.
US08261084B2 Unauthorized contents detection system
A data processing device for playing back a digital work reduces the processing load involved in verification by using only a predetermined number of encrypted units selected randomly from multiple encrypted units constituting encrypted contents recorded on a DVD. In addition, the data processing device improves the accuracy of detecting unauthorized contents by randomly selecting a predetermined number of encrypted units every time the verification is performed.
US08261077B2 System and method for performing authentication in a wireless mobile communication system
A system and method for authentication in a wireless mobile communication system are provided, in which a mobile station calculates a CMAC value having a first number of bits, transmits to a base station a ranging request message including a partial CMAC value being a second number of upper bits of the CMAC value having the first number of bits, and receives a ranging response message indicating whether authentication is successful or failed from the base station.
US08261075B2 Method for secure remote backup
The present invention is directed to an architecture and mechanism for securely backing up files and directories on a local machine onto untrusted servers over an insecure network.
US08261074B2 Verifying a cipher-based message authentication code
A system for verifying a cipher-based message authentication code (CMAC), including a reception (RX) module logically residing between a physical layer controller (PHY) and a media access controller (MAC) processor, such that the RX module is configured to receive one or more portions of the CMAC with one or more bursts, process the one or more bursts, and write the one or more portions of the CMAC to one or more memory locations in a memory. The system also includes a transmission (TX) module logically residing between the PHY and the MAC processor, such that the TX module configured to verify the CMAC concurrently as the RX module processes the one or more bursts.
US08261073B2 Digital rights management method and apparatus
Provided are a digital rights management (DRM) method and apparatus, and more particularly, a DRM method and apparatus which can support different DRMs and use various digital content. The DRM method includes receiving a hello message request from a host device; comparing information included in the hello message request to information stored in advance; generating an error code when the hello message request contains unsupported information; and generating a hello message response that contains the error code.
US08261070B2 Authentication of untrusted gateway without disclosure of private information
A system and method provides user authorization for use of a server without providing the server with sensitive user information. A secure authorization link is established between a user interface and a remote authentication server. The authorization link passes through a local server while being unreadable by the local server. User authorization data is sent from the user interface to the authorization server, via the authorization link. The authorization server then returns a redirected validation message to the user interface, via the authorization link. A local link is established between the user interface and the local server based on data included in the redirected validation message. All communication between the user interface, the local server and authorization server is performed utilizing the user interface web browser. Thus, authorization for use of services controlled by the local server is accomplished without the need to load specialized software on the user interface for establishing such links and performing such communications.
US08261057B2 System and method for establishing a virtual private network
A system and method for establishing a virtual private network (VPN) between a client and a private data communication network. An encrypted data communication session, such as a—Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) data communication session, is established between a gateway and the client over a public data communication network. The gateway then sends a programming component to the client for automatic installation and execution thereon. The programming component operates to intercept communications from client applications destined for resources on the private data communication network and to send the intercepted communications to the gateway via the encrypted data communication session instead of to the resources on the private data communication network.
US08261053B2 Method and apparatus for maintaining a partition when booting another partition
In a processing system with a main partition and a sequestered partition, the main partition sends an interrupt to the sequestered partition before calling an operating system (OS) boot loader for the main partition. The sequestered partition may then enter an interrupt handler. After the sequestered partition enters the interrupt handler, an address line of the processing system may be disabled, and the OS boot loader for the non-sequestered partition may be called. The sequestered partition may then determine whether the address line has been re-enabled. The sequestered partition may remain in the interrupt handler until after the address line has been re-enabled. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08261049B1 Determinative branch prediction indexing
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for determinative branch prediction indexing are described herein. The determinative branch prediction indexing method includes receiving a program counter address for a branch instruction, dynamically selecting a branch indexing scheme from a plurality of branch indexing schemes, and generating a branch prediction index based at least in part on selected branch indexing scheme and the program counter address. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08261047B2 Qualification of conditional debug instructions based on address
A processor implementation supports selection of an execution mode for debug instruction instances based on respective addresses thereof in addressable memory can provide an attractive mechanism for executing debug instructions in a way that allows some instances of the instructions to operate with debug semantics while suppressing other instances by executing them with no-operation (NOP) semantics. In some embodiments, selection of operative execution semantics may be based on attributes of a memory page in which a particular debug instruction instance resides. In some embodiments, portions of an address space may be delimited (e.g., using values stored in bounding registers and addresses of particular debug instruction instances compared against the delimited portions to select appropriate execution semantics. In some embodiments, both types of evaluations may be used in selecting appropriate execution semantics for a particular debug instruction instance.
US08261046B2 Access of register files of other threads using synchronization
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for accessing registers associated with a first thread while executing a second thread. In one such embodiment a method may include preventing an instruction of a first thread that is to access a source operand from a register file of a second thread from executing if a synchronization indicator associated with the source operand indicates incompletion of a producer operation of the second thread, and executing the instruction if the synchronization indicator indicates completion of the producer operation of the second thread. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08261036B2 Storage system comprising function for reducing power consumption
For at least one of storage unit, processor and cache memory which are I/O process-participating devices related to I/O command process, when a load of one or more I/O process-participating devices or a part thereof is a low load equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, a processing related to a state of one or more of the I/O process-participating devices or a part thereof is redirected to another one or more I/O process-participating devices or a part thereof, and the state of the one or more I/O process-participating devices or a part thereof is shifted to a power-saving state.
US08261035B1 System and method for online data migration
A method and system for changing storage drive contents, including installing a redirection driver in a computer system, wherein the redirection driver redirects access requests directed to a main storage of the computer system to one of the main storage and a temporary storage; copying files from the main storage to the temporary storage; restoring files from a source storage into the main storage by overwriting corresponding files in the main storage; and redirecting, to the temporary storage, requests for access directed to files of the main storage that have been copied to the temporary storage.
US08261034B1 Memory system for cascading region-based filters
A method for moving data in a memory system of a cascading region-based filter is disclosed. The method generally includes steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may load a first portion of the data from a buffer to the memory system at a start of a given cycle using a control circuit. The memory system generally has multiple first memories. A first region of a particular first memory may receive the first portion of data. Step (B) may copy the data in a second region of the particular first memory to a third region of the particular first memory at an end of the given cycle. Step (C) may copy the data in an output region of the particular first memory to an input region of a next first memory at the end of the given cycle. The output region generally overlaps both the first region and the second region.
US08261032B2 Storage system to backup dirty data elements using a cache memory
A storage system comprises a plurality of control modules having a plurality of cache memories respectively. One or more dirty data elements out of a plurality of dirty data elements stored in a first cache memory in a first control module are copied to a second cache memory in a second control module. The one or more dirty data elements stored in the second cache memory are backed up to a non-volatile storage resource. The dirty data elements backed up from the first cache memory to the non-volatile storage resource are dirty data elements other than the one or more dirty data elements of which copying has completed, out of the plurality of dirty data elements.
US08261030B2 Using delete notifications to free related storage resources
A storage stack delete notification can be received at a storage stack filter. The delete notification can indicate deletion of primary data in a primary storage region. Secondary data that is taking up storage resources managed by the storage stack filter can be identified. The secondary data can be associated with the primary storage region, and the storage resources can be resources other than the primary storage region. It can be determined whether it is useful to have the secondary data continue taking up the storage resources. If having the secondary data continue taking up the storage resources is not useful, then the storage resources can be freed.
US08261028B2 Cached dirty bits for context switch consistency checks
Embodiments of an invention using cached dirty bits for context switch consistency checks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a processor includes control logic and a cache. The control logic is to cause a consistency check to be performed on a subset of a plurality of state components during a first context switch. The cache is to store a dirty entry for each state component to indicate whether the corresponding state component is included in the subset.
US08261027B2 State transition management device and method
A state transition management device includes a memory that stores subsequent state number candidates for a current state number and a selection circuit that selects a subsequent state number from among the subsequent state number candidates that have been read out from the memory. For the state number having the subsequent state number candidates that are branch destinations of the current state number and are small in number, the memory stores the subsequent state number candidates for a plurality of current state numbers at one address in the memory that can be concurrently read out. The selection circuit selects the subsequent state number based on an event identification code (109, 110) and a current state number.
US08261025B2 Software pipelining on a network on chip
Memory sharing in a software pipeline on a network on chip (‘NOC’), the NOC including integrated processor (‘IP’) blocks, routers, memory communications controllers, and network interface controllers, with each IP block adapted to a router through a memory communications controller and a network interface controller, where each memory communications controller controlling communications between an IP block and memory, and each network interface controller controlling inter-IP block communications through routers, including segmenting a computer software application into stages of a software pipeline, the software pipeline comprising one or more paths of execution; allocating memory to be shared among at least two stages including creating a smart pointer, the smart pointer including data elements for determining when the shared memory can be deallocated; determining, in dependence upon the data elements for determining when the shared memory can be deallocated, that the shared memory can be deallocated; and deallocating the shared memory.
US08261021B2 Cache control device and control method
In order to control an access request to the cache shared between a plurality of threads, a storage unit for storing a flag provided in association with each of the threads is included. If the threads enter the execution of an atomic instruction, a defined value is written to the flags stored in the storage unit. Furthermore, if the atomic instruction is completed, a defined value different from the above defined value is written, thereby displaying whether or not the threads are executing the atomic instruction. If an access request is issued from a certain thread, it is judged whether or not a thread different from the certain thread is executing the atomic instruction by referencing the flag values in the storage unit. If it is judged that another thread is executing the atomic instruction, the access request is kept standby. This makes it possible to realize the exclusive control processing necessary for processing the atomic instruction according to simple configuration.
US08261018B2 Managing data storage systems
A method, system and computer program product for managing data storage systems. The data storage system being coupled to a volume storage pool as data storage resource, the data storage system presenting at least one virtual volume as a storage resource to a host device, the method for managing the data storage system comprising collecting the volume storage pool occupancy and the virtual volume consumption; trending the volume storage pool and the virtual volumes consumption; forecasting the volume storage pool occupancy and virtual volume consumption; and recommending at least one action based on the forecasted values of storage pool occupancy data and virtual volume consumption data. The method may further comprise detecting a rapid increase or surge in the volume storage pool occupancy data.
US08261014B2 Multi-channel integrated circuit card and method of controlling the same
A system and method for controlling a memory card are provided. The system may include a memory card and a host. The memory card may have a plurality of data transceiving channels, and the host may selectively activate the data transceiving channels in the memory card and transmit a plurality of commands to the activated data transceiving channels.
US08261012B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory comprising power fail circuitry for flushing write data in response to a power fail signal
A non-volatile semiconductor memory is disclosed comprising a first memory device having a memory array including a plurality of memory segments, and a data register for storing write data prior to being written to one of the memory segments. A memory controller comprises a microprocessor for executing access commands received from a host. Interface circuitry generates control signals that enable the microprocessor to communicate with the first memory device. Power fail circuitry transmits a flush command to the first memory device through the interface circuitry in response to a power fail signal, wherein the first memory device responds to the flush command by transferring the write data stored in the data register to the memory segment.
US08261009B2 Method and apparatus for retroactive adaptation of data location
A method and system for organizing groups of data in a storage device having a non-volatile memory consisting of higher performance or endurance portion and a lower performance or endurance portion are disclosed. The method may include steps of determining a data usage status for a group of data in only one of the two portions, and if a data usage criterion is met, moving the group of data to the other of the two portions of the non-volatile memory. In another implementation, the method may include determining a data usage status of groups of data in both portions of the non-volatile memory and moving a group of data from one portion to the other if an appropriate data usage criterion is met so that groups of data may be maintained in a portion of the non-volatile memory most suited to their usage patterns.
US08261007B2 Memory system and computer system
When a memory card is inserted into a computer, a memory controller sends command information stored in a memory array to the computer. Then, the computer stores the command information received from the memory card into a RAM. The computer generates a command as needed on the basis of the stored command information and sends the generated command to the memory card. When the memory card receives the command from the computer, the memory controller analyzes the received command and performs it while making reference to command analysis information. This makes it possible to reduce a load accompanying the change and addition of commands in a semiconductor memory.
US08261004B2 Stacked semiconductor memory device with compound read buffer
A stacked memory apparatus operating with a compound read buffer is disclosed. The stacked memory apparatus includes an interface device having a main buffer and a plurality of memory devices each having a device read buffer. Systems incorporating one or more stacked memory apparatuses and related method of performing a read operation are also disclosed.
US08261002B2 PHY-less ULPI and UTMI bridges
Embodiments of the present invention provide a unique capability of implementing a pair of pseudo-PHY interfaces using a bridge. From the host and device perspectives, the host and device communicate through a PHY interface. The bridge, however, avoids actually using a USB PHY interface. This PHY-less bridge allows communication between a host and a device at high speeds without high-power transceivers associated with a USB PHY interface. In accordance with the present invention, a host and a device may be coupled together using a PHY-less bridge using the same interface or translating between different interfaces by using a wrapper. Such PHY-less bridges include a UTMI-to-UTMI bridge, a UTMI-to-ULPI bridge, a ULPI-to-UTMI bridge and a ULPI-to-ULPI bridge, each avoiding the need for a USB PHY interface.
US08261001B2 Network range extender device
An apparatus includes a PHY assembly in electrical communication with a first interface assembly and with a second interface assembly, the PHY assembly configured to receive a power signal from a PSE, the PHY assembly having a first PHY and a second PHY. The first PHY is configured to receive a first data signal from the PSE through the first interface assembly via the frame-based computer networking connection and provide the first data signal to the second PHY for transmission to a network device through the second interface assembly via the frame-based computer networking connection. The second PHY is configured to receive a second data signal from the network device through the second interface assembly via the frame-based computer networking connection and provide the second data signal to the first PHY for transmission to the PSE through the first interface assembly via the frame-based computer networking connection.
US08261000B2 Single line dock status autoidentification
A single line docking station characteristic identifier is disclosed. In one embodiment, a portable computing device can include a dock detector circuit having an interface pin configured to be coupled to a docking station via a single line dock connection, where the dock detector circuit is configured to determine a characteristic of the docking station using a passive component in the docking station when the portable computing device is connected to the docking station via the single line dock connection. The dock detector circuit can include a resistor and a Schmitt trigger, while the passive component in the docking station can include a capacitor, for example.
US08260998B2 Wireless communication with a dock
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, system and program products. A mobile computing device determines that the mobile computing device has physically paired with a docking system. Wireless communication between the mobile computing device and the docking system is automatically established in response to said determining that the mobile computing device has physically paired with the docking system. Data that encodes an audio signal is transmitted, by the mobile computing device and to the docking system as part of the wireless communication, so as to cause speakers of the docking system to audibly output the audio signal from the mobile computing device.
US08260997B1 Magnetic switch for automatic network traffic shutdown while unlocking network line card
In one embodiment, a method comprises initiating shutdown of network traffic of a line card while the line card is coupled to a connector chassis and exchanging network traffic, the initiating shutdown in response to actuation of a magnetic switch associated with the line card, the magnetic switch being actuated in response to movement of actuating structure that unlocks the line card for removal from the connector chassis; and completing the shutdown of network traffic in the line card prior to permitting complete removal of the line card from the connector chassis.
US08260995B2 Processor interrupt command response system
A system to synchronize processors includes one or more subsystems to receive an interrupt command, instruct a plurality of processors to enter an entry synchronization loop of an interrupt handler, determine by each of the plurality of processors whether all of the plurality of processors have entered their respective interrupt handler before exiting the entry synchronization loop, determine whether a timeout value has been reached, determine type of the interrupt command received and in response to the type of interrupt command received, determine whether to exit the entry synchronization loop after the timeout value has been reached.
US08260994B2 Interface for prototyping integrated systems
An interface is described which has at least one chip side port with a first plurality of pins for conveying fields of a packet and first and second circuit side ports each port having a set of pins with a lower number than the first set of pins in the chip side port. The interface is constructed so that interrupt signals from an off-chip circuit can be conveyed on-chip in a manner such that the interrupt signals are indistinguishable from interrupt signals received from on-chip modules connected to an on-chip communication path. The same principle is applicable to power-down signals.
US08260987B2 Methods and systems to accomplish variable width data input
Disclosed are methods and systems for variable width data input to a pattern-recognition processor. A variable width data input method may include receiving bytes over a data bus having a first width and receiving one or more signals indicating the validity of each of the one or more bytes. The valid bytes may be sequentially provided to a pattern-recognition processor in an 8-bit wide data stream. In an embodiment, a system may include one or more address lines configured to provide the one or more signals indicating the validity of the bytes transferred over the data bus. The system may include a buffer and control logic to sequentially process the valid bytes.
US08260975B1 Consumer electronics control (CEC) processor
An HDMI™ (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) switch includes a CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) processor for controlling high-definition audio-visual (AV) equipment. The CEC processor accepts user commands and translates them to control HDMI devices over HDMI; the translations can be manufacturer specific so that devices with different CEC implementations can be combined in a single system. CEC communications between HDMI devices is precluded or at least controlled to avoid problems due to incompatible CEC implementations and unwanted interactions. The CEC processor causes the HDMI switch to appear as an HDMI source to HDMI sink devices and as an HDMI sink to HDMI source devices for the purposes of assigning physical addresses. While CEC is designed to handle AV systems having only one sink (display), the novel HDMI switch provides for CEC-controlled AV systems with multiple displays, e.g., in different rooms.
US08260973B2 Memory controllers, memory systems, solid state drives and methods for processing a number of commands
The present disclosure includes methods and devices for a memory controller. In one or more embodiments, a memory controller includes a plurality of back end channels, and a command queue communicatively coupled to the plurality of back end channels. The command queue is configured to hold host commands received from a host. Circuitry is configured to generate a number of back end commands at least in response to a number of the host commands in the command queue, and distribute the number of back end commands to a number of the plurality of back end channels.
US08260970B2 Multiband communication device with graphical connection interface and methods for use therewith
A communication device includes an RF transceiver for communicating first data with a first remote communication device via a first protocol and a first frequency band in a first mode of operation, wherein the first data is communicated via indirect wireless communication. A millimeter wave transceiver communicates second data with a second remote communication device via a second protocol and a 60 GHz frequency band in a second mode of operation. A communication control module coordinates the communication of the first data and the second data with the at least one of the plurality of remote communication devices. A graphical interface device selects the first remote communication device and the second remote communication device and selects at least one of the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation, based on actions of a user.
US08260969B2 Low latency communication via memory windows
A high performance computer system has compute nodes interconnected by an inter-node communication network. The compute nodes include local packetized interconnects. Shared memory between compute nodes is emulated by tunneling packetized interconnect packets between the compute nodes. A memory region on one of the compute nodes is used as a window into a memory region in another compute node. Special registers may be provided to expedite remote operations on small amounts of data.
US08260968B2 Method and system for booting a software package on a network processor
A network processor system includes a network processor 1, which is provided with a number of interfaces 9, 11, 13, 15, 19, including one or more Ethernet interfaces 9, 11 and a UART interface 19, which can be used to load a software package into the network processor 1. The software package can thus be modified when required, or when the software package previously stored in the network processor system is corrupted. The Ethernet data packets received on the Ethernet interfaces 9, 11 are in a special format, which the network processor 1 can recognize, to distinguish them from conventional Ethernet packets. Thus, the network processor 1 does not have to be programmed to handle the full range conventional Ethernet data packets. The network processor 1 is provided with a second external non-volatile data storage device 7 in the form of a EEPROM memory 7. The EEPROM memory 7 provides a writable extension of the internal ROM memory of the network processor. It can, for example, be used to store the parameters of other components of a network processor system (e.g. a flash memory 5) so that the network processor 1 can be used in conjunction with components of a wide range of types.
US08260965B2 Method and system for providing blog service by using mobile terminal, and mobile blog caster therefor
A method and system to provide a blog by using a mobile terminal, and a mobile blog (MB) caster therefor, the method including: receiving blog data including one or more pieces of downsized data from an MB caster; selecting a piece of downsized data from among the one or more pieces of downsized data; obtaining metadata corresponding to the selected piece of downsized data; accessing a web blog server; and downloading original data corresponding to the metadata from the web blog server. Since the blog is created and provided by using the downsized data, instead of the original data, a blog server operation can be realized by using only existing mobile devices. Furthermore, the mobile terminal does not have to be connected to the Internet (or the web blog server) for a blog service. Also, it is possible to provide the blog at very high speed.
US08260963B2 Self-cleansing secure DNS server
Disclosed is a self-cleansing intrusion tolerance-domain name systems system comprising at least three DNS servers, at least four storage systems accessible by the DNS servers, a communications link, a message transfer mechanism, and a self-cleansing mechanism. The storage systems include at least three online storage systems and at least one offline storage system. The communications link can connect the DNS servers with the storage systems, as well as connect the DNS servers with a local area network, which can connect the DNS servers with an external network. The message transfer mechanism can rotate the DNS servers into a plurality of roles, including a primary role, a secondary role, a designated role, and a self-cleansing role. The self-cleansing mechanism can be used to perform the self-cleansing role.
US08260960B2 Supporting non-delivery notification between a switch and device in a network
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for supporting non-delivery notification between a switch and device in a network. A login with a switch is initiated including a test service parameter requesting a non-delivery notification service to cause the switch to return a non-delivery notification in response to a test path request indicating a destination node that is unavailable. Indication is made that the test service is available for the login in response to receiving a reply from the switch that the switch accepts the login with the non-delivery notification service. The test path request is sent to the switch to determine whether the destination node is available in response to determining that the non-delivery notification service is available for the switch login. The non-delivery notification is received from the switch in response to the switch determining that the destination node to which the test path request is directed is unavailable.
US08260959B2 Network service selection
A method of selecting a suitable service for the delivery of a communication across an integrated network is disclosed. Before now, users had to select the service that best suited their needs at the time of each delivery. By providing a computer programmed to act as a purchasing agent with data indicating the desirability of stability in the network service (that data representing the price the user is prepared to pay for stability) an automatic selection of the service to be provided to the communication is enabled. An embodiment is described in which different degrees of stability are given to different content file deliveries in dependence on the importance attached to the recipient by a content provider. The invention could equally be used to provide an appropriate services for many different types of network traffic.
US08260958B2 Reducing energy consumption of servers
A load balancer, comprising a network interface, a power conservation unit, and a routing module configured to route client requests received through the network interface to a plurality of servers. The power conservation unit is characterized by having a learning mode and a routing mode. In the learning mode one or more operation parameters of the servers are determined for a plurality of different external conditions and for a plurality of different values of one or more operation parameters of the routing module, and to generate a correlation table between the operation parameters of the routing module and the external conditions. In the routing mode the power conservation unit adjusts the operation parameters of the routing module responsive to the external conditions, using the correlation table.
US08260951B2 Rate-controllable peer-to-peer data stream routing
Difficulties associated with choosing advantageous network routes between server and clients are mitigated by a routing system that is devised to use many routing path sets, where respective sets comprise a number of routing paths covering all of the clients, including through other clients. A server may then apportion a data stream among all of the routing path sets. The server may also detect the performance of the computer network while sending the data stream between clients, and may adjust the apportionment of the routing path sets including the route. The clients may also be configured to operate as servers of other data streams, such as in a videoconferencing session, for example, and may be configured to send detected route performance information along with the portions of the various data streams.
US08260950B1 Real-time transport protocol ad cue extensions
A method, system, and apparatus are provided for delivery and synchronization of an ad to a user of a streaming media. An embodiment uses a Real-time Transport Protocol header extension to provide an ad cue to a splicer for the delivery of an ad within the primary media stream (the stream containing the header extension) or in an ancillary stream. An existing ancillary stream my be used, or a new ancillary stream may be initiated in response to the ad cue. The ad may have a variety of formats such as takeover, overlay, standard banner, and rich media.
US08260947B2 Media delivery arrangements including time information provided together with media data
A media delivery apparatus for relaying media data streaming-delivered from a server to a client terminal through a network, including a receiving portion for receiving packets transmitted from the server to the network when stream-delivering the media data, and a storage device, wherein: each of the packets contains at least one media data element as a split of the media data and is constructed according to a certain protocol; and the receiving portion extracts the media data element, generates information necessary for reconstructing a packet having the same construction as that of the packet containing the media data and stores the necessary information in addition to the extracted media data in the storage device.
US08260946B1 UDP broadcast for user interface in a download and configuration gaming method
A method for sending a notification message using a modified form of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) multicast notification system in a client-server architecture that otherwise allows only client initiated messages. The method includes: identifying information at a server that has potential for inclusion in a notification message, wherein the server is a Download and Configuration Management (DCM) engine; querying a database for one or more clients that have registered for a particular type of notification by a UDP broadcast processor; receiving identifiers for the one or more clients that have registered for the particular type of notification from the database; and sending notification to the one or more clients.
US08260944B2 Using a state machine embedded within a session initiation protocol (SIP) servlet to implement an application programming interface (API)
The present invention discloses a system for implementing a software application programming interface (API) within a session initiation protocol (SIP) servlet. Such a system can utilize a state machine, a SIP servlet configured to execute the state machine, and an enterprise service bus (ESB). The state machine can be configured to send and receive a series of communications and can be defined in a definition document. The series of communications can represent the execution of a software function defined within an API. The SIP servlet can select a state machine based upon an indicator contained within a received SIP message. The ESB can be configured to execute a system function in response to communications with the state machine.
US08260939B2 System and method for scheduling wireless channel resources
A system and method are provided for enabling and performing scheduling for wireless devices supporting multiple users or devices. The system has a wireless subscriber device that is enabled to support multiple users or devices. The wireless system may operate accordingly to a wireless air interface such as WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, or other wireless technology. The wireless device has a message generator, which is configured to generate a multi-user message. The device transmits the multi-user message to the network. The network receives the multi-user message and begins to schedule network resources to the device as a device supporting multiple users.
US08260936B2 System, method, and computer program product for resolving addressing in a network including a network address translator
A system, method, and computer program product through which address resolution is performed for nodes (101, 103) of a network that are behind a network address translator (NAT). A determination is made upon the initiation of a communication session as to whether one or more of the nodes (101, 103) included in the session are behind a NAT. Based on the determination, information is exchanged (L102, L103) from an independent application server (105) to the nodes (101, 103) included in the session so as to resolve the addressing problems introduced by the NAT. The invention is applicable in applications including, but not limited to, IP telephony, and applications complying with the session initiation protocol (SIP).
US08260935B2 Error control terminal discovery and updating
Systems, methods, and devices for novel error detection and retransmission processes are described. These processes may be implemented on intermediate communication links between two end terminals, wherein the intermediate links are via satellite. Error control mechanisms to detect and retransmit lost or corrupted frames may be implemented at the network layer, or between the network and data link layers. Processes for discovering error control protocol-aware terminals are described. Features of these error control processes may include a configurable delay limit, tailored to traffic type or class.
US08260929B2 Deploying analytic functions
A method, system, and computer usable program product for deploying analytic functions are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A resource is identified in an analytic function specification. A set of input time series is identified for the analytic function specification. An analytic function instance corresponding to the analytic function specification is instantiated in relation to an object of the resource. Each input time series in the set of time series is located in relation to the object. The analytic function instance is associated with each input time series in the set of time series. An analysis is performed using the set of input time series and an analytic function described in the analytic function specification. The analytic function instance is instantiated if both the object and the set of data sources are present in an object graph where the analytic function instance is to be instantiated.
US08260923B2 Arrangements to implement a scale-up service
A server system has a blade system formed of a plurality of servers that are mounted in one or a plurality of stages within a single chassis so as to have a plurality of different functions, and a management server for managing said blade system. The management server has means for grouping the plurality of mounted servers to manage for each function, means for managing the deployment of the plurality of servers within the chassis, and deployment changing means for changing the functions of the plurality servers and transposing the functions to change the deployment of the servers within the chassis. Thus, the deployment changing means makes the servers of each of the plurality of functions be arrayed in regular order within the chassis.
US08260922B1 Technique for using OER with an ECT solution for multi-homed sites
A technique dynamically utilizes a plurality of multi-homed Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnels from a client node to one or more enterprise networks in a computer network. According to the technique, a VPN client node, e.g., a “spoke,” creates a plurality of multi-homed VPN tunnels with one or more servers/enterprise networks, e.g., “hubs.” The spoke designates (e.g., for a prefix) one of the tunnels as a primary tunnel and the other tunnels as secondary (backup) tunnels, and monitors the quality (e.g., loss, delay, reachability, etc.) of all of the tunnels, such as, e.g., by an Optimized Edge Routing (OER) process. The spoke may then dynamically re-designate any one of the secondary tunnels as the primary tunnel for a prefix based on the quality of the tunnels to the enterprise. Notably, the spoke may also dynamically load balance traffic to the enterprise among the primary and secondary tunnels based on the quality of those tunnels.
US08260921B2 Demand forecasting system for data center, demand forecasting method and recording medium with a demand forecasting program recorded thereon
A demand forecasting system and a demand forecasting method capable of forecasting demands for IT resources in a data center accurately are provided. The demand forecasting system includes: a classification unit that classifies a plurality of users who use IT resources in a data center into a plurality of user's behavior classes; an event characteristics model generation unit that generates an event characteristics model representing a variation over time in a usage state of the IT resources caused by an event and the number of the users moving among the user's behavior classes caused by the event; an event influence calculation unit that calculates a predicted value of the variation over time in a usage state of the IT resources and a predicted value of the number of the users moving among the user's behavior classes that will be caused by an event scheduled to be held in the future using the event characteristics model; and a demand forecasting unit that calculates a variation in load on the IT resources.
US08260920B2 Method for uniform network access
According to some embodiments, a registry is displayed. The registry may, for example, indicate resources available from a plurality of remote network access devices via a communications network. Moreover, a personal network address may be associated with each available resource, the personal network address including an destination address portion and an application program identifier portion. A direct communications link may then be established between a first network access device hosting an available resource and a second network address device using the personal network address associated with the resource.
US08260918B2 Packet routing system and method
A flexible, scalable hardware and software platform that allows a service provider to easily provide internet services, virtual private network services, firewall services, etc., to a plurality of customers. One aspect provides a method and system for delivering security services. This includes connecting a plurality of processors in a ring configuration within a first processing system, establishing a secure connection between the processors in the ring configuration across an internet protocol (IP) connection to a second processing system to form a tunnel, and providing both router services and host services for a customer using the plurality of processors in the ring configuration and using the second processing system, a packet routing system and method is described that includes a processor identifier in each packet to route the packets to a physical processor, and a logical queue identifier to route the packets to the destination object within that processor.
US08260917B1 Service manager for adaptive load shedding
A service manager that facilitates managing requests that are obtained at a middleware tier of a communications network includes a monitor component that evaluates data associated with effectuating a request that is received at a middleware tier. The monitor component identifies resources associated with effectuating the request. Additionally, the service manager includes a request component that accepts and/or rejects the request based at least in part upon the identified resources.
US08260912B2 Hypothesis based solicitation of data indicating at least one subjective user state
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: soliciting, based at least in part on a hypothesis that links one or more objective occurrences with one or more subjective user states and in response at least in part to an incidence of at least one objective occurrence, subjective user state data including data indicating incidence of at least one subjective user state associated with a user; and acquiring the subjective user state data including the data indicating incidence of at least one subjective user state associated with the user. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08260911B2 Scheduling method for polling device data
A dispatching method for polling device data. The method comprises: sorting managed devices according to their types, sorting various types of data of each device so as to form different modules, and assigning a priority attribute and a polling period attribute to each module; dividing the managed devices into two sets: one set consisting of devices to be polled and the other set consisting of devices whose connection states need to be detected; and polling each module in the set consisting of devices to be polled according to its priority and polling period periodically. Different polling periods can be set and different polling policies can be applied according to data changeability. Polling policies can be changed in real time and flexibly based on the condition of devices.
US08260907B2 Methods, systems and computer program products for triggered data collection and correlation of status and/or state in distributed data processing systems
Methods, systems and computer program products for collecting data processing system status information monitoring network communications with the data processing system to observe transaction(s) associated with the data processing system. The transaction(s) is analyzed to determine if the transaction(s) complies with a quality standard and a trigger is generated based on the analysis of the transaction(s). System status information is collected responsive to the generation of the trigger. The collection of system status information may be provided by collecting system status information so that collection of the system status information automatically time correlates the collected system status information with the trigger.
US08260902B1 Tunneling DHCP options in authentication messages
An example network device includes network interfaces and a control unit that receives a network configuration request from a client device and sends a network configuration response to the client device. The control unit comprises a network configuration protocol module that generates an authentication request in accordance with a network authentication protocol such that the authentication request includes a request for a second set of network configuration parameters based on a request for a first set of network configuration parameters in the network configuration request, and generates the network configuration response in accordance with the network configuration protocol, wherein the network configuration response is based on an authentication response generated by a second network device in accordance with the network authentication protocol, wherein the authentication response comprises a third set of network configuration parameters based on the request for the second set of network configuration parameters.
US08260901B2 Method and apparatus for configuring information for multiple network access providers
A computer program product that provides a graphical user interface for configuring communication information for multiple network service providers on a computer system. The program product is operable to display a network communication scene that includes edit windows and selectable options for a user to view, enter, remove, and modify configuration information for at least one network service provider, and allows the user to enter information for establishing communication with the same network service provider using at least two different communication mediums, and from several different geographical locations.
US08260894B2 Method for balancing load among subsystems in communication network system of bus network structure
A method for adjusting a load among subsystems in a communication network system having a bus network structure, wherein: the communication network system includes a broker processing a message routing, a connector, and a plurality of services which is a communicable terminal node connected to the broker via the connector, and the method includes the steps of: connecting all brokers of the communication network system to each other in a full mesh topology, the broker being a module setting up a routing path or a connection with the connector, to process the message routing; maintaining a broker list recording a network address of each broker in the connector; the connector receiving a service registration message from the service, randomly selecting one broker from the broker list, and transmitting a connection request message.
US08260891B2 System and method for the provision of secure network boot services
A system and method for providing a network boot is provided in which the entire length of the communications link between the client computer and the boot server is secure. Because the communications link between the client and the boot server is secure, an identifier for that uniquely identifies the client can be passed to the boot server, and the boot server is operable to serve a boot image to the client computer on the basis of the uniquely identified client computer.
US08260890B1 Dual stack module controlling apparatus for low power consumption
A dual stack module controlling apparatus for low power consumption is disclosed. The dual stack module controlling apparatus for low power consumption includes an IP address version determining part to determine an IP address version based on current IP address assignment information transmitted thereto from an IP address control module, and an internet protocol stack controlling part to activate a TCP/UDP stack processor module, an IP stack processor module and an IP packet preprocessor module for processing data of the determined IP address version and to deactivate a TCP/UDP stack processor module, an IP stack processor module and an IP packet preprocessor module for processing data of a different IP address version from the determining IP address version. According to the dual stack module controlling apparatus for low power consumption, one of the IPv4 and IPv6 modules may be activated as necessary.
US08260889B2 Dynamic discovery of quality of service nodes
A method of using a computer network for Dynamic Discovery of Quality of Service Nodes is provided. The method comprises requesting for a level of Quality of Service (QoS) of communication for a service of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) by a Application Service Provider (ASP). The request is based on a Quality of Service by Reference (QoSbyR) information that is received by the ASP from a user. The QoSbyR information comprises a ISP location information and a level of Quality of Service information.
US08260886B2 Compiling method for command based router classifiers
A method and compiler for compiling hierarchical command based policy rules to a flat filter list structure adapted for storage in a Content Addressable Memory (CAM), wherein the policy rules are organized in a tree-structure of classifiers. First, all of the possible search paths in the tree structure are found, and then only the valid search paths according to defined criteria are added to the flat filter list. The CAM may be a Ternary Content Addressed Memory.
US08260884B2 Address allocation for secure bus subscribers
To configure a secure bus subscriber connected to a field bus in a secure control system, the secure bus subscriber being assigned a defined subscriber address, the invention provides a method having the following steps: an address allocation message is sent from a control unit connected to the field bus to the secure bus subscriber, the address allocation message comprising the defined subscriber address, the defined subscriber address is stored in a memory in the secure bus subscriber, and an acknowledgement message is sent from the secure bus subscriber to the control unit, the acknowledgement message comprising the defined subscriber address, where the address allocation message is sent on the basis of planning data for the secure bus subscriber connected to the field bus which are stored in the control unit. The invention also provides an appropriate control system.
US08260883B2 File sharing between devices
Methods and systems for transferring an object from a sending device to a recipient comprises determining at least one catching device associated with the recipient for receiving the object; receiving on the sending device a user gesture representing a flick of a displayed object; transferring the object from the sending device directly to the catching device of the recipient when the catching device is in proximity of the sending device; and when the catching device is not in proximity of the sending device, transferring the object to a server for forwarding the object to the recipient.
US08260878B2 Transfer device
The user of a mobile station which is prepared to receive information providing services from unspecified IP (Information Providers) accesses a gateway server and performs a pre-registration procedure (S71). When an IP server has information to provide to users, it constructs the information in the form of electronic mail, appends user attribute data, and sends this to the gateway server (S72). Upon receiving electronic mail with attribute data, the gateway server stores the electronic mail in a third mailbox, makes a comparison of the user attributes, and calls the mobile stations of relevant users (S73). A user who has received a call requests a download of the electronic mail from the gateway server (S74). The gateway server sends electronic mail to the mobile station which made the request (S75, S76).
US08260874B1 Request initiated collateral content offering
A system and method in accordance with the present disclosure provide collateral information to a user receiving primary information via a first user interface. The system and method receives a user request for the collateral information. A context is defined from the primary information. A user's probable collateral information needs are derived from the context. The system and method then map the needs to one or more information repositories, and query the information repositories and retrieve collateral information satisfying the needs. The collateral information is presented via at least one user interface, which may include the first user interface. The system and method provide user controls via the at least one user interface to facilitate exploration of the collateral information by the user.
US08260863B2 System and method for client-side interruption management
A method and computer program product for determining that a user of a client electronic device is in do-not-interrupt mode. A message directed to the user is routed to a client-based storage queue for subsequent delivery.
US08260861B1 System and method for an electronic mail attachment proxy
Described is a system and method for receiving an electronic mail including an attachment file and separating the attachment file from the electronic mail. The attachment is then sent to a remote source and the attachment file is replaced with a substitute file including identifying data for retrieving the attachment file from the remote source. The electronic mail with the substitute file is then forwarded to a receiver.
US08260853B2 Document distribution system and method using WebDAV protocol
A document distribution system and method using a WebDAV protocol. The system includes a WebDAV server; and a first client to transmit a document to the WebDAV server using the WebDAV protocol, wherein the first client transmits the document to a predetermined directory of the WebDAV server. Accordingly, the document is transmitted to a specific folder of a document distribution system using the WebDAV protocol, so that the document distribution system can be configured without installing an additional file transmission protocol in the server. Also, various properties of data can be designated without modifying the data when transmitting the document.
US08260847B2 System and method for scheduling an event over a network
A method for scheduling an event over a network in a calendar of an invitee includes creating a schedule request that includes at least a set of details of the event and an identifier if the event creator. The schedule request is sent to a server in communication with the network. The server has access to the calendar of the invitee and a calendar for the event creator. Upon receipt of the schedule request, an event record is created at the server that includes at least the set of details for the event and a link to the invitee's calendar. The event is also added to the calendar of the invitee. The schedule request may be created using a link associated with the event.
US08260845B1 System and method for auto-generating JavaScript proxies and meta-proxies
A method, system, Web-environment and computer program product for automatically generating proxies and meta-proxies for script code in an HTML document. The invention preferably operates with a system that allows for JavaScript to be utilized on the server-side.
US08260843B2 Apparatus and method for providing remote user interface
An apparatus and method for providing an image-based remote user interface (UI) using a web browser are provided. A server includes an user interface (UI) application which provides a dynamic image; a server communication module which, if the dynamic image is updated, transmits an image update event for the updated dynamic image; and a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) server which receives a request corresponding to the image update event and transmits the updated dynamic image in response to the received request. The method includes if an image in a remote user interface (UI) is updated, transmitting an image update event for the updated image; receiving a request corresponding to the image update event; and transmitting the updated image in response to the received request.
US08260840B1 Dynamic scaling of a cluster of computing nodes used for distributed execution of a program
Techniques are described for managing distributed execution of programs, including by dynamically scaling a cluster of multiple computing nodes used to perform ongoing distributed execution of a program, such as to increase and/or decrease the quantity of computing nodes in the cluster at various times and for various reasons. An architecture may be used that facilitates the dynamic scaling of a cluster, including by having at least some of the computing nodes act as core nodes that each participate in a distributed storage system for the distributed program execution, and having one or more other computing nodes that act as auxiliary nodes that do not participate in the distributed storage system. If computing nodes are selected to be removed from the cluster during ongoing distributed execution of a program, one or more nodes of the auxiliary computing node type may be selected for the removal.
US08260835B2 Random number generator with ring oscillation circuit
A random number generator includes a ring oscillator having an EX-OR gate and four inverters together forming a loop. This loop enters stable state for a start signal having the low level and oscillates for the start signal having the high level. When the start signal has a pulse of a width shorter than the loop's delay time, output nodes responsively, sequentially enter metastable state hovering between the high and low levels. The metastable waveform becomes smaller with time and finally disappears. As metastable state cannot be controlled in longevity, it disappears at any random number node. A counter thus outputs a signal serving as true random number data depending on the longevity of the metastable state. A random number generator miniaturized and having reduced power consumption, and of high performance can thus be implemented.
US08260834B2 Method system and device for generation of a pseudo-random data sequence
A method and a generator for generating a pseudo-random data sequence (3), including combining means for combining data belonging to a plurality of initial data sequences (9a, 9b, 9c) using a procedure for searching for at least one search pattern.
US08260832B2 Managing large collection of interlinked XML documents
An approach is provided to partition inter-linked documents into partitions of a database system. In some embodiments, a plurality of documents may be assigned to two or more partitions in the database system, thereby forming a number of inter-partition links between a first partition and a second partition. Here both the first partition and the second partition are in the two or more partitions. First documents may be assigned to the first partition while second documents are assigned to the second partition. Both the first documents and the second documents are in the plurality of documents. It is then determined whether moving one or more of the first documents in the first partition to the second partition reduces the number of inter-partition links between the first partition and the second partition. If that is the case, the one or more of the first documents are moved to the second partition.
US08260830B2 Adapting a timer bounded arbitration protocol
Example apparatus, methods, and computers prevent a split brain scenario in a pair of high availability servers by maintaining single writer access to a resource. One example method includes monitoring control of an arbitration (ARB) block by an active file system manager (FSM). An active file system portmapper (FSMPM) simultaneously requests permission from a standby FSM to restart a dead-man timer. The active FSM attempts to maintain control of the ARB block before expiration of the dead-man timer. If the active FSM is unable to maintain control of the ARB block before expiration of the dead-man timer, a hardware reset of an apparatus running the active FSM is forced. Therefore, the active FSMPM and standby FSM negotiate for additional time to maintain control of the ARB block to maintain single writer access and avoid unnecessary hardware resets.
US08260828B2 Organizing content using a dynamic profile
A portable data storage device (1) is disclosed to be used for organizing content (10, 11, 18) available to the data storage device (1). The device comprises means (12) for setting an information source (6) for a storage profile (9), a means (3) for receiving storage profile update data (7) from the information source (6), a means (4) for updating the storage profile (9) based upon the storage profile update data (7), a means (2) for organizing content (10, 11) based upon the storage profile (9) and a means (12, 13) for triggering the means (3) for receiving storage profile update data (7) from the information source (6). The device (1) is capable of organizing content in a dynamic manner based on data storage profiles that are also dynamic in nature whilst requiring minimum user intervention.
US08260820B2 Method and apparatus for searching
A method of searching data on heterogeneous databases connected over a network. Configuration data representing the configuration of each database is received. The configuration data includes mapping data associating search terms to data field names in each database. A search request specifying criteria for a search term for data is received from a client. The mapping data is processed to select a data field name in a database, the data field name corresponding to the search term specified in the search request. A search command is generated which is compatible with the database using the data field name. The search command is transmitted to a data provider system associated with the database. Search results are received from the data provider system, which results from the execution of the search command on the database. The search results are processed to generate search report data, and are transmitted to the client terminal.
US08260817B2 Semantic matching using predicate-argument structure
The invention relates to topic classification systems in which text intervals are represented as proposition trees. Free-text queries and candidate responses are transformed into proposition trees, and a particular candidate response can be matched to a free-text query by transforming the proposition trees of the free-text query into the proposition trees of the candidate responses. Because proposition trees are able to capture semantic information of text intervals, the topic classification system accounts for the relative importance of topic words, for paraphrases and re-wordings, and for omissions and additions. Redundancy of two text intervals can also be identified.
US08260811B2 Access controller that controls access to files by using access control list
Each time the file access request is received, it is discriminated whether there is an ACL which corresponds with the file system of the type following the switching in the file designated by the file access request. In cases where the judgment result is that there is no such ACL, an ACL which corresponds with the file system of the type following the switching is generated on the basis of an ACL which corresponds with the file system of the type prior to the switching which is associated with the designated file, and the ACL thus generated is used to control access in accordance with the received file access request.
US08260807B2 Identification and provision of reported aspects that are relevant with respect to achievement of target outcomes
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: identifying, in response to reception of one or more solicitations, one or more relevant reported aspects associated with one or more source users that are relevant to achieving one or more target outcomes, the identification of the one or more relevant reported aspects being based, at least in part, on relevancy of the one or more relevant reported aspects with respect to achieving the one or more target outcomes; and providing the one or more relevant reported aspects. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08260806B2 Storage, management and distribution of consumer information
Consumers may centrally store, manage and distribute information using an information account stored in a central data repository. The information account is accessible from any client device, without the need to permanently store or install proprietary software thereon. The information account comprises a plurality of consumer information elements stored in a tagged data format. A host server hosts a database management system for accessing the information account. A client-side application may manage communications with host server. Alternatively, the client device may interact with a vendor server that executes a server-side application for managing communications with the host server. In response to a request from the consumer, the host server may filter selected consumer information elements from the information account and transmit the filtered consumer information elements to the client-side or server-side application. The filtered consumer information elements may then be automatically integrated into a vendor business process on behalf of the consumer, if desired.
US08260805B1 Method and system for creation of automatic customer lists and virtual related file listings
A file management system is provided that is associated with one or more parent applications. One or more virtual file listing display parameters are selected and/or defined that determine how related files will be identified, grouped, and/or otherwise displayed, in a virtual file listing display. One or more data storage locations where the user stores existing client and/or project files are designated and then scanned. As a result of the scan, the user's clients, and/or projects, are identified and a user client list, and/or user project list, is generated. In addition, one or more related files, and/or documents, are identified, virtually grouped, and/or virtually displayed, based on the virtual file listing display parameters and then displayed via one or more virtual file listing displays associated with the file management system.
US08260800B2 System and method for image generation, delivery, and management
A system and method for digital image generation, delivery, and management is provided. The automated image generation, delivery, and management system and method serves processed images over a network. A requesting application provides a URL in addition to field values. The image delivery system retrieves and serves an image based on the requested URL. A sized image and a default image are saved in a database for rapid retrieval. If the system can generate an image sized to the request, it does so. Otherwise, the system visits the URL to obtain a snapshot of the rendered webpage. If no webpage is available with the URL as provided, the URL is truncated until a displayable webpage is rendered.
US08260797B2 Multiple form population system and method
A method for populating a form includes storing differing forms in a database, each form having at least one information location for entering an item of user information, selecting a first form to provide a first selected form, and entering an item of user information into the information location to provide an entered item of information. Storing the entered item of information in the database to provide a stored item of information, selecting a second form, determining whether the information location of the second selected form corresponds to the information location of first selected form and retrieving the stored item of information to provide a retrieved item of information in accordance with the determining are also included. The retrieved item of information is entered into the information location of the second form to provide a populated form.
US08260780B2 Protection of database operations
A system protects database operations performed on a shared resource. The system may chunk memory to form a set of memory chunks which have memory blocks, at least some of the memory blocks including database objects. The system may configure at least one binary search tree using the memory chunks as nodes and buffer a set of pointers corresponding to the memory blocks. The system may further validate the buffered pointers and dereference validated buffered pointers.
US08260778B2 Mood based music recommendation method and system
A method of recommending songs to a listener. The method obtains a set of feature values for each of a plurality of songs. Whenever a playback event is generated for a song, a first reward and a Mood State Value (“MSV”) based on a set of parameters are determined. Each feature value associated with the song is associated with the MSV and for each feature value, a second reward is calculated based on the first reward and is assigned to the feature value. A current MSV is determined and any songs having a feature value identical to a feature value associated with the current MSV are identified. For each song identified, a cumulative reward is calculated by totaling the second reward assigned to any feature values associated with the current MSV that are also associated with the song. Finally, one or more songs are recommended based on their cumulative rewards.
US08260775B2 Geotemporal search
Computer-readable media and a computing device are described for providing geotemporal search and a search interface therefor. A search interface having a location portion and a timeline portion is provided. A geographic area is selected in the location portion by adjusting the visible area of a map. A temporal window is selected in the timeline portion by adjusting sliders along a timeline to a desired start and end time. The start and end times can be in the past, present, or future. A geotemporal search is executed based on the selected geographic area and temporal window to identify search results having associated metadata indicating a relationship to the selected geographic area and temporal window. One or more search terms are optionally provided to further refine the geotemporal search.
US08260774B1 Personalization search engine
Methods and apparatus provide for a personalization search engine that receives a search query from a first user and identifies multiple portions of indexed content—where each respective portion of indexed content has metadata that matches at least one characteristic of the search query. The personalization search engine determines a relevance of each respective portion of indexed content to the first user who provided the search query. It is understood that, in various embodiments, the relevance of a portion of indexed content has to the first user who provided the search query can be based on user feedback associated with an online version of that portion of indexed content. The personalization search engine ranks the multiple portions of indexed content according to their respective relevance to the first user who provided the search query and creates a search result based on ranking the multiple portions of indexed content.
US08260768B2 Transformation of directed acyclic graph query plans to linear query plans
Methods, computer-readable storage media and computer systems are provided for transforming a directed acyclic graph (“DAG”) query plan into a linear plan. A DAG query plan may include a first operator and a second operator that are scheduled to be executed in parallel. The DAG query plan may be modified so that the first and second operators are executed in series as an upstream operator and a downstream operator. A data unit output from the upstream operator may be marked to indicate that the data unit has been processed by the upstream operator. The data unit received as input at the downstream operator may be inspected to determine whether the data unit has been marked. Once in linear form, the query plan may be optimized to conserve computing resources.
US08260766B2 Embedded communication of link information
A method of processing documents is described. The method includes the operation of receiving a document in a search engine crawler. The document includes an embedded first link tag. The first link tag includes one or more information pairs. A respective information pair includes a respective parameter and a corresponding value. The parameters in the one or more information pairs may correspond to content at one or more content locations or one or more document locations. The method also includes selecting a method of processing content associated with the first link tag in accordance with one or more of the information pairs.
US08260765B2 System and method for a tagging service
Disclosed is a service for displaying custom information. The service includes establishing a data connection to at least one data source, storing specific information via the data connection in the data source, and providing a data crawler to crawl said at least one data source using the stored information. The results are pushed from the data crawler to an end user for displaying a combination of the stored information and the at least one data source.
US08260763B2 Matching service entities with candidate resources
A method comprises using a processor to list candidate resources that may be matched with a plurality of service entities. The method also comprises eliminating at least one possible match between the candidate resources and the plurality of service entities. The method further comprises, for each of the plurality of service entities, rating the candidate resources. The method still further comprises ranking the plurality of service entities. The method still further comprises matching each of the plurality of service entities with at least one of the candidate resources.
US08260762B2 Generic data list manager
Example methods and apparatus for storing and providing application runtime data are disclosed. An example method include receiving, at a data list manager, a set of identifiers associated, respectively, with one or more persistently stored structured data records. The example method further includes storing, by the data list manager, the set of identifiers. The example method also includes receiving, at the data list manager, a request for one or more of the structured data records and retrieving, by the data list manager, the one or more requested structured data records. The example method still further includes storing, by the data list manager, the retrieved data records in correspondence with their respective identifiers and providing, by the data list manager, the retrieved data records for display to a user.
US08260758B2 Utilizing shared numeric locks
A method and system for performing at least one transaction on at least one column of a table in a database system is disclosed. The method includes determining whether a first transaction of the at least one transaction fulfills all of at least one criteria. The method further includes ensuring that the at least one column is in a shared numeric lock if the first transaction fulfills all of the at least one criteria, wherein the shared numeric lock is a lock that allows at least a second transaction fulfilling all of the at least one criteria to access the same column concurrently with the first transaction without releasing the shared numeric lock between transactions, and wherein the shared numeric lock is released only after all of the transactions fulfilling all of the criteria have completed processing. The method further includes processing the first transaction.
US08260755B2 Process-based documentation method and system
A process-based method and system for mapping and documenting a business process integrates information from a plurality of sources into a process map in such manner that only those sources needed to perform the task at hand are accessed in turn through steps in the process map. Business rules pertaining to the task at hand are built into the process steps. The method involves developing a process map, including a series of flow charts, that integrates all processes, sub processes, procedures, reference materials, and forms into a common repository. Advantageously, the method guides the user in step-by-step fashion as to how to use any attached information and tools to successfully complete the process, accessing sub levels of procedure level flow as needed, without requiring access to any other information, tools, or processes.
US08260754B2 Computer system and restoration method
A computer system and restoration method that can facilitate restoration work is suggested.A management server collects necessary information from at least a business server, a storage apparatus with a primary volume formed therein, and a storage apparatus with a secondary volume formed therein; calculates, in response to a restoration request given externally, restoration time required for execution of requested restoration processing by each of a plurality of types of predetermined restoration methods based on the information collected by an information collecting unit; decides a restoration method with the shortest restoration time to be the restoration method for the restoration processing to be executed in response to the restoration request; and notifies the business server of the decided restoration method. Then, the business server controls the storage apparatus with the primary volume formed therein and the storage apparatus with the secondary volume formed therein so that the restoration processing will be executed by the restoration method of which the business server has been notified by the management server.
US08260752B1 Systems and methods for change tracking with multiple backup jobs
A computer-implemented method for change tracking with multiple backup jobs may include identifying a plurality of overlapping backup jobs to be performed on a volume. The computer-implemented method may also include identifying snapshots taken for any of the plurality of overlapping backup jobs. The computer-implemented method may further include, for each consecutive pair of identified snapshots, identifying changes made to the volume between the consecutive pair of identified snapshots and saving a list of the changes. The computer-implemented method may additionally include supplying the list of changes for each backup job in the plurality of overlapping backup jobs that requires the list of changes. The computer-implemented method may also include determining that no remaining backup job in the plurality of overlapping jobs requires the list of changes and deleting the list of changes. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08260748B1 Method and apparatus for capturing data from a backup image
Method and apparatus for capturing data from a backup image are described. In one example, the backup image is mounted on a volume in a host computer. The backup image includes files, a first portion of which include an operating system. A database in the backup image is mounted. The database stores configuration data for use by the operating system. The configuration data includes file paths referencing at least one of the files. The file paths are re-mapped based on the volume. The data is captured from the backup image using the database as mounted and the file paths as re-mapped.
US08260744B1 Method, system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for taking and managing snapshots of a storage volume
A method, system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for taking snapshots of a storage volume. According to aspects of one method, each snapshot is represented as a unique sequence number. Every fresh write access to a volume in a new snapshot lifetime is allocated a new section in the disk, called a provision, which is labeled with the sequence number. Read-modify-write operations are performed on a sub-provision level at the granularity of a chunk. Because each provision contains chunks with valid data and chunks with invalid data, a bitmap is utilized to identify the valid and invalid chunks with each provision. Provisions corresponding to different snapshots are arranged in a linked list. Branches from the linked list can be created for storing writable snapshots. Provisions may also be deleted and rolled back by manipulating the contents of the linked lists.
US08260740B2 System to associate a demographic to a user of an electronic system
A system and a related method are provided for associating a user of an electronic system with a demographic. Input behavioral data is captured related to measured interactions with at least one input device. The input data is compared to probability distribution representations for a demographic group and for a wide population, performing the measured interaction(s). The system is configured to associate the user to a demographic group a prescribed threshold is met, based on the comparing.
US08260738B2 Forecasting by blending algorithms to optimize near term and long term predictions
Described is time-weighted blending of the results of time series algorithms in a manner that changes their relative weights based on the prediction time. The prediction values from each algorithm are mathematically blended into a forecast result corresponding to the desired time of prediction. In this manner, an ARTXP algorithm that provides accurate near term predictions is given more weight than an ARIMA for near term predictions, and less relative weight for long term predictions. An example exponential function to compute the relative weights is described; the function corresponds to a curve having a control variable for the slope and the start of the curve, and constant coefficients, with the weights based (in part) on the prediction time. A user-provided parameter may also affect the relative weights used in the blending result.
US08260734B2 Method and a system for estimating the impact area of a military load launched from an aircraft
A system and a method are for the estimation of the impact area of a smart load that can be launched from an aircraft as a function of data or signals indicative of the aircraft flight conditions upon release of the load and of predetermined impact conditions on the target. The estimation of a polygonal impact area defined by the coordinates of a central point and of a predetermined number of vertices is by corresponding neural networks.
US08260732B2 Method for identifying Hammerstein models
The computerized method for identifying Hammerstein models is a method in which the linear dynamic part is modeled by a space-state model and the static nonlinear part is modeled using a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN). Accurate identification of a Hammerstein model requires that output error between the actual and estimated systems be minimized. Thus, the problem of identification is an optimization problem. A hybrid algorithm, based on least mean square (LMS) principles and the Subspace Identification Method (SIM) is developed for the identification of the Hammerstein model. LMS is a gradient-based optimization algorithm that searches for optimal solutions in the negative direction of the gradient of a cost index. In the method, LMS is used for estimating the parameters of the RBFNN. For estimation of state-space matrices, the N4SID algorithm for subspace identification is used.
US08260728B1 System and method for influencing behavior in a distributed virtual environment
A system and method for influencing behavior in a virtual environment. A virtual environment identifies a hotspot of activity that is, or may, cause lag in the virtual environment. An influencing event is determined and is presented into the virtual environment. The influencing event is configured to influence a control entity associated with a virtual object to avoid the hotspot.
US08260720B1 Systems and methods for emergency duress security code and related instructions
A system, method, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for identifying transactions resulting from the access of a financial account while a user is under duress. A user provides a duress shared secret. Instructions associated with the duress shared secret are processed and available financial account operations, along with associated financial account information, are displayed according to the associated instructions. The cash or electronic funds proceeds of a financial transaction operation are tagged with electronic fraud identification data. Tagged funds received by a financial institution are processed to extract their associated fraud identification data, which is then used to generate fraud trail data. If the tagged funds are used to originate follow-on financial transactions, they are likewise tagged with fraud identification data, which is likewise used to generate fraud trail data. Tagged funds are recovered by processing a tagged financial transaction to extract its associated fraud identification data, which is then used to query repositories of fraud trail data. Fraud trail data that matches the query is then processed to determine receiving account information. Rescission transactions are performed to recover funds up to the amount of the tagged financial transaction from the receiving account.